Xxx] THE PROPOSAL FOR FORTIFICATIONS. 767

greater diffusion of knowledge in the science of political _ 1860.
oconomy, that men will cease to covet their neighbour’s Zz. G6.
and, from the conviction that they may possess themselves
of all that it produces by a much cheaper, as well as honester,
Process than by war and conquest. But until this time
MTives, we do not insure ourselves against the conquering
Propensities of despotic sovereigns by transferring the
Wpreme power to the masses of the people.
“July 16.—Called on Lord Cowley, and referring to a
Suggestion which he and M. Rouher had made that I should
seek an audience with the Emperor; in order to strengthen
his free-trade tendencies by my conversation with him, I
alluded to the warlike preparations which had lately been
Boing on in England, and confessed a repugnance to meet-‘ng
 the Emperor, to whom I had promised last November
that if he entered on the path of Free-trade without reserve,
it would be accepted by the English people as a proof that
he meditated a policy of peace. Yet in the midst of my
labours upon the details of the French tari, in which I had
svery day found greater proofs of the honest intentions of
the French Government, I observed a constant increase in
the military preparations in England, which completely
falsified my promises to the Emperor. And now we were
daily threatened with a proposal for a large outlay for
fortifications. I added that, if the latter scheme were
announced, I should feel disinclined again to see the
Emperor,”
It was not long before the proposal was launched, and
Cobden was perfectly prepared for it. The momentous
subject of military expenditure had in truth divided Cobden’s
Active interest with the Treaty since the beginning of the
year. It had been incessantly in his mind, harassing and
slicting him. 1f he had been capable of faltering or
despondency, it would have annerved him for the difficult