Chapter 4 UK edition

In view of the part played by Mr. Burke in the American Revolution, I should naturally regard him as the friend of mankind; It's more pleasing to me to change it. I was in Paris last winter when Mr. Burke delivered a speech in the English Parliament savagely attacking the French Revolution and the National Assembly, and I wrote to him some time ago to tell him how well things were going there.Not long afterward I saw an advertisement for his intention to publish his pamphlet.Since the language of this attack is rarely learned and understood in France, and since anything is changed in translation, I promise some revolutionary friends in France that I will read Mr. Burke's pamphlet as soon as it is published. give an answer.The more I feel compelled to do so when I see Mr. Burke's pamphlets blaming the principles of the French Revolution and Liberty, and deceiving the rest of the world.

I was all the more surprised and disappointed at this course of action by Mr. Burke, since, on the basis of the facts I am about to describe, I had hoped otherwise. I see enough disasters caused by wars, and wish that there would never be another war in the world, and that some other method was found to settle the occasional quarrels between neighboring nations.It can certainly be done, if the courts of all countries are willing to set about it in good faith, or if the countries have far-sightedness and are not fooled by the courts.The Americans had been bred against the same prejudices against France which were then characteristic of the English; There is a more sincere and intimate relationship between these two countries than between the United States and France.

When I came to France in the spring of 1787, the Archbishop of Toulouse was prime minister, and his prestige was high. I have been very close to the Prime Minister's private secretary--a large-hearted and good-natured man--and found him to agree exactly with me on the insanity of the war and on the grievous failures of England and France, and that the two countries were constantly interacting with each other. Suspicion will have no effect but burden and tax on both sides.To make sure that I had not misunderstood him, and that he had not misunderstood me, I wrote to him the substance of our views and asked him if I could find in the British people any Further conciliatory intentions, how much power will I be given to say that the French side has the same intention?

He replied to me with great candor, not only on behalf of himself, but also on behalf of the Prime Minister, and it is said that this letter was written with the approval of the Prime Minister. Nearly three years ago I gave this letter to Mr. Burke, and left it with him, and it is still in his possession.At that time, proceeding from my previous opinion of him, I hoped and naturally expected that he would find an opportunity to make good use of this letter in order to eliminate the errors and prejudices of the two neighboring countries caused by the lack of mutual understanding. Mistakes and prejudices vainly hurt both sides.

When the French Revolution broke out, it certainly afforded Mr. Burke an opportunity to do some good, if he so intended.Instead of doing this, as soon as he saw the old prejudices disappearing, he couldn't wait to start sowing the seeds of new hatreds, as if he feared that Britain and France would cease to be enemies.It is an astonishing fact that some people in all countries of the world make their living solely from war and keeping nations at peace; Even more unforgivable. There is a passage in this book which refers to Mr. Burke receiving a pension, and this news has been circulating for some time, at least for two months.A matter of great importance to a man, whom he must know, is often the last to hear, and it is for this reason that I expressly suggest that Mr. Burke may, if he deems it necessary, take the opportunity of dispelling rumors.

thomas paine