England, however, became disgusted with professional and ministerial
diplomatists, and denounced all negotiations with Russia until, by sword
and lance, rifle and cannon, the foe was humiliated.
There can be no question that the energy and force of the popular
sentiment--often right, though sometimes erroneous, and sometimes
obstinately and wilfully wrong--have occasionally interfered with the
success of negotiations. But this is one of the evils inseparable from
a free government. The French court, from the death of Louis XIV., was
anxious to pursue a pacific policy, to improve their marine, and to
pursue Colbert's maxim, that a long war was not for the benefit of
France. But the democratic party, which had been formed before the death
of Louis XV., employed diplomatic agents at every court to upset and
overturn the pacific policy of that king's ambassadors.*
* Vide "la Politique de tous les Cabinets de L'Europe."
This is one of the few disadvantages attendant upon constitutional
states in negotiation; but, _per contra_., such states also enjoy some
pre-eminent advantages. In such states foreign powers do not co-operate
with domestic factions, as they sometimes do in more absolute
monarchies.
Presence of mind, coolness, and firmness, tell oftener in negotiations
than mere talent and learning. The presence of mind of Augustus, who
was of doubtful valour, obtained an ascendancy over Marc Antony, a brave
soldier, but wanting in proper firmness.
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