PRE F A C E. O UR difference with the Court of Spain, takes the lead in order of time, as well as in importance, in the history of the prefent year. However trifling the object of difpute might appear, it was capable of involving the greater part of Europe in its confequences. Continental wars must be in fome degree limited in their operation and effects; but those which take place between great naval powers, whofe colonies and maritime poffeffions are extended into every quarter of the globe, take fo comprehenfive a range in their line of action, that the remoteft nations may be affected by their confequences. PRE F A C E. O UR difference with the Court of Spain, takes the lead in order of time, as well as in importance, in the history of the prefent year. However trifling the object of difpute might appear, it was capable of involving the greater part of Europe in its confequences. Continental wars must be in fome degree limited in their operation and effects; but those which take place between great naval powers, whofe colonies and maritime poffeffions are extended into every quarter of the globe, take fo comprehenfive a range in their line of action, that the remoteft nations may be affected by their confequences. |