States; yet, even under this acceptation of the word, nothing was originally meant except a barrier against France; whereas several towns demanded by the Dutch in this treaty can be of no use at all in such a barrier. And this is the sentiment even of prince Eugene himself, (the present oracle and idol of the party here) who says, that Dendermond, Ostend, and the castle of Gand, do in no sort belong to the barrier; nor can be of other use than to make the States-general masters of the Low-countries, and hinder their trade with England; and farther, that those who are acquainted with the country, know very well, that to fortify Lier and Halle, can give no security to the States as a barrier, but only raise a jealousy in the people, that those places are only fortified in order to block up Brussels, and the other great towns of Brabant.
In those towns of Flanders where the Dutch are to have garrisons, but the ecclesiastical and civil power to remain to the king of Spain after a peace, the States have power to send arms, ammunition, and victuals, without paying customs; under which pretence, they will engross the whole trade of those towns, exclusive of all other nations.
This, prince Eugene likewise foresaw; and in his observations upon this treaty, here annexed, proposed a remedy for it.
And if the Dutch shall please to think that the whole Spanish Netherlands are not a sufficient barrier for them, I know no remedy, from the words of this treaty, but that we must still go on and conquer for them as long as they please. For the queen is obliged, whenever a peace is treated, to procure
for
