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XXV.
As to what regards the Reunions made for the time past, and the Proposals to submit the decision of them to some Commsssaries, or to the Arbitration of the Republick of Venice; 'tis of the same nature with the Succession of the King of Spain, which we have examined already. The name alone of Reunions, Barbarous and unknown to all other Languages, will be for ever detested by the Germans, so far are they from disputing about, and agreeing to an Arbitration of that kind. And would it not be a tacit acknowledgment, that France had had some reason to make them? For we ought never to enter upon the debate but of such Points, that are not, as this is, obvious, clear, and evident on the Empires side. What if the Arbiter should hap∣pen to decide in Favour of France, Would not that goodly work of Reunions go bravely on anew? And the French Writers, would not they have a fair play to maintain, that what had once been their King's Right, must be always so, in spight of what all future Trea∣ties might decide against it? Far be it therefore from the Germans to submit a certain and undoubted Right, to the chance of a doubtful decision. Besides, the French King pretends to remain in Possession of the Reunions till that decision be made. Now suppose those Commissa∣ries, or the Republick of Venice just and bold enough, to give these Re∣unions to the Germans, How shall they come at them but by the means of a New War?