greatest disgrace; yet they are so inconsistent with their professed principles, as to refuse to give true and rational liberty to those amongst them whose skins are a tinge darker than their own. They will not allow a man of negro origin to be a magistrate, a legislator, or even a juryman. They are willing to grant liberty and equality, where neither their imaginary interest nor their prejudice interferes to prevent it; but let either of those present itself, and they are reluctant to make any concession; in which they are on a level with the tyrants of antiquity, and the self-styled Holy Allies of our own time: for what but interest or prejudice prevents those high personages from acting conformably to just principles of liberty?

The prejudice of the Americans against the coloured people, is not a whit more reasonable than that of the Hindoos against the sooders, or of the Germans against the Jews. They are filled with wonder and indignation when they hear of the contempt shown to the descendants of Abraham, and pity the want of light which produces that contempt; and yet they cannot or do not perceive, that their contemptuous treatment of the blacks is just as irrational and unjustifiable. On the contrary, Irving in his Sketch Book con

gratulates his countrymen on their freedom from prejudice, exclaiming ; "What have we to do with national prejudices?" implying by that interrogation, what I verily believe they assume for granted, that they are the only people whose minds are unbiassed by unworthy motives. Their prejudices are I admit not so numerous as those of some other nations, but in some particulars, those relative to the blacks and foreign countries for example, they are quite as strong.

I have now I believe pointed out most of the prominent traits in the American character, having endeavoured to be impartial. I shall offer no apology to such of my countrymen as may be displeased at my having bestowed praise on a nation they contemn, since men who indulge a groundless hostile feeling to the Americans are beneath their notice; nor shall I offer any apology to the Americans for the severity of my language when writing of their errors, being convinced that they must despise an author who had not courage to avow his opinions, when they are dispassionately formed. Yet I should be sorry if the impression produced on the reader's mind was in the main unfavourable; for though the American character is not without several considerable blemishes, it is on the whole deserving

of esteem and admiration. In judging of it, let it be compared with that of any European people, and in particular, let an Englishman before indulging in censure, consider how much there is in the national character of his own country requiring amendment. A careful comparison may lead him to the conclusion, that the Americans are below few other nations and above several, and ought therefore to be viewed as a people, with whom it is incumbent on us to cultivate a friendly relation. Let it be borne in mind, that no people approximate so nearly to ourselves as they, and that though they fall below us in some particulars, and excel us in others, they are yet in their mental bias, neither French nor Spanish, but English. They are to be considered, not as a satellite shining with a borrowed lustre, but as a fixed star so like another fixed star, that careless observers would be likely to see but little difference between them; just as a man is often taken for his brother by strangers, though persons intimate with either are sensible that the resemblance is not perfect.

CHAPTER XXXIII.

CONCLUSION.

SINCE my return to England, I have been so frequently asked my opinion on the policy of emigrating to the United States, that I think I shall be rendering an acceptable service to many, by giving it here. Emigration then, should rarely be ventured on, by persons capable of obtaining a comfortable livelihood at home. The uncertainty of success in a foreign land is so great, the prospect of accumulating considerable property is so small, and the difficulties under almost any circumstance are so disheartening, that a man should pause before he ventures to run the risque of disappointment and ruin. A merchant with previously formed connexions might probably do well; the same may be said of hardworking farmers possessing a small capital; but artisans, mechanics, clerks, traders and professional men, are likely, if they venture to cross the Atlantic, to regret having left Old England. There are two classes only who could not fail to improve their condition; but they are often without the means of defraying the expense of the

voyage: I allude to labourers and domestic servants. The condition of these however, is not so greatly superior to that of the same description of persons in England, as to offer inducements to all. Such as have an established reputation for skill, activity and other good qualities, will do well to remain at home; such as have a character to gain, may transport themselves to America with a full conviction, that by industry, attention and honesty, they will be comfortable and independent. But it is proper for me to add, that several labourers told me they would gladly return to their native land, if they possessed the means of returning.

1

Several things render America disagreeable to an English emigrant, let his station be what it may, one of which is the climate. We complain in England of the humidity of our atmosphere, and of the frequent changes it undergoes; but troublesome as are the drippings and variations, they are not so trying to the frame as the sudden, great changes which take place in America. The thermometer will sometimes rise or fall forty degrees in a few hours. But this is not the worst. The winter's cold and the summer's heat are so much in extremes, that neither season is agreeable. The winter may indeed be borne without