doing every thing in their
power to subvert it. Truly it is enough to puzzle one who seeks for
truth amid the prevailing fogs of error that seem to have descended
upon mankind. If there be any degree in honesty, I really think the
Emperor of Russia is entitled to the palm of being the most sincere in
his profession of regard for the advancement of human freedom. He
imposes no restrictions upon his own subjects which he does not
consider necessary for the maintenance of his despotic power, and,
while struggling against the influence of a wealthy, intelligent, and
refractory aristocracy to extend the boon of personal liberty to
twenty-three millions of serfs, is the only sovereign who boldly and
openly manifests a generous sympathy for the cause of freedom in the
United States. While I can see nothing to admire in any form of
despotism, or any thing in common between us and the government of
Russia beyond the common bond of humanity that should connect the
whole human race, I am forced to admit, with all my hatred of despotic
institutions, that they are not always a sure indication of an
illiberal and insincere spirit on the part of the rulers, or of a
base, sordid, and groveling spirit on that of the subjects. It is a
matter of regret, calculated to shake our faith in the beneficial
effects of a high order of intelligence among men, that the course of
England and France, since the commencement of our difficulties,
presents a very unfavorable contrast with that of Russia; for,
although self-interest has restrained them from actual participation
in the overthrow of our government, they have given its enemies the
full benefit of their sympathy.

You will smile, perhaps, at the oddity of the idea, considering the
roughness of our country, the scarcity of palaces, fine equipages,
liveried servants with white kid gloves and cocked hats, and the
absence of a perfect railroad system in our remote quarter of the
world; but I am perfectly in earnest in saying that, if asked to lay
my hand upon my heart and declare, in all sincerity, what country upon
earth I do consider the most highly favored and enlightened at the
present stage of the nineteenth century, I should not hesitate one
moment to name the State of California. The idea has been growing in
my head ever since I came to Europe. It is based upon considerations
which are susceptible of the clearest demonstration. For example,
assuming our population to be five hundred thou