n are within the reach of
every man, the press is unrestrained in its freedom save in so far as
individual rights and the well-being of society may be concerned; no
class is oppressed by inequitable burdens, and none endowed with
exclusive privileges; a rich soil, a prolific mineral region, a
climate unequaled for its salubrity, and a promising future, afford
profitable occupation, health, and happiness to the whole community;
none need suffer unless from their own misconduct, or the visitation
of the Supreme Power by which all are ruled; and none need despond who
possess energy of character and the capacity to appreciate the many
blessings bestowed upon them. What nation in Europe possesses a future
at all, much less such a future as that which lies before us? Russia
may improve and prosper to a certain extent; beyond that, no human eye
can discern the glimmerings of a higher and more enlarged
civilization. England has reached her culminating point. The States of
Germany--what future have they? Alas! the past and the present must
answer. France--where is her future? Another revolution--another
emperor--another and another bloody history of revolutions,
barricades, kings, emperors, and demagogues, reaching, so far as human
eye can penetrate, through the dim vistas of all time to come. If, on
the one side, we see the type of human perfection and the maturity of
all worldly knowledge, and if we see on the other only the presumption
that springs from ignorance, want of cultivation, or want of reverence
for the example of others, then I earnestly pray that we may forever
remain in our present benighted condition, or, if we advance at all,
that it may not be in the direction taken by any of the governments of
Europe. As our present is unlike theirs, so I trust may be our future.

CHAPTER XVIII.

A BOND OF SYMPATHY.

The Russians, doubtless, have a natural appetite for tobacco, in
common with all races of mankind, whether Digger Indians, Caffirs,
Hindoos, Persians, Turks, Americans, or Dutchmen; for I never yet have
met with a people who did not take to the glorious weed, in some shape
or other, as naturally as a babe to its mother's breast. _Vodka_, or
native brandy, is their favorite beverage, when they can get it. In
that respect, too, they share a very common attribute of humanity--a
passion for strong drinks. Nevertheless, although the love of
intoxicating liquors is pretty general in Russia, the habit of smok