atural growth of the old system, and is quite
likely to accompany the transition-state. Besides, the present
disturbed and unorganized condition of things is not favorable to the
rigid virtues. But inferences from this must not be pressed too far.
When I was a private soldier in Virginia, as one of a three-months'
regiment, we used to bide from each other our little comforts and
delicacies, even our dishes and clothing, or they were sure to
disappear. But we should have ridiculed an adventurous thinker upon the
characteristics of races and classes, who should have leaped therefrom
to the conclusion that all white men or all soldiers are thieves. And
what inferences might not one draw, discreditable to all traders and
manufacturers, from the universal adulteration of articles of food!
These people, it is said, are disposed to falsehood in order to get
rations and small benefits,--a natural vice which comes with slavery,
and too often attends on poverty without slavery. Those of most
demonstrative piety are rarely better than the rest, not, indeed,
hypocritical, but satisfying their consciences by self-depreciation and
indulgence in emotion,--psychological manifestations which one may find
in more advanced communities. They show no special gratitude to us for
liberating them from bonds. Nor do they ordinarily display much
exhilaration over their new condition,--being quite unlike the Italian
revolutionist who used to put on his toga, walk in the forum, and
personate Brutus and Cassius. Their appreciation of their better lot is
chiefly seen in their dread of a return of their masters, in their
excitement when an attack is feared, in their anxious questionings while
the assault on Charleston was going on, and in their desire to get their
friends and relatives away from the Rebels,--an appreciation of freedom,
if not ostentatious, at least sensible.

But away with such frivolous modes of dealing with the rights of races
to self-development! Because Englishmen may be classified as hard and
conceited, Frenchmen as capricious, Austrians as dull, and the people of
one other nation are sometimes thought to be vainglorious, shall these
therefore be slaves? And where is that model race which shall sway them
all? A people may have grave defects, but it may not therefore be
rightfully disabled.

* * * * *

During my recent visit, I had an opportunity, on three different
occasions, to note carefully C