inquires who a man is, or who were his parents, but
'What can he _do_, what are his capabilities, and what can he
produce?' Rank and caste are in America unknown. Every man feels
his freedom and independence, and expresses himself accordingly.
Even the servant is a free man, who has, it is true, hired his
service, but not his entire existence. The American is polite, but
over-refined, unmeaning compliments form no part of his manners,
nor does he expect them from others. No man vexes or troubles
himself for another, in consequence of which we find in American
society very little stiffness and reserve, yet we find in every
respect that the very highest regard is there paid to propriety
and decency--particularly as regards the female sex, since in no
country, not even in England, do ladies enjoy such respect and
regard as in the United States. Ever depending upon, and confiding
in himself, the American is in his manners free, open, and
unreserved. The mass of the people is possessed of intelligence
and spirit, though not so scientifically educated as in Europe,
and a higher degree of intelligence penetrates even the lower
class, who consequently form a marked and singular contrast with
those of like rank in Europe. It is not from being versed in the
higher branches of abstract learning and science, but from the
great amount of that direct practical knowledge which exerts the
greatest influence in making life happy, that the Americans are
distinguished from other nations, and for the acquisition of which
they have made better provision and preparation than any other
people. As yet too deeply occupied with the Needful and Important,
they are compelled to leave the development of the higher branches
to the care and noble generosity of individuals. But a glance at
the sums which are annually devoted to the establishment and
maintenance of schools and universities, will suffice to evidence
the liberality with which the proper education of the people is
cared for in the United States. Knowledge is indeed esteemed, but
only according to its use and applicability to the wants of life;
so that a practical tanner is there worth more than a learned
pedant. _Wealth, or rather wealth allied to ability and
universality of talent, is there more highly esteemed than
learning,_ while hospitality, p