lous race.

Physically the Americans have triumphed; but it is not entirely seen how
far they have themselves been morally conquered. This is, of course, but
a part of a part of an extraordinary problem now in the course of being
solved in the various States of the American Union. I am reminded of an
anecdote. Some years ago, at a great sale of wine, all the odd lots were
purchased by a grocer in a small way in the old town of Edinburgh. The
agent had the curiosity to visit him some time after and inquire what
possible use he could have for such material. He was shown, by way of
answer, a huge vat where all the liquors, from humble Gladstone to
imperial Tokay, were fermenting together. "And what," he asked, "do you
propose to call this?" "I'm no' very sure," replied the grocer, "but I
think it's going to turn out port." In the older Eastern States, I think
we may say that this hotch-potch of races is going to turn out English,
or thereabout. But the problem is the Territorial belt, and in the group
of States on the Pacific coast. Above all, in these last we may look to
see some singular hybrid--whether good or evil, who shall forecast? but
certainly original and all their own. In my little restaurant at
Monterey, we have sat down to table, day after day, a Frenchman, two
Portuguese, an Italian, a Mexican, and a Scotsman: we had for common
visitors an American from Illinois, a nearly pure-blood Indian woman,
and a naturalised Chinese; and from time to time a Switzer and a German
came down from country ranches for the night. No wonder that the Pacific
coast is a foreign land to visitors from the Eastern States, for each
race contributes something of its own. Even the despised Chinese have
taught the youth of California, none indeed of their virtues, but the
debasing use of opium. And chief among these influences is that of the
Mexicans.

The Mexicans, although in the State, are out of it. They still preserve
a sort of international independence, and keep their affairs snug to
themselves. Only four or five years ago, Vasquez the bandit, his troops
being dispersed and the hunt too hot for him in other parts of
California, returned to his native Monterey, and was seen publicly in
her streets and saloons, fearing no man. The year that I was there there
occurred two reputed murders. As the Montereyans are exceptionally vile
speakers of each other and of every one behind his back, it is not
possible for me to judge how much tr