March 20. American Civilisation.—Mons. Guizot, in his “History of Civilization in Europe,” has well observed that the degree of civilization which any age or country has attained is indicated by the “development of social activity, and that of individual activity; the progress of society, and the progress of humanity. Wherever the external condition of man is quickened and ameliorated—wherever the internal nature of man is exhibited with lustre and grandeur—upon these two signs the human race applauds and proclaims civilization, often in spite of fundamental imperfections in the social state.” Let us apply these principles to the United States.

In no country, probably, in the world is the external condition of man so high as in the American Union. The enterprise, intelligence, activity, and economical habits of the people have multiplied to an astonishing extent all the physical elements of human enjoyment. It was observed to me by a gentleman who is minutely and extensively acquainted with the United States, that in this country no man who is able and willing to work need to go supperless to bed. This far he stated the fact. Labourers here are rich compared with the individuals in the same class in Europe. Their food is wholesome and abundant; their dwelling-houses comfortable and well furnished; they possess property, and enjoy many of the luxuries which property, in a state of civilization, is capable of purchasing.