It Is The Custom Of
The Country, And They Are Easily Procured.
Without them everything
is barren; for men do not travel in the States of America as they do
in Europe, to see scenery and visit the marvels of old cities which
are open to all the world.
The social and political life of the
American must constitute the interest of the traveler, and to these
he can hardly make his way without introductions.
I cannot part with the West without saying, in its favor, that there
is a certain manliness about its men which gives them a dignity of
their own. It is shown in that very indifference of which I have
spoken. Whatever turns up, the man is still there; still
unsophisticated and still unbroken. It has seemed to me that no
race of men requires less outward assistance than these pioneers of
civilization. They rarely amuse themselves. Food, newspapers, and
brandy smashes suffice for life; and while these last, whatever may
occur, the man is still there in his manhood. The fury of the mob
does not shake him, nor the stern countenance of his present martial
tyrant. Alas! I cannot stick to my text by calling him a just man.
Intelligence, energy, and endurance are his virtues. Dirt,
dishonesty, and morning drinks are his vices.
All native American women are intelligent. It seems to be their
birthright. In the Eastern cities they have, in their upper
classes, superadded womanly grace to this intelligence, and
consequently they are charming as companions.
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