“To the south of them, on the same continent, other great nations will arise, who, if they were to be equally united, might contend in terrible conflicts for the mastery of this great continent, and even of the world.  But when they shall be completely liberated from the yoke of Spanish dominion, and have for some time enjoyed that full possession of their faculties and energies which liberty only can give, they will probably split into distinct States.  United, at first, by the sympathy of men struggling in the same cause, and by similarity of manners and religion, they will, after a while, do as men always have done, quarrel and fight; and these wars will check their social improvement, and mar their political hopes.  Whether they will successively fall under the dominion of one able and fortunate leader, or, like the motley sovereignties of Europe, preserve their integrity by their mutual jealousy, time only can show.”

“Your reasoning about the natives of Spanish America appears very probable,” said the Brahmin; “but is it not equally applicable to your own country ?”

I reminded him of the peculiar advantages of our government.  He shook his head.

“No, Atterley,” said he, “do not deceive yourself.  The duration of every species of polity is uncertain; the works of nature alone are permanent.  The motions of the heavenly bodies are the same as they were thousands of years ago.  But not so with the works of man.  He is the identical animal that he ever was.  His political institutions, however cunningly devised, have always been yet more perishable than his structures of stone and marble.  This is according to all past history:  and do not, therefore, count upon an exception in your favour, that would be little short of the miraculous.  But,” he good-naturedly added, “such a miracle may take place in your system; and, although I do not expect it, I sincerely wish it.”

We were now able to see one half of the broad expanse of the Pacific, which glistened with the brightness of quicksilver or polished steel.

“Cast your eyes to the north,” said he, “and see where your continent and mine approach so near as almost to touch.  Both these coasts are at this time thinly inhabited by a rude and miserable people, whose whole time is spent in struggling against the rigours of their dreary climate, and the scantiness of its productions.  Yet, perhaps the Indians and the Kamtschadales will be gradually moulded into a hardy, civilized people:  and here may be the scene of many a fierce conflict between your people and the Russians, whose numbers, now four times as great as yours, increase almost as rapidly.”