I amused myself here, as I often had done in other towns, by taking a cigar in some decent-looking shop, and then having a chat with the owner.  On this occasion the subject of conversation was drinking in the States.  He said, in reply to a question I put to him, “Sir, a gentleman must live a long time in the country before he can form the slightest idea of the frightful extent to which drinking is carried, even by the decently educated and well-to-do classes.  I do not say that nine-tenths of the people die drunk, but I firmly believe that with that proportion death has been very materially hastened from perpetual drinks.  It is one of the greatest curses of this country, and I cannot say that I believe it to be on the decrease.”  One reason, doubtless, why it is so pernicious, is the constant habit of drinking before breakfast.  That he was correct in his per-centage, I do not pretend to say; but I certainly have seen enough of the practice to feel sure it must have a most pernicious effect on very many.  To what extent it is carried on by the lowest classes I had no opportunity of judging.

The following observations, however, made by so high an authority as Mr. Everett, must be admitted as a convincing proof that education has not been able to cope effectually with drunkenness.  Speaking of ardent spirits, he says:—­

“What has it done in ten years in the States of America?  First, it has cost the nation a direct expense of 120,000,000l.  Secondly, it has cost the nation an indirect expense of 120,000,000l.  Thirdly, it has destroyed 300,000 lives.  Fourthly, it has sent 100,000 children to the poor-house.  Fifthly, it has consigned at least 150,000 persons to jails and penitentiaries.  Sixthly, it has made at least a thousand maniacs.  Seventhly, it has instigated to the commission of at least fifteen hundred murders.  Eighthly, it has caused 2000 persons to commit suicide.  Ninthly, it has burnt or otherwise destroyed property to the amount of 2,000,000l.  Tenthly, it has made 200,000 widows, and 1,000,000 of orphan children.”

When I turn from the contemplation of this sad picture, and think how many fall victims to the same vice in my own country, I cannot help feeling that the “myriad-minded poet” wrote the following lines as an especial warning and legacy to the Anglo-Saxon and the Celt:—­

  “Oh, that men should put an enemy in their mouths to steal away their
  brains! that we should, with joy, pleasance, revel, and applause,
  transform ourselves into beasts!”

I was very sorry time did not admit of my witnessing one of the new president’s levees, as I much wished to see the olla podrida of attendants.  It must be a quaint scene; the hack-cabman who drives you to the door will get a boy to look after his shay, and go in with you; tag-rag and bob-tail, and all their family, go in precisely as they like; neither soap nor brush is a necessary prelude.  By late