.OTQ0.NTkwODA

242

The feelings of the Americans on the subject of Aristocracy is is very far from being the same in all classes, or sections of the community. I have already made some slight reference to the way in which the German part of the population regard this institution. We must consider not only what they think, but also how much they count for in America. They count for a great deal. Because though they do not take a very prominent part in politics, still from their numbers, their intelligence, & their wealth, they form every where in the North, & in a still greater degree in the Great West, a very influential portion of Society. And as to this matter there is no mistaking their thoughts & feelings. They hate Aristocracy as if it were the foul fiend in human society; and of all Aristocracies they hate that of England the most; because they regard it as the purest type the world exhibits of this mighty evil. We may be sure then that there is nothing they wd not do to humbler the Aristocracy of England. Theirs is a philosphical, instinctive, active, implacable hatred. And the unclear & influence of it is just in proportion to the strength of the German element in American Society.

But far beyond the Germans in solid telling influence are the great masses of the native population. They may be described as a stirring, unclear, self-educated people, as very much led by news-papers, and generally ready believers in local politicians. All these, too, have an active dislike to the idea of Aristocracy, or, as it presents itself to their matter-of-fact minds, of privileged classes. They condemn it on two grounds. It is, they say,