258 California ami the Norih-Wi si Coast. 



has little prospect beyond a nerveless imbecility." Such 

 were the prevailing anticipations only twenty-live yeare 

 since, regarding the destiny of the countries on the shores 

 of the Pacific. 



It will always be a theme for wonder that by the pro- 

 gress of the aits and sciences within this one hundred 

 years, the shortest route from Europe to China and Japan, 

 to Cathay and India, has been found not in a passage by" 

 sea to the north of the continent, hut by means of steam- 

 ears on an iron road, through the territory of a people, not 

 then having an independent existence, and now having 

 more than five millions of inhabitants west of the Missis- 

 sippi. 



