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226 statistical notices of N. America. Dec. 1g. 
degree dependent on you. In the country, par- 
ticularly, thowgh the people are not rude, yet they 
have a manner that appears to those who have been 
accustomed to respect, to be rather forward and des- 
titute of sufficient attention. The truth is, every 
man seems to carry about with him a consciousnefs 
that he is an independent citizen of an independent 
state. Our equality in condition produces a similar 
equality in our sentiments, and mode of behaviour 
towards each other; which, though it is not mo- 
rose and haughty, has the appearance of being rough 
and unpolifhed. Politenefs, like knowledge, is per- 
haps more generally diffused among the body of the 
people here than in Europe; it does not, however, 
exist in such perfection in particular characters, or 
particular clafses here, as it does there. 
‘¢ Are the people prone to law suits? or are these 
frequent or tedious among you?” 
I believe the Americans are not unusually litigi- 
ous ; and, for expedition, the law is not very famous 
in any country. It is to be lamented, however, 
that law thrives among us much better than reli- 
gion. 
** Are your articles of export sufficient, commu- 
mibus annis, to purchase all you want from Eu- 
rope?” 
They are amply sufficient to purchase all we need; 
but we have too many wants. It is one of the prin. 
cipal faults of the Americans, that they are too much 
addicted to ostentation; and, to gratify a vanity 
which the circumstances of the country contribute 
to eherifh, they are too willing to desire credit with 
