22,6 Four-in-Hand in Britain, 



facturing, for it is just with that as with their poHtical 

 institutions : England keeps about a generation behind, 

 and yet deludes herself with the idea that she is the 

 leader among nations. The truth is, she is often not 

 even a good follower where others lead, but exceptions 

 must be noted here : a few of her ablest men are not be- 

 hind America in manufacturing, for there are one or 

 perhaps two establishments in England which lead 

 America. A great race is the British when they do go 

 to work and get rid of their antiquated prejudices. 

 Visitors to America like Messrs. Howard, Lothian Bell, 

 Windsor Richards, Martin, and others, have no preju- 

 dices which stick. But let Uncle Sam look out. If he 

 thinks John Bull will remain behind in the industrial or 

 the political race either, I do not ; and I believe when 

 he sets to work in earnest he cannot be beaten. The 

 Republic of England, when it comes, will excel all other 

 republics as much as the English monarchy has excelled 

 all other monarchies, or as much as Windsor Richards' 

 steel practice and plant excel any we can boast of here 

 at present. It is our turn now to take a step forward, 

 unless we are content to be beaten. This is all right. 

 Long may the two branches of the family stimulate 

 each other to further triumphs, the elder encouraging 

 us to hold fast that which is good, the younger pointing 

 the way upward and onward — a race in which neither 

 can lose, but in which both must win ! Clear the 

 course ! Fair play and victory to both ! 



