12 



Asia, destitute of a high civilization. Western men of 

 this generation may well doubt whether they are not as 

 favorably situated for developing the liigher qualities of 

 our race as any other people. They have great energy 

 now ; but be it remembered that they have drawn from 

 the old states and from Europe the most energetic part 

 of the population. It would not indeed disturb the view 

 which I have presented, resting as it docs upon genera! 

 principles, if the first and second and third generations 

 should retain the characteristics of their origin ; but the 

 census of 1850 exhibits many facts tending to prove 

 that the West, as a producing country, is inferior to 

 New England. Of course it is not assumed that the 

 returns of any one census will demonstrate the truth in 

 regard to a subject so complicated as this ; we must 

 leave the question open as a practical one in America 

 until a future day. 1 think, however, that the results 

 which the census of 1850 furnishes, are sufficiently 

 important in this connection to be laid before you. 



Ohio is a first-class state and a representative state. 

 It has its generation of men who were born within its 

 limits. It compares favorably with any section in the 

 nature of its soil and climate, and facilities for inter- 

 nal and external commerce. It was as fortunate as any 

 state in the character of its settlers. They were hardy, 

 enterprising men from New England, New York, and 

 the states of Northern Europe. Her character was 

 drawn from high and pure sources; and I believe 

 that in regard to education, internal improvements, and 

 manufactures, no state, new or old, has been animated 

 by a better spirit. 



By the census of 1850, Ohio had a population of 

 1.980,329. Her products were as follows: 



