Herbert Spencer. 11 



should like to have been at the next table when, perchance, 

 these two gentlemen might have sat down together and dis- 

 cussed America over a cut of roast mutton, a boiled potato, 

 and a spoonful of peas for each, with a mug of stout and no 

 napkin. I would forgive the newspaper reporter all his 

 sins, against me at any rate, if only he could have been there 

 and reported that conversation. Much would have been 

 said that was true, doubtless ; much would have been kindly. 

 Much, also, would have been " curious " ; nor do I imagine 

 it would have been wanting in " distinction." At the very 

 least it would have been " interesting." 



I have noticed a remarkable characteristic of many Eng- 

 lishmen, — the readiness with which, at little and unac- 

 customed things, they fall into that state which is expressed 

 by the word "aghast." It is chiefly with respect to affairs, 

 of personal life, in which they behold a difference of man- 

 ners. Its first symptom is paralysis ; then follows reason- 

 ing, from their own stupefaction, subjectively. Because the 

 effect on them is great they magnify the cause. I meet my 

 friend the Englishman one fine day in summer, and say to 

 him, cheerily, " Very warm to-day. A good day for your 

 annual bath." Straightway he is struck " aghast " ; and thus 

 he communes with himself : " Yes, quite so ; but that is a 

 very extraordinary expression; warm — yes; bath, yes, I 

 know ; but annual bath ; what can he mean ? He cannot 

 think I bathe but once a year : he has seen the bath-tub 

 which I always carry with my luggage. He had a kindly 

 and genial smile when he said it. I really am not prepared 

 to believe he meant to insult me. But how curious ! I 

 have it ! It must be that there are many Americans who 

 bathe only once a year. But, if so, how can they keep 

 clean ? It is very, very extraordinary. The Americans 

 are a remarkable people; but their manner of address 

 seems to me to be rather infelicitous, don't you know. And 

 they have not yet learned how to live ; if they had they 

 would not postpone their bath so long. No, the Americans 

 may have done measurably well in solving the political prob- 

 lem, but it must be allowed on all hands that they have not 

 solved the human problem." 



Mr. Spencer, however, is very different from the English- 

 man of the previous paragraph. He is far too thorough an 

 observer to let his judgment of real conditions be deter- 

 mined by minor and adventitious circumstances. He is by 



