106 Architecture in the United States. 



faults, would be of service ; for the character is not yet formed be- 

 yond repair, and every moment novi^ is of vast consequence in its 

 bearing on the future ; of more consequence, probably, than can 

 ever be possible again. In this character would be found, as a strik- 

 ing feature, a fondness for change. It is noticed by all foreigners, 

 and is a natural result of our circumstances. Enterprize is free j 

 the means of support are easy ; the roads to honor, or emolument, 

 or fame numerous and open ; the stimulants to industry abundant j 

 each individual has the whole country before him, where to choose. 

 Ohio offers allurements to the citizen of Pennsylvania, Indiana to 

 the farmer of Ohio, and so on. West and South. The consequence 

 is a restlessness, both in old and young, approximating strongly to 

 the wandering habits of tlie Tartar, and felt in all parts of our 

 country. To a certain extent, such a feeling among us is a benetlt ; 

 but in the extent to which it exists, there is no doubt that it is an evil. 

 It prevents strong local prejudices, it is true ; and by mmgling to- 

 gether people from different portions of the country, makes our na- 

 tional character more uniform ; but at the same time it relaxes the 

 bonds of society ; it makes us restless and discontented ; dissatisfied 

 with present good — with the best possible good, and disposed to look 

 anxiously and feverishly forward to something imagined to be bet- 

 ter. On such loose fluctuating materials can be built no grand na* 

 tional fabric ; or if built, it will fall when " the floods come, and the 

 winds blow." Who would look for verdure and beauty on the mov- 

 ing sands of the desert ? It is a fact that no people have so much 

 the means of happiness within their power, as our own ; but perhaps 

 there are no people who know so little when they are happy, or are 

 so little contented witli being so. The assertion is a strong one, but 

 I believe it is true. I landed, not long since, in one of our large 

 cities, after an absence from home, long enough to make me familiar 

 with the countenances of people in other countries. It was a nation- 

 al holy-day, and of course people might be expected to wear their 

 happiest looks : the first thing that struck me was the verdure of the 

 trees and grass ; the next, the comfort visible in the appearance of 

 every thing around ; the next, tlie deep sobriety, approaching to sad- 

 ness, on the countenance of every one I met. I have got accus- 

 tomed once more to this sombre expression, but it was several days 

 before it ceased to affect me. I have since often thought there is a 

 danger that our character may err on this point ; that the powerful 

 and inspiring motives every where presented to our citizens, may 



