HIS ETHNOLOGICAL EELATIONS. 79 



are some who •will still argue about the equality of 

 the human race, and talk high-sounding generalisa- 

 tions regarding the unity and the brotherhood of 

 man. As well might they contend for equality among 

 brothers of the same family, or for equal capacity 

 among the men and families of a nation. Nature, as 

 has been well remarked, is a hierarchy, not a demo- 

 cracy ; and as in the physical world there are suns, 

 and systems, and satellites, so in the vital and intel- 

 lectual there are higher and lower — races bom to 

 command and lead, and others as certainly destined 

 to obey and to follow. It is not because one race has 

 risen under favourable conditions, and another retro- 

 . graded or remained stationary under conditions of 

 an adverse nature, but because of aboriginal differences 

 and capabilities which no circumstances can efface nor 

 appliances counteract. And these differences, when 

 interpreted in the light of progression, have clearly 

 reference to time — to periods during which the higher 

 succeeded the lower, and the lower that which stands 

 next beneath it. Brotherhood there may and otight 

 to be, as far as the inherent instincts of race towards 

 race will permit, and these instincts are not to be dis- 

 regarded with impunity ; but as to unity — if by unity 

 is meant oneness of power and tendency, it is an 

 assertion which all history contradicts and present 

 experience must deny. It is a mere phrase that may 



