HISTORICAL SKETCH. 



251 



being, in a great measure, determined by 

 their greater or lesser approximation in co- 

 lour to white. In the United States the 

 whites have a great numerical superiority, 

 and their vast increase ensures it to them ; 

 whilst from the policy adopted towards the 

 Indians, the number of the latter is conti- 

 nually diminishing. In Spanish America, 

 the Indians have greatly increased in num- 

 bers, and there has also sprung up a very 

 considerable population of all shades of 

 colour; the descendants of Europeans hold- 

 ing the first place in rank, as in colour, 

 and thus having the ascendancy. 



It remains to be seen whether, when the 

 pressure of Spanish power is altogether 

 withdrawn, and no dread of it remains, all 

 these races can cordially unite in political 

 society; or whether they will range under 

 different banners their respective notions of 

 government and internal policy. 



