124 TRAVELS THROUGH NORTH AMERICA: 
ever., a stranger must tell where he came from, 
where he is going, what his name is, what his 
business is; and until he gratifies their curiosity 
on these points, and many others of equal im¬ 
portance, he is never suffered to remain quiet 
for a moment. In a tavern, he must satisfy 
every fresh set that comes in, in the same 
manner, or involve himself in a quarrel, 
especially if it is found out that he is not a na¬ 
tive, which it does not require much sagacity to 
discover. 
The Germans give themselves but little 
trouble about politics; they elect their repre¬ 
sentatives to serve in congress and the state 
assemblies; and satisfied that deserving men 
have been chosen by the people at large, they 
trust that these men do what is best for the 
public good, and therefore abide patiently by 
their decisions : they revere the constitution, 
conscious that they live happily under it, and 
express no wishes to have it altered. The 
Americans, however, are for ever cavilling at 
some of the public measures; something or 
other is always wrong, and they never appear 
perfectly satisfied. If any great measure is 
before congress for discussion, seemingly dis¬ 
trustful of the abilities or the integrity of the 
men they have elected, they meet together in 
their towns or districts, canvass the matter 
themselves, and then send forward instructions 
