rs of noble
actions--who, though outcasts in society, were not outcasts to their own
natures; men who would bravely resent the slightest insult that might be
put upon them. Of course there were others, as the Chorleys and
Hatchers, who would scarce answer to this description of Western
"sportsmen"--but I really believe that such are rather the exception
than the rule. A word about the "games of America." The true national
game of the United States is the "election." The local or state
elections afford so many opportunities of betting, just as the minor
horse-races do in England; while the great quadrennial, the Presidential
election, is the "Derby day" of America. The enormous sums that change
hands upon such occasions, and the enormous number of them, would be
incredible. A statistic of these bets, could such be given, and their
amount, would surprise even the most "enlightened citizen" of the States
themselves. Foreigners cannot understand the intense excitement which
is felt during an election time throughout the United States. It would
be difficult to explain it, in a country where men generally know that
the fate of the particular candidate has, after all, but a slight
influence on their material interests. True, party spirit and the great
stake of all--the "spoils" of office--will account for some of the
interest taken in the result, but not for all. I am of opinion that the
"balance" of the excitement may be set down to the credit of the gaming
passion. Nearly every second man you meet has a bet, or rather a
"book," upon the Presidential election!

Election, therefore, is the true national game, indulged in by high,
low, rich, and poor.

To bet upon an election, however, is not considered _infra dig_. It is
not _professional_ gambling.

The games for that purpose are of various kinds--in most of which cards
are relied upon to furnish the chances. Dice and billiards are also in
vogue--billiards to a considerable extent. It is a very mean village in
the United States--particularly in the South and West--that does not
furnish one or more public billiard-tables; and among Americans may be
found some of the most expert (crack) players in the world. The
"Creoles" of Louisiana are distinguished at this game.

"Ten-pins" is also a very general game, and every town has its "ten-pin
alley." But "billiards" and "ten-pins" are not true "gambling games."
The first is patronised rather as an elegant amuseme