the few. But if this fail, and it is, I
admit, only a possibility, there is still looming a more potent and
likely hindrance to war in the wonderful power of attack over the
power of defence. Already, by the use of torpedoes (still in their
infancy) the largest iron-clads can be destroyed by two or three men
in a small boat. Can we suppose that invention in this respect will
stay where it is? In a few years it may well be that either in this
direction or some other we wot not of, the whole of a national fleet
will be in the power of one man with destructive engines at command.
Will this not stop maritime warfare? Further, think you invention,
science, will be idle as regards the annihilation of armies? How many
new destructive agents, how many new modes of applying them, the
last few years have brought forth. Is there to be no more progress?
Is it not reasonable to suppose that, in time, even armies will be at
the disposal of a few? When that day comes, how can nations continue
their senseless wars? What then will remain but international
arbitration? This generation may not see all the above, but science
is no laggard in these days, and the next possibly will. Why wait for
it? Let us do now what they will be obliged to do then, and avoid all
the intervening misery.

But enough, for this book is supposed to be on America, and the above
is a sad digression.

I have not much more to say about San Francisco (its pet name is
Frisco), and this reminds me of the great affection some Americans
have for California, and especially its capital. On my way west I met
a man in the train who had lived a long time in California and knew
the capital well. In answer to my inquiries, he replied, "California
is God's country, I can't say more." He did, however, say a great
deal more, for he lauded it in every way, and as for "Frisco," he
only wondered how any one, who could live there, lived anywhere else.
Others also spoke to me in the same way. I need scarcely say my later
experience, while corroborating their opinions of the capital,
stopped short there. The real fact is that the State of California
has been very much overrated--"distance has lent enchantment to the
view,"--for while San Francisco is truly next door to a Paradise, the
said state cannot with truth be much eulogized. It is the first fruit
country in the world, and when irrigation is possible it is in many
parts wonderfully fertile; but, like all spots on earth where th