much of the crop rotting on the ground through neglect as would
support the entire population; rude though thriving towns, where the
grocery and the tavern, the ball room and the race course are more
lovingly patronized than the church, the Sunday school, and the lyceum;
where party spirit runs high, and elections are attended to, whatever
else may be forgotten; where very unseemly jokes are current, and
language far from choice passes unrebuked in society; in short, where
what are known as 'Western characteristics' bear undisputed sway, making
their natal region anything but a congenial residence for strangers of
an unaccommodating disposition--such is the picture.

It were useless to deny that most of the points here indicated would be
recognized and placed on his map by a Moral and Social topographer who
should make the tour of the entire State from Cairo to Dunleith, both
inclusive; but it is none the less certain that if he noted only these
he would ill deserve his title. Cicero had a huge, unsightly wart on
his eloquent nose; the fair mother of Queen Elizabeth, a 'supplemental
nail' on one of her beautiful hands; Italy has her Pontine Marshes, New
York city her 'Sixth Ward'; but he must be a green-eyed monster indeed
who would represent these as characteristics. Illinois deserves an
explorer with clear, kind eyes, and a historiographer as genial as
Motley. All in good time. She will 'grow' these, probably. While we are
waiting for them, let us prepare a few jottings for their use.

A great State is a great thing, certainly, but mere extent or mere
material wealth, without intellectual and social refinement and a high
moral tone, can never excite very deep interest. Not that we can expect
to find every desirable thing actually existent in a country as soon as
it is partially settled and in possession of the first necessities of
human society. But we may expect aspirations after the best things, and
a determination to acquire and uphold them. These United States of
ours--God bless them forever!--have a constitutional provision against
the undue preponderance of physical advantages over those of a higher
kind. Rhode Island (loyal to the core), and Delaware (just loyal enough
to keep her sweet), each sends her two Senators to Congress; and huge
Illinois--whom certain ill-advised Philistines are trying to make a
blind Samson of--can send no more. If we say the State that sends the
best men is the greatest State (for th