some respects, even
preferable to that through our own territory. By the former,
the distance from Europe to Asia is some thousand miles shorter
than by the latter. Passing close to the northern shore of Lake
Superior, traversing the watershed which divides the streams
flowing toward the Arctic Sea from those which have their exit
southward, and crossing the Rocky Mountains at an elevation
some three thousand, feet less than at the South Pass, the road
could here be constructed with comparative cheapness, and would
open up a region abounding in valuable timber and other natural
products, and admirably suited to the growth of grain and to
grazing. Having its Atlantic seaport at Halifax, and its
Pacific Depot near Vancouver's Island, it would inevitably draw
to it the commerce of Europe, Asia, and the United States. Thus
British America, from a mere colonial dependency, would assume
a controlling rank in the world. To her other nations would be
tributary, and in vain would the United States attempt to be
her rival; for we could never dispute with her the possession
of the Asiatic commerce, or the power which that confers."

But the matter reaches beyond the suggestions of national
interest, and has a wider scope than the mere sentiment of
patriotism. We have hoped that this republic might make the
easy effort necessary to grasp a prize so magnificent, but we
shall hail with satisfaction the actual commencement of such a
work, wherever and by whomsoever it is undertaken.

A JEW AND A CHRISTIAN.

A few days ago, a man of various genius and acquirement, with whose
writings people of many countries have been delighted, entered an
office, holding in his hand two black-bordered notes, inviting him to
funerals.

So--other friends have gone! who now?

Two persons very unlike each other. Truly I have never known more
striking contrasts. I was meditating of popular prejudices by which
their lives were more or less affected, by which their reputations were
certainly much affected: one was a Jew, and the other a Christian.

Proceed with your morality.

I was very poor when I came to this country. I sought occupation in the
pursuits for which I was best fitted by my education: for a time with
little success; and at length I was offered for the translation of two
wretched French novels, the meager sum