Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1872-01-26
California maun.rs.

An Englishman in California thus re-
lates his experience on the Pacific coast,
in letter from California in the London
Spectator. The traveller appears to diff
fer very widely from most Of his coun-
trymen who visit America. His estimate
Of the difference between Californians
and other citizens Of the United States
is novel. at least. He says:
All Englishmen with whom / have
talked agree that there is marked diff
ference between Oalifornians and other
Americans, and in favor Of the former.
1t comes ont, think, most clearly in the
manners of the lower classes, who have
a certain frank courtesy that have not
met elsewhere in the States. Our expla-
nation is that California has been settled
by picked men from all countries of the
world. Perhaps the general prosperity
has something to do with it; it is easy to
be good-natured when you are well of,
as Becky Sharpe felt that she could be
virtuous upon four thousand pounds a
year. But l am inclined to think that
the habit of wearing and using arms,
which prevailed almost universally until
quite lately, has had something to do
with the punctilious politeness'of miners
and field laborers. / remember being
told three years ago, by a late inhabitant
of Julesburg, when that remarkable lit
tie township had only just ceased to ex-
ist, that it only recognized two codes,
six-shooter law and lynch-law; you shot
a man if his manners were unsatisfac-
factory. Both codes were rather vigor-
ously enforced. There is a story Of q
miner who shot his opposite neighbor at
the breakfast table because he had help
ed himself to too much gravy. / have
seen the spot where drunken lawyer
was shot down for ill-treating an Indian,
by pbilanthropic blacksmith, who had
tried remonstrances without effect, and
whom jury declared to be not guilty
of murder. And / have been myself
in gambling saloon in Cheyenne,
where every man was armed to the teeth,
and have admired the stately decorum
with which the occasions of quarrel
we're avoided. A trihing incident that
occurred to myselfin small miners town
the other day may perhaps show that
something of this spirit has lasted over
into peaceful times. / was glancing at
the names of the visitors book at the
hotel when a man of the toughest type
came behind me and began reading over
my shoulder. / drew back, observing
that he was no doubtin hurry, and that
l could easily wait, as had the evening
before me. But the man was so obvious
ly disconnected that had to resume my
place. Later in the evening | passed by
him in the hall. He was evidently wait
ing ffor ne, and osm5 Up to speak. /
should be very sorry for you, sir, to
think that | was one of those bummers
who loaf about hotel and try to force
themselves upon gentlemen. | thought
my old school master had come to the
town by the stage this evening, and was
so anxious to see if | could find his
name that took the liberty of looking
over your shoulder. But didn't mean
20 disturb you assured him he hadn't
d, one so; and, / hope, left him at peace
wi, h himself. But il certainly struck me
that there are not many countries in the
worlIl where such man would have
been troubled for such matter. The
pleasan ter side of such Difference to
stranger feelings is self-respect which
makes the lower classes in California
among the most agreeable companions |
have known anywhere in correspond
inc class