The Bozeman weekly chronicle. (Bozeman, Mont.) 1883-1889, 1884-11-19
BOZEMAN M T, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 49, 1884.
Pacific States and Territories.

Pacific States and Territories.
The Wsfks Of Hubert Howe Bancroft
The work which is now being issued is
history Of the Pacific States from the
coming of the Europeans in 1901. The
territory embraced is the whole of Cen
trail America and Mexico and all of the
country west Of the Rocky Mountains.
The first period dealt with is up to 1880,
opening with charming view of Euro
pean society, especially Spanish, at the
close of the 18th century. 1t also con-
tains a summary of maritime explora-
tions from the fourth century to the mid
die ofthe sixteenth century. followed by
a graphic and complete account of the
colonizels of the Pacific States. The
purpose Of this diversion appears to he
to place in its true light Spanish charac-
ter, and paint the traits of conquersr and
conquered in such clear, vidid manner
that subsequent events can be properly
diagnosed by the reader drawing his
own deductions from the facts presented
by the author. Spanish cruelty in the
conquest of America has been fruitful
theme for two centuries until it has be-
come automatic, crystalized into fact
not to be gainsayed. But Mr.. Bancroft
does not content himself with mere re-
cital ofSpanish cruely. He speaks Of
specific acts, and then by carefully show
ing all surrounding facts, he gives the
reader the opportunity to draw the de-
duction, that, under the circumstances,
the Spanish were no mere cruel than
were the British, when their soldiers |
threw off all restraint and avenged the |
horror of Sepoy torture. Iiegently leads
the reader to the conclusion that it is !
hardly fair TO charge, as national char
acteristic, the acts of few maddened /
adventures, maddened by the license of
unrestrained power, the lawlessness of
remoten-ss, and the general disregard of
the rights of the conquered that always
followed expeditions in which the lust
for land is but half tempered by the de-
sire to proselytize. The early part of the
work shows the most marvellous research
The condensation is clear and complete,
and though shorn of all extraneous ver-
biage, is pleasing in its literary style.
Take. for instance, this picturesque birds
eye-view of the Western world four hum
dred years ago, when civilization was
first struggling for admission. 1t is wor-
thy of McCaulay's happiest rein
AN ERA OF PROGRESS.
at was a transition period from the
dim twilight of the dark age to the
brightness of modern thought; from an
age of unquestioning faith to one Of cur
iosity and skepticism. 1t was period
of ofconcretions and crystallizations, follow
ing one of rarefactions; religion was en-
bracing science, astrology was merging
into astronomy magic into physics; al
chemy into chemistry; saltpetre was su-
perceeding steel in warfare; feudalism
having fulfilled its purpose, was being
displaced by monarchical power; inter-
course was springing ND between nations,
and international laws were being made.
Even the material universe and the
realms of space were enlarging with the
enlargement of mind Two worlds were
about that time unveiled to Spain, an Or
iental and an occidental by the capture
Of Constantinople, anciene Greek and
Latin learning was emancipated, and the
Christian religion became settled as the
faith of Europe, while toward the West,
the mists of the ages lifted from the
ocean, and as if emerging from prilLeval
waters, a fair, new continent, ripe for
thousand industries, stood revealed"
The earlier pages Of the history proper
which describe the voyages of Columbus
and his idea that the land he found was
Gipangu, Or Japan, are marvels of SIM
,,le graphic writing. Mr.. Bancroft deals
with the figures af history often in gen.
tie loving way. He treats them with a .
kindly, graceful courtesy that has about !
it the flavor Of White, of Selb,urn, or the
kindly things that Phil Robinson has to
say about the birds and small animals Of !
his Indian home which he has SO low !
ingly written about, in ':Under the Sun"
Extenuating nothing, advocating moth |,
ing, fair, calm and deliberate in state.
ment: there is soft charm about Mr.;
BancrOft's work which makes one Won
der why he should have become histo-
grapher when the more pleasant and
easy paths ofpoetry and idyl were open
cd to his cultured mind. Yet he handles
facts like master, and summarizes with
rare skill that tolds up the diamond,