States), the lightnings are continually picturing to European beholders
the affairs of America. Any important event occurring here is described
the next hour in the journals of Europe. So far as the transmission of
an account of our proceedings to the people of the Old World is
concerned, it is as if America lay at the mouth of the English Channel.

And the eyes of all Europe are intently watching our movements. Says Mr,
Townsend (New World and Old, p. 583):--

"All the great peoples of Europe are curiously interested and
amazed in the rise of America, and their rulers at present compete
for our friendship. 'Europe,' said the prince Talleyrand, long ago,
'must have an eye on America, and take care not to offer any
pretext for recrimination or retaliation. America is growing every
day. She will become a colossal power, and the time will come when
(discoveries enabling her to communicate more easily with Europe)
she will want to say a word in our affairs, and have a hand in
them.'"

The time has come, and the discoveries have been made to which
Talleyrand referred. It is almost as easy now to communicate with Europe
as with our nearest town. By these things the attention of the world is
drawn still more strongly toward us; and thus whatever the United States
does, it is done in the sight, yes, even before the eyes, of all Europe.




Chapter Four.