during the existence of negro slavery, are all full of instruction upon this point.
It may, indeed, be doubted whether any other measure of public policy so imperatively demands a wise and liberal adjustment as the settlement of the land-tenure. If others than the Mexicans are to inhabit the country in the future, it requires no soothsayer to predict that this course will be found to be indispensable.
One of the first fruits of the diversified industry springing from the new departure will be better wages, better food, better clothing, and better houses for the toiling millions. Following these will come the intelligent participation of every adult male citizen in the administration of public affairs. That best of all guarantees for the preservation of civil liberty and social order—the co-operation of all classes of citizens for the protection of the rights of person and property—will come next in course. Revolutions and brigandage, which have so long been the curse and opprobrium of Mexico, will no longer be possible. A permanent government "of the people, by the people, and for the people," will do away these and all kindred abuses. Thus will a new impetus be given to the cause of free government throughout the world.
