and prejudice ; hence never before have we had such an
opportunity of watching the phenomena of separation
and purification as here presents itself. Neither Brit-
ish Columbia nor Australia at all compare with Cali-
fornia in this respect, for here, from the beginning,
there was always the wildest latitude allowed to hu-
man action, consistent with self-preservation, while in
the British colonies gold-seekers, from the first, were
under an established rule.
In California, the only government and the only recognition of crime was such as grew out of necessity. There was never any parental restraint or guidance, there was no period of formation or childhood ; from a scattered assemblage of diversified tongues and colors the population at once assumed state preroga- tives; and being ill-understood by any not on the spot, and far removed from eastern influence, the peo- ple were left to do very much as they pleased.
On arriving in California, the new-comer soon found himself enlisted in the ranks of one of two classes, the hopeful or the despondent. If of the former, he was soon seized with the intoxication of his new surround- ings, and joined the business orgie. Confident and daring, he at once went to work at something, — any- thing, whatever first offered itself, and continued in energetic industry until success in a greater or less degree was achieved. Often he would fall, and as often rise again. There was no such thing as remain- ing down, no thought of ^nelding. His grasp on for- tune was firm and constant, and although the slippery jade might sometimes twist herself almost from his grasp, he never would entirely lose his hold, for this once lost, all was lost. This dogfo;ed determination, hope in the future, belief in the times, and confidence in himself were a fortune. Should he join the ranks of the latter class, he was forced to abandon all his bright hopes, and turn himself over to despair. Every thing he saw was dark and gloomy. A man of con- science in society and business, the glorious drunken-
