Every thing was possible to intelligence and industry.

Many of the most important public offices were filled by men who had risen from the humblest walks of life.
If there was not social equality, as there never can be in rich and prosperous communities, there was civil equality, rigorously maintained.
It may perhaps be said that much of this material prosperity arose from special conditions, such as had never occurred in the case of any people before, There was a vast, an open theatre of action, a whole continent ready for any who chose to take possession of it.

Nothing more than courage and industry was needed to overcome Nature, and to seize the abounding advantages she offered.
ILLUSTRATIONS FROM AMERICAN HISTORY.

But must not men be animated by a great principle who successfully transform the primeval solitudes into an abode of civilization, who are not dismayed by gloomy forests, or rivers, mountains, or frightful deserts, who push their conquering way in the course of a century across a continent, and hold it in subjection?
Let us contrast with this the results of the invasion of Mexico and Peru by the Spaniards, who in those countries overthrew a wonderful civilization, in many respects superior to their own--a civilization that had been accomplished without iron and gunpowder--a civilization resting on an agriculture that had neither horse, nor ox, nor plough.

The Spaniards had a clear base to start from, and no obstruction whatever in their advance.