588 LIFE OF OOBDEN. [or xx

1858. from his countrymen to set him free for farther efforts in the
Ar. 54. cause of human progress. My children will hereafter be
proud that their father at all events recognized his hu
Their fortunes are to a great extent the result of Richar
Cobden’s sacrifices.”

It was in connexion with the Illinois Railway that Cobde?
made his second voyage to the United States. He went 0
behalf of other English shareholders to examine the line 804
its management on the spot. He remained in the country
for three months. Everything that he saw delighted him:
The material and moral progress since his visit in 183°
realized all his expectations. “If is the universal hope of
rising in the social scale,” he told Mr. Bright, which is the
key to much of the superiority that is visible in this country’
It accounts for the orderly self-respect which is the grest
characteristic of the masses in the United States. . . . All
this tends to the argument that the political condition of #
people is very much dependent on its economical fate.”
So far as the immediate object of his journey went
Cobden declared himself to be more than satisfied. * A®
respects the main question,” he wrote to his wife, as to the
altimate success of the undertaking, I have no doubt what~
ever that it will prove the best railroad investment if
America. But unfortunately it does not suit me to wails
end nearly all I have is at stake.” In another letter ©
Mrs. Cobden he writes : “My thoughts are much with yor
and the dear children. I feel great anxiety to know that
you are settled. Everything has gone as unluckily 88
possible with me. I sometimes feel almost unnerved, great
as is my energy and natural buoyancy.” As we shall 860
presently, the clouds vanished quickly from his spirit, 88
soon ag ever he saw a piece of useful work to be done.