The San Francisco and Valparaiso earthquakes have not been wholly unproductive of good. They have given occasion for the display of noble qualities of which pessimists would make us believe poor human nature is incapable. They also prove the wonderful resilient properties possessed by the younger races of the world. Out of their ruins these American cities will rise still more beautiful and prosperous. The same catastrophes have served another pur pose: they have severely tested our boasted civiliza tion, and exposed its weak points. What passed for solid marble has, in many instances, turned out to be only brick or concrete with a thin facing of a more precious material.