READING ROOM Copyright, 1876, by J. B. Ford & Company. Copyright, 1882, 1891, 1892, and 1901, by Fords, Howard & Hulbert. Copyright, 1903, by The University Society. PREFACE. Be Elaborate histories of the United States have been ably written, while compends and school histories-well adapted to the place they are designed to fill-are numerous. tween these compends and the works extending from four to twelve volumes there is necessity, as well as room, for a history that shall be sufficiently elaborate to trace the direct influences that have had effect in moulding the character of the Nation and its institutions, moral and political-one that treats more fully of the "Inner Life" of the American people, and so constructed that the reader can obtain a clear conception of the forces that have made the Nation what it is. In accordance with this view, the present work is designed to present, as fully as is consistent with such a plan, those events which are interesting in themselves and characteristic of the times and people. While the author has availed himself as much as possible of original authorities, and acknowledges his obligations to the many elaborate United States and State histories, his main effort has been to set forth our story in his own language, wrought into a consecutive narrative, confining himself to the true elements of history-that is, only to those events and principles that have had influence; making, as occasion requires, an informal summary of the less important facts or events, in order to keep perfect the thread of the narrative. Among the motive forces, due recognition has been given to the influence of moral truths derived from the Bible, in leading the people to cherish liberty of speech, free institutions, and the general education of their children. The reader has no reason to quarrel with the facts of History; but it is his privilege and duty to deduce from them his own inferences. In these latter days public documents are published to the world; thus the materials for writing history become accessible. By this means the leading facts of the late Civil War are as well known to-day as they ever will be. Some incidents and complications in the careers of individuals will be revealed only when the "Life and Times" of each comes to be written. This latter class of material, unfortunately often largely embellished and explained by, perhaps, unconscious apologies and after-thoughts, may throw light upon personal motives and actions, but will shed little upon the great events themselves. For in that exciting period statesmen groped their way; no man saw the end from the beginning. The same may be said of the unforeseen consequences of our interference on behalf of Cuba and the war that ensued thereon. An overruling Hand brought about the great result, not by the plannings of men, but in spite of them. It is hoped that the intelligent reader will find in these volumes a succinct as well as a comprehensive view of the history of the American people, and of the influential elements that have gone to form their characteristics and their Government. NEW YORK CITY, June 1, 1901. J. H. P. A SKETCH OF THE HISTORY, GREATNESS AND DANGERS OF AMERICA. BY JOHN LORD, LL.D., |