ciples, or mere considerations of expediency, the substance of the arguments on both sides has been faithfully and impartially given. On subjects of party controversy, the author has withheld the expression of his own opinions, deeming it best to leave the unconfirmed politician to the exercise of his own unbiased judgment in forming his conclusions. By thus presenting the different views of our ablest statesmen, the work will be rendered valuable to the political student as a constitutional expositor, and as a guide to the formation of enlightened opinions on questions of public policy; while to the more advanced politician, the great variety of its matter will make it convenient and useful as a book of reference.
Neither the capacity nor the design of this work, has permitted the introduction of local politics. The selection of matter has been almost exclusively confined to subjects of a national character. Notwithstanding the volume has been swelled far beyond its intended size-embracing most of the principal subjects of our political history—much useful and interesting matter has been necessarily passed over, which may hereafter appear in a supplementary volume. It has been an object of much care to make the work a reli
Its statements are founded principally upon the official records of the government. In the condensation of speeches, reports, and other documents, pains have been taken to present their strongest points, as well as their true meaning. Where recourse to other sources of information has been necessary, reference has been had to approved and standard works, among which are those of Marshall, Pitkin, Bancroft, Hildreth, and others.
That the work, nevertheless, contains some slight inaccuracies, is not improbable. Is is believed, however, that it will be found free from material errors ; and that it will be acknowledged to possess claims to the public favor, and conduce in some good degree, to a higher and a more general appreciation of our political institutions.