VOLUME I. THE PEOPLE AND THEIR SOCIAL LIFE. .48 INTRODUCTION. A publication which assembles the best thought of recognized authority on the commercial industrial, political, and social development of the United States, is an epitome of our national life. The Making of America aims to present, not only all phases of our growth, all important achievements contributing to it, and impartially to discuss the complex problems ever pressing for solution, but broadly to make the work, as a whole, reflect the true spirit of this mighty nation, and the true character and nature of the forces within, which are working out its destiny. As a source of exact information-marshalling the vital facts which have been permanently wrought into the lives of the American people-this publication, the only one of its kind, will have the highest educational value. But beyond and above this, it is believed that taken all together, vividly portraying as it does the making of America, it must carry with it every where, its impressive lesson of patriotism and its earnest appeal for the higher ideals in citizenship. For, after all, the glory and achievement of our country is men, not things. We build railroads and bridges and factories and markets, and outstrip the nations of the earth in trade and commerce. And what does it all signify? Is it the mere indication of the fatness of our land? or has it a deeper meaning? Manifestly these material things represent the energy, the ingenuity, the intelligence, the courage, of four generations of men, inspired with the conviction that they were born free and equal. Take the spirit of our free institutions out of the life of this nation and we would be compelled to re-write the history of our material progress. No just conception of the making of America from the beginning, no rational understanding of her pres |