other a war. Of the struggle for that liberty, enjoyed wherever the English language is spoken, preliminary to the war that was but incidental to the Revolution, and of the events immediately following, he has little knowledge. Of the long chain of events leading to the great civil conflict, and of the logical development of principles, the contention for which has made two peoples heroic, he is ignorant. In the preparation of the present volume the author has endeavored to place himself in the attitude of both teacher and student. He has embodied in this volume the methods by which, in an experience covering a number of years with classes of various grades, he has attained pronounced and unmistakable success. He has called to mind the mental processes by which he, as a student, attained historical knowledge, and has made smooth the places that presented obstruction to his own youthful mind, as well as to those under his observation during his experience as a teacher. He has endeavored to group his facts in a manner to show unmistakably their relation; and at the same time has preserved the signs and land-marks in side-note and outline form, that teacher and pupil, accustomed to other text-books, may find the change to this not altogether an abrupt one. He has endeavored to present his facts truthfully, clearly and logically. Belonging to a generation that has but recently come to a knowledge of the world's affairs, he has inherited traditions only, to bias his judgment. He has, however, made strenuous efforts to avoid error, to make his statements as impartial as lies within his power, and to employ language thoroughly unequivocal. To the many who have so kindly examined, revised and corrected the proofs and advance sheets, the author must signify his unqualified appreciation. To the printers and compositors, whose infinite patience and excellent suggestions take practical shape in the following pages, he must extend his kindest thanks. To the publishers, whose confidence, enterprise and liberality have enabled him to present the fruits of his labor in so highly attractive a form, his sincere acknowledgments are extended. To the teacher engaged in the holy calling of instilling the truth, the whole truth, in the minds of the young, and into whose hands the present volume may fall, the author gives greeting and a Godspeed. CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL, New Orleans. H. E. C. |