BEING A TEXT-BOOK ON

THE POLITICAL SITUATION

PAST AND PRESENT

Our Country-Its People-Its Government-Its Greatness-
The Rise and Fall of Political Parties-The Tariff,
Silver, Financial and Other Issues Fully Explained

A COMPLETE DICTIONARY OF CIVIL
GOVERNMENT

FIFTH EDITION

REVISED AND ENLARGED

PUBLISHED BY

CONRAD H. OLIVER

CHICAGO, ILL.

SOLD ONLY BY SUBSCRIPTION

Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1895,

By J. L. NICHOLS,

In the Office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington, D. C.

Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1896,
By J. L. NICHOLS & CO.,

In the Office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington, D. C.

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N4

1904

PREFACE.

THE
HE United States is the grandest nation of the globe and
the nineteenth century the crowning era of all pro-
gress in civilization made by the human race. To perpetu-
ate the liberties we enjoy, to keep step with the age of
progress in its onward march, to thwart the dangers threat-
ening our peace, prosperity, and safety is the earnest
endeavor of every true American citizen. Our safety lies
in an intelligent comprehension of facts and in our ability
to control the forces that shape our weal or woe.

The average American bas neither time nor disposition to plod through volumes that elaborately set forth the facts of history, science, and civil government. In our age of intense activity we need truths briefly stated in clear, distinct, and definite terms, so as to be comprehended at once by the masses.

Safe Citizenship is a book for the busy man, alike for the professional man, the literary man, and the practical man of the shop, the counter, and the plow. În it are grouped and clearly defined the essentials of ideal and practical citizenship. Here is found, that which concerns. The Citizen, followed by Our Country and Its People. Inventors and Inventions show the progress of the century.

Our Government, its system and departments, together with the principles and methods of Voting, The Ballot and Ballot Reform and a history of Political Parties and Nominating Conventions, are set forth in distinct and graphic terms. The principal events and important occurrences of each of the Administrations are stated in well chosen language. A prominent feature of the work is the discussion of Current Topics and Problems followed by Issues of the Day, embracing all the vital questions that agitate the public mind,

International and Foreign Affairs are not overlooked, while The Campaign of 1896, its candidates, comparison of platforms of parties and political affairs in general are fully discussed.

With the hope that thousands may be led to comprehend the sway that the citizen has over the destinies of America and that other thousands may be inspired to noble and heroic efforts in the perpetuation and further development of the ideally great and grand Republic of the earth, this volume is sent forth.

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PUBLISHERS.

"Man is born a citizen."-Aristotle.

"Education is a better safeguard than a standing army." -Edward Everett.

"He serves his party best who serves his country best." -Rutherford B. Hayes.

"Our greatest danger in this country is coöperative wealth."-Wendell Phillips.

"Liberty can be safe only when suffrage is illuminated by education."-James A. Garfield.

"My concern is not whether God is on our side; my great concern is to be on God's side, for God is always right."-Abraham Lincoln.