INTRODUCTION. IN the compilation of this little work, the Author has collected together the most important facts, and statistics, relating to the Political History of the country. In its arrangement he has adopted the simplest form; that of placing events as much as possible in their chronological order, commencing with the Colonial Government, and bringing it down to the present time; introducing the Constitution, Declaration of Independence, Articles of Confederation, &c., in their appropriate places. In preparing the Biographical Sketches of the Presidents, and of the Candidates recently nominated for the Presidency and Vice-Presidency, he has endeavored to do equal justice to all, giving the facts, without favor or prejudice, and not at all biassed by party views or interest. The Statistical matter has been obtained from reliable and official sources, and great pains has been taken to make it correct in every particular. In presenting the work to the public, the Author trusts it will be found very useful as a book of reference to all, and especially to those, who may not have access, at all times, to large libraries, where the facts herein stated might be obtained, though not without much trouble. It is essential to the very existence and duration of our Political Institutions, that the people take a lively interest in our public concerns. They should become thoroughly instructed in the Political History of the country; the Principles of the Government, the Character and Qualifications of the Candidates; and in this connection, we must not forget that a rumor does not prove a fact, a simple fact does not prove a theory, nor a mere caricature, in an illustrated newspaper, prove a man to be either a simpleton, or a knave. In a free government, like ours, there will naturally arise, at least two great and leading divisions. Men differently educated, and looking at questions from different standpoints, even retaining their integrity, will widely but honestly differ in their opinions on questions constantly arising; hence there ever will be Cliques, Parties, and Factions. No Party or Faction should receive the continued confidence and support of an American Citizen, unless first, its principles are sound and correct, and second, unless it presents as its candidates to represent those principles, and to occupy its places of trust and emolument, honest, trust-worthy, and capable men. HARTFORD, July, 1872. CONTENTS. ITS PRESENT AREA, AND HOW ACQUIRED. ITS POPULATION AT EACH CENSUS PERIOD.... TABLE OF POPULATION OF STATES AT DIFFERENT PERIODS SERIOUS DEFECTS IN THIS FORM OF GOVENNMENT TABLE, SHOWING THE INEQUALITY OF REPRESENTATION.. THE FOREIGN DEBT BEFORE THE CONSTITUTION.. WHY, AND HOW THE CONSTITUTION WAS ADOPTED.. GENERAL INDEX TO THE CONSTITUTION.. Page. THE GOVERNMENT UNDER THE CONSTITUTION WHEN RATIFIED BY THE ORIGINAL STATES THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH OF THE GOVERNMENT.......... THE PRESIDENT AND VICE-PRESIDENT, HOW ELECTED. PRESIDENTIAL ELECTORS, How APPOINTED TABLE OF APPORTIONMENT OF REPRESENTATIVES... ELECTORAL VOTE FOR NEXT PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION. TABLE, SHOWING SALARIES OF FEDERAL OFFICERS. PRESIDENTS OF THE CONTINENTAL CONGRESS................... SIGNERS OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE... TABLE, GIVING TIME OF THEIR BIRTHS AND DEATHS. PRESIDENTS OF THE UNITED STATES. VICE-PRESIDENTS OF THE UNITED STATES SECRETARIES OF STATE, AND OF THE TREASURY. SECRETARIES OF OTHER DEPARTMENTS.. CHIEF JUSTICES OF THE U. S. SUPREME COURT. ASSOCIATE JUSTICES OF THE U. S. SUPREME COURT. SPEAKERS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.. GOVERNMENTS OF THE SEVERAL STATES....... GOVERNORS OF THE SEVERAL STATES, AND THEIR SALARIES, &C.... 101 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF JOHN Q. ADAMS.. JACKSON'S ADMINISTRATION, CABINET, &c. ......... TABLE OF ANNUAL EXPENDITURES, DEBT, &C. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF JOHN TYLER, ADMINISTRATION OF JAMES K. POLK, CABINET, &C.. TABLE OF ANNUAL EXPENDITURES, DEBT, &C...... BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF JAMES K. POLK TAYLOR'S AND FILLMORE'S ADMINISTRATIONS. TABLE OF ANNUAL EXPENDITURES, DEBT, &C BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF ZACHARY TAYLOR BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF MILLARD FILLMORE ADMINISTRATION OF FRANKLIN PIERCE, CABINET, &c. TABLE, SHOWING FINANCIAL CONDITION OF COUNTRY. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF FRANKLIN PIERCE...................... BUCHANAN'S ADMINISTRATION, CABINET, &C................ TABLE OF ANNUAL EXPENDITURES, DEBT, &c BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF JAMES BUCHANAN LINCOLN'S ADMINISTRATION, CABINET, &C TABLE OF EXPENDITURES, DEBT, &C.. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN JOHNSON'S ADMINISTRATION, CABINET, &c.. TABLE OF ANNUAL EXPENDITURES, DEBT, &C. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF ANDREW JOHNSON. GRANT'S ADMINISTRATION, CABINET, &C.. FINANCIAL CONDITION OF THE COUNTRY... BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF ULYSSES S. GRANT ELECTORAL VOTE FOR PRESIDENT AND VICE-PRESIDENT,1789-1797.. 184 |