Dramatic Episodes in American 



History 



BENJAMIN FRANKLIN 



By IDA M. TARBELL 



Our historical records are to be enriched bv a series of papers 

 from Miss Tarbell, setting forth some of the most dramatic episodes 

 in American history. The first of those will tell of the long bat- 

 tle over the Constitution that filled the summer of 1787. It was a 

 vital struggle where patriotism and interest and conflicting opinion 

 had to ferment violently before that marvellous Constitution, the 

 most remarkable governmental document the world has seen, was 

 brought forth. It was a stupendous and stirring time, and Miss 

 Tarbell brings it vividly and comprehensively before us. 



In another article, gathered together in one effective narrative, 

 the facts of the State trial of Aaron Burr are given. No other 

 trial our countrv has ever seen has moved the feelings and imagi- 

 nations of men as did this one, and all the startling story lives here 

 again. 



Disbanding the Armies 



By IDA M. TAR.BELL 



At the close of the Civil War European observers anticipated for the United States many 

 troubles as resultant from the disbanding of the great armies. Nothing in our history has more 

 impressed the Old World than the orderly, quiet absorption of our soldiers into civil life. Miss Ida 

 M. Tarbell, who has done so much valuable historical work, has now prepared the full story of the 

 War Department's achievements in disbanding a million Union soldiers and turning them into peaceful, 

 busv citizens. Within a year this was accomplished, and an element in the situation that Miss 

 Tarbell sets forth with some fullness was the material progress of the North during the very time of 

 war. Another article will tell of the disbanding of the Confederate army. 



The material for these papers has been drawn from a very wide variety of original sources 

 ( as indeed, it had to be, since no historian has more than scratched this field before) including 

 living people and governmental records. 



Political Pen Portraits 



By WILLIAM ALLEN WHITE 



Mr. White has uncommon gifts for the pen portraiture that has 

 recentlv won him so much attention and applause. His insight, 

 sympathv, humor and shrewdness have been demonstrated in his 

 pictures of Mr. Brvan and Air. Hanna ; and his trenchant, vivid 

 style exactly serves his purpose. Other papers on public men are 

 to follow, and they will be illustrated by drawings from life and 

 from photographs. 



A forthcoming article will deal with Richard Croker, who has 

 been more prominentlv brought before the national public in the last 

 six months than ever before. Mr. White treats of the Tammanv 

 leader with candor and throws new light on his remarkable 

 career. 



RICHARD CROKER 

 From a photograph specially taken. 



