1V PREFACE. 



of the State governments ; the debts and resources of the States, and all those 

 facts which serve to show their growth and development. 



The events in Europe during the year were of more than ordinary impor- 

 tance : the critical situation of Luxemburg, the progress of Prussia in the 

 consolidation of her new dominions, the disturbances in Italy, and others, un- 

 necessary here to mention, are fully narrated. 



The progress of mechanical industry among civilized nations, especially in 

 the more useful arts, was- displayed with unusual success at the Exhibition in 

 Paris, and the part taken by citizens of the United States is fully shown. 



The diplomatic relations of the Federal Government with foreign nations 

 have presented some features of interest, especially the correspondence relative 

 to what is known as the Alabama claims and the. arrangements for the pur- 

 chase of territory from Russia and Denmark. 



The advance in the various branches of Astronomical, Chemical, and other 

 sciences, with the new applications to useful purposes, are extensively described. 



The havoc made by those scourges, the Asiatic Cholera and the Yellow Fever, 

 during the year, have been noticed, with the measures taken to combat them. 



Geographical explorations have continued in all quarters of the globe, and 

 the discoveries which have been made are fully described. 



The record of Literature is as extensive as that of any previous year, and 

 the titles of all the more important works have been arranged under the various 

 classes to which they belong. 



The history of the religious denominations of the country, with an account 

 of their conventions, branches, membership, views on political affairs, and the 

 progress of their opinions, are presented from official sources. 



A brief tribute has been given to the memory of deceased persons of note 

 in every department of society. 



All important documents, messages, orders, treaties, constitutions, and letters 

 from official persons, have been inserted entire. 



