iv PEEFAOE. 



the year, both national and State ; the results of the elections ; the acts of 

 State Legislatures ; the rapid improvement of educational and charitable insti- 

 tutions under the care of the State governments ; the debts and resources of the 

 several States, and all those facts which show their surprising development. 



In Europe and Asia movements commenced to throw off the burden of 

 some of the old governments and secure a greater degree of freedom to the 

 people. On the former continent these movements were comparatively peace- 

 ful, while on the latter they were attended with violent and bloody disturbances. 

 The details of these events, together with the peaceful progress of affairs in 

 other countries of the world, as well as the extent and influence of the pub- 

 lic press in many parts of Europe, are fully narrated. 



The progress of mechanical industry among civilized nations, especially as 

 shown by such stupendous public works as the Suez Canal, the Pacific Rail- 

 road, the Mont Cenis and Hoosac Tunnels, and the sewage embankment of 

 the Thames, is illustrated and fully shown. 



!N"ot less interest than usual has existed in the diplomatic relations of the 

 Federal Government with foreign nations, especially in the negotiations rela- 

 tive to the Alabama claims, the purchase of territory from Russia and other 

 countries, and the difficulties with Paraguay. 



The developments in the various branches of Astronomical, Chemical, and 

 other sciences, with the new applications to useful purposes, are extensively de- 

 scribed. 



The alarming and destructive earthquakes which have terrified the inhab- 

 itants of several countries are fully noticed, as also the scourge among the cattle 

 of this country, and the measures taken to combat it. 



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

 the discoveries made have been fully related. 



The record of Literature is as extensive as usual, and the titles of all the 

 more important works have been arranged under the various classes to which 

 they belong. 



The interesting history of the religious denominations of the country, with 

 an account of their conventions, branches, membership, views on social affairs, 

 and the progress of their opinions, is 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, and letters from official 

 persons, have been inserted entire. 



