PREFACE. 



THE year 1874 vras remarkable for the novel spectacle which it presented of 

 the earnest and ext jnsive conflict of principles, with the entire absence of mili- 

 tary strife, except in certain localities where hostile factions were contending for 

 the possession of the civil government. Thus in the northern provinces of 

 Spain, in Cuba, in Western and Eastern Asia, the disturbances were local, and 

 small forces were engaged. But this conflict of principles, without interference 

 with the quiet pursuits of industry, is one of the fruits of diffused intelligence 

 and education. The most extensive of these conflicts existed between some of 

 the governments of Europe ahd the Roman Catholic Church. In Germany, in 

 Switzerland, in Italy, and in Austria, the supremacy of the State in antagonism 

 to the independence of the Church was asserted and maintained by the most en- 

 ergetic and decisive measures. In France the republic remained entirely tran- 

 quil, and the progress of popular principles was unchecked. In Spain the strong- 

 est political factions have transferred the authority to the heir of the late Queen. 

 All these leading public subjects, and the various relations arising out of them, 

 with the views of governments and people, are set forth in these pages with full- 

 ness and completeness. 



In no year since the war have the internal affairs of the Southern States 

 caused more earnest discussion than during 1874. From some of these States 

 came reports of disorders as conflicting as they were exciting. The alleged 

 marching of negroes upon Vicksburg not only spread alarm throughout Missis- 

 sippi, but riveted public attention. An appeal to arms was made, to decide a 

 question of State politics in Arkansas, and an apparent civil war, after more tlum 

 a month's duration, was only ended by the interference of the Federal Govern- 

 ment. The exciting events in Louisiana during the latter part of the year, and 

 the beginning of 1875, mark an epoch in the constitutional history of the nation. 

 All of these events, not alone the public acts, but the constitutional questions 

 and political issues involved, and whatever tends to throw light upon the cause 

 of the difficulties, and the solution of the problems presented, are recorded in 

 these pages with official accuracy, impartiality, and with a fullness and clearness 

 that leave nothing to be desired. In the preparation of the record, official docu- 

 ments alone, where such existed, were used ; while in disputed matters, both sides 



