1V PREFACE. 



. were accorded a full hearing, and, as far as possible, in the official acts and lan- 

 guage of their respective representatives. 



The details of the affairs of the United States embrace the finances of the 

 Federal Government ; the operation and results of its system of revenue and 

 taxation ; the banking system ; the financial and industrial experience of the 

 country; its commerce, manufactures, and general prosperity; the finances of 

 the States ; their debts and resources ; the various political conventions assem- 

 bled during the year, with their nominations and platforms ; the results of elec- 

 tions ; the movements to secure cheap transportation from West to East ; the 

 action of Congress on the subject, and the debates and action on civil rights and 

 national finances, specie payments, and other important public questions ; the 

 proceedings of State Legislatures ; the progress of educational, reformatory, and 

 charitable institutions ; the extension of railroads and telegraphs, and all those 

 matters which are involved in the rapid improvement of the country. These 

 are contained, with ample details, in these pages. 



The important diplomatic correspondence of the Federal Government, de- 

 rived from the most authentic sources, is presented, and the existing relations 

 with foreign nations. 



Every country in the civilized world is noticed in these pages, and whatever 

 of public interest has transpired in them is here recorded. Under the title of 

 Great Britain, will be found the most complete account of her colonial posses- 

 sions existing in print. 



The advance in the various branches of astronomical and chemical science, 

 with new and valuable applications to various purposes, is extensively described. 



The narrative of the geographical discoveries in the different parts of the 

 earth, with their results, is very full and interesting. 



The record of literature and literary progress in the United States, and in 

 each of the countries of Europe, is as important as during any previous year. 

 The titles of the more able works of various classes are given, with remarks on 

 the nature of their contents. 



The statistics of the religious denominations of the country, with their con- 

 ventions, conferences, progress of opinions and arrangements for future union 

 and cooperation, are here fully presented. 



Biographical sketches of living men noted, during the year, and notices of 

 deceased persons of distinction in every rank of society, find a place in these 

 pages. 



All important documents, messages, orders, and letters from official persons, 

 have been inserted entire. 



A General Index, in one volume, is nearly prepared, and will form an addi- 

 tion to this series of volumes as soon as it can be printed. 



