Civil Government in the United States | Page 5

purpose. The pupil should learn how to go outside of the book and gather from scattered sources information concerning questions that the book suggests. In other words, he should begin to learn how to make researches, for that is coming to be one of the useful arts, not merely for scholars, but for men and women in many sorts of avocations. It is always useful, as well as ennobling, to be able to trace knowledge to its sources. Work of this sort involves more or less conference and discussion among classmates, and calls for active aid from the teacher; and if the teacher does not at first feel at home in these methods, practice will nevertheless bring familiarity, and will prove most wholesome training. For the aid of teachers and pupils, as well as of the general reader who wishes to pursue the subject, I have added a bibliographical note at the end of each chapter, immediately after Mr. Hill's "Suggestive Questions and Directions."
This particular purpose in my book must be carefully borne in mind. It explains the omission of many details which some text-books on the same subject would be sure to include. To make a manual complete and self-sufficing is precisely what I have not intended. The book is designed to be suggestive and stimulating, to leave the reader with scant information on some points, to make him (as Mr. Samuel Weller says) "vish there wos more," and to show him how to go on by himself. I am well aware that, in making an experiment in this somewhat new direction, nothing is easier than to fall into errors of judgment. I can hardly suppose that this book is free from such errors; but if in spite thereof it shall turn out to be in any way helpful in bringing the knowledge and use of the German seminary method into our higher schools, I shall be more than satisfied.
Just here, let me say to young people in all parts of our country:--If you have not already done so, it would be well worth while for you to organize a debating society in your town or village, for the discussion of such historical and practical questions relating to the government of the United States as are suggested in the course of this book. Once started, there need be no end of interesting and profitable subjects for discussion. As a further guide to the books you need in studying such subjects, use Mr. W.E. Foster's "References to the Constitution of the United States," the invaluable pamphlet mentioned below on page 277. If you cannot afford to buy the books, get the public library of your town or village to buy them; or, perhaps, organize a small special library for your society or club. Librarians will naturally feel interested in such a matter, and will often be able to help with advice. A few hours every week spent in such wholesome studies cannot fail to do much toward the political education of the local community, and thus toward the general improvement of the American people. For the amelioration of things will doubtless continue to be effected in the future, as it has been effected in the past, not by ambitious schemes of sudden and universal reform (which the sagacious man always suspects, just as he suspects all schemes for returning a fabulously large interest upon investments), but by the gradual and cumulative efforts of innumerable individuals, each doing something to help or instruct those to whom his influence extends. He who makes two clear ideas grow where there was only one hazy one before, is the true benefactor of his species.
In conclusion, I must express my sincere thanks to Mr. Thomas Emerson, superintendent of schools in Newton, for the very kind interest he has shown in my work, in discussing its plan with me at the outset, in reading the completed manuscript, and in offering valuable criticisms.
CAMBRIDGE, August 5, 1890.

CONTENTS.


CHAPTER I.
TAXATION AND GOVERNMENT.
"Too much taxes".
What is taxation?
Taxation and eminent domain.
What is government?
The "ship of state".
"The government".
Whatever else it may be, "the government" is the power which imposes taxes.
Difference between taxation and robbery.
Sometimes taxation is robbery.
The study of history is full of practical lessons, and helpful to those who would be good citizens.
Perpetual vigilance is the price of liberty.
QUESTIONS ON THE TEXT.
SUGGESTIVE QUESTIONS AND DIRECTIONS.
BIBLIOGRAPHICAL NOTE.


CHAPTER II.
THE TOWNSHIP.
Section 1. The New England Township.
The most ancient and simple form of government.
New England settled by church congregations.
Policy of the early Massachusetts government as to land grants.
Smallness of the farms
Township and village
Social position of the settlers
The town-meeting
Selectmen; town-clerk
Town-treasurer; constables; assessors of taxes and overseers of the poor
Act of 1647 establishing public schools
School committees
Field-drivers and pound-keepers; fence-viewers; other town officers
Calling the town-meeting
Town, county, and state taxes
Poll-tax
Taxes on real-estate; taxes on personal property
When and where taxes are