Civil Government in the United States | Page 5

of by a direct appeal to
the text. Sometimes the questions go quite outside of the text, and relate
to topics concerning which it provides no information whatever. This
has been done with a 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