Enormous popular migration following on increased railway facilities; reform in politics and in the Civil Service; restriction upon free alien immigration; the growth of the system of commercial Trusts; the revival of the Monroe doctrine; the war with Spain; territorial expansion; an increased Army and Navy; the growing power of the federal administration; an enormous material prosperity; and a wholesale participation in the world's markets;-all these causes have, as may easily be believed, altered greatly the whole character of American society. Indeed, for the first time in her history, America shows a united front to the world which it were disingenuous for us not to acknowledge.

Ten years ago the republic was split up into sections of opinion, each having little sympathy with the other; now the "solid South" is shattered; State rights are fast dwindling into the rights possessed by English counties, or at most, Crown Colonies; a standing army of 80,000 men has arisen, and a great fleet and mercantile marine are materializing.

Briefly, it may be said that the States have been a century in labour, and have put forth a nation.

In 1892 to have adumbrated the present rôle of America in Welt politik would have excited derision. Since that date, we have, however, seen an American

Empire arise; alien and distant races now bow the knee to an American ruler. America's accents, though brusque and untrained, are beginning to be heard respectfully in the concert of nations.

Perhaps little apology, then, is needed for the matter contained in this book. It is written from the standpoint of a Canadian (and therefore British) observer, who has passed several years across the southern boundary of his country.

September 25th, 1902.