A history of the presidency ..

Front matter

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Preface

The basis of this book is the '^ History of Presidential Elecons,'' originally published in 1884. In the preparation of lat work the meagreness and comparative inaccessibility of laterial concerning the early elections made the chapters that Bal with that period somewhat barren. Increasing abundance I material and greater familiarity with the political history of tore recent times caused a broadening of the plan, and led to le result that the later chapters of the oiiginal work, and still lore the chapters added in subsequent editions, in 1888, 1892, ad 1896, were much more than a history of the elections.

I have thought that the usefulness of the book might be reatly enhanced by rewriting a large part of it, supplying eficiencies by a more diligent search for and study of the lets relating to the presidency in the early days of the govmment, and enriching it throughout with new personal, xplanatory, and other enlightening matter, thus making the rhole work uniform in method. This has enabled me to itroduce a fuller discussion of some of the political problems 3 which the constitutional provisions regarding the presidenial office have given rise. More important still, the revision nd expansion of the work have given me a much-desired pportunity to modify some opinions expressed in the original K)ok which a more careful and thorough examination of origilal sources of information has led me to regard as not well ounded. The last consideration has the more weight in view f the use that has been made of the book in the history depart- [lents of our colleges.

The changes and additions here noted have given the Iwok

IV

PREFACE

80 much greater scope than it had in its first form, that a broader title seems necessary. If it be urged that a history of the presidency should include an account of the development of the presidential ofiice, and of the successive expansions or limitations of the President's powers and duties, the reply may be made that there has been no such development to record, since the office is now what it was in the time of Washington, — neither of greater nor of less weight in the government than it was then.

I have endeavored to collect and present all important matters relating to the presidency, beginning with the constitutional history of the office, covering every public event and discussion which had a perceptible influence in determining who should hold the office, and in connection therewith to note the origin and sketch the history of all political parties, however ephemeral, that rose above the rank of a local faction. And, since one President is different from another, I have tried to show wherein and in what manner the personal qualities of the Presidents have affected the course of public events and of the national history.

E. S.

Bbookline, MabsachusettSi July, 1898.