The Mississippi Valley, and prehistoric events

Preface

The object of this book is to supply the means of acquiring a clear idea of the Origin, Extent, Resources, and Development of the Mississippi Valley. No work before the public embraces this information.

Can a subject apparently so familiar in its general features as the development of the Valley of the Mississippi be clothed with fresh interest? A brilliant and durable prosjjerity must have an extraoidinary cause ; and a region that Jias reacted with such happy effect on the character and destinies of a great nation must be worthy of close study. That study will show that the Valley is only beginning to make itself felt in the countrj^ and the world, that its natunJ advantages are wholly unequaled by any section of the globe, and that its People and Institutions are equally superior.

Scientific studies on its orio-inal formation have ])een •principally confined to learned books. Presented in a con- -densed and popular form, they will be found of fascinating interest; while a complete view of its surface features, its vast area, its va,riety "of climate and soil, its agricultural and mineral resources, its rivers, lakes, and plains, and Avide ex- [)anding rim, with the peculiar course and significance of its human history, show it to be the grandest and most desirable region in the world. It is to be a mighty element ia a wonderful Future. The works of the Mound Builders, fhefore authentic history began, furnish evidence tliat it was

even thon the abode of a numerous and prosperous people, and nourished one of the Primitive Civilizations of the world. The publisher feels justified in saying that in all the range of English literature no publication can be found embodying so many valual)le and interesting facts, collected from reliable scientiiic investigators and from the remains of antiquity, presented in a manner so pleasing, and, at the same time, free from dry and tedious details. It can not fail to^ please all friends of literature and science.

INTRODUOTrON.

Within tlie last half century the world has been passing throuii'll chanojes of a new and strikiuiji; kind. Manv tendencies that had been long acquiring strength in secret, have suddenly come to the surface and taken control of life and thought ; directness and force, leading to results of world-wide importance such as no previous period could show, have become characteristic of most displays of energy in jjractical fields, and made the general situation for mankind at large extremely different. It reminds us of the flowering time of the plant when new parts are suddenly unfolded, new purposes and powers revealed, and all its vital energies concentrated on the flnal work of maturing the fruit.

Science is one of the chief factors in this suddenly quickened progress. It has learned to make its studies at once minute, comprehensive, and accurate. By carefully examining every particular, putting all the facts together to learn the significance of the whole, and then returning to a consideration of the relation of the parts to the general result, it seems to lay bare the secrets of nature. There are few things which it appears capable of concealing from an Inquiry so searching, and the practical and the mental worlds seem to share aI)out equally in the grand discoveries. The earth and the history of man have acquired a new meaning, and are invested with greater interest.

Tracino: effects back to causes, science finds conclusive proof of what before could only be dimly suspected, that

6 I N T K O D U G T 1 O N .

all things are bound together in a true unity ; that the solid earth has passed through a succession of changes as orderly as the stages of growth in a plant or an animal, each change contributing to the general advance toward a foreseen end. It is continually finding new evidence that the earth was fitted up with reference to human history ; and history is found to show more clearly the more carefully it is studied, that it has been guided with reference to the structure and varying resources of dift'erent regions of the earth.

The physical structure of Europe has exerted immense influence on civilization, ancient and modern ; the wonderful effect of the peculiar resources and position of England on its people and the world is well known. The American continent aa a whole, the transfer of European institutions to it and their subsequent re-action on development in Europe, also illustrate this law. The Mississippi Valley is in itself a case strongly in point, and in some peculiar ways.

Its iri'iiud outlines were drawn in the earliest geological times ; it was constructed with great simplicity throughout its general surface, but very elaborately on its borders, where all the resources. of volcanic force, of heat and chemical activity were taxed to enrich it with various treasures ; glaciers of almost continental magnitude were employed to provide it with a rich, deep soil ; it has an unrivaled location and its system of water-ways gives it a magnificent unity. Nature was lavish of her best, and did not change her mood from first to last.

It is interesting and significant to note how carefully the course of human history was guided to preserve this fortunate Valley from permanent occupation by any people whose genius and stage of development rendered them unfit to be its heirs. The primitive civilization of the Mound Builders was broken up before it became too strong, l)eing, probably, more fully developed in Central America and Mexico ; the

INTRODUCTION. 7

Indians were no true owners since they sought little but its game and wild fruits, and soon gave way to a superior race ; the Spaniards flitted across the Lower Valley or along its coasts, and disappeared, overwhelmed in the misfortunes produced by their own violence ; the French soldier or priest was soon lost to view under the forests, or maintained a precarious and uninfluontial foothold at a few points along the rivers ; and the Spanish, French, and English governments intrigued in vain with Indians and colonists to establish their control over it in later years.

But there was a people to whom the Valley took kindly, among whom were the germs of thought and character which could produce the best institutions and make the wisest use of its great resources. They wandered across the eastern mountains, under the friendly shelter of the tall forests, and felt themselves at home. Though the Indian swung his tomahawk and raised the war-whoop, nature smiled on them. They had no thought of retreat, though the settler must be warrior as well as farmer for almost a generation. The trees fell before his axe, and gradually the o-rain lields waved green and gold in the summer breeze — rough homes of peace and plenty multiplied over the whole vast region ; the rudeness and vices of the border soon gave place to the well-scttlod order of old communities ; while the freeman found himself nowhere so free, the business man was nowhere so prosperous, and the State, the school, the church, the press were nowhere so flourishing.

Here was ample room to show that unrestricted political freedom does not necessarily lead to disorder ; that business and trade are governed by laws of their own, which may correct the disturbances of personal ambition ; and that a loose society, with little pressure but its own choice, may prefer to establish and maintain the best institutions of the hiirhest civilization. The time had come for such lessons to

Introduction

be very efFiective. Presently England gave most of her colonies equal freedom, and the tension of authority among the nations of the Old World has long been giving way.

Thus we find the first and the last parts of the Valley's history unified. A thread of intention connects its geology with the latest developments in the history of its enterprising inhabitants, and the whole forms a j^rophecy of the future of no small interest. Accumulated causes, in our day, hurry into efiects ; industrial and commercial forces have become immense — in the Valley especially — and are daily gathering strength, and the surprises of the past will sink into insignificance before those of the near future.

The problems of liberty and national unity have been solved already and completely by the help of the Valley. But these were only j)reliminary questions. How shall these boundless resources be so used that all classes of the people shall be prosperous ? How shall the great questions of industry, finance, and commerce be settled so that injustice shall be done to none? Nature here furnishes the means to any desired extent ; it is the true adjustment that is required ; the field is roomy, the forces are fairlj'- free to move. Notwithstanding many seeming contradictions, man and nature, here at least, are equally well meaning, on the whole, and the harmonizing law of relations and interests is active and strong. "We may tlu>refore believe that the beneficent re-action of the Great Valley on the welfare of the nation has only begun.

coisrTE:^^Ts

PAKT FIRST.

THE AITOIENT HISTORY OF THE MISSISSIPPI VALLEY

AND or THE MOUND BUILDERS, AS EELATED

BY SCIENCE.

TiTie Science dates from the Times of Columbus — The difficulties met in searching for Sound Principles and Methods — The Caution and Precision now employed by men of Science.

Chapter I. Uo'w Nature Formed The Great Valley 33

The Forces employed by Nature have Written their History in the Rocks — The Earth originally a Molten Fiery Mass, which gradually cooled — The immense Forces proceeding from Contraction — How- Continents were outlined, their Parts raised and Mountains elevated —The Outlining of the Great Valley.

CHAPTER II. HOTV ROCKS ARE MADE AMD HOW THEIR '-STOPy" IS READ. 41

IThe Four Geological " Times" and Classes of Rocks— Primordial Time and Azoic Rocks, /. e., without Life — Palaeozoic Rocks containing Ancieizt Forms of Life — Mesozoic Rocks containing Medi.-eval or Middle Forms of Life— Cenozoic Rocks showing Recent Forms of Life— The Great Coal-making Period— The Great Mountain-making vPeriods-

CHAPTER ITT.

HOW NATURE FINISHED THE VALLEY AND PREPARED IT

FOR MAN 48

The Tertiary Period preceding tlie Age of Man — The Q^iaternary, or Recent Period, including the Age of Man — The Glacial Period, or the Age of Ice — The Drift it formed, and how it was distributed — The Champlain Period and draining of the Valley — The Vegetable Mould gradually produced completes the Work.

Chapter IV. Vegetable And Animal Life Its Origin And Progress. 55 '

The wonderful Skill and Intelligence of the Life Force — How did it Originate, and How was it Propagated? — Various Tlieories — Similarities and Differences in Animal and Vegetable Forms of Life.

Chapter V. Vegetation In The Valley, Ancient And Modern 63

The two great Classes of Vegetable Forms — Vegetable Life probably preceded Animal Life — The first known Forms — The small number of Early Forms preserved — The Forests of the Coal Period — Vegetation after the Coal Period — Forest Trees after the Mountains were raised.

Chapter VI. Animal Life In The Valley, Ancient And Modern 70

The Five great Divisions of Animal Life — Most Ancient Forms — Life in the Palaeozoic Rocks — Gradual introduction of Higher Forms — No Animal with Lungs befo e the Coal Period — Probable reason — Life after the Coal Period in Mesozoic Time — More Recent Animal.-; — Man the Ideal Animal.

Chapter VII. Jeneral View Of The Finished Valley

The Great River and its Principal Branches — The Subordinate Rivers and their Basins — The Gulf Slope — The Prairies and their Origin — General Relations within and without — The Readiness with which it gives up its vast Treasures.

Chapter VIII. The Mineral Treasures Of The Valley

The Causes that produced its Extensive Deposits of useful Minerals — Every Geological Age worked well for the Valley — Iron Deposits in the Primitive Rock — In Later Formations — Fine Q^iality and favorable Distribution — Copper-bearing Rocks — Lead of Lower Silurian Rocks — Building Stone — Salt and its Origin — Petroleum — Extraordinary Supply of Coal.

Chapter IX. Agricultural Possibilities Of The Valley 97

Its Adaptations favorable to a vast Development of Commerce and Manufactures — However great in other respects, Agriculture will always Lead — The remarkable Qj,talities of the Soil — The Climate and Rainfall of different Sections — Comparison of Mississippi Valley with Russia and the Valley of the Amazon — Points of Superiority to every other Region.

Chapter X. The Mound Builders And The First Men In The

VALLEY 112

The Champlain Period and huge Animals — Traces of Man in connection with the Mastodon — Men in the Valley as early as in Europe — Where did they come from? — Their Unlikeness to any Old World Race — The Moundi in the Yalley — The conclusion is that the people who made them had an Organized Government and Institutions.

^2 CONTEXTS.

THE LABORS OF THE MOUND BUILDERS H?

The great numbpr of the Mounds— Mounds classed as Fortifications, Temples. Altars, Sepulchres, etc —Careful Study of them by Men o Science— Number and Character of Military Enclosures— Fort Hill and Fort Ancient, Ohio— Temple Mounds and Enclosures— Works at Newark, Ohio— Cahokia and Seltzertown Mounds— Altars of Sacrifice—Burial Mounds— Mounds not made by Indians.

Chapter XII. The Character Of The .mound Builders And Their

INSTITUTIONS.

Their Mental Qualities as shown by their Skulls — Physical Qualities- Evidences of a Settled Government — Their numbers and Proof that they were Agriculturists — Military and Mathematical Knowledge — Their Art Remains indicate considerable Advancement — The great Difficulties they had to overcome in Industry and Art — Their Religious Institutions — Proofs of Sun Worship — Of Human S.icrifices — Their Priesthood — Evidences of Connection with Central America and Mexico — Sudden Disappearance — Conclusions.

Chapter I. The Wild Hunters Of The Valley 155

Indians totally different from Mound Builders — Their habits, military and political organization — Comparison of Brain with Mound Builders and Europeans — Difficulty of accepting Civilization, and its Causes — Their manly and childish Qualities — Unhappy effect of contact with Civilized Races — Limited Success of Indian Confederations — Their Origin — Inferences from Language — No Traces of former higher culture or mixture of Races.

CHAPTER 11.

DISCOVERY AND EXPLORATION BY THE SPANIARDS 167

Character of Spanish Conquests of the Sixteenth Century — They were Religious Crusades — Their Unsparing Cruelty — DeSoto's Expedition.

Chapter III. The French In North America In The Seventeenth

CENTURY 175

The Modern Tone of their Missions and Conquests — Marquette and Joliet— The great Vigor and Misfortunes of La Salle — Bienville at the Mouth of the Mississippi.

Chapter IV. English Exploratioms IV The Valley In The Eigh- Teenth Century 183

The Aims of English Settlers different from those of Spanish and French — English Traders and Colonists — Cause of Indian Hostility to them — Contest of English and French for the Possession of the Valley.

CHAPTER V. THE Indian's defence of his hunting grounds

AGAINST THE FRENCH AND ENGLISH 191

The Massacre of the Natchez — The Chickasaws and Choctaws Successfully Resist the French — English Policy in the South Against the French — Indians Assist the French in the Upper Valley — Pontiac's Designs and their Failure. •

Chapter VI. The Indians Make War O.x The American Pioneers.200

Indian Titles to the Valley — Purchases by the English and Colonial Authorities — English Policy during the Revolution — Courage of Early Settlers — Bloody Contest during the War in Kentucky and Tennessee — Success of Gen. George Rogers Clarke — Struggle of Indians for Northwest Territory — St. Clair's Defeat — Wayne's Victory.

Chapter VII. Tecumseh And His Allies 209

Pifteen Years Peace — Character and Purposes of Tecumseh — His Organization in the North— His Visit to the Creeks— The War of 1S12— The Indians in the English Armies — Fearful Massacres Nortli and South — Death of Tecumseh— Gen. Jackson and the Creeks — Final Subjugation of the Indians — Indian Policy and Later Contests-

Chapter VIII. The Heroic Period Of Settlement 222

Daniel Boone and his Companions — The First Settlers in Tennessee — The Spread of Settlement in Kentucky — Incidents of the War in Kentucky — The Brave Girl — The Young Hero — The Prudent Boys — The Two Wounded Men — The Number of Settlers in 1795.

Chapter IX. Wholesale Settlement Under Difficulties

Tiie Two Heroic States — Settlement of Ohio and the Northwest — Settlement in the Lower Valley — Population in iSoo — The Situation in 1812 — Sudden Diffusion of Settlement after the War — Transportation on the Rivers — Social Habits in 1816 — Population in 1820.

Chapter X. The Steamboat Era 250

The Isolation of the Valley and Want of Markets in Early Times— Great Improvement about 1820 on Introduction of Steamboats — Gain of Settlers in 1S30— The Southern Valley — Vast Immigration between 1830 and 1850 — Need of a new Carrying Agent.

THE RAILROAD ERA". 257

The Difficulty of Building Railways before 1850— California Gold and the Extension of Railroads — Transfer of population from the East to the West — Increase of Population between i8;o and i860.

Chapter XII. Constitutional Beginnings By The Early Settlers. 263

The Sturdy Character of the American Colonist— Fortunate Escape of the Valley from Spanish, French and English Rule — Miscarriage of Proprietary Companies in Early Settlements — Significance of the Reason— -'Articles of Association"' of Wautauga Settlement — County Organizations in Kentucky and Tennessee— The " State of Franklin "-- Its History Illustrates American Character— Foreign Intrigues in the Valley.

Chapter XIII. The Constitutional System For Creating New States .274

The "Ordinance of 17S7"' — It beconnes a virtual Territorial ConstitutSon — Its Wise Provisions — The Constitution of the United States sts a Definition of State and Popular Rights — Liberal Interpretatioii of Theory in Practice.

Chapter XIV. State Constitutions , 292

History of the Organization of each Territory and Slate in the Vallejr — Special Features of each State Constitution detailed — The Features Common to all the States — Summary of Results.

Chapter XV. Nationality Of Emigrants To The Valley, And- Theik

ORIGINAL CHARACTER -320

■Immigrants from the Atlantic States in Ditferent Periods — Their Enterprise and Intelligence — Immigrants from the British Isles — They atre Branches from our own Stock — Immigrants from Northern and Cemtral Europe — The readiness with which they '"Fall into Line" — Tiie French Settlers in the Valley.

Chapter XVI. The Pioneers Of Kentucky And Tennessee .2^>

Their bold and hardy Qiialities — The combination of the wi'y Ilunllar and the practical Farmer in them — The Independence and self-assertion acquired — The influence of these qualities on the later Hi&torf' of the Valley — They furnish a leading Type of Character.

Chapter XVII. New England In The West 333

The thoughtful, logical and enterprising character of the New England Tjpe of Americans — Long isolation and much hardship did not injure, but improved the Tjpe — What the Yankee lost and what he gained in the woods and prairies of the West — The Undertone thus given to Western Habits and Institutions — The later New Englander, what he gave and what he received.

Chapter XVIII. The Southern Planter In The Valley 339

The peculiar character of Pioneer Life in the Southern Valley — The social qualities and intelligence promoted — The Master, the Servant, the Gentleman, and the American Citizen in the Southern Valley.

Chapter XIX. Foreign Immigrants As American Citizens 346

The Foreign elements at different Periods — The readiness with which they caught the American Spirit — Liberalizing influence of the Foreign Element of the Population — The Fusion or combined results of all these elements of character in the Valley.

Chapter XX. Educational Beginnings In The Valley 352

Origin and Progress of Popular Education in Europe and the Eastern States— Early Embarrassments to Common Schools in the Valley — The eager interest soon displayed— Great and intelligent development from 1850 to 1S60 — Newspapers and Churches.

Chapter XXI. Industrial Progress To 1860 3g2

Early Manufactures and their steady increase — Progress of Commerce and Trade — Agricultural beginnings — Progress limited only by capacity of markets — Investment of Capital and production of wealth in different periods. 2

CHAPTER XXII. THE VALLEY IN lS6o ..3G7

Review of fiivorable features of Valley History to iS6o — The disadvantages from industrial and political opposition between the two sections — Neither the River nor Railway systems could overcome them — Influence of these two systems on the Civil War.

CHAPTER XXIIL

THE CONFLICT AND ITS LESSONS 374

Military Strategy and the Railroads — Operations on the Rivers — Other lines of defence and attack — Conq'uest of principal lines decides the War — How the Valley tends to preserve the unity of the whole country.

Chapter I. The Southern Valley At The Close Of The War... 387

The Misfortunes of the People — The Losses in Capital — The Disorganization of Industry — The South must begin anew.

CHAPTER n.

CHANGES IN THE SOUTHERN VALLEY AFTER THE WAR 394

Re-arrangement of the Labor System — Political Changes — The New Situation Fairly Established — The New Career Open — How Americans Manage a Difficulty — Constitutional Changes

Chapter III. The Upper Valley During The War 40(>

Causes of the Uninterrupted Development of the Upper Valley During the War — The East and West Railroad System — Agricultural Machinery, Immigration, and Circulation of Money — Its Products find Excellent Markets — A fine Situation.

CHAPTER IV. THE NEW STARTING POINl 410

The Fresh Impulses Furnished to Enterprise — A Hopeful Energy Creates Resources — The Era of Results Succeeds the Era of Beginnings — The Benefits and Evils Resulting from the War.

Chapter V. Vast Extension Of The Railway System 416

Completion of the Pacific Railroad — Rapid Development of the Western Valley — Immense increase of Business multiplies Shorter Roads and completes Long Routes — Advantages of the Railroad Furor — The Sudden Reaction.

Chapter VI. Production Of Mineral Wealth In The New Era.. .424

Increase of Iron Production in the Valley — Consumption of Iron and Steel — Progress of Coal Mining — Significance of these Facts — Petroleum, Copper and Salt — Precious Metals on the Rocky Mountain Border in 1872 — Progress and General Probabilities.

Chapter VII. Rapid Growth Of Manufactures 428

Value of Railroads in DiiYusing Industries and Developing the Capacities of every Region — Comparison of Earlier and Later Statistics of Manufactures — Great Relative Growth in the Center of the Country.

Chapter VIII. The Transfer Of Industries To The Valley 432

It is Promoted by Ready Access to Material — By the Nearness of Purchasers — By the Large Margin of Profit — Indications of Transfer as a Fact — Growth o£ Large Cities in the Valley — Manufactures in the Eastern, the Central and the Southeastern Valley.

Chapter IX. Cultivated Areas And Farm Values In The New Era. .430

Gain of Acreage Cultivated from 1S60 to 1870 — Losses in the South — Later Gains — Facts from Census — Later Values — The Period of Investments and the Period of Profits.

Chapter X. The Gifts Of The Soil Agricultural Production. .444

Grain Production in Various Years — Crops and Prices — Other products of the Farm — The Law of Expansion — The South and the Southwest.

COMPARISON OF AGRICULTURE AND OF OTHER INDUSTRIES. .451

Comparison of Data for Fifty Years — Farm Products and Mining — Agriculture and Manufactures — Foreign Export.

Chapter XII. Commerce Of The Rivers And The Lakes 457

Earlier and Later Statistics — Carriage by Water and by Railway — The Future of Water-ways.

Chapter XIII. Direct Foreign Commerce Of The Valley 464

The Past and the Present of Commerce — The great Changes preparing — Atlantic Commerce — The future of South American Commerce — The Mississippi Valley, the Isthmus Canal and Pacific Commerce.

CHAPTER .XIV.

THE STIMULANTS TO EDUCATION SINCE THE WAR 469

The Educating Influence of the War— New demands on Scientific and Technical Education — Sudden removal of Barriers to Observation- Educating power of Intense and Comprehensive Activity — Newspapers and Libraries.

Chapter XV. The Wonderful Progress Of Popular Education 474

The Funds devoted to School purposes in i860 and 1870 — Schools in the different States— The great improvement in Methods— Normal Schools — Universities and Colleges — Significance of School Systems in New States.

Chapter XVI. The Growing Breadth Of Relations To The Outside

WORLD 482

Relations to the Commerce and Manufactures of the East — To the Mining and Commerce of the West — A New World of Relations.

CHAPTER XVn.

THE NEW UNITY OF THE VALLEY 496

A Financial Crisis, and the Telegraph and Railway Systems — The East, the West and the Valley in a Financial Storm — The Valley comes to the Front — It is a World in itself^True Centralization.

CHAPTER XVIII. THE PAST AND THE PRESENT OF AMERICAN HISTORY...o501

Early directions in Development have not been changed — Expansion and Union of American Types of Character — The American Idea and Manhood Suffrage — The free operation of Natural Law renders Catastrophes impossible.

Chapter XIX. The Grand Experiment, And European Democracy... 509

The Old Theory of Government shown to be False — Fifteen Years of European History — American connection with the Regeneration of European Governments — The Law of Change.

Chapter XX

A HISTORY . OF THE PROPHETS OF EVIL 519

The Dark Side of the Picture— The Serious Dangers of the Past — How they Disappeared — " Beware of False Prophets."

Chapter XXI. The America Of The Future 527

The Monroe Doctrine and its Fruits— The Continent Unified in the Valley — The Rule of Reason and Interest — Can Intelligence and Science cease to Develop? — The Securities furnished by the Past and the Present — The Certainties of the Future — Its Probabilities.

Chapter III. Prehistoric Arizona 557

Its former Dangers and Romantic Mysteries — Early Spanish Search for Cities and Treasure — Extensive Ruins of Houses and Irrigating Canals — A Prehistoric Civilization — Its Character, Probabie Origin and Violent Ending — Climate of Arizona, Rainfall, Soil and Mines.

Chapter IV. The Great Divide — The Principal Plateau Of The

ROCKY MOUNTAINS 576

Structure of the various parts of the Plateau and Mountain Ranges — Fine Features of Montana, "Wyoming, Colorado and New Mexico — The Plains, Stock Raising, Farming and Mining.

Chapter V. The Great Basins ■ 590

The Central Trough from British Columbia to the Gulf of California — Utah and Upper Columbia Basins— River System, Soil and Climate of the different Basins.

Chapter VI. The Pacific Coast From Puget Sound To San Diego. 598

Western Washington and Oregon — Promising Features of these Regions — The California Valley — Southern California and the Pacific Coast.

Chapter VII. Agriculture On The Pacific Slope 607

A Wonderful Soil — Its Origin — Statistics of California — Irrigation and its Climatic Effects — In California — In the Interior Basins — Western Oregon and Washington.

CHAPTER VIIL

SETTLEMENT OF THE PACIFIC SLOPE THE VIGOROUS

CHARACTER OF THE PEOPLE 626

Spanish Settlement — Character of Mexicans— Gold Discoveries test the Character of Americans — A Magnificent History of Enterprise and Energy.

THE ATLANTIC SLOPE.

Chapter IX. The Birth-place Of The Republic 641

The best Anglo-Saxon Traits preserved in the Colonies of the Atlantic Coast— Geological, Commercial and Agricultural Features of this Region— A Nev? and Admirable Race is produced here — The Wisdom of the Original States.

Chapter X. The Development And Pkospects Of The Atlantic

SLOPE -. 655

Early Growth Slow— Great Advantages of New York, Pennsylvania and the Middle Coast— New England— The Southern Coast— Probable Future of each.

THE EAST AS A LEADER 663

Eminent Features of the Sections Compared — Wise Management and Enterprise preserve the Ascendency of the East — Its Leadership of Intelligence and Energy, Past, Present and Future.

Chapter VI. The Wealth Of England 742

The United States and England Compared— Summaries of Growth in Realized Wealth in each by English Statisticians — Conclusions.

THE MISSISSIPPI VALLEY.

PAET FIEST.

THE ANCIENT HISTORY OF THE MISSISSIPPI VALLEY AND OF THE MOUND BUILDERS, AS RELATED BY SCIENCE.

The discoveries of Columbus, and of Portuguese mariners shortly before, opened an era of great importance to Europe and to mankind. They lifted the veil that hid another world from the eyes of the dawning modern civilization, enlarged tenfold the field of adventure and of business activity, and stimulated enterprise by the promise of brilliant rewards. For a thousand years Europe had been a general battle field, whereon fierce passions, towering ambitions and conflicting interests had wasted the resources of church and state. These new openings for energy gradually relieved the deadly stress of conflict between nations and classes, and changed destructive forces into agents of progress and prosperity. In this reconstruction of views and interests, which was made slowly but surely, many illusions and false notions, religious, social and political, disappeared. Mankind seemed now to come of age, so to speak, and enter, for the first time, on the serious work of life.

New experiences and a vast multitude of new facts could not all be harmonized with old theories, and the habit of more attentive observation, which the necessity of fresh ex])lanations gradually introduced, led to the re-organization of the old sciences and to the development of many new ones. It was the starting point of truer study by more careful investigation. The world, for instance, was proved to be round by mariners who constantly sailed in the same direction till they at length came back to their starting point; this laid a solid foundation for a true theory of the planetary system and the starry world ; stimulated inquiry into the laws that govern the motions of the heavenly bodies, and thus enlarged and corrected the Science of Astronomy, In a similar way every branch of knowledge profited by the great events of the Columbian Era.

Yet it took a long time to find out the most effective and reliable methods of study, and to teach men not to draw conclusions too hastily. Many difficulties were met in organizing this practical school. It was not easy to throw off" the influence of old habits and views, and men found it hard to believe that those who had been revered for their learning in former times eould have made so many great mistakes. The great men and the theories of the past had become identified with institutions whose influence and authority seemed to be attacked by the new learning, and persecution was frequently added to the other embarrassments of the student of science.

Many of the sciences required long and difficult researches, and the observations which must furnish the material for true theories accumulated facts slowly. The science of geology properly commenced with the inquiry how marine shells could have been placed in the heart of rocks and on the top of mountains. It was long before the true explanation could be found. Some rocks did not contain shells at all, but bore the apj)earance of having cooled from a melted state. These were so numerous, especially in some regions, that it was believed by some that all rock was formed in that way, although that view did not satisfactorily account for the rocks containing the shells. Other regions showed very few, or none, of these fire-made rocks, nearly all contained the remains of organic life, and, the principal effort being to account for them, the theory was advanced that all rocks were formed in water. Much study

THE GROWTH OF MODERN SCIENCE. 29'

and discussion followed before it was seen that both these theories were necessary to a complete explanation.

Sometimes it was necessary that one science should reach a certain degree of perfection before it could shed the necessary light on important questions of another; and in others the whole world had to be pretty well known before the true theory could be framed. There was a great attraction in making fresh discoveries, the interest the questions raised constantly increased, and, as every part of the earth became more fully known to the civilized world, the dark points were gradually cleared up. A theory that is nearest the truth will explain the largest number of facts, and, led on by increasing breadth and clearness of explanation, men of science slowly and painfully conquered the difficulties in their way.