National
Character.
intended to make this a
National Cyclopedia which
shall represent the entire
Republic, and reflect the spirit, genius, and
life of every section. The editor has en-
deavored in all instances to obtain the co-
operation of the most competent students
of special periods or departments of ihs-
tory, and he has the assistance of scholarly
and experienced associates.
Best Writers of
the Country.
Many articles of impor-
tance are contributed by
some of the most brilliant
names in American literature, as well as
by many of our most illustrious statesmen,
soldiers and jurists. Much valuable ma-
terial is obtained from original sources, and
in the case of recent lives, and those "men
of light and leading" who are still with us,
important aid is afforded by the friends
and relatives of the subjects.
Right to be
Fairly Rep-
resented.
Every man has the rigth
fully and fairly to disclose
himself, his past life, his
aspirations, efforts, success-
ses, and failures, and to explain intentions,
correct errors, and have a clean, straight-
forward, and honorable record transcribed
to the pages of biography, where it will re-
main forever the pride and honor of the
family, and a benefit to mankind. How
different is this from the unrecorded life,
which must ever be, even to family and
friends, half-known, ill understood, harshly
judged, and all from an unfortunate neglect
of proper explanation. Nor
Not Egotism.
can this be called egotism;
it is a high above vulgar conceit, as healthy
self-respect is above empty boasting. No
one ever did a manly work without having
a manly pride in it, and it is this some
noble sentiment which actuates him in
giving to others the benefits of his ex-
periences. Title to this distinction is not
determined by money or morality, but
rahter by what the person has accom-
plished. It is rather what a man does
than what he is that stimulates progress.
What
Advances
Civilization.
Achievement in engineer-
ing, electricity, or mechan-
ics; improvements in loco-
motives, looms, or ploughs,
contribute as much to the advancement of
civilization as an epic poem or an Oxford
tract, and the workers of this achievement
are to be sought out and given to the
world, through the pages of the National
Cyclopedia of American Biography.
Originality.
This plan has never be-
cures entire orignality, and will rescue
from forgetfulness many men and women
who have been important facters in Amer-
ican history.
