what the Anglo-Saxon inherited as his birthright, the ability to govern himself. The fertile country in the Mississippi valley was not subjected to a period of misrule, nor did it run any risk of being so subjected, after the Latin flag was hauled down for the last time at New Orleans. The western country also escaped the possibility of religious despotism which has often been associated with the Latin rule.

The Westward movement with the consequent increase in wealth and territory gave the best opportunity that the world has ever known for the development of democratic institutions. A democracy had succeeded before that time, where the territory was small, but one had never been established which included a country extending from ocean to ocean. In the days when the question was being debated with vigor in the early years of the nineteenth century, there were many who believed that such an experiment was fraught with danger if not with the destruction of the republic; that, from its very nature, a democracy must be of a limited area.

Again, the admission of new members to the Union on an equal footing with the original thirteen colonies was regarded as a dangerous experiment. These changes have been accomplished without bringing disaster, and the newly admitted States have shown themselves as loyal to democratic institutions as the old.

The West has shown a steadily increasing interest in national affairs. The centre of population since 1790 has been moving toward the Mississippi. So has the centre of influence. With the passing of pioneer conditions, the States in the Ohio and Mississippi valleys quickly took a commanding position which shows no sign of changing.

The expansion which included the Mississippi valley prepared the way for further growth to the west, and after the Pacific Coast was reached, trade began with the Orient. It is doubtful what place the United States will have in the settlement of questions in the far East, but it is certain

that the strength of the nation, together with its eastern possessions, will give it much influence. There would have been but little communication between a nation which was confined to the eastern coast of America and the Orient compared with what now exists when only the Pacific separates the two, so that this may be considered one of the indirect results of the Westward movement.

The westward expansion beyond the Alleghanies to the Mississippi and still on to the Pacific must be regarded as a part of the movement toward Anglo-Saxon supremacy, which has been going on since England became a nation. The English race stands for certain principles of government which have endured the test of time. They have been more fully carried out in America than anywhere else, and are at present more influential than ever before.

APPENDIX I

AN ORDINANCE FOR THE GOVErnment oF THE TERRITORY OF THE UNITED STATES, NORTH-WEST

OF THE RIVER OHIO

Be it ordained by the United States in Congress assembled, That the said territory, for the purposes of temporary government, be one district; subject, however, to be divided. into two districts, as future circumstances may, in the opinion of Congress, make it expedient.

Be it ordained by the authority aforesaid, That the estates both of resident and non-resident proprietors in the said territory, dying intestate, shall descend to and be distributed among their children and the descendants of a deceased child in equal parts; the descendants of a deceased child or grandchild to take the share of their deceased parent in equal parts among them; and where there shall be no children or descendants, then in equal parts to the next of kin, in equal degree; and among collaterals, the children of a deceased brother or sister of the intestate shall have in equal parts among them their deceased parent's share; and there shall in no case be a distinction between kindred of the whole and half blood; saving in all cases to the widow of the intestate her third part of the real estate for life, and one-third part of the personal estate; and this law relative to descents and dower shal remain in full force until altered by the legislature of the district. And until the governor and judges shall adopt laws as hereinafter mentioned, estates in the said territory may be devised or bequeathed by wills

in writing, signed and sealed by him or her in whom the estate may be (being of full age), and attested by three witnesses; and real estates may be conveyed by lease and release, or bargain and sale, signed, sealed, and delivered by the person, being of full age, in whom the estate may be, and attested by two witnesses, provided such wills be duly proved, and such conveyances be acknowledged, or the execution thereof duly proved, and be recorded within one year after proper magistrates, courts, and registers shall be appointed for that purpose; and personal property may be transferred by delivery, saving, however, to the French and Canadian inhabitants, and other settlers of the Kaskaskias, Saint Vincent's, and the neighboring villages, who have heretofore professed themselves citizens of Virginia, their laws and customs now in force among them relative to the descent and conveyance of property.

Be it ordained by the authority aforesaid, That there shall be appointed from time to time, by Congress, a governor, whose commission shall continue in force for the term of three years, unless sooner revoked by Congress; he shall reside in the district, and have a freehold estate therein, in one thousand acres of land, while in the exercise of his office.

There shall be appointed from time to time, by Congress, a secretary, whose commission shall continue in force for four years, unless sooner revoked; he shall reside in the district, and have a freehold estate therein, in five hundred acres of land, while in the exercise of his office. It shall be his duty to keep and preserve the acts and laws passed by the legislature, and the public records of the district, and the proceedings of the governor in his executive department, and transmit authentic copies of such acts and proceedings every six months to the secretary of Congress. There shall also be appointed a court, to consist of three judges, any two of whom to form a court, who shall have a commonlaw jurisdiction, and reside in the district, and have each therein a freehold estate in five hundred acres of land, while