Introduction to the Science of Government, and Compend of the Constitutional and Civil Jurisprudence of the United States

Whatever of merit, therefore, may be awarded to this unpretending volume, is chiefly due to other and abler authors. Among the works to which the compiler is indebted, he would particularly mention, Sullivan's "Political Class Book," Chipman's "Principles of Government," Duer's "Outlines of Constitutional Jurisprudence," and the invalua ble "Commentaries" of Story and Kent.

With the hope that this treatise, notwithstanding its im perfections, will be found in some degree useful, it is respectfully offered to the patronage of a liberal community.

Warsaw, Oct. 1835.

TO THE

FOURTH EDITION.

Three editions of this work have been published, and disposed of principally in a few of the western counties of the state of New-York. Its favorable reception has induced the compiler to revise and essentially alter it, with a view to a more extended circulation. The former editions were designed more particularly for the state of NewYork: the present edition is adapted to the states in general.

The several clauses of the constitution are introduced in the order in which they occur in that instrument, and copied in full. They are made conspicuous by being enclosed in double commas; and the number of the article, section, and clause is affixed to each. Thus, although the several clauses are separated from each other by intervening commentaries, any part of the constitution may be readily referred to.

It will be seen that similar subjects occur in different parts of the work; and that reference is made from sections in one part, to sections in another, where the same subject is considered. The reader will, in most cases, be benefited by examining the sections referred to.

The science of Political Economy is an essential part of education, and is beginning to receive that attention which its importance demands. Being nearly allied to the science of government, it was deemed proper to give the

subject a place in this work. Without a knowledge of this science, no person can perform, efficiently, the duties of a legislator, nor even those of a private citizen.

The treatises on economy which the compiler has consulted, are Smith's Wealth of Nations, and the works of Say and Wayland. He has not, however, on all subjects adopted the opinions of these authors.

It is to be remembered that this work is, as its title denotes, an “introduction" to political science, being intended to teach elementary principles, rather than to settle questions on which the most eminent statesmen and economists are divided. Most of these controverted questions have therefore been avoided. The few, however, which have been introduced, have been freely discussed; and antagonist reasons have been stated, that the political student may be enabled to form intelligent opinions on subjects of public concern. It was considered inexpedient to keep altogether out of view those arguments which he will hereafter be called to meet in the discharge of political or legislative duties.

It has been a prominent object of the author, to impress upon the public mind a due sense of the value of our republican institutions, while he has endeavored to illustrate clearly the principles upon which they are founded. If the attempt shall prove successful, he will consider his labors amply rewarded. And he indulges the hope that this volume, in its amended and improved form, will be acceptable to the public.

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