States. French commissioners were appointed, and on September 30, 1800, a friendly convention was signed. Both countries ratified it, and it was declared in force December 21, 1801. For a while the safety of our commerce was thus secured. (See Embargo Act.)

Yankee. There are several conflicting theories concerning the derivation of the word Yankee. The most probable is that it came from a corrupt pronunciation by the Indians of the word English, or its French form, Anglais. The term Yankee was originally applied only to natives of the New England States, but foreigners have extended it to all natives of the United States, and during the Civil War the Southerners used it as a term of reproach for all inhabitants of the North.

Yazoo Fraud.—About the time of the formation of the United States, Georgia owned or claimed the greater part of the territory between her present limits and the Mississippi River. In 1789 she sold for about $200,000 some ten or fifteen million acres of this land to the South Carolina Yazoo Company, the Virginia Yazoo Company, and the Tennessee Company. Difficulties arose, however, which prevented the sales from being consummated. In 1795 what was distinctly known as the "Yazoo fraud” occurred. The purchasers, generally known as the Yazoo Companies, from their operations in the Yazoo district, having been reorganized, Georgia in that year sold to them for $500,000 the larger part of her western territory, comprising about 35,000,000 acres, which now forms the States of Alabama and Mississippi. Such a transaction was of national interest, and Washington sent a message to Congress concerning it. Charges were made that the necessary legislation had been secured by extensive bribery, and James Jackson, then Georgia's representative in the Senate, resigned from that body, stood for a seat in the State Legislature, was elected, and, as the exponent of the demand of the people, was enabled to repeal the objectionable act and expunge it from the records. In 1802 Georgia ceded all the territory west of her present boundary to the Federal Government. The purchasers now demanded their

rights from the United States, and Jefferson's Cabinet expressed the opinion that it would be "expedient" to make a reasonable compromise with them, while not recognizing their claims as a matter of right. The opponents of the administration raised a great clamor and did not hesitate to charge that improper influences had moved Jefferson and his advisers. The question came before Congress, some of whose members were personally interested in the matter, but, largely because of the vehement opposition made by John Randolph of Virginia, the relief measure was defeated by a large majority. The purchasers afterward obtained a favorable verdict from the Supreme Court, and Congress in 1814 appropriated $8,000,000 in scrip, payable from the proceeds of Mississippi lands, to satisfy the claimants. Much of this money, however, went to speculators, to whom discouraged claimants had transferred their interests.

Young Hickory.-Andrew Jackson was called Old Hickory. (See that title.) James K. Polk was born in the same State as Jackson, North Carolina, and settled in the same State, Tennessee; moreover, a certain resemblance in their political feelings led to his being called Young Hickory.

A Dictionary of American Politics. Comprising accounts of Political Parties, Measures and Men; Explanations of the Constitution; Divisions and Practical Workings of the Government, together with Political Phrases, Familiar Names of Persons and Places, Noteworthy Sayings, etc., etc. By EVERIT BROWN and ALBERT STRAUSS. 565 pages. Cloth, 12mo, price $1.00. Paper, 50 cents.

SENATOR JOHN SHERMAN says: "I have to acknowledge the receipt of a copy of your Dictionary of American Politics.' I have looked over it, and find it a very excellent book of reference, which every American family ought to have."

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Readers' Reference Hand-Book. Comprising "A HANDY CLASSICAL AND MYTHOLOGICAL DICTIONARY" of brief and concise explanations of ancient mythological, historical and geographical allusions commonly met with in literature and art, also FAMOUS PEOPLE OF ALL AGES," a manual of condensed_biographies of the most notable men and women who ever lived. By H. C. FAULKNER and W. H. VAN ORDEN. Cloth, 12mo, price $1.00.

"This book will serve a useful purpose to many readers, and will save time lost in consulting dictionaries of larger scope."-The Churchman.

Writers' Reference Hand-Book. Comprising a manual of the "ART OF CORRESPONDENCE," with correct forms for letters of a commercial, social and ceremonial nature, and with copious explanatory matter. Also "A HANDY DICTIONARY OF SYNONYMS," with which are combined the words opposite in meaning. Prepared to facilitate fluency and exactness in writing. By JENNIE TAYLOR WANDLE and H. C. FAULKNER. Cloth, 12mo, price $1.00.

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For sale by all Booksellers, or will be sent post-paid on receipt of price, by the pub. lisher, A. L. BURT, 66 Reade Street, New York.

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Etiquette, Health and Beauty. Comprising THE USAGES OF THE BEST SOCIETY," a manua1 of social etiquette, and "TALKS WITH HOMELY GIRLS ON HEALTH AND BEAUTY," containing chapters upon the general care of the health, and the preservation and cultivation d beauty in the complexion, hands, etc. By FRANCES STEVENS and FRANCES M SMITH. Cloth, 12mo, price $1.00.

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The National Standard Dictionary. A pronouncing lexicon of the English Language, containing 40,000 words, and illustrated with 700 wood-cuts, to which is added an appendix of useful and valuable information. 600 pages. Cloth, 12mo, price $1.00.

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The Usages of the Best Society. A manual of social etiquette. By FRANCES STEVENS. Cloth, 16mo, price 50 cents.

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A Handy Dictionary of Synonyms, with which are combined. the words opposite in meaning. For the use of those who would speak or write the English language fluently and correctly. By H. C. FAULKNER Cloth, 16mo, price 50 cents.

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Talks With Homely Girls on Health and Beauty. Their Preservation and Cultivation By FRANCES M. SMITH. Cloth, 16mo, price 50 cents.

"She recommends no practices which are not in accord with hygienic laws, so that her book is really a valuable little guide.”—Peterson's Magazine.

A Handy Classical and Mythological Dictionary. For popu lar use, with 70 illustrations. By H. C. FAULKNER. Cloth, 16mo price 50 cents.

It is often convenient to have a small book at hand in order to find out th meaning of the classical allusions of the day, when it is troublesome and cumbersome to consult a larger work. This tasteful volume fills the desired purpose. It explains the allusions, pronounces the hard names, and pictures many of the mythological heroes."-Providence Journal.

Famous People of All Ages. Who they were, when they lived, and why they are famous. By W. H. VAN ORDEN. Cloth, 16mo, price 50 cents.

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For sale by all Booksellers, or will be sent post-paid on receipt of price, by the pub lisher, A. L. BURT, 66 Reade Street, New York.