The Case of the South Against the North

The importance of the study of history is universally recognized. It is especially obvious when one's own country is concerned. It is to be regretted, however, that so far as they deal with the political development of this country, the text-books placed in the hands of American boys and girls are not only superficial, but, in too many instances, incorrect and misleading.Mr. B. F. Grady declares in the preface to his book, "The Case of The South Against the North," that his primary object has been the removal from the public mind of some of the wrong impressions which have been made in American history. In reciting the causes which brought about the Revolution, the Declaration of Independence, and the adoption of the articles of confederation, Mr. Grady shows the relations existing between the different colonies before they assumed the prerogative of sovereign States, and brings out the fact that the struggle with the mother country was begun mainly for the relief of New England, and espe-cially of Massachusetts, from oppressive British legislation. This fact is contrasted with the persistent effort of New England States to take advantage of their federal relations, secured by the adoption of the constitution of the United States, to enhance their wealth at the expense of the other States. He goes on to discuss how this sectionalism developed and manifested itself in tariff legislation and territorial expansion. He goes on to masterly examine constitutional questions, and how differences in the interpretation Constitution ultimately led to a war between the states.