CONTENTS

CHAPTER PAGE
I. The Folks and Their Folksiness[ 1]
II. Types and Diversions[ 39]
III. The Farmer of the Middle West[ 83]
IV. Chicago[ 135]
V. The Middle West in Politics[ 181]
VI. The Spirit of the West[ 235]

AUTHOR’S NOTE TO THE FOURTH
EDITION

In the reprintings of a book of this character it would be possible to revise and rewrite in such manner as to conceal the errors or misjudgments of the author. It seems, however, more honest to permit these impressions to stand practically as they were written, with only a few minor corrections. It was my aim to make note of conditions, tendencies, and needs in the Valley of Democracy, and the conclusion of the war has affected my point of view with reference to these matters very little.

The first months of the present year have been so crowded with incidents affecting the whole world that we recall with difficulty the events of only a few years ago. We have met repeated crises with an inspiring exhibition of unity and courage that should hearten us for the new tasks of readjustment that press for attention, and for the problems of self-government that are without end. I shall feel that these pages possess some degree of vitality if they quicken in the mind and heart of the reader a hope and confidence that we of America do not walk blindly, but follow a star that sheds upon us a perpetual light.

M. N.

Indianapolis, June 1, 1919.

ILLUSTRATIONS

Michigan Avenue, Chicago, from the steps of the Art Institute[ Frontispiece]
FACING PAGE
“Ten days of New York, and it’s me for my home town”[ 6]
Art exhibits ... now find a hearty welcome[ 20]
The Municipal Recreation Pier, Chicago[ 66]
Types and Diversions[ 74]
On a craft plying the waters of Erie I found all the conditions of a happy outing and types that it is always a joy to meet[ 78]
The Perry Monument at Put-in Bay [ 80]
A typical old homestead of the Middle West[ 100]
Students of agriculture in the pageant that celebrated the fortieth anniversary of the founding of Ohio State University [ 114]
A feeding-plant at “Whitehall,” the farm of Edwin S. Kelly, near Springfield, Ohio[ 120]
Judging graded shorthorn herds at the American Royal Live Stock Show in Kansas City[ 132]
Chicago is the big brother of all lesser towns[ 142]
The “Ham Fair” in Paris is richer in antiquarian loot, but Maxwell Street is enough; ’twill serve![ 152]
Banquet given for the members of the National Institute of Arts and Letters[ 176]
There is a death-watch that occupies front seats at every political meeting [ 194]
The Political Barbecue[ 198]

THE VALLEY OF DEMOCRACY