evolves better forms of knowledge and
behaviour. The organization of society, therefore, produces successive
states, in each of which the principle of freedom is better established
than in the antecedent. Permanency in republican government is, therefore,
based upon corresponding experience and culture, and its possibilities grow
ever stronger. The relation of American democracy to the systems which have
preceded it forms the latest proof of these contentions. As Heeren's pupil,
he laid enormous stress on the importance of original authorities. In
dealing with documentary evidence he sought to apply very stringent
rules:--(1) Carefully distinguish between original authority and historical
memorials or aids; for example, between a fact recorded at first- or
second-hand knowledge, and a decision of principle by authority. (2)
Represent every man from his own standpoint; judge him from your own. His
collections of original materials were vast; beginning with his residence
in England, he brought together at enormous pains and expense the
authenticated copies of archives, family papers, and personal journals
written by historic personages, which now constitute an invaluable treasure
in the New York public library. They are from every land and from every
people with which American origins are connected. His use of this material
was not always according to accepted standards. To avoid dryness and
prolixity he condensed quotations, and occasionally employed the
Thucydidean method of abridgment or representation in place of fact
catalogues. During his long life enormous strides were made by others in
collecting the materials of American history, and while in the main he kept
pace with them by ruthless revision, yet even the latest edition of his
work disregards some minor facts which others knew for the insertion of
much which the author alone knew.

Bancroft's imagination and enthusiasm were alike exuberant. His pages
abound in fine and acute insight. His generalizations are vivid and
enlightening. He spared no pains to acquire true style, frequently
rewriting his chapters, and sometimes testing passages of philosophy and
description in eight different forms. Yet to a certain extent he lacked the
representative power and often failed to conceal his art, many pages
ringing with artificial tones. But, after making all allowances, it remains
true that he had a perfect sense of proportion, sound maxims and thorough
common-sense. He