east and
west, is so simple as to have precluded all disputes as to boundary or
title. This domain reaches from the 24th to the 49th parallel, from the
lakes to the gulf, and from the Atlantic to the Pacific. Its isothermes
(the lines of equal mean annual temperatures) strike on the north the
coast of Norway midway, touch St. Petersburg in Russia, and pass through
Manchooria on the coast of Asia, about three degrees south of the mouth
of the Amour river. On the south, these isothermes run through Northern
Africa, and nearly the centre of Egypt near Thebes, cross Northern
Arabia, Persia, Northern Hindostan, and Southern China near Canton.

Of this vast domain, less than two per cent. is cursed by slavery, which
is prohibited by law in eleven of these land States, and in all the
Territories.

Now, however, within our present vast domain, not only the poor, but our
own industrious classes and those of Europe, may not only find a home,
but a farm for each settler, substantially as a free gift by the
Government. Here all who would rather be owners than tenants, and wish
to improve and cultivate their own soil, are invited. Here, too, all who
would become equals among equals, citizens (not subjects) of a great and
free country, enjoying the right of suffrage, and eligible to every
office except the presidency, can come and occupy with us this great
inheritance. Here liberty, equality, and fraternity reign supreme, not
in theory, or in name only, but in truth and reality. This is the
brotherhood of man, secured and protected by our organic law. Here the
Constitution and the people are the only sovereigns, and the Government
is administered by their elected agents, and for the benefit of the
people. Those toiling elsewhere for wages that will scarcely support
existence, for the education of whose children no provision is made by
law, who are excluded from the right of suffrage, may come here and be
voters and citizens, find a farm given as a homestead, free schools
provided for their children at the public expense, and hold any office
but the presidency, to which their children, born here, are eligible.
What does Europe for any of its toiling millions who reject this
munificent offer? He is worked and taxed there to his utmost endurance.
He has the right to _work_, and _pay taxes_, but not to vote. Unschooled
ignorance is his lot and that of his descendants. If a farmer, he works
and improves the land of others, in constant te