life, the
sections might, in my opinion, gain from that very disappearance a
strength and activity that would prove effective limitations upon the
nationalizing process.

Without pursuing the interesting speculation, I may note as evidence of
the development of sectionalism, the various gatherings of business men,
religious denominations and educational organizations in groups of
States. Among the signs of growth of a healthy provincialism is the
formation of sectional historical societies. While the American
Historical Association has been growing vigorously and becoming a
genuine gathering of historical students from all parts of the nation,
there have also arisen societies in various sections to deal with the
particular history of the groups of States. In part this is due to the
great distances which render attendance difficult upon the meetings of
the national body to-day, but we would be short-sighted, indeed, who
failed to perceive in the formation of the Pacific Coast Historical
Association, the Mississippi Valley Historical Association, and the
Ohio Valley Historical Association, for example, genuine and spontaneous
manifestations of a sectional consciousness.

These associations spring in large part from the recognition in each of
a common past, a common body of experiences, traditions, institutions
and ideals. It is not necessary now to raise the question whether all of
these associations are based on a real community of historical interest,
whether there are overlapping areas, whether new combinations may not be
made? They are at least substantial attempts to find a common sectional
unity, and out of their interest in the past of the section, increasing
tendencies to common sectional ideas and policies are certain to follow.
I do not mean to prophesy any disruptive tendency in American life by
the rejuvenation of sectional self-consciousness; but I do mean to
assert that American life will be enriched and safe-guarded by the
development of the greater variety of interest, purposes and ideals
which seem to be arising. A measure of local concentration seems
necessary to produce healthy, intellectual and moral life. The spread of
social forces over too vast an area makes for monotony and stagnation.

Let us, then, raise the question of how far the Ohio Valley has had a
part of its own in the making of the nation. I have not the temerity to
attempt a history of the Valley in the brief compass of this address.