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IV

This is not a novel, nor a work of fiction; it isbased on the facts of the Eleventh Census andother statistical reports, and on the most reliableauthorities on these subjects. This book representsthe most essential and fundamental featuresof the nation’s situation. It shows the reasons whyyour cities rapidly become the property of a comparativelyvery few persons; why the Americanfarmers lose their ground, and the urban populationlose liberty; and why all become absolutelydependent upon a few multi-millionaires. It exposesthe conditions in consequence of which thewhole nation becomes a nation of mere tenants offarms and homes, paying rents; and, while thewealth increases, the greatest majority of the peoplecome into desperate struggle not for pleasure,but for simple existence.

In order to impart as much knowledge in regardto the situation of the nation as possible, it wasfound necessary to supply the readers with a sufficientcomparison of statistical facts, pointing tothe differences of averages made by different authoritieson the subject. This comparison has alsobeen introduced for the purpose of indicating certaintruths of special value, and for finding the true...