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It is not judged needful by either author or publisher to assign reasons for laying before the public these chapters About Mexico, Past and Present, much less to apologize for so doing, save as they may be inadequate to the importance and the interest of the subject. Our "next neighbor" on the south needs and deserves to be understood by the citizens of the United States, and especially by those who have at heart the welfare of their fellowmen and desire the extension to them of the blessings of a pure and elevating Bible Christianity. Near neighborhood enhances all the motives which would lead us to study another nation and emphasizes our obligation so to do. In the case of Mexico the romance of her history as well as the wonders of her land and the hope of her future renders interest in her people and in their welfare easy.

Among the many authorities consulted in the preparation of this work, the author would acknowledge special indebtedness to—

Washington Irving.

L. H. Morgan (Government Printing-Office, Washington, D. C.,