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 national existence which we couple with the name of Alfred, and from which many of the institutions of the American States derive their being.

I cannot conclude without expressing a hope that this translation may tend to spread in England some of those sound and comprehensive views of the nature and tendency of the democratic element which its author has put forth in France; nor without expressing my very warm thanks to M. de Tocqueville for the kindness with which he has assisted me in the difficulties which presented themselves in preparing this book for the public eye. Whatever may be the success of the following pages, I shall always remember with pleasure that I was encouraged in my task by the high esteem and sincere regard which I entertain for the author.

Circumstances have rendered the separate publication of the first volume advisable, and this course was the more readily adopted as the first volume may be said to contain