There are spots on the sun, and the microscope reveals flaws in burnished steel, and so there were spots and flaws in the character of the early founders of this land; but with them all, our colonial history is one that stirs the blood and quickens the pulse of him who reads. It is the land of the free school, the free press, and the free pulpit. It is impossible to compute the power of this trio. The free schools, open to rich and poor, bind together the people in educational bonds, and in the common memories of the recitation-room and the playground; and how strong _they_ are, you, reader, well know, as some past recollection tugs at your heart-strings. The free press may not always be altogether as dignified or elevated as the more highly cultivated may desire, but it is ever open to complaints of the people; is ever watchful of popular rights and jealous of class encroachments, and the highest in authority know that it is above President or Senate. The free pulpit, sustained not by legally exacted tithes wrung from an unwilling people, but by the free-will offerings of loving supporters, gathers about it the millions, inculcates the highest morality, points to brighter worlds, and when occasion demands will not be silent before political wrongs. Its power, simply as an educating agency, can scarcely be estimated. In this country its freedom gives a competition so vigorous that it must remain in direct popular sympathy. How strong it is, the country saw when its voice was lifted in the old cry, "Rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft." Its words started the slumbering, roused the careless, and called the "sacramental host," as well as the "men of the world, to arms." These three grand agencies are not rival, but supplementary, each doing an essential work in public culture. [Illustration: THE SHIP OF COLUMBUS--THE SANTA MARIA CARAVEL. (See pages 94, 216, and 282.)] AMERICA--OPPORTUNITY. RALPH WALDO EMERSON, a noted American essayist, poet, and speculative philosopher. Born in Boston, Mass., May 25, 1803; died, April 27, 1882. America is another name for opportunity. THE SEQUEL OF THE DISCOVERY. There is a Columbia of thought and art and character which is the last and endless sequel of Columbus' adventure.--_Ibid._ YOUNG AMERICA. ALEXANDER HILL EVERETT, an American scholar and diplomatist. Born in Boston, Mass., 1792; died at Canton, China, May, 1847. Scion of a mighty stock! Hands of iron--hearts of oak-- Follow with unflinching tread Where the noble fathers led. Craft and subtle treachery, Gallant youth, are not for thee; Follow thou in words and deeds Where the God within thee leads. Honesty, with steady eye, Truth and pure simplicity, Love, that gently winneth hearts, These shall be thy holy arts. Prudent in the council train, Dauntless on the battle plain, Ready at thy country's need For her glorious cause to bleed.