THE VALLEY OF DEMOCRACY [Illustration: Michigan Avenue, Chicago, from the steps of the Art Institute.] THE VALLEY OF DEMOCRACY BY MEREDITH NICHOLSON WITH ILLUSTRATIONS BY WALTER TITTLE NEW YORK CHARLES SCRIBNER’S SONS 1919 COPYRIGHT, 1917, 1918, BY CHARLES SCRIBNER’S SONS Published September, 1918 Reprinted November, December 1918 [Illustration] TO MY CHILDREN ELIZABETH, MEREDITH, AND LIONEL IN TOKEN OF MY AFFECTION AND WITH THE HOPE THAT THEY MAY BE FAITHFUL TO THE HIGHEST IDEALS OF AMERICAN CITIZENSHIP CONTENTS CHAPTER PAGE I. THE FOLKS AND THEIR FOLKSINESS 1 II. TYPES AND DIVERSIONS 39 III. THE FARMER OF THE MIDDLE WEST 83 IV. CHICAGO 135 V. THE MIDDLE WEST IN POLITICS 181 VI. THE SPIRIT OF THE WEST 235 AUTHOR’S NOTE TO THE FOURTH EDITION In the reprintings of a book of this character it would be possible to revise and rewrite in such manner as to conceal the errors or misjudgments of the author. It seems, however, more honest to permit these impressions to stand practically as they were written, with only a few minor corrections. It was my aim to make note of conditions, tendencies, and needs in the Valley of Democracy, and the conclusion of the war has affected my point of view with reference to these matters very little. The first months of the present year have been so crowded with incidents affecting the whole world that we recall with difficulty the events of only a few years ago. We have met repeated crises with an inspiring exhibition of unity and courage that should hearten us for the new tasks of readjustment that press for attention, and for the problems of self-government that are without end. I shall feel that these pages possess some degree of vitality if they quicken in the mind and heart of the reader a hope and confidence that we of America do not walk blindly, but follow a star that sheds upon us a perpetual light. M. N. INDIANAPOLIS, June 1, 1919. ILLUSTRATIONS Michigan Avenue, Chicago, from the steps of the Art Institute _Frontispiece_ FACING PAGE “Ten days of New York, and it’s me for my home town” 6 Art exhibits ... now find a hearty welcome 20 The Municipal Recreation Pier, Chicago 66 Types and Diversions 74 On a craft plying the waters of Erie I found all the conditions of a happy outing and types that it is always a joy to meet 78 The Perry Monument at Put-in Bay 80