IF I have been successful in my handling of the
matter which I wish to bring to the attention of
the reader, the latter has refreshed his recollection
in regard to the character of the first considerable
immigration into New England. In general it
was English-speaking with some contributions
from the German people. He is also more or less
familiar with conditions in New England following
the first essay in industrialism, and has in mind
facts of more or less historical importance which
indicate the pre-War attitude of the New Eng-
lander in questions which had to do with immi-
gration.

It is my purpose now to briefly consider the
twenty-year period between 1860 and 1880.
Initiated by the Civil War in America this epoch
which saw little change in the personnel of the
population is notable because of the industrial
resurgence which followed that dreadful conflict
and the reaction therefrom.

As far as the appreciation of the meaning of
immigration was concerned there was a slipping

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