The nineteenth century must remain the greatest of the ages because it was during its course that the forces of nature were subdued to the uses of man. The steamboat, the railroad, the telegraph, the telephone, the water courses, all have been either invented since its dawn or adapted to our benefit. The progress that has ensued is gigantic. General ease has replaced widespread destitution. The century will also be remarkable because of the birth of a new doctrine.
Wars of conquest are no longer possible.
Unless waged in the interest of civilization, of humanity as a whole, the world will not tolerate them. The author was an optimist. So are we, but less certain ones. As we leave it and the last thousand years behind, we have big hopes that we print here as our message to the future. We are comfortable in the richest country on earth, yet uneasy about the world around us.