Evening star., 1938-02-20
The Famous Forties
BY FREDERIC J. HASKlN.

The prophecy has been advanced that
the decade Of 1Q30-194O will 20 down in
history as the leveling period OF Ameril
can life, and that the forties of the pres
ent century will parallel the fabuloua
forties Of the last century. J
No nation and no era has been with
out its prophets, false and true, and
possibly no period in American history
has brought forth so many of both kinds
as the years since 1890. That all of them
have meant well is belief Of the open
minded. Great changes, especially
changes that bring adversely, develop .
new crop Of seers, each of whom con-
siders himself a modern Moses to lead
the children out of bondage. Like
prophets and would-be prophets of
every age, each self-appointed Moses has
following. Z
The first part of the prediction on the
forties OF the present century appears to
have In 1t more than an element Of
truth. Time must be the Judge Of the
latter part OF the thought. The FORE
telling does bring into relief some of the
great changes, industrial expansion and
unparalleled days of 1910 to 1861 most
remarkable period in American history.
1t was in that period that horizons van
ished, new stars were added to the nag,
cities came into prominence, slavery
pushed into the limelight, finding OF a
greater abundance of gold to make
richer growing Nation, and the pass
ing Of revolutionary political regime
from professionals of the old school to
popularity elected representatives Of the
masses.
There appears to be every indication
that obstacles economic. social and DO
litical-are receding and that an upward
swing OF all phases of life is in the
dining. Charting out the courses OF
world history, unusual periods have oc-
Cured almost every hundred years, GUS
toms and traditions forming themselves
into new order, and commercial inter-
ests taking on new and enlarged life.
Such period is believed by many to be
at hand in America
Not the least of great changes in Amer
lean life beginning with 1910 was the
rapid change on the political horizons
change as great as took place in 1886, and
what many predict for 1940 not neces-
sarlly because of political reasons but
because Of periodic changes that appear
to come in cycles in national politics.
Il X e,
When Jackson and Van Buren, were
elected President in the years 1882 and
1885, respectively, popular votes had
reached barely over half million. Har-
rison, Wing, was defeated by Van Bu-
rem in 1886, but staged a comeback in
l84O. Sentiment had so changed and in
terest in voting had so increased that
Harrison, while receiving only 54S0O7
popular and 70 electoral votes in 1886,
received 1.275,0l7 popular and 234 elec-
toral votes in 1910. In the Nations DO
htical life this registered a radical
change, and it is noticeable that no 9th
er presidential election of the period
1840 to 1850 accounted for so many elec-
toral votes as were accorded Harrison.
Polk received ITO such votes in 1874 Tay-
lor 1853 in 1848-the 200 mark not being
passed again till 1852 when Pierce re-
ceived 254 electoral votes. A whole dec
ade passed before another President re-
ceived as many as 200 electoral votes,
Lincoln receiving 2l2 in 1854, which in
cldentally. also marked the passing for
the first time Of more than 2,000, 900 pop
ular votes being cast. Other striking
political parallels mark most of the dec
aoeS 10 the present time.
4 y II -
casual examination of the literature
OF the fabulous forties will quickly reveal
that it was period building deep and :.
broad the roots of home life. 1t was the
period Of the home motto-"God bless
our homeland of songs extolling the
virtues Of homes. Godey's Magazine
was the social household guide, customs
OF dress were undergoing rapid trans
formation, society people were stepping
out. and trip on Mississippi River
steamer would enable the traveller to:
gather in the neighbors for a community
lecture concerning the great things he
had seen. Steam was becoming master
and liberator of commerce, literature.
greatly on the increase, and the aristo-
crat safely ,perched on his imaginary
throne. And while the terrible Civil War
lay ahead, America had broken her
shackles and was destined to become the
foremost nation of the world. >
The 2O-year period that led up to 1910
was in many respects, as complicated,
though not so extensive, as the present
two-decade period leading up to 1910.
The Nation had been faced with the
problem of different and better form
OF transportation. Commerce was gains
ing, and transportation for it other than
river boats and wagons was necessary.
Many cities faced possible extinction due
to competition which they could not
meet. Interest in the country's general
welfare was widespread.
Nc
1t was period Of attempted organiza-
ton of industry and finding Of greater
outlets for agriculture and manufactured
products AS is now, the only course that
could be creditably followed was the for
ward one, and with this as decision,
the torch of prosperity was lighted in the
beginning of 1840 and continued to
brighten throughout the period. Such .
parallel is the prediction of many for the
period 1910 to 1885, .s
While the East was steadily advancing
industrially, and with railroads an as
sured success, the South was being rap
idly settled by sturdy stock who were
laying solid foundations for agricultural
and commercial interests. Scant atten@
ton had been given to the West. for as
late as 1845, only about 400 foreigners"
we're to be found in California. The wa
ter courses of the East and Middle Attain
tic States seemed to offer the greatest
opportunities.
Explorers following the trails and hiIfsH
in California had suspected that gold
could be found. Finally, in January
1848 a llYnn of gold was found at Suffers