fast becoming a producer of the finest grains, fruits and vegetables. In no portion of the West is irrigation, the science of modern agriculture, better understood or more thoroughly developed than in Colorado.'

The natural scenery of this State is more varied, beautiful and wildly picturesque than that of any country in the world.

THE FUTURE OF THE STATE.

29. Since Colorado became a State in 1876, its history has been one of progressive development. The intelligence, the enterprise, and the moral earnestness of the people have imprinted the stamp of an advanced civilization on the character of the State. In accordance with the true American idea, the church accompanies the school. Vigorous churches of all denominations and an able ministry are keeping step with other forces which are rapidly telling for true stability and growth.

What shall be the future of our State? That future depends on the men and women, the boys and girls of to-day. It is they who make the State. Throughout the wide world there is no other land so full of opportunities as our own. We are free to make our institutions ideal in their perfection. But our civil institutions depend on the citizen for their strength and character. He makes the government in school district, county, State and Nation. His interests are entrusted to public servants of his own choosing. Upon him fall both the responsibilities and the blessings of free government.

At the fireside we hear the story of Washington and Lincoln; in school we learn of the making of the States

and of the Nation; we learn the nature of the State, its organization and its administration. We leave school, and enter upon the active duties of life; then our influence is for or against good government-we hinder or we promote the general welfare. Many years ago a child of five years became King of France. Until he was old enough to take upon himself the cares of his kingdom his guardians ruled in his name. On the day when he became of age his minister inquired of him, "Sire, to whom shall I now report?" "To me," replied the king, "I am the State." And in this country, when a youth enters upon his manhood years, he may well say, I am the State. Its interests, its honor, its history, are mine also."

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Popular government on a vast scale is for the first time. on trial in this country. It is upon the individual citizens that its destiny depends. The work of good government is our work. "With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in." And we may then confidently expect the blessings of Providence to rest upon the State of Colorado.

PROMINENT EVENTS IN THE HISTORY OF COLORADO.

1540. Expedition of Coronado.

1776. Expedition of Escalante.

1806. Discovery of Pike's Peak.

1806-7. Stockade built at Cañon City.

1820. Expedition of Col. Stephen H. Long.

1828. Fort William erected.

1840. Settlement made at Pueblo.

1842-3. Expedition of Col. John C. Fremont, the "Pathfinder," a preparation for the surveys of the Pacific Railroad.

1852. Gold discovered.

1858. Settlements made at St. Charles and Auraria.

Arapahoe County organized.

1859. Golden, Colorado City, Boulder, and Russellville settled.

Organization of Jefferson Territory.

1860. St. Charles and Auraria consolidated under the name of

Denver.

1861. Territory of Colorado organized.

1862. Texan invasion repelled.

1864. Battle of Sand Creek.

First Enabling Act passed by Congress.

The Constitution formed under the authority of the first
Enabling Act rejected by the people.

1865. Second Enabling Act passed by Congress and vetoed by President Johnson.

1875. Third Enabling Act passed by Congress. Approved by President Grant, March 3d.

1875-6. Constitutional Convention assembled December 20, 1875, and adjourned after a session of eighty-six days. 1876. Constitution approved by the people, July 1st.

1876. Proclamation of President Grant declaring Colorado a State of the Union, August 1st.

REFERENCE BOOKS.

The following list of books is appended for the use of those who desire to make an extended study of the history of Colorado:

Hall's History of Colorado.

Boyd's History of Greeley and the Union Colony.
Bancroft's Nevada, Colorado and Wyoming.

Corbett's Legislative Manual.

Fossett's Colorado.

Dana's The Great West.

Ingersoll's Crest of the Continent.

Ralph's Our Great West.

Richardson's Beyond the Mississippi.

Taylor's Colorado.

Vickers' History of Denver.

CHAPTER III.

THE STATE GOVERNMENT.

30. The Citizen.-According to the provisions of the fourteenth amendment to the Constitution of the United States, "All persons born or naturalized in the United States and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside." From this it follows, that citizens are either native born or naturalized. Hence, every person now residing in Colorado who fulfills either of these two conditions is a citizen of this State.

A citizen is a member of the community; he may or may not have the right to vote, but in either case he is protected by the government in his civil rights, and therefore owes allegiance to the State. The citizen's duty toward the State includes: (1) Unqualified obedience to the laws of the State; (2) A giving up of part of his means for the support of the government by paying taxes; (3) Support