Handbook of the United States of America, 1880: A Guide to Emigration

By LP Brockett

Millions of immigrants entered America's “golden door” in the years after 1880. This authentically reproduced Handbook of the United States was a trusted resource that told them everything they needed to know as they strove to become Americans. America's “golden door” welcomed a huge wave of European immigrants between the 1880s and the 1920s. Millions passed through the gateway of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island on their way to becoming Americans, and The Handbook of the United States is an authentic reproduction of one of the immigrants' most trusted resources- a complete guide to the USA, including everything from the pay-rates of various trades to amusing statistics about what Americans ate, drank, and manufactured. Once the tool that helped thousands of Irish, Italian and Jewish immigrants use their drive and industriousness to succeed, today it provides new insights into the extraordinary circumstances of the immigrant experience and the new arrivals' remarkable contribution to making America a great global power.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
• Release date: Aug 10, 2014
• ISBN: 9781783660315

Book preview

THE GENERAL GOVERNMENT.

ITS PRINCIPAL DEPARTMENTS–OFFICERS OF THE CABINET, THE ARMY AND NAVY–DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS

PRESIDENT.

Rutherford B. Hayes, of Ohio. Term expires March 4, 1881.

The President is chosen by Electors, who are elected by the People, each State having as many as it has Senators and Representatives in Congress. He holds office four years; is Commander-in-Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States; has power to grant pardons and reprieves for offenses against the United States; makes treaties, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate; nominates, and, with the consent of the Senate, appoints, all Cabinet, Diplomatic, Judicial and Executive officers; has power to convene Congress, or the Senate only; communicates with Congress by message at every session; receives all Foreign Ministers; takes care that the laws are faithfully executed, and the public business transacted. Salary $50,000 a year.

VICE–PRESIDENT

William A. Wheeler, of New York. Term expires March 4, 1881.

Is chosen by the Electors at the same time, and in the same manner as the President; is President of the Senate, and has the casting vote therein. In case of the death, resignation, disability or removal of the President, his powers and duties devolve upon the Vice-President for the residue of his term. In cases of vacancy, where the Vice-President succeeds to the Presidential office, the President of the Senate becomes ex-officio Vice-President. Salary $10,000 a year.

THE STATE DEPARTMENT

Preserves the public archives, records, laws, documents and treaties, and supervises their publication; conducts all business and correspondence arising out of Foreign Relations; makes out and records passports, commissions, etc.

THE TREASURY DEPARTMENT

Has charge of all moneys paid into the United States Treasury, and general supervision of the fiscal transactions of the Government, the collection of revenue, the auditing and payment of accounts, and other disbursements; supervises the execution of the laws relating to Commerce and Navigation of the United States, the Revenues and Currency, the Coast Survey, the Mint and Coinage, the Light-House Establishment, the construction of Marine Hospitals, Custom-Houses, &c.

THE WAR DEPARTMENT

Has charge of business growing out of military affairs, keeps the records of the army, issues commissions, directs the movement of troops, superintends their payment, stores, clothing, arms and equipments and ordnance, constructs fortifications, and conducts works of military engineering, and river and harbor improvements.

THE NAVY DEPARTMENT

Has charge of the Naval Establishment and all business connected therewith, issues Naval Commissions, instructions and orders, supervises the enlistment and discharge of seamen, the Marine Corps, the construction of Navy Yards and Docks, the construction and equipment of Vessels, the purchase of provisions, stores, clothing and ordnance, the conduct of surveys and hydrographical operations.