No compilation of this sort can be made entirely satisfactory either to the compiler or to the public. No effort has been made to produce a universal cyclopedia, but rather to restrict the book to matter not readily found in other publications relating to the history and politics of Illinois. Much of the matter is necessarily a repetition of former issues as future issues will be a repetition of this. In giving the book to the public I wish to give to Mr. Stephen L. Spear, chief clerk of the index department of this office, credit for whatever merit the book has, as the preparation of this, as well as of former issues, has been entirely under his immediate, personal supervision.
JAMES A. ROSE,
Secretary of State.