This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1890 edition. Excerpt: ... POLITICAL AMERICANISMS. Abolition, Abolitionist, etc.--During the controversy that preceded the emancipation of slaves in the British colonies (1773-1833) the phrase to abolish slavery was so frequently used that with its allied nouns it acquired a specific meaning: Abolition, the movement in favor of putting an end to slavery; Abolitionist, one who sympathized with this movement. With these meanings the words were transplanted to America, but during the anti-slavery agitation in the United States widely divergent shades of significance were acquired. In the North an Abolitionist was one who favored the abolition of slavery. In the South the term was, until after the Civil War, a synonym for all that is contemptible and dishonest; this in addition to the true derivative signification as understood at the North. Many an affray has arisen from this divergence of meanings and the consequent misunderstandings. The history of abolition is coextensive with that of the United States, the anti-slavery agitation having begun before the war for independence, while Vermont abolished slavery within her borders in 1777. (See "Bobolition.") Such terms as "abolitionize," " abolitiondom," etc., are a low order of newspaper English, and have never been seriously used in other than third-rate publications or as acknowledged slang. Absenteeism.--Adapted into American speech from the Irish "National" vocabulary, and generally used in the United States with reference to wealthy citizens who reside abroad. Adamites.--Adherents of John Quincy Adams, tenth President of the United States, current 1821-1832. (See " Jacksonites.") Addition, Division, and Silence.--The supposed qualifications necessary for a lobbyist or an unscrupulous political worker. The phrase...