HOLLAND THE BIRTHPLACE OF AMERICAN POLITICAL, CIVIC AND RELIGIOUS LIBERTY An Historical Essay BY H. A. VAN COENEN TORCHIANA OF THE SAN FRANSISCO BAR CONSUL-GENERAL OF THE NETHERLANDS ON THE PACIFIC COAST SECOND EDITION JAMES H. ROOK COMPANY PUBLISHERS CHICAGO, U.S.A.     To my wife, Catherina van Coenen Torchiana, whose never-failing gentleness and kindliness to all Netherlanders residing in or visiting the Western States of America have ever commanded my highest esteem, this volume is dedicated by The Author     CONTENTS   Introduction Some Reasons Why There Is Confusion of Thought as to the Origin of American Institutions Comparison Between the Political Institutions of England and the United States, and the United States and The Netherlands Dutch Influence on Civilization, European and American The Direct Influence of The Netherlands on America The Debt of the United States to The Netherlands Holland's Attitude During the Birth of the American Republic   ILLUSTRATIONS   The Peace Palace at The Hague, Holland. A Gift of the American Citizen, Andrew Carnegie. “The Palace in the Forest” at The Hague, Holland. The Historic Home of the Princes of Orange, Stadtholders and later Sovereigns of The Netherlands