In its issue of February 5, 1876, Scientific American celebrated the success of James Eads' jetties by proposing that Eads run for president of the United States.

"The opening of the Mississippi will have a wonderful influence upon the material prosperity of the Republic," the magazine wrote, "and will form a crowning event during this centennial year of our country's history. ...To the noble engineer by whom, at his own cost, this great work was undertaken, the highest honors are due. In war and in peace, his commanding talents and remarkable sagacity have been devoted to patriotic labors, which have always resulted in public benefits of the most extensive, far-reaching nature; and he well deserves the nation's gratitude. We nominate for the Presidency Captain James B. Eads of St. Louis, the man of genius, of industry, and of incorruptible honor."

Nothing came of the endorsement, and it's hard to know how seriously the magazine intended it, although at least one reader supported their suggestion:

"Your nomination of James B. Eads for President was a happy thought," wrote D. S. Howard of Lyons Falls, NY, "whether it will amount to any thing or not."

	Based on what you know of Eads, do you think he had the qualities necessary to be an effective president?
	Yes	No
	Would you ever support for president a person who had never held elective office but had achieved significant success in another field?
	Yes	No
	Did you watch the film, "Secrets of a Master Builder"? (Please vote "yes" if you watched at least half of the film.)
	Yes	No
	If yes, did it influence your answers?
	Yes	No

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