What does Hugh mean when he says that rum-runners were the “cream of the crop”?

Best of the best

Explanation:

It's a common expression which basically means you are the best of the best. The pinnacle, the finest, etc.

they both built pyramids.

the two things that develop a strong social foundation are: a. separation of church and states e. education received attention separation of church and states separate the illogical  argument that came from religious beliefs to a fact based belief. while education will make us remember the past to avoid the repeat of our mistakes.