Riga

re'ga, in size, the third seaport of Russia. It is situated on the Dwina River a few miles above its entrance to the Gulf of Riga. It is the chief Russian city of the Baltic provinces. A system of canals, several lines of railway, and water access to the Baltic render the city of Riga favorable to commerce. The chief exports are wheat, oats, flax, hemp, and timber. There are manufactures of machinery, tobacco, and woolen goods. Riga was founded in 1201. It was for a time one of the most flourishing cities of the Hanseatic League. During the wars pending the settlement of the boundaries of northern Europe Riga changed masters repeatedly; it passed under the dominion of Poland in 1581; of Gustavus Adolphus in 1621; and, finally, into the hands of the Russians in 1710. Few old buildings of interest remain. The cathedral is noted for an organ of 6,826 pipes, dating from 1883. The pumping of the air is managed by a four-horse gas engine. It is said to be the largest organ in the world. The population of the city in 1900 was 282,943. Although the city is under Russian rule the dominant element is German. An aristocratic suburb lying outside of St. Petersburg gate is inhabited by wealthy German merchants.