Casimir
properly KAZIMIERZ ("founder of peace"), was the name of many Polish princes and kings. With the establishment of the power of Casimir I. in 1041, the predominance of Christianity was decided in Poland. But the most distinguished of this name was Casimir III., called Casimir the Great, who suc succeeded his father, Vladislav Loketek, as King of Poland in 1333. He added Little Russia and Red Russia to his dominions and repelled the Tartars, who then threatened Poland. He found ed the University of Cracow (1364), as well as several schools and hospitals, and showed great anxiety for the advancement of the arts and of learning in his kingdom, and for the improvement of the condition of the most oppressed classes, which won him the title of King tained from him special liberties for her race. He died Nov. 5, 1370.
CASIMIR-PÉRIER, JEAN PAUL PIERRE (käs-ē-mēr' per-yā'), a President of the French Republic, born in Paris, Nov. 8, 1847. He served in the Franco-Prussian War, and received the decoration of the Legion of Honor for bravery. In 1876, he was elected to the Chamber of Deputies; in 1890, Vice- President of the Chamber; and in 1893, President. He resigned to become Premier, which office he held till the assassination of President Carnot, when he was chosen his successor on the first ballot (June, 1894). He resigned the office of President, Jan. 16, 1895. He died March 12, 1907.