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Asiatic Russia: Russian

The population of Siberia is composed of Russian exiles, the Samoyeds, Kirghiz, Calmucks and other Tartar tribes, the Mongols on the Chinese frontier, and a native race having considerable resemblance to the North American aborigines, who inhabit the extreme N.-Ε.

The Russian rule has been gradually extended over the entire territory, the first conquests being made in the 16th century. Peter the Great was the first to transport State criminals to Siberia, and for more than a century and a half it has been a penal settlement. Many of the exiles are compelled to work in the mines, and their condition is worse than that of slaves or coolies, but those sentenced for minor offences are allowed a certain degree of liberty and the companionship of their families.

The building of the great railway that is to cross to the Russian settlements of the Pacific, and which is now under construction, is destined to work wonderful changes in the future of Russia.

ROUMANIA.

King-Charles I., second son of Prince Charles Antoin of Hohenzollern- Sigmaringen, born April 20, 1839; elected Heriditary Prince, March 26, 1866; confirmed October 24, 1866; proclaimed King, by vote of both Chambers, March 26; crowned May 22, 1881; married 1869, Elizabeth, daughter of the late Hermann von Wied, born December 29, 1843. Heir Presumptive-(Nephew) Prince Ferdinand von Hohenzollern, born August 24, 1865.