most severe measures on the part of the government. Thousands were
transported to Siberia and many were executed. Even as late as 1903
five thousand persons were imprisoned, exiled, or executed for political
activity against the Czar's government. An attempt of the people to
force a representative government upon the Czar failed after a seeming
success in 1905-1906; for the Duma, or legislative assembly, then
created was given little power.

Russia has not been fortunate in her relations with the neighboring
states. Her great ambition, the occupation of Constantinople, was
repeatedly balked by other countries. In an attempt to obtain an
ice-free harbor on the Pacific, Russia brought on the Russo-Japanese War
of 1904-1905, in which she was disastrously defeated. In another
direction Russia was more successful. She posed as the protector of the
Slavic provinces under Turkish rule and saw the day when nearly all of
them were free.

Russia is a country of vast territory, enormous population, and
unbounded natural resources. But before the war it had no experience in
self-government. Its land and mineral resources were not used for
national purposes. A small governing class, with the Czar at the head,
controlled its tremendous powers and wealth. Naturally, when an
insurrection is successful against such a government, the people lose
all self-control and go to great extremes. Liberty and self-government
succeed only when all the people are willing to abide by the laws made
by the majority. May this time soon come for Russia!

SUGGESTIONS FOR STUDY.--1. Look up facts concerning
Napoleon Bonaparte, Gladstone, Bismarck, Cavour, Garibaldi,
Victor Emmanuel I. 2. On outline maps of the world show the