Prince Charles replied the same day: "Elisabeth has created her own sphere of action; she frequently visits the schools and communicates the remarks and observations made whilst the instruction is going on personally to the _conseil permanent de l'instruction publique_. By this method she has already succeeded in introducing several minor improvements; in addition to this, she is translating some school-books for children into Roumanian, with the aid of some young ladies; and once a week she presides over the Society for the Poor, which has done good work since its institution a year ago.... We are all well. Little Marie is full of life, and runs from room to room. When I have a minute to spare, I play with her. The dear child is my greatest joy!" Prince Charles and his family decided to celebrate the Christmas festivities of 1871 according to the Eastern calendar, on December 24 (January 5). Prince Charles Anthony's Christmas letter contained the following interesting allusion to German affairs: "On the whole everything is satisfactory in Germany. The Prussian officers sent to Württemberg and Baden find it difficult to grasp the situation of South Germany; but all is satisfactory, since necessity knows no law. Manteuffel plays a great part in France, and is endeavouring to traverse Bismarck's plans and intentions. But it is really of no importance; everything succeeds with us. Both Military Cabinet and Government of State go their own way, and yet finally effect a junction, because the National-Prussian principle outweighs all else. "May Thiers and the Republic long steer France! any so-called dynastic revolution would cause a war with Germany--not that we fear one, but we need peace and development." The Chambers passed a law on January 5 by which Roumania undertook to pay the coupons commencing from January 1, 1872, and all that remained to end the matter was the consent of the Berlin Syndicate to the proposed compromise. On January 28, 1872, Prince Charles was able to inform his father that the unfortunate dispute about the railways had at last been settled: "A telegram has just been received from Berlin informing us that the shareholders have accepted the first part of the law; you can imagine our delight! The history of this suffering has now reached its end--thirteen months of anxiety, excitement, and fears, form a long episode!" _To_ PRINCE CHARLES ANTHONY.