The German people are intelligent and industrious. Since the founding of the empire their industrial and commercial development has been wonderful. Less than half the population is now engaged in agriculture, but Germany still produces the larger part of her food supply. Almost one-third as many cattle are raised as in the United States, and Germany leads the world in sugar production. Colonial expansion, commerce, and the need of food imports has built up a great German merchant marine and navy. If Austria were part of the Empire, with a path to the Mediterranean, Germany would have the harbors and seaways needed to increase her maritime power and would also possess the shortest trade route to the Orient. Bismarck wanted to secure Germany from attack, so that she could develop her industries in peace, and with this end in view made alliances with Austria and Italy, at the same time encouraging naval and military growth. RUSSIA One of the most powerful countries, including all northern Asia as well as eastern Europe. It is an absolute monarchy, ruled by the Czar Nicholas II at Petrograd (St. Petersburg). He came to the throne in 1894. The population is mostly Slavic, and the racial sympathy is therefore with the Balkan peoples. Russia, like Austria and Germany, would like a port on the Mediterranean, as she now has access to the Atlantic only through the Baltic Sea and the Dardanelles (between the Black Sea and the Ægean). Sixty years ago Russia attacked Turkey, menacing Great Britain's route to her Oriental possessions. These two powers combined with France and repulsed Russia in the Crimean War. Since the time of Peter the Great the Russians have had their eyes on Constantinople, and as long as they cannot have it will try to prevent Germany or Austria from getting it. Seven-eighths of the peasants are farmers, and two-thirds of the land is sown to cereals. FRANCE A republic. Paris is the capital, and the president (since 1913) is Raymond Poincare. It is more than three-fourths the size of Texas, and has about two-fifths the population of the United States. Most of the people live by agriculture, which is carried to a high standard. Wheat, oats, barley and corn are grown, also root-crops, fruits, tobacco, grapes and silk. There are rich mines of coal, iron and lead. In 1912 France ranked fourth in imports and exports. In manufactures of silk the French predominate, and they make fine muslins, porcelains, glass, jewelry and clocks. GREAT BRITAIN