iv PREFACE. 



excitement of the entire Slavic race, and especially of the Russian people, rose 

 to fever-heat, and foreshadowed the enlargement of the seat of war by the active 

 interference of Russia. As such an event was regarded as affecting generally 

 and intensely the interests of all the nations of the civilized world, a last though 

 unsuccessful attempt was made by the treaty powers of Europe, by an international 

 conference, to avert a new Eastern war. To conciliate public opinion in Europe, the 

 Government of Turkey deemed it necessary to proclaim a constitution conferring 

 upon its inhabitants, of all races and religions, the principal rights enjoyed by the 

 people under constitutional monarchies. The article " Turkey " has, therefore, a 

 prominent place in this volume, and presents an extensive account of the military 

 operations, of the diplomatic negotiations, and of the new constitution. A special 

 map of the seat of the war, giving most of the places mentioned, will be found a 

 valuable aid in following the progress of the above-mentioned military operations. 

 Another map, on the races and religions of Turkey, will greatly facilitate a just 

 appreciation of the dangerous crisis through which that country is now passing. 

 The attitude of the other great powers of Europe, under the new aspect of the 

 Eastern question, is fully set forth in the articles devoted to their respective coun- 

 tries. The unusual state of affairs in Denmark during the year will be found to be 

 presented in a very clear and satisfactory manner. 



The international relations of the United States are presented under the title of 

 " Diplomatic Correspondence." 



The special articles on the great religious divisions and denominations constitute, 

 on the whole, a religious history of the year, probably the only one now accessible 

 in the English language. 



The advance in the branches of astronomical and chemical science, with new and 

 valuable applications to various purposes, is extensively described. A notice has 

 also been taken of the International Congresses of the adepts of various sciences. 



The great engineering enterprises of the world in progress are fully described, 

 and also numerous mechanical improvements. 



The narrative of geographical discoveries in the different parts of the earth is 

 very complete ; also, under the title " Earth," we present summaries of the area and 

 population of the large divisions of the globe, according to the latest statistical 

 information. 



Under " Archaeology " will be found very full descriptions of the discoveries of 

 Schliemann and Cesnola. 



The results of the Centennial Exhibition are presented in a summary but very 

 complete manner. 



The record of Literature and Literary Progress in the United States and in each 

 of the countries of Europe is as important as during any preceding year. 



The biographical department is very full, and embraces brief notices of deceased 

 persons of distinction in State, Church, society, and literature ; there are also notices 

 of many living persons who were distinguished during the year. 



The volume contains numerous illustrations of noted cities and places in the 

 various countries of the world, and also steel portraits of the two leading candidates 

 at the recent presidential election in this country. 



All important documents, messages, orders, and letters from officials and others, 

 have been inserted entire. 



