PREFACE. Ill 



PREFACE. 



Ill order to properly celebrate the 400th anniversary of the 

 •iliscovery of the New Workl, the Congress of the United States 

 of America in session at Washington resolved to arrange an inter- 

 national competition in the peaceful arena of industry and trade,, 

 and for which purpose the World's Columbian Exposition, named 

 in honor of the great hero and discoverer, is now open at 

 Chica2:o. 



Russia, inspired with a long-felt sympathy, tending to unite 

 the American and Eussian peoples, has answered with the live- 

 liest interest the invitation of the friendly Government of the United 

 States, and has taken part in the great Exposition by sending 

 various exhibits to represent the principal industries of the 

 Empire. 



The Minister of Finance, to whom His Imperial Majesty, 

 the Emperor, deigned to entrust the care of the organization of 

 the Russian Exhibit, could but recognize the fact that, however 

 successful the choice of exhibits may be, they cannot convey 

 an adequate idea of the productive forces of the Empire and 

 its industrial development. To obtain such a view requires a 

 more intimate acquaintance with the conditions under which our 



