PKEFACE . 



Ill 



PREFACE. 



The beginning of the construction of the Great Siberian Rail- 

 way, which will unite the most distant points of Europe and Asia 

 and will draw the Old World nearer to the Xew, practically coincides 

 with the celebration of the 400th anniversary of the discovery of 

 America. 



The accomplishment of this magnificent and historic task has 

 fallen to the lot of Russia. Notwithstanding the enormity of the ma- 

 terial expenses, Russia has cheerfully and earnestly accepted the 

 undertaking, one of the most important in the history of peaceful 

 acquisition, of knowledge and of labour. 



The Great Siberian Railway will benefit not only Russia, it 

 will do great service to the material and spiritual cultivation ot hu- 

 manity, and from this point of view will acquire much importance 

 and interest for the whole civilized world. Following this idea, Mr. 

 S. J. Vitte, Minister of Finance, commissioned the Department ot 

 Trade and Manufactures, to prepare for the World's Columbian Ex- 

 position at Chicago a description of this great r-ailroad, and also of 

 Siberia, a land little known to the people outside ol the Empire. 



The present volume therefore contains a history ot the occupation 

 and colonization of this extensive territory, its geographical description, 

 the review of its industry and trade, the description of its land and water 

 communications, and finally the history and contemporary state ot 

 the questions concerning the construction of the Great Siberian 



