MENDELfiEFF 



1834-1907 



TN the reign of Ivan IV., the Terrible (1555), the tribes 

 east of the Urals came into collision with Kussian 

 colonists. A tendency to form invading expeditions into 

 Siberia now began, and by 1650, in the reign of Alexis 

 Romanof, Siberia was entirely incorporated into the 

 Russian Empire. The surplus population of the dominions 

 west of the Urals has since been gradually settling in 

 Siberia ; and, in addition, the system of severe repression 

 which the empire has always maintained has served to 

 people many districts with political exiles as well as 

 convicts. To a large extent the Russian Government has 

 also peopled Siberia by sending Cossacks to occupy the 

 frontiers, and by subsidizing colonists of various descrip- 

 tions ; but the greater part of the Siberian population 

 has been produced by immigration. Fur-hunting, escape 

 from serfdom, from religious persecution, and from con- 

 scription, have been the main incentives to this great 

 exodus for despotism and servitude are deeply rooted 

 in Russia. Whether the Duma will alter this state of 

 affairs remains to be seen. 



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