Through the fall of Merv

the subjugation of the Turkomans in Central Asia was completed. In 1885 hostilities with England with regard to the defining of the frontier between the Ru ian territories and Afghanistan, for a time seemed imminent. In European affairs he broke away from the triple alliance between Ru ia, Germany, and Austria, and looked rather to France. He was aggrieved by the new Bulgarian spirit. His home policy was reactionary, though strong efforts were made to prevent malversation by officials, and stern economics were practiced. The liberties of the Baltic Provinces and of Finland were curtailed, the Jews were oppre ed, and old Ru ian orthodoxy was favored. Several Nihilist attempts were made on his life, and he kept himself practically a prisoner in his palace. He died at Livadia, Nov. 1, 1894. Alexander III., King of Scotland, born in 1241, in 1249 succeeded his father, Alexander II. Riding on a dark night between Burnt island and King horn, he fell with his horse and was killed on the spot, March 12, 1286. A monument (1887) marks the scene of his death. His death led to the attempt of Edward I. of England to destroy the liberties of Scotland, which resulted in the crushing defeat of the English under Edward If. at Bannock burn. Alexander I., King of Servia, born Aug. 14, 1876; son of King Milan I, In 1889 Milan abdicated and proclaimed Alexander king, under a regency till he should attain his majority (18 years). On April 13, 1893, when in his 17th year, Alexander suddenly took the royal authority into his own hands, and summarily dismi ed the regent. On Aug. 5, 1900, he married Mme.