FILIGREE

metal-work, usually composed of fine gold, silver, or copper wire, arranged in delicate patterns, used in decorating jewelry, to which it is soldered. F. has been worked from very early times in Egypt, Greece, India, and other countries. Rumanian statesman, a Conservative in politics, became minister of agriculture (1900). In 1911-12 he took the portfolio of war, and thoroughly reorganized the army, subsequently -returning to his former office, which he held till 1913. After the outbreak of the World War he led the section of his party which wished to espouse the cause of the Allies. Later a fusion was effected with the Conservative-Democrats under the joint leadership of Filipescu and Take Jonescu.