By his rank and patriotism, and not least by his extensive knowledge, his Majesty King Charles is entitled to our first consideration.  Of his political career we have spoken in our historical summary, and little more need be added.  He was born on April 20, 1839, and is therefore about forty-three years of age.  On November 15, 1869, he married Pauline Elisabeth, Princess of Wied, who was then about twenty-six years old; but, unfortunately, the sole offspring of their union, a little girl, lies interred in the grounds of the Asyle Helene.  The King is a handsome man, rather above the average height, and, so far as his regularly formed features are concerned, he might belong to any nationality of Western Europe.  He usually wears a somewhat severe expression, but the moment he begins to converse this at once disappears.  His manner is quiet and earnest, although he often warms into enthusiasm, and he has the happy faculty of placing all with whom he comes into contact at perfect ease.  He possesses a wide range of information, and speaks with evident knowledge on all matters of interest to his subjects or to civilisation.  Of course he is well acquainted with his adopted country and its resources, takes a lively interest in its trade and capabilities; and so far as the geographical configuration of Roumania is concerned, he not only knows all about the level country, but has either ridden or walked through every part of the Carpathians.  His scientific knowledge is such as one might expect in an educated German, and is chiefly of a practical kind.  He is deeply interested in arboriculture, about which he knows more than many who are entrusted with the care and fate of the vast woods that clothe the mountain districts, and he has often pointed out to such persons errors in their mode of felling timber.  In private life the King is hospitable, genial, and very regular in his habits; he is a devout Catholic, but a constant attendant upon the services of the Greek Church.

[Illustration:  H.M.  PAULINE ELIZABETH,

FIRST QUEEN OF ROUMANIA.

IN THE NATIONAL COSTUME.

(FROM A PHOTOGRAPH BY FRANZ DUSCHEK.)]

But of course our interest in him is necessarily rather of a public than of a private character.  Is he constitutional? or is Europe likely some day to be favoured with a Roumanian coup d’etat?  The answer to these questions is clear and emphatic.  Although a Hohenzollern, he is a Constitutional Liberal, we should say of an advanced type.  We spoke before of his misunderstandings with his ministers; but even those who were originally opposed to him, and who watched his every act with suspicion, state that he has managed with great tact to steer clear of unconstitutional courses; indeed, from their own admissions and the facts of history, it is clear that he must have served a very trying apprenticeship in the art of constitutional rule.  His demeanour towards his subjects and that of his queen, of whom we shall speak presently, is everything that can be desired, and both are winning their affections more completely year by year.