[71] Reports on Laws of Foreign Countries, presented to the House of Commons, 1881.
[72] In 1874 the Assize Courts had judged in all 1,493 persons (1,441 men and 52 women). Of these there were:
| Peasants | 961 | Roumanians | 1,394 | Above twenty years of age | 1,303 |
| Artisans | 186 | All other nations | 99 | Above sixteen and under twenty | 153 |
| Traders | 54 | Under sixteen | 11 | ||
| Officials | 60 | Age unknown | 26 | ||
| Sundries | 232 | ||||
| 1,493 | 1,493 | 1,493 |
In looking over the statistics given to us (by authorities) we found several small errors. In the main, however, they appear to be correct.
[73] Obedenare names four, but we believe he has coupled two neighbouring mines together as one.
[74] This does not, however, keep the water effectually out of the mine, for, from whatever source, one portion of it was partially flooded whilst we were there. Some of the prisoners had struck and refused to enter the shaft, and the chief inspector who had come from Bucarest to enquire into the cause of the émeute said the men were justified in their refusal to work, considering the condition of that part of the mine.
[75] We understand that the mine is to be lighted with the electric light this year.
[76] A touch of the ludicrous intervened to relieve the painful feelings we experienced on this occasion. We were standing with the engineer of the mine watching the men hewing salt, when the latter said (in German) 'Here are the worst criminals'—meaning in that mine. Not quite understanding him, we got the undeserved credit of making a joke by asking,' Here, where we stand?'—meaning in that part of the mine. The engineer burst into a laugh, which sounded very hollow there, and then we noticed the double entendre, and mutual explanations ensued.
[77] Full accounts of the relations, or supposed relations, between the Thracians, the Getæ, and the Dacians will be found in Smith, Geog. Dict., articles 'Dacia,' Geography; 'Thracia,' p. 325; 'Mœsia,' p. 677; and 'Dacia,' p. 679. In Dierauer (pp. 63-4 and note 1) and Roesler (chap, i.) everything of interest from the Greek and Roman historians is fully discussed, but the other German, French, and English writers treat the matter with more or less brevity, in some instances dismissing it in a few words.
[78] Vol. ii. pp. 105-106. The whole question is involved in obscurity.