souri) should forever be free from slavery. This compromise was virtually repealed in 1854, when territorial governments were established for Kansas and Nebraska.
MISSOURI, UNIVERSITY OF, a coeducational and non-sectarian institution in Columbia, Mo.; founded in 1840; reported at the close of 1919: Professors and instructors, 296; students, 3,536; volumes in the library, 233,820; endowment funds, $1,809,339; grounds and buildings valued at $2,788,855; income, $1,350,000; number of graduates, 2,105; president, A. Ross Hill.
MISSOURI VALLEY COLLEGE, a coeducational institution in Marshall, Mo.; founded in 1889 under the auspices of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church; reported at the close of 1919; Professors and instructors, 14; students, 232; productive funds, $617,642; income, $30,000; number of graduates, 370; president William H. Black, D. D.
MIST, fog; obscurity.
MISTASSINI (-sē'nē) LAKE, a sheet of water in Canada, in about lat. 51° N., lon. 72° to 73° W.; length, about 125 miles; average width, 20 miles; it forms the head waters of the Rupert river. First surveyed in 1884.
MISTLETOE, Viscum album, a plant parasitic on the apple and other fruit trees, on the thorn, the oak, the poplar, the lime, the ash, etc. It sometimes kills the branch or even the tree on which it is a parasite. Its flowers in threes, inconspicuous, green; its berries globose or ovoid, yellow, viscid. Found in the United States, also in Europe, and the N. of Asia. The United States mistletoe differs from that found in Europe in the fact that it has much broader leaves. Bird-lime (q. v.) is made from the berries. It was deemed sacred by the Druids, and still finds a large market in the United States and England when preparation is being made for Christmas festivities and sports.
MISTRAL, FRÉDÉRIC (mēs-träl′), a Provençal poet; born a peasant's son, near Maillaune, Bouches-du-Rhône, France, Sept. 8, 1830. He studied law at Avignon, but abandoned it for poetry. In 1859 he published the epic “Mirèio” written in his native Provençal dialect. This charming representation of life in southern France made his name famous and gained for him the poet's prize of the French Academy and the cross of the Legion of Honor. It also led to the formation of the society called Lou Felibrige, to create a modern Provençal literature. In 1867 Mistral published a second epic, “Calendou”; in 1876 a volume of poems, “Lis Iselo d'Or” (Golden Islands); and a novel, “Netro.” Died 1914.
MITAU (mē′tou), the capital of Courland, on the right bank of the Aa, 27 miles S. W. of Riga; has a castle, begun by Biron in 1738, and important manufactures, and a trade in grain and timber; founded in 1271 by the grandmaster of the Teutonic Knights. From 1798 to 1807 it offered an asylum to Louis XVIII. Pop. about 40,000.
MITCHAM, suburb of London, England, midway between Croydon and Wimbledon in Surrey, 2 miles S. of the city limits. Has large flower gardens, used largely for the manufacture of perfumes, essences, and medicinal extracts. Country round is largely resorted to for pleasure by Londoners, particularly Mitcham Common, which is extensive playground. Pop. about 30,000.
MITCHEL, JOHN, an Irish patriot; born the son of a Presbyterian minister, in Dungiven, County Derry, Ireland, Nov. 3, 1815. Soon after the formation of the Young Ireland party, and the starting of the “Nation,” in 1842, Mitchel began to contribute, and became assistant editor. In 1848 Mitchel started the “United Irishman.” For his violent articles he was tried on a charge of treason-felony and sentenced to 14 years' transportation. He was sent to Van Dieman's Land, whence he made his escape to the United States in 1853. Books were: “Life of Hugh O'Neill, Prince of Ulster” (1845); “History of Ireland from the Treaty of Limerick” (1868). In 1874 he returned unmolested to Ireland, and was elected to Parliament for Tipperary, but declared ineligible. Again elected, he died in Cork, Ireland, March 20, 1875.
MITCHEL, JOHN PURROY, mayor of New York, 1914-1918; born in Ford- ham, N. Y., in 1879. Educated at Fordham and Columbia Colleges. Graduated from N. Y. Law School in 1901 and admitted to bar; became member of law firm, Mitchel & Millan. Appointed special counsel to city of New York in 1906; Commissioner of Accounts, 1907; investigated borough presidents of Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Bronx, mayor's license bureau and other departments, and prosecuted city's case against a number of officials. Elected President of the Board of Aldermen for 1909-1913, and was acting Mayor during 1910. In 1913 was made Collector of Port by President Wilson, and was elected Mayor on Fusion ticket, November, 1913. When World War broke out, came out strongly on side
