URUGUAY 141 USHANT estimated at about $37,000,000; and the expenditure at about $34,000,000. The national debt was $173,703,000. Government. — The constitution of Uru- guay is liberal and representative. Religion. — The established religion is Roman Catholic; other forms of worship are, however, tolerated. The inhabitants are chiefly Creoles of Spanish descent, the Indians and negroes being a com- paratively small number. History. — The territory forming the present republic of Uruguay was origin- ally settled by a party of Spanish colon- ists from Buenos Aires, and its posses- sion caused a subsequent war between Spain and Portugal, during which it was several times occupied by both. Eventu- ally, however, the country remained in the hands of Spain, who annexed it to the viceroyalty of Buenos Ayres, under the name of Banda Oriental. On the outbreak of the war of independence, the state espoused the side of Buenos Aires against the mother country, but soon separated from that republic. An- nexed by Brazil in 1821, a war ensued, 1826-1828, which was terminated by a treaty of peace, effected through the agency of Great Britain in the latter year, by which the N. part of the terri- tory known as the Seven Missions, was ceded to Brazil, and the S. portion de- clared an independent state under the style and title of Republica del Uruguay Oriental. Intestine commotions resulted, followed by a war between Uruguay and Buenos Aires. England and France be- ing called on to interfere, an allied fleet blockaded Montevideo, 1848-1849, and peace was restored in 1851. In 1860 a revolution took place under Flores, who was defeated in 1863, but reinstated by Brazil in 1865, and assassinated in 1868. From 1868 on, political conditions im- proved considerably. Although _ there were, from time to time, minor disturb- ances in connection with the presi- dential elections, the latter were in the main held in accordance with the con- stitutional provisions, and as a rule, the candidates elected were permitted to as- sume their office. The resources of the country were developed more fully and many liberal and progressive laws were passed. As a result of the World War, the country during 1914-1915, passed through a severe financial crisis, which was partially relieved by foreign loans. In 1917 a constitutional convention adopted a new constitution, which went into effect March 1, 1919. As a result of the sinking by German forces of a Uruguayan ship, the Chamber of Depu- ties finally, on Oct. 7, 1917, voted to break off diplomatic relations with Ger- Cyc many. Eight German steamships, in- terned in the harbor of Montevideo, with a total tonnage of 42,000, were seized. Dr. Baltasar Brum was inaugurated as president on Sept. 19, 1919. Congress approved the Versailles Treaty of Peace with Germany, and on Nov. 24, 1919, it declared in favor of a League of Nations. UBUGUAY,a river of South America, which I'ises in Brazil, in the province of Santa Catharina, flows first W., then gradually turns S., and finally enters the estuary of La Plata opposite Buenos Aires; length, about 800 miles. URUMIAH, OROOMIAH, or UR- MIAH, a city of Persia, in Azerbaijan ; 64 miles S. W. of Tabriz. It is sup- posed to be the birthplace of Zoroaster. It is a fortified town and has a popula- tion of about 25,000. URUMIAH, a salt lake in Azerbaijan, 3,900 feet above sea-level; with a length of 90 miles, a breadth of 30 miles, and a circumference of not less than 250 miles. It contains 6 large and about 50 smaller islands, and receives 14 streams, of which the largest are the Jagatu, Tatau, Sefichai, and Ajichai. It has no ap- parent outlet. The depth for 2 miles does not exceed 3 feet, the average depth is under 12 feet, the greatest depth ascertained 45 feet. The water is so largely impregnated with salt that no fish can live in it, and the banks are covered with a thick saline incrustation, from which a salt of beautiful trans- parency is obtained for commerce. USEDOM, a Prussian island in the Baltic; on the coast of Pomerania; area, 150 square miles. The inhabitants are employed in agi'iculture and fishing; chief towns, Swinemiinde and Usedom. Pop. about 35,000. USENER. HERMANN KARL, a German classical philologist; born in Weilburg on the Lahn, Oct. 13, 1834; be- came professor in the University of Bonn. Among his works are: "Philology and the Science of History" (1882) ; "Ancient Greek Versification" (1887) ; "Re- searches in the History of Religion" (1889); "Names of Gods: An Attempt to Account for Religious Concepts" (1895) ; etc. He died Oct. 21, 1905. USHANT, an island off the W. coast of France; included in the department of Finisterre ; area 20 square miles. Pop. about 2,500. The coasts are escarped and difficult of access ; the soil is fertile. The island has two lighthouses and a tele- graph station. Off Ushant two cele- brated sea fights took place between the English and the French in 1778, and 10 Vol. X
