Alexander John I., prince of Roumania, of the house of Cuza, born in Galatz, March 20, 1820. He was educated in Paris, became a colonel in the Moldavian service, and held several civil offices, resigning in consequence of disagreement with the government about the Austrian occupation. He was an active partisan of the union party, which favored the political union of the two Danubian principalities, and was hostile to Austrian influence. He was appointed minister of Avar in 1858, and elected prince of Moldavia Jan. 17, 1850, and of Wal-lachia Feb. 5. In October, 1800, he obtained the recognition of the sultan, and on Dec. 23, 1861, he proclaimed the union of the two principalities under the name of Roumania. He dissolved the national assembly March 14, 1863, abrogated the electoral law May 14, 1864, and promulgated a new and entirely arbitrary constitution. A conspiracy formed against him in 1865 was suppressed, but one instigated in 1866 by Bratiano, Ghika, Cantacuzene, and other eminent public men, put an end to his reign. On the night of Feb. 23 they sent officers to his house, who forced him to sign his abdication.

A provisional government was proclaimed April 13, 1866. Prince Charles of Hohenzollern, a relative of the king of Prussia, was chosen reigning prince, and Alexander Cuza has since lived in retirement at Vienna.