CHASHNIKI:
Town in the government of Vitebsk, Russia, having (in 1897) a population of 4,590, of whom about 4,000 are Jews. Besides those engaged in dairying, which is entirely in the hands of the Jewish population, there are 310 Jewish artisans and 99 Jewish journeymen. In consequence of the general poverty, the number of emigrants and of those depending on charity is constantly growing. About 115 persons apply yearly for aidbefore the Passover holidays. With the exception of a Biḳḳur Ḥolim association, Chashniki has no charitable societies. A government school for Jews with a female department (95 pupils), and a private school (48 Jewish pupils), are the only educational institutions.
