Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1854-11-09
The Republic Of Andorre.

Paris letters state that a project is in contem
plation to suppress the little republic of An
dorre, which, for more than thousand years
has existed in all its original integrity among
the Pyrenees mountains, which separate France
and Spain, and to divide the territory between
its two more powerful neighbors. Such pro-
ceeding would be political sacrilege, and we
trust that the independence of the State, which
for so long period has retained historical
curiosity, like San Marine, in Italy, is not now
10 be wrested from it by the rude hands of vio-
lence.
The name of the Andorre republic is proba-
bly, familiar to but few of our readers. Com
paratively Insignificant in size and CONNER
cial Importance, and containing but eight thou
sand inhabitants, it has never excited the en-
pidity of kings or occupied in any way q promi.
nent position in the political world 1t IS stu
ated on the south decliyity of the Pyrenees
range, between the department of Ariepo. in
France, and the district of Urgel, in Spain.
1t is about thirty-three miles square and com.
prises three of the widest and most pictu.
rescue valleys of the Pyrenees, surrounded by
high and almost inaccessible peaks. II is
watered by several small rivers, and Andorre.
the principal town, has population of two
thousand.
The State contains little arabic land, but has
considerable extent of excellent pasture
ground, sheltered by vast forests Of fir, and the
inhabitants depend chiefly for substance upon
their focks and iron mines, the product of the
latter finding a ready market in Spain. The
State is divided into six communes, and the
government is invested in the hands of twenty.
four councillors, four from each commune, who
are chosen for life. This council elect two
Syndics, or executive officers, who convoke the
assemblys, and carry on the government when
the council is not sitting.
The republic of Andorre was founded by
Charlemagne in the year 100, he making it in
dependent of the neighboring princes, as a
reward for services rendered him in his march
against the Moors of Spain, BY supplying his
troops with provisions, and taking care of their
wounded. For thousand and three years.
France still held sort of protectorate over
the State, but in 1893 even this was abandon.
ed, and the republic, for a time, stood entirely
alone. During this period they preserved their
attachment 10 France, furnished the French
armies with guides and provisions during the
war in Spain, and resisted the violation of
their territory by the Spaniards. At length
they prevailed on Napoleon to re-establish the
ancient order Of things, and in 1906 Andorre
was again declared to be republic connected
with France"
The Andorrian people are simple and severe
in their manners and customs. The great ma
jority Of them are unable TO read and write
and live as their forefathers did thousand
years ago. Their wealth consists of sheen.
cattle, and iron mines. Each family acknow
lodges chief who succeeds by right Of promo
geniture, and they are so far advocates of
womans rights that no bachelors are admitted
to any share in the management of public
affairs. The doctrine Of equality is no where
more practically enforced than there.
The principal Andorrian houses have con-
tirued for centuries without any change in
their fortunes, nj plus richie, nj plus paarre
and the poorest Of the people are so assisted
and their wants so supplied by their more opu-
lent neighbors, that they never feel the pangs
Of poverty. The individuals Of both sexes are
strong and well proportional. Crime is rare,
and all disputes are settled in the Syndics.
The men are all liable to serve in the militia IL
required, and every head OF family is Obliged
to have in his possession, at all times. musket
and a certain quantity of powder and ball.
The primitive style Of living of the Andor-
rians has, until within o few years, shut out
from their midst the vices and corruptions of
cities. But Of late, it is said, as the inhabi-
tants have been brought more into contact
with the civilized world, they have become dis.
satisfied with the scanty substance which their
iron mines and farms have hitherto afforded
them, and many Of them have engaged in the
illegal pursuit Of smuggling profession
which they are well qualified, by their physical
training among the mountains, to pursue with
success.
II this illegal traffic, we believe, together
with sundry serious ARRAYS which have occurred
between the smugglers and the French and
Spanish officers Of the customs, which has
caused those two nations TO entertain the idea
Of suppressing the republic and dividing the
territory between them. If this is done, San |
Marine will be without rival.