The Perrysburg journal. [volume] (Perrysburg, Ohio) 1853-1861, 1855-01-06
The Republic of Andorre.

Paris letters state that project is in con-
temptation TO suppress the little Republic
of Andorre, which, for more than thou
sand years has existed in all its original in
tcgri,y among the Pyrenees mountains,
which separate France and Spain, and to
divide the territory between its two most
powerful neighbors. Such a proceeding
would be political sacrilege, and we trust
that the independence of the State, which for
so long period has remained historical
curiosity, like San Marino, in Italy, is not
now to be wrested from it by the rude hands
OF violence.
The name of the Andorre republic is pro-
badly familiar % but few OF our readers
Comparatively insignificant in size and
commercial importance, and containing but
eight thousand inhabitants, it has never ex
cited the cupidity of kings or occupied in
any way prominen. position IN the polltl.
cal world. 1t is situated on the south de-
clivity of the Pyrenees range, between the
department of Ariego, in France, and the
district of Urgel, in Spain. l! is about
thirty-three miles square, and comprises
three of the widest and most picturesque
valleys of the Pyrenees, surrounded by high
and almost inaccessible peaks. 1t is water
ed by several small rivers, and Andorre, the
principal town, has population OF two
thousand.
The State contains little arabic land, but
has a considerable extent of excellent pas
ture ground, sheltered by vast forests of fir,
and the inhabitants depend chiefly for sub
sis,ence upon their fiocks and iron mines,
the product Of the latter finding ready
market in Spain. The State is divided into
six communes, and the government is invest
i'm 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 assemblies, and
carry on the government when the council
is not sitting.
The republic of Andorre was founded by
Charlemagne in the year 700. he making it
independent of the neighboring princes, as a
reward for services rendered him in his
march against the Moors of Spain, by sup
plying his troops with provisions, and taking
care Of their wounded. For thousand and
three years, France still held sort OF pro-
tectorate over the State. but in 1893 even
this was abandoned, and the republic for a
time stood entirely alone. During this period
they preserved their attachment to France,
furnishing 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 de-
cared to be Republic connected with
France"
The Andorrian people are simple and Sc
we're in their manners and customs. The
great majority of them are unable to read
and write, and live as their forefathers did a
thousand years ago. Their wealth consists
of sheep, cattle, and iron mines. Each
family acknowledges chief who succeeds
b. right of primogeniture. and they are SO
far advocates of women's rights that no
bachelors are admitted to any share in the
management of public affairs. The doctrine
of equality is nowhere more practically en-
forced than there.
The principal Andorran houses have con-
t;nued for centuries withou. any change in
their fortunes, nj plus riche, nj plus pauvrc
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 proportioned. Crime is
rare, and all disputes are settled by the Syn
dies. The men are all liable to serve in the
militia if required, and every head of fami-
ly is obliged TO have in his possession, at all
times, musket and certain quantity OF
powder and ball,