The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1886-11-26
Something About Rings.

Rings have been used for ornamentation
or badge of office as far back as time can fur
nish us with authentic information. In the
books of Genesis and Exodus they are alluded
to as symbols of rank or office.
In the early stages Of the world, when but
few could write their names, the impression
in wax of u mans seal, engraved with his
special device, was considered as obligatory
us II persons name in the presence OF wit
ncsses is considered in our age.
The taste for ornament was of very early
origin, and rings for the nose, fingers, ears,
ankles and arms were used by all who could
obtain them. Rings for the nose have never
been much in vogue with civilized nations,
! but barbarians have ever considered them q
necessary appendage TO personal comeli-
ness.
Rings for the finger have always been uni
versally popular, and large sums have been
expended in their purchase, even by men
who have become enervated Ply case and vo-
righteousness. When used by the latter
merely rs emblems of authority, the practice
was admissible, but when worn only as or
naments the harder sex should be willing to
relinquish their light to women and savages
The early Romans and Spartans wore
rings manufactured of iron but when luxu-
ry caused them to degenerate, they wore the
tificer could devise
The ancients attained an extraordinary de-
gree of skill in the manufacture of these or
namcnts which is unknown to the present
age. There were strange devices of every
kind, even the heads of ancestors and friends
being often selected. Wedding rings were
used AT very early period, but no simplicity
marked their manufacture.
An old Jewish ring now seen in England
is said to be one inch in breadth and is eX-
tremrly massive, and on the back is a minia-
ture edfice that reaches the height of nearly
an inch.
Before money was coined rings were given
III exchange for different commodities, but
these rings were not formed exactly IKE those
which are now worn for ornament. Thick
gold or silver wires were so fashioned as 10
be united and linked into chains. The weight
of each ring was accurately the same, and
merchants would ask as many rings for an
article as we now ask dollars. This was
popular currency among the Egyptians,
Phpnicians, Scots, Britons and some other
nations,
small ring once owned by Charles l.,
and bearing the inscription, Behold the
End" was presented by him to favorite
Bishop on the morning Of the unfortunate
kings execution.
The ring given by Queen Elizabeth to Es-
SEX and SO fatally retained by the Countess
of Nottingham, is one of the most famous on
record. From the daughter of Essex it has
descended in unbroken succession to the
present owner 1t is of gold. with sides en-
graved, and the inside of blue enamel. 1t is
adorned by the head of Queen Bess and its
execution is perfect.
The Smallest Country in Europe.
The smallest country in Europe is not the
state of Monaco (area So. M, pop. $4,000
nor the republic of San Marine (area % So
m, pop $1,000 nor Andorre (area 600 SO. m,
pop. 10000, 1t is a yet smaller territory,
whose name is hardly known outside OF its
narrow limits, and compared TO which the
aforementioned States assume gigantic APP
pearance. The territory of Moresnet is about
halfway between Ferviers and Aachen, be-
tween Belgium and Germany. 1t comprises
3! so. M, and 1000 inhabitants, and is stu
ated IN very pretty valley. IL is complete
ly independent. Its wealth consists mainly
in tin ore In 1916, after the Napoleonic
wars, committee was appointed to establish
the frontier between Germany and Belgium.
All went right till Moresnet was approached.
Here the delegates disagreed. Each wanted
Moresnet for his country, on account of the
IlCHcS unucT STOuuN. AS no UNDERSTANDING
could be arrived at, it was agreed that this
strip of land should remain independent, and
belong to neither country. AT that time
Moresnet was beggarly collection of some
90 huts; at present, although still very
young State, it is in prosperous condition,
and comprises more than 800 houses. Agri-
cultural and industrial pursuits are carried on
to considerable extent. 1t is governed by
mayor, or burgomaster, chosen by two del
egates-one German, and one Belgian. This
imposing oflicial-a prosperous and hearty
tarmer-has a second, an old doctor, and
presides over an assembly of ten, chosen by
himself This assembly does all the business
under his supervision. Nobody votes in
Moresnet. There is no military service, and
only six francs taxes. The revenue amounts
to about 10000 francs, and is quite enough to
pay for the roads, schools, and the military
force, which comprises one man OF underlined
grade. 1t would seem that the mayor ought
10 be satisfied with the state of things. Not
so, however, this ambitious man wants to
find mineral waters in his territory. But
none are to be found yet, so he consoles him
self by manufacturing soda water Another
of his ambitions is that Moresnet should
stamp it's own stamps and have his ef1igy on
them. But the delegates from Germany and
Belgium do not see the use of the thing.