Omaha daily bee., 1899-12-03
December 8. 1899.

and Judge. II, however, his decisions are
displeasing to the people they appeal to the
bish D of Laruns, in the Spanish parish
down the mountain side, and what the bishop
says is law. Goust is certainly unique
place, for it has no church or clergyman, the
people worshipng in churches beyond the
limits of their country. Neither have they
any burial ground, and when death oc-
ours among them the body is slid down
to a cemetery in the valley below. In this
valley, too, all the baptisms and marriages
take place.
There is a perfectly organized republic in
the western part of North Carolina but, all
though it is practically Independent of both
state and national governments, it has never
been recognized by foreign powers, although
its independence is acknowledged by the
American government at Washington. This
little republic is known as the Qualla Re-
serve, the home of about 1000 of the Chero
kee Indians 1t consists of a tract of about
eighty square miles of rich valley land.
The president of the little republic is
elected every four years, and receives
salary of $500 year. When at Washington,
however on the republics business, he re-
ceives So a day extra. None but Cherokee
of more than 35 years of age is eligible for
the position. When the chief Is absent his
duties are performed by an assistant chief,
a member of the national council, who re-
ceives a salary of $3.50 per year.
The chiefs cabinet is made up of three
secretaries and the council of congress COM
prises two delegates from every 100 men,
bers of the tribe. Although the chief pos
sesses the veto power, he cannot act in any
matter of public policy without the consent
of the council. No one can hold Office who
denies the existence of God or of heaven and
hell and the constitution provides for the
maintenance of a public school, in which
both the Cherokee and the English languages
are taught The Indian citizens Of the
Qualla Reserve are all law abiding and in
dustrious and nearly all are regular attend
ants at the Baptist or Methodist church.
The Republic of San Marino, in Central
Italy, is perhaps the best known of these
tiny republics It's territory covers about
thirty-three square miles and the population
numbers about $500 souls. This miniature
state was founded in the fourth century by
st. Marinus, who, having embraced Chris
tianity, fled there to escape the persecution
under Diocletian. The capital San Marino,
is on the crest of mountain over 1000 feet
high and has population of 1000. 1t is one-
of the most picturesque places in the word,
being perched on perpendicular cliffs.
The republic is governed by a Legislature
senate of sixty members, elected for life.
From this body is elected the council of
twelve, which, with legal adviser, decides
all questions. Two captains regent, elected
every six mouths represent the state which
has also it's home secretary, it's minister of
foreign affairs, it's chancellor of the ex-
cb equer, its army of $50 men, and a regular
budget. San Marino is proud Of her antiquity
and hac p,y
with Italy the republic receives a certain
proportion Of the italian customs revenue,
but eXacts no customs her borders. She :,
also agrees not to grow tobacco, but is al
lowed to import it duty free.
In order to avoid copyright difficulties there
is no printing press in San Marino, and when
the mail arrives at Borgo bell is rung and
those inhabitants who have their dwellings
up n the cliffs have to descend to get their
letters, for owing to the primitive state of
affairs the postman never ascends the rock
Another curious fact is that the commissary,
'r judge, and the physician must both be
aud paid out of the public purse
The small half French and half-Spanish
'epublic of Andorra, which lies in an almost
inaccessible valley of the eastern Pyrenees,
possesses a charter of rights dating from
Charlemange, in 100. There is but one way
II getting to Andorra from France, and that
S by the river Bolira. To reach it from
spain you have to be carried down by mule
ver one of the most dangerous footpaths In .
europe There are six parishes in the re-
ubllc and the whole contains about 5000
eople, the territory covering an area of
As square miles
inc republic is governed by a general
ouncil of tweuty-four members, each parish
ending four, and of this council the syndic.
+ president, is chosen for life by the council.
he syndic, being president of the republic,
eceives salary of SIS year. and the mem
ers of the council are paid $3.50.
Twelve months ago Andorra bought big
IN from Herr Krupp and planted it almost
the center of the republic right between
pain and France. Europe should tremble,
II when that gun is fired either France or
)ain will be hit for the republic is but