The Prince George's enquirer and southern Maryland advertiser. (Upper Marlborough, Md.) 1882-1925, 1900-02-09
ALMOST UNKNOWN
REPUBLIC.

lies in the world about which so little
Is known that not one person in
thousand could tell You anything about
them, yet each is little kingdom in
itself, with President and council to
govern state affairs and its own pecu-
liar trials and troubles to worry the
people.
AS regards population, says writer
in Cit Bits" the smallest republic in
the world is that of Tavolara, an is
land about five miles long, with an
average width of little more than
half mile, situated about dozen
miles to the northeast Of Sardinia. The
total population cf the whole republic
does not exceed sixty, but they elect
a President every six years, and a
council of six members, all of whom
serve the State without pay. The
woman OF this island 60 to the polls
and vote with the men, and ever since it
became republic, in 1886, all public
bubble business has been transacted
without turmoil, the elections taking
place without any high party feeling
or undue excitement.
In 1886 King Charles Albert of
Sardinia granted the island of Tavo-
lara to family of the name of Barto-
leoni, but in less than half century
the inhabitants threw off the yoke of
monarchy and took to themselves the
right to be governed by themselves.
the right to be governed by themselves.
This little war did not alarm the world,
and was quite peaceful one. King
Paul l., reigned until 1882, and on his
death bed requested that none of his
kin should succeed to the thone, and
as no one claimed the honor, four yeals
later the people decided to draw up a
constitution, and Tavolara has been a
very successful little republic ever
since.
Twelve years ago its independence
was recognized by Italy, and, it is to
be presumed, other powers would have
recognized it also if they had known
of it's existence. The inhabitants live
principally by fishing and raising
fruits and vegetables. They fear no
sudden invasion, for they dispense
with any army or navy, and presuma-
bly, in cas-. of need would rely upon
the entire population to uphold the
freedom of the country.
Very few people have heard of the
existence of the republic of Goust,
which is situated on the fiat top of
mountain in the Basses Pyrenees,
south of France. 1t has but an area
of one and 4 quarter square miles, and
a population Of 40; so that, as re-
CARDS size, it can fairy claim to be the
smallest republic in the world. 1t is
an older republic than the United
States, having been in existence since
1913, and enjoys the distinction of be-
ing recognized by both Spain and
France.
The Presidant is elected from an
elder college, consisting of twelve
peasants, who are chosen every twelve
years by the people. The President
is also tax collector, assessor and judge.
If, however, his decisions are displeas-
ing to the people they appeal to the
bishop of Laruns, in the Spanish parish
down the mountain side, and what the
bishop says it law. Goust is certain
ly unique place, for it has no church
or clergyman, the people worshipping
in churches beyond the limits of their
country. Neither have they any bu-
rial ground, and when death occurs
among them the body is slid down to
cemetery in the valley below. In
this valley, too, all the baptisms and
marriages take place.
There is Il perfectly organized re-
public in the western part of North
Carolina; but, although it is practi-
cally independent of both State and
National governments, it has never
been recognized by foreign powers, al
though its independence is acknow-
lodged 10y the American Government
at Washington. This little republic is
known as the Qualla Reserve, the
home of about 900 of the Cherokee
Indians 1t consists of tract Of
about eight square miles of rich valley
land
The President of the liltlc republic
is elected every four years, and re-
ceives salary Of $500 year. When
at Washington, however, on the re-
public business, he receives s. a day
extra None but Cherokee of more
than 80 years OF age is eligible for the
position. When the chief is absent
his duties are performed by assistant
chief, member Of the national council,
who receives a salary Of $3.50 per
year.
The chiefs cabinet is made up of
three secretaries and the council of
Congress comprises two delegates from
every 100 members of the tribe. AL
though the chief possesses the veto
power, he cannot act in any matter OF
public policy without the consent ofthe
council.
The Republic Of San Marino, in