New-York tribune., 1902-10-19
ROYAL FAMILY STATUTES
IN THE ENACTMENT OF WHICH ORDI-
NARY CITIZENS OF EUROPEAN MON
ARCHES HAVE NO VOICE.

When few weeks ago the phenomenalIy
oorpulent and elderly Crown Prince Of Luxem-
burg was stricken with another apoplectic seiz-
ure-the second within the space OF few
months-the leading organs of the European
press, recalling that the question of possession
oi the grand duchy brought France and Ger
many 10 the very brink of war in 1S67. began TO
express their apprehension as to the problem Of
succession which would arise in The event Of the
Crown Prince succumbing TO a third III without
leaving any male issue. The Crown Prince is
the only son Of an octogenarian and exceedingly
infrm father, who in the ordinary course Of
events must ere long he gathered TO his an
cestors, and as. according To ali the standard
works OF reference. the Salc order Of succession
was asserted to prevail IN Luxembourg ana the
five daughters OF the Grown Prince were sup
posed in consequence thereof 10 be barred from
the throne. and as. moreover. the only brother
Of the grand duke is morganatically married,
much speculation was INDUCED i'm as to the
ultimate fate OF the grand duchy. the belief
being manifested that the Kaiser, who includes
among his titles that of Prince of Nassau would
seize it, and that this move on his part would
be followed by declaration of war by France
All these fears have however. now been set
at rest by the announcement officially made at
LuXemburg 10 the effect that Clause A. Of the
family statutes Of the sovereign house of Mas
X
and bearing the date Of April 80 1883. expressly
stpuates that ''in the event of the extinction Of
the male line, the eldest daughter of the last
male survivor. or. failing daughters, his sister
or nearest female blood relation. shall be en-
titled TO the succession OF the throne" Nobody
outside the immediate members of the House of
Nassau were aware Of the existence OF this par
ucular family statute. which was ignored until
The other DAY by most Of the Old World govern
nents, and, although it now seems that para
graph was inserted in the constitution Of Lux
emburg Of 1865 TO the effect that the success
sion to the throne shall be in accordance with
the family statutes Of the House OF Nassau"
nobody seems to have paid any attention there
to-the general conviction that the Salic law
existed il the grand duchy being strengthened
when, on the death Of the late King William Of
the Netherlands. who was likewise grand duke
or Luxemburg, his daughter and successor TO
The crown OF Holland. Queen Wilhelmina, was
barred by reason of her sex from her fathers
throne OF Luxemburg. which passed instead to
his cousin. Duke Adolph of Nassau
II now seems that this disposition OF the
sovereignty of Luxemburg was due TO the fact
mat. according to the terms of the Nassau fam
lly statutes. the women do not become eligible to
he Ihrone Of Luxembourg until the male line is
eAuihguished Failing therefore the birth of
any son TO Crown Prince William OF I.uxem-
Durg' II is Princess Marie the eldest of his
iiNe daughters. who. on his death and that OF
ei grandfather, the grand duke will become
@ @soneteign grand duchess Of Luxemburg in her
me mention of these family statutes of the
'10Nse OF Nassau IN the eT actm@nt OF which