The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1921-08-21
PETTY KINGDOMS
SCHEME FLIVVERS
Liechtenstein on Verge of
Revolution Over Post
age Stamps.
Especial Gable to The Washington Hsrald
and Chicago Tribuns.)

Especial Cable to The Washington Herald
and Chicago Tribuns.)
BERLIN, Aug. 2o.-How the prin-
cipality of Liechtenstein. swept by
an epidemic in postage stamps. was
induced to change its currency from
an Austrian crown basis to one OF
Swiss francs, and. frenzied by fail
ure to realize its speculative hopes.
stood for several weeks upon the
brink of a revolution. is a romance
that hitherto has received no
publicity.
The Liechtenstein government. on
the advice of its financial and bust
ess councillor. an Austrian privy-
councillor. DR.. Josef Peer. gave to
an Austrian business corporation
exclusive rights to print and sell
the Liechtenstein postage stamps
to stamp dealers throughout the
world. the principality retaining a
profit-sharing interest in the con-
tract. The Austrian censortium,
calling itself The Philatelic Sales
Department of the Liechtenstein
PrincipaIity Postage Stamps" in
the endeavor to win for itself popu-
lar support Of its concession. began
publicity campaign throughout
the principality advertising the
profits that could be derived from
its business
Great Wealth Promised.
Untold wealth was promised the
community. Taxes were soon to be
abolished Electrical power sta
lions were to be established from
the money made out of postage
stamps. As an asset in its sales
and profiteering campaign. The
Philatelic Sales Department Of the
Liechtenstein Princpality Postage
Stamps" induced the government to
change its currency to the Swiss
franc basis. thus heavily increasing
the face value Of these stamps for
retail sales purposes in foreign
countries.
For two years popular excite
ment was intense and the interest
on the part OF small shopkeepers'
mechanics and peasants in the popu-
lar indoor sport Of stamp collect
ing was INDISPENSABLE. The popula-
ton was busily occupied with its
stamp speculation. Everywhere one
heard bits OF conversation about
"watermarks." "perforates." gold
standard and postal value" profits
in kronen exchange" etc. etc.
Everywhere. people were dreaming
of futures in luxury and idleness.
when last December. the Liechten-
stein legislature met. and balancing
the state budget. found 1t impera-
tive to make heavy in :reases in the
taxation rates. THE crash was
quick and sudden. The popular fury
knew no bounds. Protest demon
strations were held everywhere
Resolutions were passed. commit
tees were formed to take action.
circulars expressing the popular in
dignation were printed and dis
tributed.
The government grew uneasy.
prince and fatherland" were de-
clared to be in danger. A general
STAIR for peace and order was es-
tablished. Warrants for the arrest
of leaders and agitators were Is
sued.
March ON Palace.
While the government was still
busily occupied IN preparations for
its own defense, a large community
procession of protest was organized
and marched upon the palace. and.
to the establishment of the startled
court, came not upon a mission OF
dethronement, but to pay their re-
spects and give expressions of honor
to their prince, petitioning him to
end the scandalous postage stamp
and restore the nation to
normally" by exiting the arch de.
ceiver, Royal Privy Councillor DR..
Josef Peer. With the granting OF
this request, peace was again re-
stored to Liechtenstein-
So ended the Liechtensteiner's
South Sea bubble and dreams Of
luxury and Lydian delights. Stamp
has become most un-
as an indoor sport through
out the length and breadth Of the
OF Liechtensteip,