Democratic Sentinel, Volume 19, Number 14, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 12 April 1895 — EARTH’S OLDEST REPUBLIC. [ARTICLE]

EARTH’S OLDEST REPUBLIC.

A Singular Little State, Jealous of Its Independence. San Marino has just attracted the attention of the other nations by opening with great ceremony a splendid government palace which it has built for itself. San Marino is the oldest republic in toe world. According to the legend, its founders, Marino and Leo, hailed from Dalmatia. They founded the republic on the Titan Mountain, which was presented to Marino by St. Felicissima, and Leo became bishop of the diocese. Though its people are Italian, and geographically it forms part of Italy, it is quite independent of the Italian Government. Moreover, of all the powers that have ruled over Italy none has ever attempted to deprive the tiny State of its liberty. It was respected even by the all-con-quering Napoleon. True, in 1797, he offered to supply the republic with cannon, doubtless with ulterior aims upon it, but his offer was declined with thanks.

The country, though it possesses a nobility, is governed on truly socialistic principles. The land is divided among the citizens, who ail earn their own living. They pay no rates nor taxes and have no army. They are completely out of the world. They know little, and care less of what goes on in Italy, just below them, and separated from their territory only by a small bridge, or of the world around them. They live for their family, and the blind forces of angry nature are their only foes. They seldom, if ever, leave their rock, and never allow a stranger to remain on their territory longer than a week. Finally, they are extremely virtuous. A few years ago the Monte Carlo Casino Company offered the community an enormous sum if they would allow rouge et noir and roulette to be established in their midst, but the offer was peremptorily and indignantly refused. So averse are they to innovations, that until quite recently there was only one clock in the whole State. The republic is governed by two Consuls, called Regents, elected, qne by the patricians and the other by the citizens and country people. The Council consists of sixty members, elected for life, and comprising 20 nobles, 20 citizensand 20agriculturists. This Council takes the place of the ancient Arringo, an assembly composed of the chiefs of every faini>y. There are also a Council of Twelve, a Governing Congress of nine citizens, and another Congress for Foreign Affairs (?) The republic is represented by Consuls in most of the chief cities of Europe.