Marino
Marino [1]
or SAN MARINO, one of the most ancient and most limited republican states of Europe, consists of a craggy mountain 2200 feet in height, situated amid the lesser ranges of the Apennines. and encircled by provinces formerly belonging to the pontifical states. It possesses a total area of twenty-one miles, and comprises a town of the same name, and several villages in the adjacent territory. The climate is healthy, but, owing to its exposure, high winds and frequent rains prevail. ‘ The inhabitants, who are reckoned at 8000, are noted for their hospitality, sobriety, industry, and general morality. They are sensitively jealous of their rights, and cling with tenacity to their territorial and legislative independence. The religion of the country is Roman Catholic. The early history of the republic is very obscure. During the mediaeval wars of Italy, Marino had its pigmy feuds and factions, which seem to have been none the less envenomed from the pettiness of the arena in which they were enacted. In 1740 the democratical form of government was securely guaranteed against further assault. The rights of this miniature state were scrupulously respected by Napoleon during his Italian campaign. The government. designated the Sovereign Grand Council (Generale Consiglio Principe), is composed of sixty members, of whom one third are nobles. From this number are selected the smaller "Council of Twelve" (two thirds from the town and the rest from the country),who, with the assistance of a jurisconsult, decide in questions of the second and third instance. The representatives of the state are termed captains-regent (capitani reggenti). They are chosen, the one from the party of the nobles, the other from the bourgeoisie. They each hold office only for six months. The army, or rather the militia of the republic, numbers 1189 men.
