The Grand Old Man, the sobriquet of Mr. Gladstone.
Gabelle.
A tax on salt, imposed at various periods of French history. Towards the
latter part of the eighteenth century it was a most burdensome impost
and its incidence was most irregular. It was abolished in 1791.
Gachupin.
The name given in Central and South America to Spaniards and Spanish
partizans during the war of independence.
Gadesden Purchase.
A purchase from Mexico by the United States for ten million dollars of a
large tract of land now included in Arizona and New Mexico. The purchase
was negotiated by James Gadesden, while United States’ Minister to
Mexico in 1853.
Gafol-land.
In Anglo-Saxon times folcland which was let out on rent was so called.
Gafol means tribute.
Galleons, The Spanish.
The treasure ships, which sailed once a year from the New World,
bringing the tribute of the Colonies to Spain. They were frequently
captured by the English gentlemen adventurers and by the buccaneers
during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.
Gallican Confession.
The profession of faith of the French Reformed Church, adopted at the
Synod of La Rochelle in 1571.
Gallowglasses.
_See_ Kerns.
Gamelle.
The nickname applied to the Duc d’Orléans, when he applied to be allowed
to do his term of service as a private in the French Army, saying that
he would be proud to eat his dinner out of the _gamelle_ (mess tin) like
any other Frenchman.
Gandamak, Treaty of.
A treaty between Great Britain and Afghanistan in 1879. It was
stipulated that the foreign affairs of Afghanistan should be under
British control, and that a British Resident should be appointed. All
Afghan territory occupied during the previous campaign was to be
restored, except the Kuram, Pishin and Sibi valleys. Great Britain was
to control the Khyber and Michni passes, and to pay the Ameer an annual
subsidy of £60,000. Within the year the British Resident, Cavagnari, was
murdered in Cabul, almost certainly with the connivance of the Ameer,
and the invasion of Afghanistan followed.
Garden of England.
This title is given to the counties of Kent and Worcestershire.
Garden State.
A popular name for the State of Kansas.
Garibaldini.
A democratic party in modern Italy, who desire to realize Garibaldi’s
ideal of a United Italy under a republic.
Garter, Order of the.
The premier order of knighthood, instituted by Edward III in 1344.
Gastein, Treaty of.
A treaty signed by Austria and Prussia, at the close of the
Schleswig-Holstein War, in 1865, by which Schleswig was ceded to Prussia
and Holstein to Austria, while the latter power made over to Prussia all
her rights in the Duchy of Lauenburg.
Gauchos.
The shepherds of the Pampas, or plains in the interior of the Argentine
Republic. They supported Ortiz de Rosas, who was practically dictator of
that state from 1835 to 1852.
Gautiers.
Insurgent bands of peasants in Normandy, circ. 1580.
Gavelkind.
In Anglo-Saxon and early Norman times all estates not held on military
tenure were subject to the law of Gavelkind, by which the inheritance
was divided equally among the sons. This tenure survived the decay of
the feudal system in Kent only, and where it exists, real estate, in
case of intestacy, still passes to the sons in equal shares, instead of
to the eldest.
Gem of Normandy.
Emma, daughter of Robert, Duke of Normandy, and wife of Ethelred II of
England, and afterwards of Knut, was known by this name.
Gemot.
The Shire Court in Anglo-Saxon times.
General Congress.
An assembly summoned at Philadelphia in 1774, after the passing of the
Boston Port Act, as a preliminary to a general revolt against English
rule. Twelve of the thirteen colonies were represented, Georgia alone
holding aloof.
Geneva Convention.
A convention signed at Geneva in 1864, by which the Powers bound
themselves to observe certain regulations in warfare, tending to
ameliorate the condition of the wounded. The Red Cross, the badge of the
Convention, is a protection to all working under it, and to all
buildings, such as hospitals, over which it is flown.
Gentoo Laws.
The digest of Hindoo and Mohammedan law prepared in Calcutta, circ.
1790, under the direction of Sir William Jones.
Georges’ Conspiracy.
_See_ Pichegru.
Geraldines.
The clansmen of the Fitzgeralds of Desmond and Kildare, one of the great
families of Norman nobles who settled in Ireland at the time of the
conquest under Henry II. They were exceedingly turbulent, and during
Tudor times were constantly intriguing with Spain, and rebelling against
English rule. Their last and most serious rising was in 1569, when they
held out against the royal troops until 1580, when the clan was
practically broken up, and ceased to be a power in Irish politics.
German Concordat.
_See_ Aschaffenburg.
Germanada.
An association of the people of Valencia directed against the privileges
of the nobles, formed in 1519, with the connivance of the Emperor
Charles V.
Germanic League.
A league composed of the smaller German States, with portions of the
dominions of Prussia and Austria, and the Free Cities, constituted at
the Congress of Vienna in 1815. Its constitution underwent considerable
changes in the course of the risings which took place in various states
in 1848, while in 1866 Prussia annexed all the states north of the Main.
Germany, Unification of.
This was accomplished at Versailles in 1871, when Hesse, Baden,
Würtemberg, and Bavaria applied to be allowed to enter the North German
Confederation. At the same time the King of Bavaria invited William to
assume the Imperial Crown, and on his acceptance the German Empire, as
it at present exists, was constituted.
Gerrymandering.
_See_ Jerrymandering.
Gersamma Reginæ.
_See_ Queen’s Gold.
Ghazi.
A Mohammedan fanatic who believes that he will enjoy exceptional bliss
in Paradise, if he dies in the act of killing an unbeliever. In Asiatic
warfare, especially among the Afghans and the Afridi hill tribes, a mob
of Ghazis usually lead the attack.
Ghazi.
A Turkish title of honour, signifying the Victorious, bestowed upon
successful generals, as in the cases of Osman Pacha and Moukhtar Pacha.
Ghent, Convention of.
A convention of the Netherlands provinces in 1477, whereat the Groote
Privilegie, the Magna Charta of Holland, was granted by Mary of
Burgundy.
Ghent, Pacification of.
An agreement between the Estates of Holland and Zeeland and the Prince
of Orange on the one side, and the Provinces of Brabant, Flanders,
Hainault, Artois and others on the other, signed in 1576. It recognized
the reformed religion in Holland and Zeeland, abolished the edicts of
Charles V, and agreed to the expulsion of the Spaniards.
Ghent, Treaty of.
A treaty between Great Britain and the United States, signed in 1814, at
the close of the war of 1811. The basis of the treaty was the _status
quo ante_. Commissioners were appointed to delimit the frontiers of the
United States and the British Colonies. Both parties undertook to aid
each other in the suppression of the slave trade, and it was provided
that all Indian tribes that had been dispossessed during the war should
be restored to their lands.
Ghibellines.
_See_ Guelfs.
Giants, Battle of the.
The battle of Marignano, where Francis I defeated the Swiss in 1515, was
so called by Trivulzio, the French Marshal.
Gin Act.
An Act passed in 1736, imposing a duty of 20_s._ per gallon on gin sold
by retail, and a £50 fee for every retailer’s licence. The Act was
evaded, and though gin was openly sold as before, no duties were paid
and no licences taken out. It was therefore repealed in 1743.
Giovane Italia, La.
_See_ Young Italy.
Gisors, Treaty of.
A treaty between Henry I of England and Louis VI of France, signed in
1113, after the defeat of the French at Puysac, and the loss of Alençon.
The French King renounced his claim to suzerainty over Maine, Belesme
and Brittany.
Gladstone’s Umbrella.
A phrase constantly used during the general election of 1885, having
reference to the way in which Mr. Gladstone succeeded in uniting under
his banner the various sections of the Liberal party.
Glamorgan Treaty.
A treaty concluded in 1644 between the Irish Catholics and the Earl of
Glamorgan, acting for Charles I. The published conditions were the
removal of the disabilities imposed on the Catholics by Poyning’s Act, a
general amnesty, and a limitation of the period during which titles to
land might be questioned. There was, however, a further secret treaty,
granting the Catholics the right of public worship in all churches not
occupied by the State Church, in return for which they agreed to provide
10,000 men for the King’s army in England, to be paid for out of the
church revenues.
Glasgow Riots.
An outbreak in Glasgow, under the leadership of a mechanic named Finlay,
in opposition to the Act of Union with England in 1706.
Glen Grey Act.
An Act amending the regulations as to Kaffir reservations in Cape
Colony, passed in 1894. It provided for the division of the reservations
into six-acre plots, and the granting of inalienable titles to the
allottees, with succession to the eldest son. At the same time all
subsidies were withdrawn, with the object of encouraging industry among
the Kaffirs.
Glencoe, Massacre of.
The treacherous massacre, in 1692, of the clansmen of Macdonald of
Glencoe, under the orders of Breadalbane, a member of the Clan Campbell,
the hereditary foes of the Macdonalds. An appearance of legality was
given to the massacre by the fact that Macdonald had delayed till the
last moment taking the oath of allegiance to William and Mary, and owing
to stress of weather did not actually take it till after the prescribed
date.
Glippers.
The name given to the Netherlanders who sided with the Spanish King’s
party, circ. 1570.
Glorious First of June.
The name given to the battle off Ushant, fought on June 1, 1794, in
which Lord Howe utterly defeated the French fleet.
Gold-bugs.
The name given in the United States to the supporters of the single gold
standard.
Golden Book.
The book containing the names of the noble Venetian families who were
qualified to be members of the Grand Council. It was compiled in 1319.
Golden Bull (Germany).
An edict issued in 1356 by the Emperor Charles IV, to settle certain
disputes as to the composition of the Electoral College, which had led
to constant civil strife in Germany. It was provided that the Electors
should be seven in number: three ecclesiastical, namely, the Archbishops
of Cologne, Trèves and Mayence; and four lay, namely, the King of
Bohemia, the Duke of Saxony, the Count Palatine of the Rhine, and the
Margrave of Brandenburg. The Electors became absolute monarchs within
their own dominions.
Golden Bull (Hungary).
The Hungarian Charter of liberties, extorted by his nobles from Andrew
II of Hungary in 1222. Among other concessions it provided for the
annual assembling of the Diet.
Golden Fleece, The.
One of the oldest orders of chivalry, founded at Bruges by Philip the
Good of Burgundy, in 1430. When the Netherlands became a Spanish
province, the Golden Fleece was made a Spanish order, and, Charles V
being also Emperor of Germany, it was claimed by his successors of the
House of Hapsburg as an Austrian order. It has thus, at the present day,
two branches, and two sovereigns, namely, the King of Spain and the
Emperor of Austria.
Golden Horde.
A Tartar kingdom founded in the thirteenth century by a grandson of
Genghis Khan. It was the Khans of the Golden Horde who ruled over Russia
during the Tartar domination.
Golden League.
A league of the Catholic States of Switzerland, formed in 1586, to
defend the Catholic Faith.
Golden State.
The popular name for California, from its rich gold deposits.
Gomarists.
The followers of Gomarus, and opponents of Arminius, the two professors
of theology at Utrecht whose differences, in 1604, divided the Dutch
Church, and led to the convening of the Synod of Dort in 1618. Gomarus
supported the sterner doctrine of Calvin, Arminius favoured a milder and
broader form of religious belief.
Good Parliament.
A Parliament of Edward III, which met in 1376. It secured a change in
the Council, and brought about the return to power of William of Wykeham
and the clerical party. This Parliament is noteworthy as offering the
first instance in English history of the impeachment of an officer of
State: that, namely, of Lord Latimer, the Chamberlain.
Gordon Riots.
A dangerous outbreak of the London mob, led by Lord George Gordon, in
June, 1780, in opposition to the various measures proposed for the
relief of the Catholics. London was in the hands of the mob for four
days, before the troops were called out and the rioters dispersed.
Gôshi.
In old Japan, a class ranking between the Samurai and the agricultural
class. Like the Samurai they were entitled to wear two swords. They owed
no allegiance to feudal lords, but farmed their own lands.
Gothenburg System.
A system of licensing which originated at Gothenburg in 1865. All the
houses licensed for the sale of alcohol are in the hands of a company
and run by salaried managers. All the profits of the company, after
payment of five per cent. to the shareholders, are paid into the
treasury of the town.
Gotteshausbund.
A league of the nobles and communes of the Engadine, formed in 1367, to
protect the liberties of the country from the encroachments of Austria.
Gowrie Conspiracy.
A conspiracy headed by the Earl of Gowrie and his brother, Alexander
Ruthven, in 1600, to murder James VI of Scotland. It is supposed that
their motive was to avenge the death of their father, who had been
executed sixteen years before, though both the brothers had been treated
with the greatest kindness by the King. James was decoyed to Gowrie
House, in Perth, on the plea of examining a suspicious prisoner, and was
attacked in the absence of his suite, and nearly overpowered. He managed
to give the alarm, and was rescued by Sir James Ramsay, his page, and
others of his followers. The King’s story was at the time doubted by
many people, but documents afterwards came to light proving the
existence of a plot at least to kidnap the King.
Grace, Act of.
An Act of indemnity passed in 1690, granting a pardon for all political
offences committed up to the time of the passing of the Act, the only
exceptions to the general amnesty being such of the regicides as might
still be living, and about thirty other persons, against none of whom,
however, were any proceedings taken.
Grace, Act of.
An Act passed in 1784, restoring the estates forfeited for high treason
in 1745, to the descendants of their former owners.
Graces.
A number of concessions granted to Ireland by Lord Falkland in 1628, in
return for the aids which were destined to relieve the embarrassed
exchequer of James I.
Grágás.
A codification of the laws of the Norsemen, made by Magnus the Good,
King of Denmark and Norway (1035-1047).
Gran Capitan, El.
Gonsalvo of Cordova, the famous Spanish Captain (1453-1515), was so
called.
Gran Reunion Americana.
A secret society formed in London about 1800 to aid the movement in the
Spanish-American Colonies in the direction of independence. Among its
leaders were O’Higgins, Miranda and Bolivar.
Granary of Europe.
The Island of Sicily was formerly so called, owing to its remarkable
fertility.
Grand Alliance, 1701.
An alliance formed in 1701 between England, Holland, and the Empire, to
maintain the balance of power, supposed to be threatened by the bequest
of the Spanish Crown to a French Prince. It was followed by the war
known as the War of the Spanish Succession.
Grand Alliance, 1813.
The alliance between Great Britain, Prussia, Russia, Sweden and Austria,
which led to the downfall of Napoleon, and his first abdication in the
following year.
Grand Corruption.
A nickname of Sir Robert Walpole, in allusion to his constant employment
of bribery to gain his ends.
Grand Old Man.
The sobriquet of Mr. Gladstone, generally abbreviated into G.O.M.
Grand Monarque.
Louis XIV of France was so called.
Grand Rebellion of Virginia.
A rising of the Virginian colonists under Nathaniel Bacon in 1676,
against the corruption of the Government and the excessive taxation.
After a strenuous resistance they were at last overpowered by the
Royalists, and the only result of the rising was that Virginia was
deprived of her constitution, and all the old grievances were revived.
Grand Serjeanty.
A form of tenure from the Crown, the condition being the performance of
certain service, when called upon, such as acting as Chamberlain or
Butler on occasions of state.
Grangers.
_See_ Patrons of Husbandry.
Granite State.
The State of New Hampshire is so called from the extent of the granite
formation within its borders.
Grattan’s Parliament.
The free Irish Parliament established in 1782 is known by this name,
Grattan having led the agitation which brought about the abolition of
the old restrictions.
Graubund.
_See_ Grey League.
Greased Cartridges.
The ostensible cause of the Sepoy Mutiny in 1857 was the issue to the
native troops of cartridges for the newly issued Enfield rifle, which
were said to be greased with a mixture of cows-fat and hogs-lard. This
would be obnoxious to both the Hindoo and the Mohammedan Sepoys, and the
story was used by the instigators of the revolt to engender the belief
that an attempt was being made forcibly to convert them to Christianity.
Great Commoner.
A sobriquet of the younger Pitt.
Great Contract.
A proposed arrangement between James I and the Parliament in 1610. James
offered to surrender all the emoluments of the Crown from feudal
tenures, excepting the aids, in return for which Parliament proposed to
vote James an annual subsidy of £100,000. The King, however, did not
consider the amount sufficient, and the bargain was not concluded.
Great Dauphin.
Louis, the son of Louis XIV of France, was so called.
Great Intercourse.
A treaty signed in 1496 between Henry VII and Philip of Burgundy,
stipulating for free commercial intercourse between the dominions of the
two sovereigns, and joint efforts for the suppression of piracy. By this
treaty also Perkyn Warbeck was expelled from Burgundian territory.
Great Session, Court of.
The old Supreme Court of Wales, abolished in 1831.
Great Storm.
The famous storm of November 26-27, 1703, when the first Eddystone
lighthouse was destroyed. Twelve men-of-war and many merchant vessels
were wrecked on the coast, and over 8,000 persons drowned. The damage
done in London is said to have exceeded two millions sterling.
Great Triad Society.
An important secret society in China, supposed to be pledged to the
expulsion of the Manchus and the establishment of a Chinese dynasty.
Greater Bull.
_See_ Ausculta Fili.
Green Bag Enquiry.
A sealed bag of documents laid on the table of the House of Commons by
the Government in 1817, and said to contain papers justifying the double
suspension of the Habeas Corpus Act which had taken place during the
year. A committee, chosen entirely from the supporters of the
Government, was appointed to investigate its contents.
Green Mountain Boys.
An organized band of settlers in Vermont, formed in 1773 to resist the
encroachments of the New Yorkers, who claimed Vermont as part of the
territory of that State under the charter of Charles II.
Green Mountain State.
The popular name of the State of Vermont, U.S.A.
Greenback Party.
A party formed about 1874 in the United States, which advocated the
payment of the national debt in paper money. It ceased to exist in 1884.
Grenville Act.
An Act passed in 1770, transferring from Parliament to a Parliamentary
Committee the duty of investigating and determining the validity of
disputed elections.
Gretna Green Marriages.
These were made illegal by an Act passed in 1856, whereby it was
declared that the Scotch marriage law should only apply in cases where
one at least of the parties had resided in Scotland for the twenty-one
days immediately preceding the marriage.
Grey League.
A league of the landowners and communes of the western part of the
Grisons, formed in 1395.
Griffith’s Valuation.
An official valuation of Irish properties, made by Sir Richard Griffith
as Commissioner of Valuation under the Irish Valuation Act of 1827. This
valuation was the basis of the outcry against the landlords, the figures
showing that in many cases excessive rents were being paid.
Grondvet.
The fundamental law or constitution of the South African Republic as
adopted by the communities established north of the Vaal in 1849.
Groote Privilegie.
A charter granted to the Netherlands by Mary of Burgundy in 1477, at the
Convention of Ghent. It gave the cities and provinces of the Netherlands
the right to hold diets at their discretion, and forbade the Duchess or
her descendants raising taxes or making war without the consent of the
Estates.
Grosbec.
A nickname bestowed on Napoleon III on account of his prominent nose.
Grütli, Men of.
The Swiss who, according to tradition, took a solemn oath at Grütli,
near Lucerne, on November 7, 1307, to free their country from the
domination of Austria. The three leaders were Fürst of Uri, Stauffacher
of Schwyz, and Melchthal of Unterwalden.
Guadeloupe Hidalgo, Treaty of.
A treaty between the United States and Mexico in 1848, at the close of
the Mexican War. It provided for the cession to the United States of New
Mexico and California, in return for a cash payment of fifteen million
dollars. The United States also took over the debts of Mexico to
American citizens, amounting to about three and a half million dollars.
Guelf Fund.
The indemnity payable to the King of Hanover by Prussia, as compensation
for the loss of his sovereign rights. This fund was sequestrated by
Prussia in 1868, on the plea that the King was intriguing against her,
and was employed by Bismarck in subsidizing the Press. (_See_ Reptile
Fund.)
Guelfs and Ghibellines.
The two great parties into which Italy was divided, during the lengthy
struggle between the Empire and the Papacy. The Guelfs were the Papal,
the Ghibellines the Imperial faction, but there were occasions when this
division of parties was not adhered to, as in the case of the Second
Lombard League of 1255. These names had their origin in the civil war of
1139, in the course of which the Imperialists under Conrad III were
besieging the town of Weinsberg. An attempt was made by the rebels to
relieve it, and in the battle which followed the rebels charged with the
cry of “Welf,” to which the Imperialists replied with “Waibling.” These
names became recognized as descriptive of the two parties, and were
later Italianized into the better known forms.
Guerre Folle.
The rising of the Dukes of Brittany and Orleans against the Regent Anne,
in 1484, is so called.
Gueux, Les.
A confederacy of patriotic noblemen and gentlemen of the Netherlands,
formed in 1566 under Brederode and Count Louis of Nassau. The
Confederacy was broken up in the following year, and many of its members
perished on the scaffold.
Gulathing’s Law.
One of the codes of law of the Norsemen. It was codified by Hakon the
Good of Norway (934-960), but was probably of far earlier date.
Gulf States.
The name given to the States which border on the Gulf of Mexico, namely,
Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas.
Gulistan, Treaty of.
A treaty between Russia and Persia, signed in 1813, by which Persia,
after a two years’ war of disastrous defeats, surrendered all her
possessions north of Armenia, together with the right of navigating the
Caspian Sea.
Gunpowder Act.
An Act passed by the Irish Parliament in 1793, forbidding the
importation of arms and gunpowder into Ireland, and rendering their
possession without a license illegal.
Gunpowder Plot.
A plot to blow up the Parliament House during a sitting of Parliament,
the leaders in which were Catesby, Winter and Fawkes, and which was
connived at by the Jesuits. It was hoped thereby to bring about a
Catholic rising in England. The plot was betrayed by Tresham, one of the
conspirators, to Lord Monteagle, his brother-in-law, and the
conspirators were either arrested or killed during their flight.
H
Habeas Corpus Act.
An Act of Parliament passed in 1679. Since Magna Charta every Englishman
had theoretically the right to trial, and could demand a writ of Habeas
Corpus, under which the duly constituted courts were bound to take
cognisance of his case. In practice, however, various obstacles were
from time to time opposed to the obtaining of this writ. The Act of 1679
ordered that a judge should at any time grant such a writ on
application, and inflicted severe penalties on the gaoler who failed to
obey it.
Habitans.
The name given to the Canadian farmers of French descent in the province
of Quebec.
Hadji.
A Mohammedan who has made the Hadj, or pilgrimage to Mecca, is entitled
to this name.
Hæretico Comburendo, Statute de.
A statute passed in the reign of Henry IV (1401), forbidding teaching
and preaching without a bishop’s license. The bishop was further given
the power of condemning heretical books. The punishment for obduracy was
burning at the stake. This statute was specially directed against the
Lollards.
Hague Congress.
A Congress of the Powers, summoned at the instance of the Czar in 1899,
to consider the possibility of universal disarmament, and other
questions bearing on the peace of the world. The larger schemes
foreshadowed by the Czar were found impracticable, but the Congress
resulted in the appointment of an International Tribunal of Arbitration,
to sit at the Hague. It was further agreed to prohibit in future warfare
the throwing of explosives from balloons or air ships, the use of shells
containing deleterious gases, and the use of expanding or explosive
bullets.
Haleuca.
The body-guard of slaves of Touran Shah, Sultan of Egypt, afterwards
known as the Mamelukes.
Half-breeds.
The name given by the Stalwarts in New York State in 1881 to those
Republicans who supported President Garfield in his movement for Civil
Service reform. They were also known as Featherheads.
Half-way Covenant.
An agreement between Connecticut and Massachusetts, recommended for the
acceptance of Plymouth and New Haven in 1662. It somewhat mitigated the
ultra-stringent conditions of Church membership then obtaining, whence
it was derisively called the Half-way Covenant by the extreme Puritan
party.
Halifax Fishery Commission.
A commission appointed in 1877 to assess the compensation to be awarded
to the British-American Colonies, in return for the recognition of
American fishing rights in Colonial waters. Canada was awarded four and
a half million dollars, and Newfoundland a million.
Hammer of England.
The sobriquet of Sir William Wallace (1270-1305).
Hammer of Scotland.
On the tomb of Edward I was inscribed “Edwardus Longus, Scotorum Malleus
hic est.”
Hampton Court Conference.
A conference held in 1604 between the Bishops and the Puritans, to
consider the Millenary Petition. It ended in the complete triumph of the
High Church party.
Hampton Roads Conference.
A conference held on February 3, 1865, on board a man-of-war in Hampton
Roads, between President Lincoln and representatives of the Southern
States, with the object of bringing about a suspension of hostilities.
The conference was, however, without results.
Handsuppers.
The name given to those Boers who surrendered in response to Lord
Roberts’ proclamation, or at later stages of the Boer War of 1899-1902.
They were looked upon with contempt by those who fought to the bitter
end, and seem not unlikely to form a separate Pro-British party in the
new Colonies.
Hanging Gale.
A custom of Irish Land Tenure, having the force of law, by which a
respite of from three to six months is given to the tenant before he can
be proceeded against for non-payment of rent.
Hanover, Treaty of.
A treaty signed by Great Britain, France and Prussia in 1725, which
subsequently received the adhesion of Holland, Sweden and Denmark, by
which the contracting parties mutually guaranteed to each other the
enjoyment of their then possessions.
Hanseatic League.
A confederation of the principal trading centres of Germany, formed in
1241 for commercial purposes, and specially for mutual defence against
the Baltic pirates, and the robber nobles. Its founders were Hamburg and
Lübeck, who were shortly afterwards joined by Bremen, Cologne, Danzig
and other cities, and still later by many foreign towns, until, at the
height of its prosperity, the league comprised eighty cities. The league
was dissolved in 1630, but Hamburg, Bremen and Lübeck retained their
privileges as free towns, until they were absorbed into the German
Empire in 1871.
Hara-kiri.
The method of suicide adopted in old Japan by members of the Samurai, or
military class, who had no alternative but to die. Hara-kiri might be
either voluntary, or by order of a feudal lord, as the penalty of some
crime which did not imply degradation from the rank of Samurai. In the
latter case it was in the nature of an execution, and was surrounded by
an elaborate ceremonial, especially in the case of a Daimio or a
gentleman of high rank.
Harangue.
An appeal addressed by William of Orange to the Princes of Germany, in
1571, setting forth the wrongs of the Reforming party, and calling for
their assistance.
Hardshell Democrats.
One of the sections of the Democratic party in New York State from 1848
to 1854. They were strongly in favour of the Fugitive Slave Law. Their
opponents were known as the Softshell Democrats.
Hardwicke’s Act, Lord.
An Act, also known as the Marriage Act, passed in 1753. It provided that
a legal marriage could be contracted only in the parish church, after
publication of banns, or by special license of the Archbishop.
Harper’s Ferry.
The scene of John Brown’s abortive rising in 1869, in the attempt to
bring about a revolt against the Southern slaveowners. He and his
followers seized the United States armoury at that place, but his little
band were soon overpowered, John Brown being captured.
Hartford Convention.
A secret convention of prominent members of the Peace Party in New
England, who objected to the energetic prosecution of the war with
England in 1814. They proposed to amend the constitution in the
direction of diminishing the control of Congress over questions of peace
and war.
Hatamotos.
In old Japan, the retainers of the Shôgun were known by this name, which
signifies “under the flag.” They were eighty thousand in number. Those
whose lands were of a certain extent furnished a contingent in time of
war; those with smaller revenues paid money dues. The Hatamotos may be
described as a created nobility, as opposed to the hereditary nobility
of the Daimios. They date from the time of the Shôgun Iyemitsu, in the
early part of the seventeenth century.
Hats and Caps.
Two political parties in Sweden in the eighteenth century, who were
partizans respectively of the French and the Russians. They were so
called from their wearing the headgear of the respective countries.
Hatti Humayun.
An edict of the Sultan of Turkey, Abdul Mejid, issued in 1856,
conferring equal rights on all his subjects, Christian and Mohammedan
alike. This concession was the result of the efforts of Lord Stratford
de Redcliffe.
Hatti Sherif.
A firman or decree of the Porte, signed by the Sultan personally.
Haute Cour.
A tribunal established by the French Legislative Assembly in 1791, to
enable it to deal with ministers and public functionaries obnoxious to
the majority of that body. The Haute Cour had the power of initiating
prosecutions as well as of judging, and there was no appeal from its
decisions.
Hawkeye State.
The popular name of the State of Iowa, U.S.A. It is derived from a
famous Indian chief of that name.
Hay-Pauncefote Treaty.
A treaty signed in 1901 between Great Britain and the United States, to
amend the Clayton-Bulwer Treaty of 1850 with respect to the proposed
canal to unite the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The new treaty maintains
the general principle of neutralization of the canal, but the United
States alone is charged with the maintenance of its neutrality. No
fortifications are to be built in any way commanding it, and it is to be
always free from blockade. The United States reserve the right to
maintain a military police force along the line of the canal for
protective purposes.
Headborough.
In Anglo-Saxon times the chief of the Frankpledge. In the event of a
member of the Frankpledge failing in his obligations and fleeing from
justice, it was the duty of the Headborough to prove that the other
members of the Frankpledge were guiltless of complicity with the
defaulter.
Hearth Money.
A tax of two shillings on every hearth, first imposed in 1663. It was
very unpopular, and was abolished in 1689. A similar tax, known as
Chimney Money, had been levied as early as the Norman Conquest.
Heaven-sent Minister.
A sobriquet of the younger Pitt.
Heemraden, Court of.
A court first established at Stellenbosch, Cape Colony, in 1682. It was
composed of four local burghers, and its duty was the settlement of
small disputes among the inhabitants of the district. Similar courts
were established in other townships, and the system lasted till 1828,
when the Heemraden were abolished by the Charter of Justice.
Hegira.
The flight of Mohammed from Mecca in 622. It is from this date that the
Mohammedan era is computed.
Heidelberg Catechism.
A profession of the Calvinistic faith issued from Heidelberg in the
sixteenth century. It is also called the Palatinate Catechism.
Heilbronn, Union of.
A meeting summoned by Oxenstierna, the Swedish Chancellor, in 1633,
after the death of Gustavus Adolphus, with the object of preventing the
dissolution of the German Protestant Alliance. The meeting was attended
by representatives of England, France and Holland, and the circles of
the Upper and Lower Rhine, Suabia and Franconia.
Helvetic Confession.
A statement of the Protestant doctrine, harmonizing to some extent the
opposing views of Calvin and Zwingli, drawn up in 1566 by Bullinger, and
accepted by the majority of the Protestant Cantons.
Helvetic Republic.
The constitution established in Switzerland in 1798, under the
revolutionary impulse generated by the French Revolution. It superseded
the Federation of the Thirteen Cantons.
Henry, Articles of.
_See_ Pacta Conventa.
Heptarchy.
The various Anglo-Saxon kingdoms were known as the Heptarchy, though as
a fact they were at no time seven in number, two or more being grouped
at various periods, under one monarch. The most powerful sovereign of
the time was usually recognized as the Bretwalda, or leader, of the
rest. The various kingdoms of the Heptarchy were finally united under
one crown, during the reign of Æthelstan (925-940.)
Herad.
Among the Norse nations, the Herad was the land of the Her or host, the
Her being composed of a number of families who acted together for mutual
protection under a chief, and formed in fact a tribe.
Herald’s College.
This was founded as a College of Arms by Richard III in 1484. Its
members were the Earl Marshal, the Kings of Arms, and the Heralds, and
its functions the supervision of all questions that might arise as to
the bearing of coat-armour.
Heresy of the Politicians.
The teachings of Arnold of Brescia were known by this name. He commenced
a crusade at Brescia in 1139 against the corruption of the Church and
its assumption of temporal power. He was ultimately condemned as a
heretic, and burnt at the stake in 1155.
Heretoga.
In Anglo-Saxon times the title given to the commander of the army.
Heriot.
A fine due to the lord of the manor on the death of a person holding
land of the manor. It consisted of the best beast or chattel belonged to
the deceased.
Heritable Jurisdictions Act.
An Act passed in 1747, abolishing hereditary jurisdictions throughout
Scotland. Up to this date the decision of ordinary actions at law,
especially in the Highlands, had been in the hands of the chiefs of the
clans, and principal landowners, and had descended by heredity, with the
result that judicial functions were frequently exercised by persons
having no legal knowledge or aptitude. By this Act these powers were
transferred to sheriffs-depute, one being appointed for each county.
Hermandad.
A confederation of the principal cities of Castile, formed during the
middle ages for mutual protection against brigands and other lawless
persons. By degrees the brotherhood usurped the functions of a
legislative body, enforcing their rules, when necessary, by force of
arms. It was also known as the Santa Hermandad, or Holy Brotherhood.
Herrings, Battle of the.
The name given to an unsuccessful attack by the French upon the
entrenched camp of Sir John Fastolfe at Rouvray in 1429.
Hero of the Nile.
A sobriquet of Nelson.
Herschel System.
The system of State Education established in Cape Colony in 1838, and
designed by Sir John Herschel, the astronomer. Public elementary schools
were provided in all the principal centres of European population, where
instruction was given free to all children of good conduct. Religious
instruction was also given to all whose parents did not object, and
clergymen of any denomination were permitted to catechise the children
of their congregation at stated hours. Secondary schools were
established in the principal villages, and a normal seminary in
Capetown, to train teachers for the elementary schools.
Hersir.
In ancient Norse times, the hereditary chief of a Her, or tribunal
community.
Hidage.
In Anglo-Saxon times, a land tax for war purposes. Under Æthelred the
Unready the tax took the form of the furnishing of one man at arms for
every eight hides, and one ship for every three hundred hides.
Hide.
In Saxon times the portion of land allotted to every free householder.
High Commission, Court of.
A court established in the reign of Elizabeth, to deal with all
questions appertaining to church discipline. It was abolished by
Parliament in 1641, but reconstituted by James II in 1686, under the
notorious Jeffreys, in whose hands it became a mere instrument for
persecution and extortion. Under pressure of the pending invasion of
William of Orange, James, in the last year of his reign, consented to
its abolition.
High Commission, Court of (Ireland).
A court established by Lord Wentworth in 1634, to exercise the same
functions as the English court of the same name.
Highland Garb Act.
An Act passed in 1746, after the suppression of the Rebellion of
Forty-five, rendering the wearing of the Highland dress illegal.
Hintchak.
An Armenian secret society, founded at Tiflis in 1887, to carry on a
newspaper of the same name. The statutes of the society, however,
clearly show that its aims were revolutionary, and it was largely
concerned in fomenting the disturbances which preceded the Armenian
massacres of 1895-6.
Hinterland Doctrine.
A doctrine enunciated by Germany to the effect that in newly-occupied
countries, such as East or West Africa, the possession of the coast line
implied a right to the back country, to be taken up at convenience, and
that no other country had a right to take up country behind, and block
the way into the interior.
Hlutdaw.
The old Burmese Council of Ministers. In 1886 five of the Ministers were
confirmed in their offices, to act as an advisory board for native
affairs to the Chief Commissioner. In 1889 the pacification of the
country was sufficiently advanced to permit of the board being
abolished.
Holkar.
The title of the Mahratta Maharajahs of Indore.
Holy Alliance.
An alliance formed between Russia, Austria and Prussia in September,
1815, by which the three sovereigns undertook that for the future their
policy should be guided solely by Christian principles. At the same time
there is no doubt that the alliance was intended to stem the tide of
political liberty, set flowing by the French Revolution, and their
threatened interference in the quarrel between Spain and her American
colonies, which was the cause of the enunciation of the Monroe doctrine,
is a sufficiently clear indication of this fact.
Holy Experiment.
The name given to William Penn’s experiment of establishing (in
Pennsylvania) a colony on the basis of absolute self-government, as a
free colony of all mankind.
Holy League.
A league formed by Pope Julius II in 1511, ostensibly for his protection
against the aggression of Louis XII of France. Its members were Henry
VIII, the Emperor Maximilian I, Ferdinand of Spain, and the Venetian
Republic. Two years later Julius’ successor, Leo X, came to terms with
Louis, and the league was dissolved.
Holy League.
A league formed by Clement VII in 1526, directed against the Emperor
Charles V. Its members, in addition to the Pope, were Francis I of
France, the Venetian Republic, and Duke Sforza of Milan.
Holy League.
A league of the Catholic Princes of Germany, formed in 1609 under the
leadership of Maximilian of Bavaria, as a counterpoise to the Protestant
Union of 1608.
Holy League of Nuremburg.
A league of Catholic Princes, formed by Held, the Chancellor of Charles
V, in 1538, to oppose the Lutheran Princes. Its principal members were
Duke George of Saxony, the Elector of Bavaria, and the Archbishops of
Mentz and Salzburg.
Holy Office.
_See_ Inquisition.
Holy Roman Empire.
The Empire of the West, which had been destroyed by the barbarian
invasions, was to a great extent restored by Charlemagne, who was
crowned its first Emperor by Leo III in 800. After the extinction of the
Carlovingian line, the Emperors were exclusively German Princes, and
were elected to the throne by the sovereign rulers of certain German
States, though the Popes always claimed, and sometimes exercised, the
right of veto, by refusing to crown. In 1272 the first Emperor of the
House of Hapsburg, Rudolf, was elected, and from 1438 the Emperors were
without exception members of this house, until the Empire was finally
broken up by Napoleon in 1806.
Holy Sepulchre, Knights of the.
An order of knighthood instituted by Pope Alexander VI for the
guardianship of the Holy Places in Palestine and the protection of
pilgrims.
Home Rule Bill, 1886.
The first Home Rule Bill, introduced by Mr. Gladstone, providing for the
creation of a legislative body in Dublin, with control of the
administration, subject to safeguards as to the unity of the Empire, and
the protection of minorities. It was to have control of all taxation,
except of customs and excise, but was forbidden to legislate on any
matter relating to the crown, defence, or foreign relations, or to endow
any religious bodies. The Irish representation at Westminster was to be
abolished. The bill divided the Liberal Party, many of Mr. Gladstone’s
Cabinet deserting him, including Lord Hartington, Sir Henry James, Mr.
Bright and Mr. Chamberlain, and consequently it failed to pass the
second reading. The general election which followed proved that the
country was strongly opposed to the scheme.
Home Rule Bill, 1893.
The second Home Rule Bill, introduced by Mr. Gladstone in 1893, was to a
great extent on the lines of the first bill, creating a Parliament in
Dublin, with legislative powers subject to certain reservations as to
peace and war, external affairs, etc. In one respect, however, it
differed widely, in that the Irish Parliamentary representation at
Westminster was not abolished, but merely reduced. The bill passed the
Commons after lengthy and acrimonious discussion, especially in
Committee, where Mr. Gladstone introduced the system of “Closure by
Compartments,” but was rejected by the Lords.
Home Rulers.
A party formed in 1873, under the leadership of Isaac Butt, to agitate
for the re-establishment of a separate Parliament for Ireland. His
successor in the leadership of the party was Charles Stewart Parnell.
Homestead Act (New Zealand).
An Act passed in 1885, providing that a male under eighteen could take
up twenty acres of first class, or thirty acres of second class land,
and a male over eighteen, fifty or seventy-five acres respectively, free
of all cost, providing he agreed to reside five years on the land, and
fulfil certain requirements as to cultivation.
Homesteads Act (Western Australia).
An Act passed in 1893, providing for free grants of 160 acres each to
all males above eighteen, subject to certain conditions as to residence
and improvements.
Honest Broker.
A nickname of Prince Bismarck, with reference to his attitude, as
President of the Berlin Congress in 1878, on the points in dispute
between Russia and Austria.
Honour of the Flag.
The claim made by Cromwell that England had the right to exact from all
foreign ships, a salute to her flag in the narrow seas. The Dutch
Admiral Van Tromp refusing the salute in 1652, he was fired upon by the
English Admiral, and the action which followed led to the declaration of
war in July of the same year. The Dutch afterwards conceded the claim by
the Treaty of 1654.
Honved.
The Hungarian Landwehr or reserve is so called. The word means “Land
Defenders,” and was given to the national champions in the early days of
Hungarian history.
Hooks.
The party of the nobles in the Netherlands in the fourteenth century.
(_See_ Kabbeljaws.)
Hoosier State.
The popular name of the State of Indiana, U.S.A. It is probably a
corruption of Husher, a Western term for a bully.
Hospitallers, Knights.
_See_ Malta, Knights of.
Hospodars.
The Princes of Moldavia and Wallachia were so called from 1789, when
these countries came under the sway of Russia.
Hot Gospellers.
The Puritans were so styled after the Restoration in 1660. The name was
originally given to Edward Underhill, a Protestant who was imprisoned in
1553 for an attack made by him on the Roman Catholics on the accession
of Mary.
Hotspur.
The sobriquet of Henry Percy (1364-1403).
Houghers.
An Irish agrarian society which appeared in Connemara in 1711. They took
their name from their practice of houghing the cattle of obnoxious
persons. The society was suppressed in 1713.
House-carls.
A body of standing troops raised by Knut, circ. 1030. The first standing
army in England.
Hovering Act.
An Act passed in 1784, extending the authority of the revenue officers
to a distance of four leagues from the coast.
Hubertsberg, Treaty of.
A treaty between Prussia and Austria, signed in 1763, at the conclusion
of the Seven Years’ War. It was a pendent to the Peace of Paris, and
confirmatory of that instrument, as between the two signatory Powers.
Hudson’s Bay Company.
A Company formed in 1670, under a charter granted by Charles II giving
it absolute control of the watershed of Hudson’s Bay (then known as
Rupertsland), in return for a small annual tribute. The Company’s
territories were absorbed by the Dominion of Canada in 1869.
Hué, Treaty of.
A treaty between France and Annam, signed in 1874, by which Annam
accepted the French protectorate over her territories.
Huguenots.
The name given to the French Protestants. It is probably derived from
Hugues, a Calvinist of Geneva, though other derivations have been given.
When, by the revocation of the Edict of Nantes, in 1685, the exercise of
their religion was denied them, many thousands of them emigrated to
England, Holland, and other Protestant countries.
Human Leopards.
A secret society of negroes, discovered and suppressed in Sierra Leone
in 1896. The members of the society, which had been in existence for
about twenty years, practised cannibalism, and had murdered and eaten
several hundred persons. The leaders were hanged.
Hundred.
In early Saxon times this name was given to a subdivision of the tribe
which corresponded to the ancient German _pagus_ (so called by Tacitus.)
It seems to have consisted of a hundred heads of families, and it
furnished a hundred warriors to the tribal army, and a hundred assessors
to the judicial court.
Hundred Days.
The period between Napoleon’s return from Elba and his second
abdication.
Hundred Years’ War.
The name given to the series of wars between France and England which
lasted from 1338 to 1449 and ended by the expulsion of the English from
France, with the exception of Calais, which they held till 1558.
Hungarian Martyrs.
The thirteen Hungarian generals executed at Arad, after the War of
Independence in 1849.
Hungarian War of Independence.
A rising of the Hungarian national party under Kossuth, in 1848, owing
to the refusal of the Austrians to give any redress for the outrages of
the Croatian troops under Jellachich in the valleys of the Theiss and
the Danube. Kossuth was appointed Dictator by the Hungarian Diet, and
the rising was at first successful, but in 1849 the Austrians received
the assistance of a large Russian army, and in August of that year, the
Magyars were forced to surrender, and their leaders left the country.
General Hainau made himself notorious by his cruelties after the
collapse of the armed resistance.
Hunkers.
The extreme pro-slavery section of the New York Democrats from 1844 to
1848. They were known after the latter date as Hardshell Democrats.
Hunting of Braemar.
A meeting of the Jacobite leaders, ostensibly for sport, summoned by the
Earl of Mar, in 1715, to concert measures for the rising which took
place in the autumn of that year.
Hussites.
The followers of John Huss, a professor of the University of Prague, who
had imbibed the Wycliffite doctrines. Though excommunicated by Pope
Alexander V in 1412, he continued to disseminate these doctrines, and
was consequently summoned to the Council of Constance in 1414, where,
though under the Emperor’s safe-conduct, he was thrown into prison, and
subsequently burnt at the stake. His principal disciple, Jerome of
Prague, suffered the same fate in 1416, but his followers, under John
Zisca, rose in revolt against the Church, to the number of 40,000. They
destroyed some five hundred convents, and defeated the Emperor
Sigismund, but were broken up into sections in 1424, following upon
Zisca’s death. They still, however, remained in insurrection until 1436,
when the revolt was ended by the treaty of Iglau.
Hyde Park Riots.
A riot which broke out in 1866, after the defeat of the Russell Ministry
over the Reform Bill of that year. A meeting had been summoned by the
Reform League, to meet in Hyde Park, but the Government prohibited the
meeting, and closed the park gates, whereupon the mob pulled down the
railings. Little other damage, however, was done, and the riot was
easily quelled.
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