The Venetian Republic Volume 2; Its Rise, Its Growth, and Its Fall 421-1797 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1900 Excerpt: ...an irrevocable surrender to a limited, systematic and answerable Government as being altogether the fittest for its circumstances and needs. The evolution from oligarchy in reality to the same principle both in reality and outward shape was the practical exponent of a constitutional creed, which we can hardly call unwise; nor is it by any means fanciful to regard the narrow topographical range of the Republic as a favouring cause in the concentration of power in the hands of a political caste. Owing to the frequent destruction of the archives by fire or accident the Oath taken by the famous Arrigo or Enrico Dandolo in 1192 is the earliest known to be in existence; and its preservation, even in a mutilated state, is the more important that it was probably identical in all essential respects with that subscribed by the Doge Ziani after the Revolution of 1173. By this instrument Dandolo was bound to observe and maintain the existing Constitution; to consult, in all cases, the honour and advantage of the Commune; to be prompt in rendering justice, impartial in dispensing it; to carry the laws into execution without giving them a false or arbitrary interpretation; not to dispose of the public property without the cognisance and consent of the Legislature and the Privy Council; to be strictly regulated in pronouncing judicial sentences and decisions by precedent and established usage, or, failing these, by Ms own judgment or conscience; and to adhere closely, in the appointment of patriarchs, bishops, judges of the Commune, judges of the palace, notaries, and other public functionaries, to the form and method of election prescribed and recognised in each instance. He was bound to abstain from sending letters or dispatches to other Powers without the advice and co...