Page:Neutralterritory00hoch.djvu/15

 shall be placed under a joint administration, and shall not be under the military jurisdiction of either power."

This provisional arrangement created a territory, the neutrality of which was guaranteed by two neighboring states, whose opposing claims to its possession, and the consequent desire to make a favorable impression upon its inhabitants, rendered the burdens of administration very light upon them. The territory has a triangular form, one side of which extends three and a half miles, and the other two and a half miles, and contains an area of one thousand acres. It may be asked why it did not become entirely independent, and did not hold an acknowledged position in Europe, as a miniature republic or principality. The chief reason is undoubtedly to be found in the character of its inhabitants at that time and subsequently.

In 1816 the population amounted to only 200 or 250 persons, and was composed of people of different nationalities, some of whom spoke Plattdeutsch, others German, Flemish, or French; for the territory bordered upon Prussia, Belgium, and Holland. Owing to the development of the zinc mines, the population rapidly increased. In 1841 it counted 500 souls, and to-day numbers 2,800 to 3,000, of whom 400 are descendants of the original inhabitants, and for this reason are exempt from military service. This was a privilege enjoyed by all till 1854, when the Belgian Governor in the territory summoned under the national flag those who owed allegiance to that country. In 1874 Prussia followed the example, so that one of its important immunities has disappeared. Others still remain, which are not without value. For instance, the territory pays to-day the same amount of taxes as in 1814, when it ceased to be French; that is to say, the sum of $280 annually for the land tax, $67 for personal tax, and $201 for licenses. The total amount is divided equally between Prussia and Belgium. To this small contribution should be added the tax of the commune, which varies according to its needs.