Page:The Book of Orders of Knighthood and Decorations of Honour of All Nations.djvu/62

28 domains, revenues, and privileges attached to it, were returned to the Order then existing in Austria and Prussian Silesia.

It having thus come under the protection of Austria, the statutes were modified in accordance with its new relations, and by an Imperial decree of the 28th June, 1840, it is provided, that——

1. The German Order is to exist in Austria as an independant spiritual and knightly Order, but shall be considered and treated at the same time as a direct fief of the Austrian Crown.

2. The Emperors of Austria are always to be considered as its patrons and protectors.

3. The rights and duties relating to the administration of its possessions, are to be the same as those of any private property in Austria according to the laws of the land.

4. The Order and its relations are not to be subject to the inspection of the civil authorities, except in special cases where his Imperial Majesty should think proper to require from it an account of its financial position and internal regulations.

5. The property of the Order, whether moveable or_not, is not to be mortgaged or disposed of, without the special consent of the sovereign.

6. As regards taxes and other state, and provincial, burdens, its possessions are to be considered as secular property in every respect.

7. Its head is to bear the title of 'Grand Master of the Teutonic Order.'

8. At every accession of a new Emperor, or appointment of new Grand Masters, the latter are bound to petition for, and receive solemnly a renewal of the fief. They are considered and treated as Spiritual Vassal Princes of Austria, and enjoy the rank and rights of the most ancient Order of the realm