On the Gospodar depended the election

By these means, in a country so lately freed from the Turks, the germs of civilisation and progress were immediately planted ; in a great measure, after the model presented by the neighbouring state, Austria: but yet by a national impulse, and with peculiar regulations. The Senate, who undertook the superintendence of these regulations, contributed at the same time to the unity of the ruling power. The Senate represented the country at large, as each senator represented his own Xahia.

AVas it not the object of these measures to create a counter influence, in opposition to the arbitrary power of the military leaders ?

At a first glance it might have so appeared ; but such was not the case. The veiy origin of the senators rendered it almost impossible that it should be so. It was indeed intended that each Sowietnik should be sent by the free election of his district: but how could the people of aii}r place venture to reject the proposal of the Gospodar ?

On the Gospodar depended the election ; and as it rested with him, also, to determine how much of the produce of the district he might be disposed to grant to a friend, the comfortable subsistence of the Sowietnik was equally in his hands. Gould a senator so circumstanced act in opposition to the interest of his elector and patron. Could it be expected, for instance, that Jacob Nenadowitsch would be reproved or checked by his nephew, Prota, who was for some time president of the Senate ?

It is true that, in the very nature of the duties of the Senate, there exists to some extent a guarantee of general influence : the very existence of a central authority gives it rights. But these were very far from being always acknowledged. Despite of the decrees of the Senate, some AVoiwodcs retained possession of the custom-houses on the frontier, or of Turkish property: for the enate was unable to render the magistrates independent of the military chiefs.

Commanders habitually feel a consciousness of their own importance, which is readily excited by successful exploits: the AVoiwodes would uot be governed by men of peace. It is well known that at the very commencement, Kara George, when some decrees had been issued which displeased him, went out, assembled his Momkes, and stationed them with their guns pointed against the windows of the Sessions llall. “ It is easy,” lie exclaimed “ to make laws in comfortable rooms : but who will lead the way should the Turkish army again appear ?”