The expulsion of Episcopalian clergymen in the west of Scotland by the Covenanters in 1689 is so called. These proceedings were subsequently legalized by the Scottish Parliament.

Radicals.

A name given to the advanced wing of the Liberal Party about 1816. Its leaders were Hunt, Cobbett, and Sir Francis Burdett.

Ragman Rolls.

A series of documents recording the progress of Edward I through Scotland in 1296, with the names of the nobles and others who did homage to him.

Raid of the Redswear.

A border fight between the English and Scotch in 1575, arising out of a dispute at a meeting between the two Wardens of the Marches for the surrender of criminals who had crossed the border. It is the last border fight recorded.

Rail Splitter.

A nickname of Abraham Lincoln, who is said to have earned his living in 1830 by splitting rails.

Raipur GhÂt, Treaty of.

A treaty signed in 1805 between the British and Holkar, by which the latter renounced all rights to territory north of the Chambul, and all his claims to Bundelcund and Poonah, while the East India Company agreed not to interfere with Holkar’s enjoyment of the territories he possessed to the south of the Chambul.

RÁkÓczy’s Rebellion.

A Magyar rising, headed by RÁkÓczy in 1704, against the Austrian domination. The war which ensued lasted over seven years, and was at last ended by the peace of Szatmar.

RalliÉs.

Members of the Catholic and Reactionary parties in France who in 1890 declared their adhesion to the Republican Government, and their abandonment of reactionary principles. The leader of the movement was Cardinal Lavigerie, Archbishop of Algiers.

Rapparees.

Bands of Irish brigands who waged a guerilla warfare against the Protestant settlers in Ireland circ. 1711.

Rappenkrieg.

The War of Farthings, a revolt of the peasants against the city of Berne in 1594.

Raskol.

The great schism in the Russian Church in the seventeenth century. The dissenters objected to certain innovations in ritual introduced by Nikon, the Patriarch, in order to correct errors which had crept in owing to careless copying of Liturgies and other religious books. The dissenters were excommunicated, and thousands fled from the country.

Ratipole.

A nickname of Napoleon III.

Re Galantuomo.

The name given to Victor Emmanuel, the first king of United Italy.

Reason, Council of.

A council established by the States General summoned by Henri IV of France in 1596. Its functions were to administer one half of the revenues of the State, for the payment of all civil officials, the remaining half being handed to the King for his private purse and for the defence of the realm.

Rebellions, Mutinies, etc.

Arabi, Arima, Attalik, Barrackpur, Bengal, Bounty, Boxers, Bread and Cheese, Cabanagem, Camisards, Commune, Communeros, Dorr, Dozsa, Dysiefald, Emmett, Eureka, Fifteen, Forty-five, Frankfurter, Fronde, Geraldines, Hungarian, Jacquerie, Ket, Lincolnshire, Madras, Maillotins, Nobles’, Nore, Panthay, Peasants’, Pilgrimage, Poor Conrad, Praguerie, RÁkÓczy, Red River, Riel, Santa Junta, Satsuma, Shays’, Slachter’s Nek, Sonthal, Taeping, TÖkÖli, Whiskey.

Rebecca Riots.

Riots in Wales in 1843, in protest against the excessive tolls exacted on the Welsh roads. Mobs, led by a man in woman’s clothes, assembled and pulled down the turnpike gates. The name Rebecca is taken from a passage in Genesis: “And they blessed Rebekah and said unto her, let thy seed possess the gates of those which hate them.” The riots were suppressed and a commission appointed to inquire into the alleged grievances.

Recess of Colding.

A codification of the law of Denmark, promulgated during the reign of Christian III, circ. 1540.

Reconcentrados.

The inhabitants of the country districts of Cuba which during the insurrection of 1895-9, were laid waste by General Weyler. By his orders these people were driven from their homes and herded into concentration camps where, owing to Government neglect, they died in thousands of famine and pestilence.

Reconciliation, Act of.

An Act passed in 1554, shortly after the accession of Mary, to give effect to the proposals of Cardinal Pole, the Papal Legate, for the re-establishment of the Papal authority in Church matters as it existed before the ecclesiastical legislation of Henry VIII.

Recruiters.

The name given by the Royalists to the members of the Long Parliament elected to fill the places of those who had been “disabled” by Parliament for joining the King’s forces.

Recusant Act.

An Act passed in the first year of Queen Elizabeth’s reign, subjecting to fine all persons who absented themselves from Divine Service in their parish church on Sundays and Holy Days. Protestant dissenters were relieved from the penalties of this Act by the Toleration Act of William and Mary, but Roman Catholics obtained no relief until 1791.

Red Comyn.

The nickname of Alexander Comyn, a claimant to the Scottish throne, murdered by Robert Bruce in 1306.

Red Cross Knights.

The Knights Templars were so called.

Red Cross League.

See Geneva Convention.

Red Cross Society.

The generic name of the various associations formed, under the Geneva Convention, for the relief of the wounded in war. The Red Cross is the badge of military hospitals, ambulances, doctors, etc.

Red Prince.

The sobriquet of Prince Frederick Charles (1828-1885), nephew of William I of Germany.

Red River Rebellion.

An outbreak in 1869 of the half-breed settlers on the Red River, who resented the transfer of their settlement from the Hudson’s Bay Company to the newly formed province of Manitoba. It was found necessary to send regular troops against the insurgents, and the revolt was promptly quelled by Colonel (now Viscount) Wolseley. Their leader, Louis Riel, escaped, and was later the ringleader in the rising of 1885 known as Riel’s Rebellion.

Redif.

The reserve of the Turkish Army.

Redistribution Bill.

A Bill passed in 1885 as the complement of the Franchise Act of 1884. It subdivided the old constituencies so as to leave only a few two-member constituencies in the boroughs. All the counties were divided into districts, each district returning one member. The plan adopted was the result of a conference between the two parties.

Reeve.

The Shire-reeve or Sheriff in Saxon times was the representative of the King for judicial and fiscal purposes. He presided over the Shire Court.

Referendum.

A provision in the constitution of Switzerland to the effect that all laws passed by the Federal Assembly must be submitted to the popular vote, if such a course is demanded by 30,000 Swiss citizens, or by the legislatures of eight Cantons.

Reform Bill.

The Great Reform Bill of 1832 abolished no less than fifty-six rotten boroughs, but its provisions as to redistribution and the franchise still left the larger share of political power in the hands of the landowning classes. It was first introduced in 1831, and passed the Commons by a majority of one, but was rejected by the Lords. A dissolution followed and, on the new Parliament assembling, the Bill again passed the Commons, this time by a majority of 109, but was again rejected by the Lords. The Ministry refused to resign, and the popular feeling was so strong that the Lords were forced to give way, and the Bill became law in 1832. In addition to 111 seats obtained by the disfranchisement of the rotten boroughs, some thirty boroughs were deprived of one member each. Of the seats thus obtained sixty-five were distributed among the counties, sixty-five among the larger towns, and thirteen were allotted to Scotland and Ireland. The borough franchise was given to ten pound householders, and in the counties the vote was given to copyholders and leaseholders, and to tenants at will paying £50 in rent.

Reform Bill of 1867.

This Bill, passed by Lord Derby’s Ministry in 1867, enfranchised all occupiers and all lodgers, of one year’s residence, paying £10 per annum rent in the boroughs, and in the counties all owners of property of £5 annual value and all occupiers paying £12 per annum. Tacked on to it was a Redistribution Bill which disfranchised certain small boroughs, and created a corresponding number of new constituencies. It gave an additional member each to Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham and Liverpool, and a member to London University.

Reform Committee.

See Transvaal National Union.

Reforma, Guerra de la.

The war between the followers of Juarez, the Mexican Liberal leader, and the reactionary party under Miramon, which broke out in 1858. It ended with the triumph of Juarez in 1861.

Reformation, Edict of.

An edict issued by Charles V in 1548 at the Diet of Ratisbon, providing for the reform of the Catholic Church throughout the Empire. It contained regulations for the election of the clergy, for the administration of the sacraments and for the better disciplining of the holders of benefices.

Reformed Parliament.

The Parliament summoned in 1654 under the Instrument. Cromwell dissolved it at the end of five months.

Reformverein.

An association formed in 1862, having for its object the unification of Germany under the leadership of Austria.

RÉgale.

The right of the French Kings to present to benefices falling vacant during a vacancy in the diocese to which they belonged, and to enjoy the revenues of vacant sees. The question of the exercise of this right caused a somewhat acrimonious discussion between Louis XIV and Innocent XI in 1681, and led to the publication of Bossuet’s “Declaration of the Clergy of France.”

Regiam Majestatem.

A collection of the ancient laws of Scotland, said to have been compiled by order of David I. Its authenticity is disputed.

Regicides.

The name given by the Royalists to the signatories of the death-warrant of Charles I.

Regimen Militantis, Bull.

The Bull of Paul III, issued in 1540, giving the Papal approval to the rules of the Society of Jesus, as drawn up by Loyola.

Registration Act.

An Act passed in 1836, and amended by subsequent enactments, rendering obligatory the registration of all births and deaths in the United Kingdom. Prior to this Act registration was in the hands of the Church, the parish register being the only record kept.

Regium Donum.

A grant from the Crown for the maintenance of Presbyterian ministers in Ireland. It was originally granted by Charles II, and after having lapsed during the reign of his successor, was revived by William III. It was finally abolished in 1869, at the time of the Disestablishment of the Irish Church.

Regulating Act (America).

An Act passed by Lord North’s Government in 1774, after the Boston Riots, “for better regulating the Province of Massachusetts.” It withdrew all rights and privileges hitherto granted, and placed the whole executive and judicial power in the hands of the Governor.

Regulating Act (India).

An Act passed in 1773, altering the form of government of India, under the East India Company. The Governor of Bengal was made Governor-General of India, with authority over the Governors of the other two Presidencies. A council nominated by Parliament was formed, and a Supreme Court on the English model instituted.

Regulators.

The herdsmen and farmers in the west of North Carolina, finding it impossible to attend the law courts, which were seldom held elsewhere than at Charlestown, formed associations for the purpose of regulating their own affairs of police. In 1770 and 1771 they came into conflict with the State authorities, and being defeated, emigrated west in large numbers and colonized Tennessee.

Reichenbach, Treaty of.

A treaty between Great Britain, Russia and Prussia, signed in 1813. It provided for the maintenance in the field by Prussia of an army of 80,000 men, in return for a subsidy from Great Britain of two-thirds of a million, while a secret clause stipulated for the restoration of Prussia to her territorial position in 1806. Russia was to supply an army of 160,000 men, and receive a subsidy double that of Prussia. There was to be an issue of paper money, under the joint guarantee of the three Powers, of £5,000,000 sterling, of which two-thirds was to be at the disposal of Russia. This treaty may be said to have laid the foundation of the Grand Alliance, which finally freed Europe from the domination of Napoleon.

Reichskammergericht.

The Supreme Tribunal of the German Empire, reorganized from the Imperial Council by Maximilian I in 1495. Unlike the Aulic Council, which accompanied the Emperor wherever he went, this tribunal sat permanently at Spires.

Reichsrath.

The Austrian Parliament. It consists of two Houses, the upper composed of princes of the blood, nobles, archbishops and bishops, and certain life members nominated by the Emperor; the lower of elected members.

Reichstag.

The National Assembly of the German Empire.

Reine Blanche.

The name given by the French to Mary Queen of Scots, because she wore white as mourning for her husband.

Reinsurance Treaty.

A secret treaty signed by Russia and Germany, after the establishment of the alliance between Germany and Austria, remaining in force from 1887 to 1890. It is said to have secured the contracting parties mutually against invasion by Austria. The existence of this treaty was revealed by the Hamburger Nachrichten, one of Bismarck’s organs, in 1896, and was not denied by the Government.

Relief.

A tribute due to a feudal lord on succession to a fief by inheritance.

Religiosis, Statute de.

The correct title of the Statute more commonly known as the Statute of Mortmain.

Religious Peace.

An edict of the States-General in 1578 enacting complete toleration to all religions throughout the United Netherlands. It ordered that churches should be provided by the town authorities for all forms of worship, and that no inquiry should be made into any man’s religious belief. This edict caused great discontent in the Walloon provinces, and was one of the causes of the “Malcontent” rising.

Religious Peace of Augsburg.

The grant by Charles V, in 1555, of toleration to all who accepted the Confession of Augsburg, but to no other sect. Any State in the Empire might set up either form of faith as its State religion, permission being given to dissentients to dispose of their estates and emigrate. It was, however, provided that any spiritual prince who accepted the new doctrine should lose his office and his revenues.

Religious Peace of Nuremburg.

An agreement, in 1632, between the League of Schmalkald and the Catholics, by which the latter agreed not to molest the Lutherans, who in their turn undertook not to give any support to the Zwinglists and Anabaptists.

Remonstrance, Great.

A recapitulation of the tyrannical and unconstitutional acts of Charles the First’s reign, issued by the Long Parliament in 1641.

Remonstrance, Petition of.

A petition drawn up by Peter Walsh, on behalf of the Irish Catholics, and presented to Charles II in 1666. It protested against the prevailing opinion that the toleration of Catholicism was a danger to the State.

Remonstrants (Netherlands).

The followers of Arminius, who in 1610 presented to the States-General a remonstrance against the charges of heresy that had been brought against them. They set forth in this document what are known as the “Five Articles of Arminianism.”

Remonstrants (Scotland).

The Scotch Presbyterians who remonstrated against the union of Argyle and others with the Royalist party to oppose Cromwell in 1650.

Renaissance.

The revival of learning in Italy in the fifteenth century. It was largely due to the advent in the West of many Greek scholars who fled from Constantinople on its capture by the Turks in 1453, and introduced the masterpieces of Greek literature for the first time to the scholars of the West. The revival was further aided and stimulated by the invention of printing, which had recently taken place.

Rense, Union of.

A league of the electors to the Imperial throne, pledged to support the Emperor, Louis of Bavaria against the pretensions of Benedict XII, and to maintain the independence of Germany.

Repartimiento.

A system prevailing in Spanish South America, whereby the natives were divided into districts, for the purpose of forced labour, and Government depÔts provided to supply them with necessaries. This system led to the most outrageous extortion, the officials forcing on the natives commodities they did not need, at exorbitant prices. In 1780 the misconduct of those officials brought about a rising of Indians, under Condorcanqui, an Inca Cacique, who, however, was captured by the Spaniards and put to death. The revolt was continued by his cousin, Andres, the last of the Incas, who captured Sorate, and massacred all the inhabitants. He was, however, shortly afterwards captured, and the revolt suppressed, but it was not fruitless, for it led to the abolition of the Repartimiento system.

Repealers.

The supporters of Daniel O’Connell in his agitation for the Repeal of the Union in 1825 and onwards.

Reptile Fund.

The interest on the indemnity payable to the ex-King of Hanover for the loss of his sovereign rights, which indemnity had been impounded by Prussia on the ground that the ex-King continued his attacks on her. This fund was employed by Bismarck to subsidise the semi-official Press.

Reptile Press.

The German newspapers which received payment from Bismarck out of the Guelf fund to support his views, were known by this name.

Republicans (U.S.A.).

One of the two great parties in the United States. The three chief points in their political creed are Protection, the maintenance of the Gold Standard, and Equal Rights for the Black and White races. They are strongest in the manufacturing districts of the East and Centre. Their opponents, the Democrats, are less united; in the South they are strong for the suppression of the negro, but by no means united on the other two questions. In the mining States of the West the question which is most to the fore is the free coinage of silver, while in the grain and cattle districts free trade is the rallying cry. The Democrats are also supporters of States Rights against Federalism, though this is now rather an academical than an acute question.

Requests, Court of.

A court established by Somerset in the reign of Edward VI, to enable such of the poorer classes as had grievances against the administration, to approach him privately. He used this court to set aside, whenever it suited his purpose, the ordinary process of law.

Rescissory Act.

An Act passed by the Scottish Parliament of 1661 (the Drunken Parliament) cutting off or repealing all the legislation since 1640.

Resolutioners.

The Scotch Presbyterians, under Argyle, who adopted the resolution to unite with the Royalists against Cromwell.

Restitution, Edict of.

An edict issued by the Emperor Ferdinand II, immediately after the Peace of LÜbeck, in 1629, restoring ecclesiastical matters to the condition in which they were at the time of the Treaty of Passau in 1552, and declaring that Catholics only were entitled to benefit by the provisions of that instrument. The execution of this edict met with strong opposition from the Protestants, and it was largely instrumental in bringing about the intervention of Gustavus Adolphus.

Resumption Act.

An Act passed in 1700, dealing with the forfeited lands which had fallen into the King’s hands after the pacification of Limerick. Some of them had been restored to their original owners, and others granted as rewards for services rendered, or given to the King’s favourites. The Act revoked all these grants, and vested the land in trustees.

Reunion, Edict of.

An edict issued by Henri III in 1585, revoking all previous measures of toleration and summoning the Huguenots to recant or leave France.

Revolution of July, 1830.

The revolution by which Charles X was forced to abdicate the throne of France.

Revolution of July, 1848.

The revolution by which Louis Philippe was driven into exile, and the second French Republic established. Its effects were felt throughout the Continent of Europe, and it was followed by republican risings in Germany, Italy, Belgium and elsewhere.

Rhenish League.

A league formed under the auspices of Mazarin in 1658, by the union of the Protestant and Catholic Leagues of German Princes which had been established in 1651. The league was supported financially by Louis XIV, and its affairs were managed by a Directory, sitting at Frankfort, under the presidency of the Elector of Mentz.

Rhine, Confederation of the.

A confederation of German States formed under the auspices of Napoleon in 1806. It was composed of Bavaria, Baden, WÜrtemberg, the Duchy of Berg, Hesse-Darmstadt, and some other States of minor importance, and was in alliance with France.

Rhodes, Knights of.

See Malta, Knights of.

Rhudlann, Statute of.

A statute of Edward I, enacted in 1204, by which Wales was annexed to the English Crown. It takes its name from Rhudlann Castle, where the King was staying at the time of its promulgation. (See Wales, Statute of.)

Ribbonism.

An agrarian movement in the South and West of Ireland, about 1869, its object being to agitate for security of tenure. Its methods, possibly harmless at first, soon degenerated into terrorism.

Riding of Parliament.

An old feudal custom connected with the opening of the Scots Parliament, celebrated with special pomp at the meeting of the last Parliament in 1703. All the members rode in procession from Holyrood to Parliament Square, fully robed and accompanied by train-bearers and servants.

Ridolfi Plot.

A plot instigated by Pius V in 1571, against Elizabeth and in the interests of Mary Queen of Scots. Ridolfi was employed to sound the Duke of Norfolk, who consented to enter into the scheme. A Catholic rising was to be engineered, which was to be aided by a Spanish invasion, Elizabeth was to be dethroned, and the Catholic religion restored. The existence of the plot was discovered through the arrest of one of Ridolfi’s messengers. His letters being in cypher, the names of the conspirators were not discovered. A little later, however, Norfolk was found in treasonable correspondence with Mary’s partisans in Scotland, the whole scheme was laid bare, and the leaders arrested. Norfolk was executed in the following year.

Riel’s Rebellion.

A rising of Indian half-breeds in Saskatchewan, North-West Canada, in 1885, under Louis Riel, who had been the ringleader of the Red River Rebellion in 1869. It was easily suppressed by the Canadian Militia, and Riel captured and executed.

Right, Captain.

The name given to the head of a secret agrarian society which sprang up in Munster about 1785.

Right of Search.

In maritime law, the right to search neutral vessels for the enemy’s merchandise. It was abolished by the Treaty of Paris in 1856, when it was agreed that a neutral flag should cover the merchandise, except in the case of contraband of war.

Rights of Man, Declaration of the.

A declaration of the principles of government recognized by the Revolutionists, adopted by the French National Assembly in 1789.

Rigsdag.

The Parliament of Denmark. It is composed of two Houses, the Landsthing, consisting partly of elected members and partly of life members nominated by the King, and the Folkething, an assembly elected by practically universal suffrage.

Riot Act (England).

An Act passed in 1715, providing that any twelve or more persons assembled to the disturbance of the peace who shall fail to disperse when called upon to do so by proclamation of a magistrate or sheriff, shall be deemed guilty of felony.

Riot Act (Ireland).

An Act passed by the Irish Parliament in 1787 for the suppression of agrarian crime. The Bill, as originally drafted, contained a clause enacting that all Roman Catholic chapels in which agrarian societies had held meetings should be razed to the ground. This clause, however, excited violent opposition, and was expunged from the Bill.

Riots.

See Anarchist, Astor Place, Austin, Birmingham, Blackburn, Boston, Bread, Bristol, Chartism, DonauwÖrth, Draft, Evil May Day, Glasgow, Gordon, Hyde Park, Kimberley, Luddite, Mitchelstown, Morant Bay, O.P., Porteous, Rebecca, Tithe, Trafalgar Square, Twenge’s.

Robert the Devil.

The younger brother of Richard, Duke of Normandy, was so called. He rebelled against his brother, and, finding himself worsted, feigned submission, and invited the Duke and his chief followers to a banquet, where he poisoned them, and succeeded to the Dukedom.

Roberts’ March.

The famous march of Lord Roberts (then Sir Frederick) to the relief of Kandahar. He started from Kabul in August, 1880, with 10,000 troops and 8,000 camp followers, taking provisions for the whole march, as it was impossible to procure supplies en route. The distance of 318 miles was accomplished in twenty-three days, inclusive of halts.

Robin Redbreasts.

See Bow Street Runners.

Robot.

A form of the corvÉe, in existence in Bosnia and Herzegovina under Turkish rule. It was abolished by the Austrians in 1892.

Rock, Captain.

The name adopted by the leader of an Irish agrarian society in 1822.

Roeskild, Treaty of.

A treaty between Denmark and Sweden, signed in 1656, after the successful campaign of Charles X of Sweden. Denmark thereby surrendered all her remaining Swedish possessions.

Rogue Money.

A tax levied in Scotland in former times, the proceeds of which were applied to the apprehension and prosecution of criminals. It was first raised by statute in the reign of George I.

Rohosz.

In ancient Poland a self-constituted assembly of nobles, who took the lead in calling the nobility to arms when force became necessary to enable them to obtain from the King satisfaction of their demands. It was practically a revolutionary committee.

Roi Citoyen.

Louis Philippe of France was called the Citizen King.

Roi des Barricades.

A nickname of Louis Philippe, whose accession was preceded by an Émeute lasting three days, during which the mob raised numerous barricades in the streets of Paris.

Roi du Roi.

A sobriquet of Cardinal Richelieu, who during the reign of Louis XIII (1610-1643) was the real ruler of France. The same title was bestowed on Anne de Joyeuse, because of his ascendency over Henri III (1574-1589).

Roi Panade.

A nickname of Louis XVIII of France.

Roi Soleil.

A sobriquet of Louis XIV of France.

Rois FainÉans.

A name given to the later kings of the Merovingian dynasty, who took no part in the government of their States, leaving all public affairs in the hands of the Maire du Palais.

Roman Triumvirate, 1848.

A Provisional Government established by the revolutionary party in Rome in 1848. It consisted of Counts Corsini, Camerata and Galetti.

Roman Triumvirate, 1849.

An executive appointed by the Italian Constituent Assembly, which met in Rome with the object of promoting Italian unity under a Republican Government, and proceeded to depose the Pope as a secular ruler. The members of the Triumvirate were Mazzini, Saffi and Armellini.

Roman-Dutch Law.

The fundamental law of the Orange Free State and South African Republic. It is based on the Institutes of Justinian, with the changes introduced into them in the Netherlands.

Rome, League of.

A league against the Turks, formed under the auspices of Adrian VI in 1523. Its members were Charles V, Henry VIII, the Archduke of Austria, the Duke of Milan, and the Republics of Venice, Florence, Genoa, Siena and Lucca.

Rome, Synod of.

At this Synod, held in 1059, Nicholas II issued regulations for the election of the Pope, which with slight modifications are in force at the present day. Up to this date the election had been more or less under the control of the Emperor, but by the new regulations it was vested in the Cardinals assembled in Conclave.

Rome-Scot.

Another name for Peter’s Pence.

Romorantin, Edict of.

An edict issued by de l’HÔpital, in 1560, transferring the power of judging heretics from the special court established by the Guises to the bishops.

Roncaglia, Diet of.

A Diet held by Frederic Barbarossa in 1158, after the surrender of Milan. Edicts were issued increasing the power of the Emperor over the Italian cities, regulating the appointment of podestÀs to act jointly with the consuls, and forbidding private war between the various cities.

RÔnin.

In old Japan, men of gentle blood who, by the commission of some crime or for some other reason had become detached from their clan, and ceased to owe allegiance to any feudal lord. Many became hired swashbucklers; others fell in the social scale, and entered into trade. The word signifies “wave men.”

Roof of the World.

The name given to the Pamirs, the great Central Asian plateau, the mean elevation of which is 13,000 feet above the sea-level.

Root and Branch Bill.

The name given to a bill introduced into Parliament in 1641, for “the utter abolition of archbishops, bishops, deans, archdeacons, prebendaries and canons.”

Roturiers.

Wealthy citizens in the French feudal days, who purchased land from the feudal lords. The ranks of the nobility were recruited from their descendants, as the possession of land for three generations ennobled the third holder. This was abolished, however, in the reign of Philip the Fair, from which time the roturiers remained a class apart.

Round Robin.

A document signed by the Duke of Leinster, and other Irish peers and commoners, by which the signatories undertook to make government in Ireland impossible, if the government inflicted penalties upon any of their number on account of their action in the matter of the regency in 1789. They had been instrumental in obtaining a resolution of the Irish Parliament, in opposition to the Ministry, offering the sovereignty of Ireland unconditionally to the Prince of Wales.

Round Table Conference.

A series of meetings held in 1887 between Sir George Trevelyan, Mr. Chamberlain, Mr. John Morley and Sir William Harcourt, with the object, if possible, of finding a basis for the reunion of the Liberal Unionists and the Gladstonians. No result was arrived at.

Roundheads.

The name given to the Puritan party, on account of their close-cropped hair. It was first used during the riots in London in 1641.

Rout of Moy.

An attempt by 1,500 men of the Clan MacLeod, in 1846, to capture the Young Pretender, who was staying at the Castle of Moy, belonging to the Laird of MacIntosh. Their approach was discovered by the blacksmith of the MacIntoshes, who with five or six companions was patrolling near the castle. This small party separated, and firing into the MacLeods from different parts of the wood, so disconcerted them that they fled in disorder, thinking they had fallen into an ambush of the Pretender’s whole army.

Royal Marriage Act.

An Act passed in 1772, forbidding any member of the Royal Family, except the children of Princesses married abroad, to marry under the age of twenty-five without the King’s consent. After that age, twelve months’ notice of such intended marriage must be given, and unless petitioned against by both Houses of Parliament, the marriage could then take place.

Royal Martyr.

Charles I of England is so called.

Royal Titles Act.

An Act passed in 1876, by which the title of Empress of India was added to the Royal titles.

RÜchversicherung.

See Reinsurance Treaty.

Rump.

The name given to the remnant of the Long Parliament, which continued to sit after Pride’s Purge, until ejected by Cromwell in 1653. In 1659, after Cromwell’s death, the Rump was recalled, and returned, to the number of forty-two, with Lenthall, the Speaker. In the following year, however, they were again turned out by Monk, and the Long Parliament at last came to an end.

Run-about Raid.

A rising in Scotland in 1565, of certain noblemen who were displeased at Mary’s marriage with Darnley. Their leader was the Earl of Murray. They were unable to stand against the Queen’s supporters, and, after various rapid marches, finally crossed the border into England and disbanded their forces.

Rupert of Debate.

This name was given to Edward, Earl of Derby (1799-1869) by Lord Lytton.

Russian Note of 1870.

A Note issued by the Russian Government, in which, taking advantage of the Franco-German War, Russia declared that she no longer considered herself bound by the Black Sea Neutrality clause in the Treaty of Paris, and that she held herself at liberty to build and maintain a fleet of warships in those waters. This Note caused intense irritation in London, but no steps could be taken till the close of the war, when a conference met in London to consider the point at issue.

Russo-Japanese Convention.

A convention between Russia and Japan, signed in 1897, by which the contracting parties guaranteed the independence of Korea. Japan was permitted to keep a force of 200 armed police for the protection of the telegraph lines, and a small military force in Seoul, Fusan and Gensan. Russia was allowed to maintain an equivalent force for the protection of her legation.

Ruthven, Raid of.

The seizure of James VI of Scotland at Perth in 1581 by Lord Gowrie and others of the Protestant leaders, by way of checkmating the schemes of Lennox and the Catholics for the restoration of Catholicism.

Ruytergeld.

In feudal Holland a tax paid in lieu of military service, similar to scutage.

Rye House Plot.

A Whig conspiracy to assassinate Charles II in 1683. It was revealed by one of the conspirators, and its ringleaders, Russell and Sidney, were convicted and executed, while the Earl of Essex died by his own hand in prison.

Ryotwari.

The system of land taxation in India by which every peasant farmer is looked upon as the proprietor of his land, and pays his taxes direct to the Government. It is the opposite of the Zemindari system, the survival of the system practised under Mogul Emperors, where the Zemindar was responsible for the taxation of a certain district.

Ryswick, Treaty of.

A treaty signed in 1697 between France, England, Holland and Spain, ending the War of the League of Augsburg, whereby Louis XIV surrendered all his conquests since the Treaty of Nimeguen in 1678, and agreed to acknowledge William III as King of England, and to withdraw his support from James. A month later the Emperor Leopold, who was not a signatory of the first treaty, signed a separate instrument, by which he recovered all Louis’ conquests except Strasburg, including all the French fortifications on the right bank of the Rhine. Lorraine was restored to the Duke Leopold, with the proviso that passage should be granted when required to the troops of France.