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.