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.