History of Switzerland 12+

📖 This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1860 edition. Excerpt: ...as bailiff, and to manage without question the estates of all churches and curacies; the right of hunting and fishing; afterwards (1543), the appointment of pastors to all the churches, of recorders and constables (1555), and the power to grant the right of citizenship (1596). Finally all general and other assemblies of the people were forbidden, and the military power passed entirely into the hands of the bishop (1654). Then he ruled as he pleased; allowed forced recruiting for foreign service; filled all offices with his own creatures; looked on with indifference when magistrates and convents, by craft and intrigues, obtained possession of the best estates, or when the public fines were raised to exorbitant sums. At last abbot Leodegar Burgisser thought himself absolute master in the land. He ordered the people to build and maintain, at their own expense, a new highway through the Hummelwald. And when the delegates of the people represented to him that this was a more grievous burden on the Toggenburgers than the old labordues and day-service from which they had twice ransomed themselves, he condemned these men to a fine of 1540 crowns, compelled them to recant in open court, and deprived them of civil rights. Then (1701) the oppressed Toggenburgers la...