But the matter was soon taken up again. And for this the inhabitants of
the region between the rivers Rhine and Thur were chiefly to blame. In
closer connection with their German neighbors, and excited at the same
time by grievances suffered in consequence of the Storming of Ittingen,
they meditated a separation from Zurich; in any case they intended to
deal with the government not in the character of subjects, but in that
of an independent party. Meanwhile the government seeing the importance
of the crisis, roused itself for prompt action. First of all, some of
its prominent members were empowered to raise troops and money, and in
general to make all arrangements for defence in the city itself. Then
it was resolved to appeal, as before, to all the districts of the
canton, that still remained peaceful, viz: those on the lake, in
Limatthal, in the free bailiwicks and in the so-called Neuamt, (new
bailiwick). The same mode of proceedure, observed before, was again
employed: a delegation from the Council, their explanations and
inquiries, and a request for a written answer.
Information in regard to all that had occurred was given to the
assembled congregations in the form of a long vindication. They were
again reminded of the endeavors of the government to keep aloof from
every dangerous foreign influence and maintain the Gospel; and then the
points of grievance, handed in by the turbulent districts, and the
answers sent by the government were laid before them: "More than a
thousand florins have My Lords expended already on account of these
people, especially those on the other side of the Thur, and their
disorderly doings. How miserably the assembly at Tœss ended, you
will all have learned by this time, and that a new one, still more
numerous, is announced to meet at Kloten. Our Lords hope, that, if you
are invited, you will not go, but if they desire it, and you do, let it
be only to warn them back to duty; and although we believe everything
good of you, that yet you will inform the government of your mind, the
rather because the people of the lake have been one with the city of
Zurich from time immemorial and esteemed as burghers of the same, and
it is hoped will be so forever."
Of the answers sent in, as far as they are still extant, the most
characteristic may be here quoted:
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account