4. In cases where federal laws have to be applied by Cantonal Tribunals, and the amount of the matter in dispute is 3000 francs at least, or cannot be estimated; where either party appeals from the judgment of the highest Cantonal Court (by agreement the parties can make the appeal directly from the lower Cantonal Court, without going to the Cantonal Court of Appeal). It also decides in cases of extradition, when the demand is made under an existing treaty, in so far as the application of the treaty is questioned; it settles boundary questions between two Cantons, and questions of competence between the authorities of different Cantons. In questions of jurisdiction between the Federal Court and cantonal authority, or as to whether it should be settled by a court of arbitration, the Tribunal itself decides as to its own competence. In cases where questions between Cantons or between a Canton and the Confederation come before the court, they come on reference from the Federal Council. If the Council decides negatively as to whether a matter ought to come before the court, the Assembly has the final determination on the point. This general organizing act of 1874 fixes the number of members of the court and the alternates; their terms of office, salaries, and other details. The number of judges is reduced from eleven to nine, and the court shall never contain, at any given time, two or more persons from the same family; the term is extended from three to six years. The president and the vice-president are to be elected by the Federal Assembly from among the judges, for the term of two years. The salaries are fixed at 10,000 francs a year for the judges; 11,000 francs for the president (or chief justice), and from 6000 to 8000 francs for each of the secretaries. There must be two secretaries at least, one from German-, the other from French-speaking Switzerland; both must speak German and French, and one also Italian. They are chosen by the court by ballot, and for a term of six years. The assistant judges or alternates receive twenty-five francs a day when serving, and a fixed travelling allowance. These assistant judges only sit in the place of the judges who are prevented for some reason from sitting in person. The judges and the secretaries when away from the seat of the court on official business are paid fifteen francs a day additional, and a travelling allowance. The vacations of the court must not exceed four weeks in the year; but either the president or vice-president must always remain at the permanent seat of the court. Temporary leave of absence may be granted to the members of the court and to the secretaries. The judges (but not the assistant judges) are required to reside where the court is fixed. In cases of elections and in civil and constitutional causes, seven judges form a quorum, and the number present must always be uneven (apparently because the president has no casting vote).