Imperial Incomes. Reductions Made by the Russian Monarch -Change in Titles.

Te Aroha News, Volume IV, Issue 179, 20 November 1886, Page 1

Imperial Incomes. Reductions Made by the Russian Monarch -Change in Titles.

It will be remembered that last year, the present Czar announced his intention of making considerable alterations in the laws and privileges of the Imperial family, and the matter was confided to a special Commission, under the Presidency of the Grand Duke Vladimir. The work of this Commis* Bion, sanctioned by the Emperor, is now, writes a London "Times" correspondent, promulgated in the form of a revision of the statutes of the reigning family, which wero established by the Emperor Paul, and deposited on the altar of the Cathedral of the Assumption at Moscow, Some veiy, important changes are made, chiefly in the instriction of the Imperial title, and a reduction of the Imperial incomes from the State* All members of the Imperial family after the Czar himself— of whom, aa autocrat and supreme head of the family, nothing is stated— have their present allowances cut down by two-thirds, which is a very remarkable and essential reform. The following is a summary of the new statuets, which occupy two pages of the official Gazette : The forty four grand dukes and grand duchcsees at present composing the Imperial family may be divided into two groups. The titles "grand duke," "grand duchess," and " Imperial highness n will henceforth only be borne by the sons, daughters, brothers, sisters and grandchildren in the male line of the Czar or of former emperors, forming the first group* Th© second group corapripes all the descendants of grandchildren in the male line s whc/will in futurebestyledby the diminished address of " prince 3 and princesses of the> Imperial blood " and evietloet, which is equivalent to serene highness, with the exception of the eldest son of each grandson, who will be entitled, in addition to title of "prince of the blood," to that of "highness." All thoso of the first group will, as heretofore, icceive all the Imperial orders and decorations at baptism, except the ordeis of St. Vladimar and St. George, while those of the second category will only : receive them as optional gifts from the Emperor. , The incomes of the members of thfr Imperial family, not including their private re^ enues, is derived from the State. The Empress, whoee annual allowance has been 600 000 roubles, will now only have 200,000 roubles. In case of widowhood, Her Majesty will receive the same amount as a pension, and if residing abroad, only half that sum. Instead of 300,000 roubles a year, the heir apparent is to receive only 100,000 roubles, besides palace expenses. The wife of the heir apparent is to have 50,000 roubles a year, and if a widow 100,000 roubles, or 50 000 roubles if residing out of Russia. Children of theheirapparent receive 20,000 roubles a year up to their majority. The heir apparent attains his' majority ab the age of 16, the rest at 21. The grand dukes are to receive each 33,000 roubles annually, instead of, as formerly, 100,000> roubles till they come of age. Daughters and grand -daughters of the Emperor will receive 1,000,000 dowry from the States % great grand-daughters and great ' great grand-daughters, 100,000 roubles, and the rest 30,000 roubles. Each son of the Emperor at his majority will receive an appanage of the yearly value of 150,000r., 1,000, OOOr. for the erection of a palace, and when married, 200,000r. a year, with 40, 000r. a year for his wife and 35,000r. for the expense of his palace. Each one of the Emperor's grandsons at 21 receives 150, 000r. a year, 600, 000r. in one sum for a palace aud 20,000r. a year for his wife, The Emperor's great grandsons •will receive each 30,000r. a year, and also at 21' an entailed estate worth 100, OOOr. a year. The heir apparent and his eldest son are obliged to marry Princesses of the orthodox Russian faith. All the others marry ladies of other religions. It may be hare mentioned that the members of the Imperial family possess 2S large palace? in St. Petersburg and its district, five or six at Moscow, and several more throughout the interior and in the Crimea.