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Read Ebook: Dictionary of Historical Allusions by Harbottle Thomas Benfield
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A pamphlet addressed to the "Nobility and People of England," bringing a series of scandalous charges against Queen Elizabeth, issued by Cardinal Allen in 1588.
Adonis of Fifty.
Adrian, Bull of.
A bull issued by Adrian IV, in 1156, granting the sovereignty of Ireland to Henry II, in return for his undertaking to support the Papal authority, and to pay Peter's Pence.
Adrianople, Treaty of.
A treaty between Russia and Turkey, signed in 1829, following the capture by Russia of the fortresses of Varna, Silistria, and Adrianople. It gave Russia control over the mouths of the Danube, and the appointment of protector of the privileges of Moldavia and Wallachia.
Adriatic, Marriage of the.
Adscriptus Glebae.
A person who was compelled to remain on his lord's estate. The condition of a villein or serf in feudal times.
Adullamites.
A small section of the Liberal party, headed by Mr. Lowe who opposed Mr. Gladstone's Reform Bill of 1866. The name had its origin in a speech of John Bright, who likened the malcontents to those who took refuge in the Cave of Adullam. The term "cave" is now applied to any small knot of dissentients within the ranks of one of the great political parties.
Adventurers of 1642.
The gentlemen and others who had advanced money to the Government during the Irish Rebellion of 1641, to be repaid by grants of forfeited land. In 1653 these claims were recognized by grants in various parts of Leinster and Munster.
Afrancesados.
The partizans of Napoleon in Spain and the Spanish Colonies.
Afrikander Bond.
An organization formed in Cape Colony in 1881, with the avowed object of securing for the Afrikanders a larger share of political power. Its moving Spirit was Mr. Hofmeyr, a member of the Cape Ministry. It has taken a leading part in Cape politics, generally in opposition to British rule, and during the Boer war of 1899-1902 gave strong evidence of disloyalty.
Agraviados.
The Catalan insurgents, in 1825, called themselves the Agraviados, or men with a grievance.
Agrarian League.
A league formed in Berlin in 1893, to advocate bimetalism and a return to protection. In the latter portion of its programme, it has had considerable success.
Agricultural Alliance Bill.
The name given to a bill passed by the Prussian Parliament in 1896, at the instigation of the Agricultural Alliance. It prohibited time bargains in corn, mining shares, etc., and provided for the regulation of the Berlin Bourse, Corn Exchange, and other Exchanges, by a committee under a Government official. To escape these vexatious restrictions, the produce brokers deserted the Exchange and formed a Free Commercial Union, meeting in another building to carry on their business.
Aids.
Aigun, Convention of.
A treaty between Russia and China, signed in 1858, by which Russia obtained all the territory eastward of the Ussuri river to the Japan Sea, and fixed her southern boundary at the frontier of Corea.
Aix-la-Chapelle, Congress of.
A congress held in 1818, and attended by plenipotentiaries from Great Britain, Prussia, Austria and Russia, to arrange for the evacuation of France by the army of occupation, and the readmission of France, as one of the Great Powers, to the Councils of Europe.
Aix-la-Chapelle, Treaty of.
Aix-la-Chapelle, Treaty of.
Akerman, Treaty of.
A treaty between Russia and Turkey, supplementary to the Treaty of Bucharest, signed in 1826. It provided that the Hospodars of Moldavia and Wallachia should rule independently, each with a council of Boyars, and should not be deposed without the Czar's consent; that Servia should elect her own princes, and that Russia should occupy the East coast of the Black Sea, and should have free access to all Turkish waters.
Alabama.
A privateer fitted out in England during the American Civil War, to prey upon the commerce of the Northern States. After the war the United States made an enormous claim for compensation, which was submitted to arbitration, with the result that England was condemned to pay about three and a half millions sterling.
Alais, Treaty of.
Alaric Cottin.
A sobriquet of Frederick the Great of Prussia, given him by Voltaire. It infers that he was a great soldier but a very poor poet.
Alascans.
Alaska Purchase.
Alaska Treaty.
A treaty between Great Britain and the United States, signed in 1903, by which it was agreed to submit the question of the boundary between Alaska and Canada to a commission of six jurists, three to be nominated by each side. This question had been pending since the cession of Alaska to the United States by Russia in 1867, the doubt as to the true frontier arising from the very indefinite terms of the Anglo-Russian Convention of 1825.
Albanian League.
A league founded by the Porte in 1880, to oppose the aspirations of Montenegro towards an increase of territory. In 1887 the league presented to the Sultan a petition for autonomy, under an Albanian governor, and receiving no answer, rose in rebellion. The outbreak, however, was easily suppressed.
Albany Regency.
A coterie of Democrats who from 1820 to 1854 exercised a controlling influence over the politics of New York State, and had consequently considerable power in national politics. Their headquarters were at Albany.
Albigenses.
Alcantara, Knights of.
A Spanish order of religious chivalry, established in 1177, and directed against Mohammedanism.
Ale Conner.
An official appointed annually the Court-Leet to test and examine the ale sold in the borough, and to prosecute dishonest vendors.
Alexander of Bulgaria, Abduction of.
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