Charles Hoch

“ It will be seen from this brief statement that the neutral territory of Moresnet enjoys all, or nearly all, the advantages of independence without its burdens, and that Prussia and Belgium accord every possible favor to its inhabitants almost gratuitously. It would seem a matter of surprise that this little section of earth, which is not of sufficient importance to prevent a settlement between its claimants, should be allowed to remain under a temporary government which has already lasted more than sixty-five years. ”

“ This was a privilege enjoyed by all till 1854, when the Belgian Governor in the territory summoned under the national flag those who owed allegiance to that country. In 1874 Prussia followed the example, so that one of its important immunities has disappeared. Others still remain, which are not without value. For instance, the territory pays to-day the same amount of taxes as in 1814, when it ceased to be French; that is to say, the sum of $280 annually for the land tax, $67 for personal tax, and $201 for licenses. The total amount is divided equally between Prussia and Belgium. ”

“ Awaiting this decision [which has never been made] , the provisional frontier of the commune of Moresnet shall be so formed that the part of it lying at the left of a straight line from the point of contact of the three cantons to that of the three departments shall belong under all circumstances to Holland; that the portion situated at the right of the limits of the canton of Eupen in a direct line from south to north to the point of contact of the three departments shall belong indisputably to Prussia ”