WHAT MONARCHIES COST.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 11755, 20 July 1916, Page 4

WHAT MONARCHIES COST.

It is hardly possible to compare the expenses of the upkec-p of a monarchy and of a republic on general grounds, as so mauy considerations enter into each individual case. Comparing Gre-at Britain and the United States, the Civil List of the former amounts to about £600,000, but this amount is more thaii offset by the revenues of estates which have reverted' from tho Crown to the State.

The sab 17 of the President of the United States is fixed by Congress at £15,000 a year, with a travelling allowance of £6000.. In addition, a large sum has to be provided to pay for his numerous secreteries, tho upkeep- of the White House, cost of entertaining, etc. Germany, a monarchy is supposed to spend £747,437 a year on her Civil List, while tho Emperor also receives a definite sum as King of Prussia, but there is also a vast amount of private property, castles, forests and estates, out of which the Court and Koyal Family are paid. France, a republic, pays .to her President £24,00 D a year. The question may be debated from various standpoints, but there is probably very little to chooso between the expenses of a monarchy and a republic, as the Ministors of the C-rown or the State, as the enso may be. are about the same in both rases. It should also be borne in mind that the femenu'ous periodical <•<l.-1 of nr<\i:ii firi'tii'iii* is <■ u<■ that -,'<)!• I- 11 i'\' a