Reuss

Reuss, the name of two sovereign principalities of Germany, lying between the kingdom of Saxony on the E., the Prussian duchy of that name on the N., and Bavaria on the S. Since 1666 the possessions of the House of Reuss have been divided between the Elder and the Younger lines. The principality of Reuss-Greiz (the Elder Line) is 122 sq. m. in extent, and had (in 1890) 62,759 inhabitants. The chief town is Greiz (q.v.). The principality of the Younger Line is Reuss-Schleiz-Gera. Area, 319 sq. m.; pop. (1890) 119,555. Capital, Schleiz (q.v.). Of both principalities the surface is hilly, being traversed by the Frankental (Thüringer Wald), whose summits reach upwards of 2000 feet in height. The chief rivers are the Saale and the White Elster, the valleys of which are well cultivated. More than a third of each state is covered with forests; cattle are fattened on the extensive meadows; and woollen, cotton, and silk goods are woven. The reigning prince of each state is a hereditary sovereign, and in each state always bears the name of Heinrich (Henry). He is the executive. Reuss-Greiz has a legislative assembly of twelve members, of whom nine are chosen by the people for six years; Reuss-Schleiz-Gera has an assembly of fifteen members, of whom twelve are chosen for three years by the people.