THE MUNICIPAL ORGANIZATION
THE medieval institutions of the city of Cracow are based on the provisions of the Magdeburg law. Their later shape, partly modelled on Lubeck, partly originating in mere adaptation to the local needs and circumstances, and the peculiarities of national character, was chiefly developed in the fourteenth century. Among other things, Cracow then lost the right of free choice of its aldermen: the king reserved it for himself, and about the middle of the fourteenth century the king transferred it to the waywode, or lieutenant-governor of Cracow, who was to appoint aldermen from among the assessors of the municipal jury. By this means, the political influence of Cracow's citizens was definitely checked, and this mode of election remained in practice till 1677, when the town got back its old electoral rights from King John Sobieski. The number of town councillors was not settled at first; it was not till the beginning of the fifteenth century that it came to be fixed at twenty-four, of whom eight formed the municipal board conducting the current affairs of the town. These were called "burgomasters," because each of them officiated for six—later on, only four—weeks as mayor of the town. The mayor was usually attended by liveried archers armed with swords. His insignia, the silver sceptre and the golden seal, date from the sixteenth century; they were the symbols of his power, and always used by him when personally assisting in the execution of legal enactments. The municipal elections were always kept with great solemnity and pomp. Sometimes even the king himself appeared in the council-hall; the waywode was always present ex officio, and was usually rewarded for this by a present of 25 marks in ready money; besides, guests were invited to take part in the solemn service at St. Mary's Church (festively decorated for that occasion), and in the banquet which took place, after the election, in the council-hall, adorned with garlands of flowers and scented with odorous herbs and incense. During this banquet music was played, the tables glittered with costly epergnes fetched for this occasion from the municipal treasury, and the company were entertained with choice dishes and wines.
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