PALATINATES of POLAND. Previous to the
revolution in this unfortunate country, it was divided in-
to palatinates; whether those will be now changed can-
not at present be ascertained, though it seems likely.
A Polish palatine is thus described in the Universal
History:
"A palatine may be regarded as the governor of a
province, who levies and leads the troops of his own ju-
risdiction to join the army of the republic. His civil
power is likewise considerable, as he presides at the as-
semblies of his palatine, rates the prices of all commo-
dities and merchandise in the province, regulates the
weights and measures, and judges and defends the Jews
within his jurisdiction. This part of his function is par-
ticularly specified, that a set of men the most useful and
industrious in Poland may not be oppressed; the king
being likewise obliged, by his oath, to afford them the
protection of the laws and his sovereignty. Under him
is appointed a substitute or vice-palatine, who takes an
oath to his superior, and must be possessed of a land
estate to a certain value."