State Control Over Salt Matches and Cigarette Paper

The most important part of this law is that the State has taken exclusive control over importing, making, and wholesaling salt, matches, and cigarette paper. The government hopes to increase its income from these products by managing them itself.

Change in Tobacco Duty Payment

The law also states that in the future, the tax on tobacco and Mourouril must be paid in gold instead of silver. This change will help the State hold more gold and reduce expenses that the State Treasury used to have because of the difference in value between gold and silver Istanbul Daily Tours.

Law on Compulsory Labor and Road Taxes

A law about compulsory labor and taxes for State and local roads was approved by a royal decree on January 12, 1904, and published on January 20, 1904. This law changes the previous rule by requiring that the tax must now be paid in cash. It also includes new rules that make it easier to collect money from those who previously avoided paying this tax.

Law on Military Tax

There is also a new law about military tax. Under the old law, people who did not serve in the army paid between ten and five hundred francs. The new law divides this tax into fifteen categories, with amounts from ten to one thousand francs. This means that the tax is now more detailed and can vary more based on different cases.

Increased State Revenue

The State’s control over these products—including playing-cards—has already increased government income. This extra money has helped cover losses in other parts of the budget. This new income was included in the budget for the first time in 1906.

Public Education Among Turks in Bulgaria

The Reality of Turkish Schools

It is surprising to learn that some Turkish girls do attend school, which challenges the common belief that Turks never send their daughters to school. However, it is important to note that many schools called “Turkish schools” are only Turkish in name. The teaching staff often consists of ignorant teachers, called “hodjas,” and even less knowledgeable “kadines,” who focus mostly on teaching prayers. Although the school programs include subjects such as Bulgarian, Turkish, and arithmetic, the instruction is very limited. Therefore, it is risky to draw conclusions about the education of the Muslim population in Bulgaria simply from the number of schools, teachers, or students Customised Private Istanbul Tour.

Children Eligible for Primary Education

According to the 1900 census, there were 670,375 children between the ages of six and twelve. Among them, 338,205 were boys and 332,170 were girls. It is important to note that primary education lasts four years, not six as it did before 1899. This means children attend school until around the age of ten rather than twelve. Some children only begin school at age seven. Additionally, some students remain in the same class for two years. Considering these factors, it is more accurate to assume that children attend primary school for an average of five years, and that school attendance is obligatory for children between six and eleven years old.

School Attendance Rates

Among the 554,568 children in this age group, 279,540 were boys and 275,228 were girls. In the school year 1903–1904, 340,668 children attended primary schools: 220,620 boys and 120,048 girls. This means that 78.9 percent of boys and 43.6 percent of girls, or 61.43 percent of all children in the required age group, were actually attending school. These figures show that while a majority of boys attended school, fewer girls did, highlighting the gap in education between the sexes.

The data demonstrates that education among Turkish children in Bulgaria is limited and uneven, especially for girls. Simply counting schools or teachers does not provide a full picture. True educational progress requires looking at actual attendance and the quality of instruction, which remains a challenge in many Turkish schools.

Public Instruction in Bulgaria

Overall Gender Proportion

In Bulgaria during the school year 1903–1904, there were approximately 54 girls for every 100 boys in all schools. This means that 68% of the students were boys, while 32% were girls. Although boys attended school more frequently than girls, female education was gradually improving, especially in urban areas.

Gender Proportion by Nationality

The proportion of girls to boys varied depending on the nationality and type of school. For every 100 boys, the number of girls in each type of school was:

Bulgarian national schools: 50.35 girls

Bulgarian private schools: 40.62 girls

Bulgarian Mahommedan schools: 40.60 girls

Bulgarian Catholic schools: 79.63 girls

Bulgarian Protestant schools: 92.30 girls

Bulgarian Turkish schools: 84.76 girls

Bulgarian Greek schools: 52.70 girls

Bulgarian Jewish schools: 61.58 girls

Bulgarian Armenian schools: 85.68 girls

Bulgarian French schools: 140.74 girls

Bulgarian Tartar schools: 81.56 girls

Bulgarian German schools: 76.52 girls

Bulgarian Roumanian schools: 78.41 girls

Bulgarian Lipovane schools: 0 girls

Observations and Analysis

From these figures, several important points can be noted:

Female attendance is lower than male attendance in most Bulgarian schools, especially in private and Mahommedan schools. Less than half of the students were girls in these schools Customised Private Istanbul Tour.

Religious and foreign schools such as Protestant, Catholic, and French schools often had a higher proportion of girls, sometimes exceeding the number of boys.

Some minority communities, like the Lipovanes, reported no female students.

The data reflects cultural and social influences on education, showing that some communities encouraged girls’ schooling more than others.

Overall, Bulgaria was making progress toward universal education, but gender disparities remained a significant issue.

These statistics provide insight into the early 20th-century education system in Bulgaria and highlight the challenges and progress in educating girls alongside boys.

Primary Schools and Population in Bulgaria

Distribution of Schools

The statistical tables for the school year 1903-1904 show that almost all schools of the different nationalities in Bulgaria were mixed schools, including those of the Mahommedans and Tartars.

Of all the schools in Bulgaria, 75.27% were Bulgarian—this includes national, private, Protestant, Catholic, and Mahommedan schools. The remaining 24.73% belonged to other nationalities, such as Turkish, Greek, Jewish, French, German, Armenian, Roumanian, and Lipovane.

Schools Compared to Population

According to the census of January 1, 1901, the Principality of Bulgaria had a total population of 3,744,283, with 1,909,567 males and 1,834,716 females.

During the school year 1903-1904, there were 4,344 schools, which means there was approximately one school for every 862 people Customised Private Istanbul Tour.

However, this proportion varies among different nationalities:

For the Bulgarian population (2,887,860), there was one school for every 943 inhabitants.

For the Mahommedan population (539,656), one school for every 563 inhabitants.

For the Greek population (70,887), one school for every 1,337 inhabitants.

For the Jewish population (32,573), one school for every 1,018 inhabitants.

This shows that smaller minority communities often had fewer schools per person compared to the majority Bulgarian population.

Number of Students

The total number of students in all schools was 340,668, including 220,620 boys and 120,048 girls. The distribution by nationality was as follows:

Schools Boys Girls Total Students

Bulgarian national 167,760 94,541 262,301

Bulgarian private 1,243 505 1,748

Bulgarian Mahommedan 805 343 1,148

Bulgarian Catholic 246 196 442

Bulgarian Protestant 113 104 217

Turkish 23,537 20,051 43,588

Greek 3,173 1,673 4,846

Jewish 2,694 1,659 4,353

Armenian — 367 793

French — 297 309

Tartar — 141 115

German — 115 88

Roumanian — 139 109

Lipovane — — 16

Observations

These statistics show that the Bulgarian schools accounted for the vast majority of students, reflecting the size of the Bulgarian population. Minority communities had smaller numbers of schools and students, but all had access to education according to the national law.

The data also highlight the importance of mixed schools, which helped promote education for both boys and girls across all nationalities in the Principality.

Foreign Schools in Bulgaria

Foreign subjects are allowed to open schools in Bulgaria only for children of foreign residents, provided they notify the Ministry of Public Instruction through the departmental educational inspectorate. They must supply full information about the organization of their school, including its curriculum, teachers, and facilities.

The official Bulgarian curriculum is not mandatory for foreign schools, except when they choose to admit Bulgarian children. In that case, they must follow the official curriculum and use Bulgarian as the teaching language (Article 216). Foreigners may also establish schools for languages, vocational training, or fine arts, even when the students are Bulgarians (Article 217).

This regulation allows foreign communities to maintain their own educational traditions while ensuring that Bulgarian children receive instruction consistent with national laws.

Infant Schools in 1903-1904

During the school year 1903-1904, there were 40 infant schools in the Principality, attended by 2,707 children: 1,289 boys and 1,418 girls. These schools were managed by 46 schoolmistresses and 2 schoolmasters, not counting the staff of the Jewish infant school in Schoumen Customized Tours Istanbul.

The schools were distributed according to nationality as follows:

Nationality Number of Schools Schoolmasters Schoolmistresses Boys Girls Total

Bulgarian 25 0 25 689 645 1,334

Greek 5 0 12 362 604 966

Jewish 5 2 4 159 200 359

French 2 0 2 12 16 28

German 1 0 2 20 13 33

American 3 0 4 47 40 87

Total 40 2 46 1,289 1,418 2,707

The average age of the children attending these infant schools ranged from four to six years, in accordance with Article 15 of the Law on Public Instruction.

Curriculum and Activities

The main goal of infant schools was to prepare children for primary education. Pupils were engaged in play, singing, drawing, embroidery, manual work, and simple arithmetic. These activities aimed to develop physical, intellectual, and moral skills, ensuring a smooth transition to formal schooling.

Infant schools were a vital part of the Bulgarian education system, promoting early learning and supporting families in raising well-educated and socially responsible children.

Examination for District Inspectors

The examination for district school inspectors consists of two parts: oral and written.

The oral test includes questions about teaching methods, education principles, and educational administration.

The written test focuses on pedagogical science, teaching methods, the subjects taught in primary schools, school inspections, the application of the Law of Public Instruction, school regulations, and relevant educational literature.

These tests ensure that inspectors are fully prepared to supervise schools and support teachers effectively.

Classes and Salaries of District Inspectors

District inspectors are divided into three classes based on seniority:

First class: 2,620 francs per year

Second class: 2,400 francs per year

Third class: 2,136 francs per year

All inspectors also receive 480 francs annually for travel expenses.

Duties and Supervision

Departmental inspectors supervise the district inspectors and all elementary schools in the department. They also oversee the progymnasia (secondary preparatory schools) Customized Tours Istanbul.

District inspectors are responsible for primary schools in their district, except for the main school in the town or village where the district inspectorate is located. These main schools are supervised directly by departmental inspectors.

The departmental inspectors communicate directly with the Ministry of Public Instruction and other administrative bodies, while district inspectors focus on school-level inspections and local administration.

At least three times a year, all inspectors in a department meet under the departmental inspector to discuss educational and disciplinary issues.

Departmental Educational Councils

Each administrative department has a departmental educational council to manage and coordinate education. The council includes:

The prefect, as president

Directors of gymnasia or secondary schools in the chief town

The president or vice-president of the district court

School inspectors of the department

Headmasters of primary schools in the chief town

Two secondary school teachers, elected by teachers in the chief town

The president and secretary of the departmental council

The mayor of the chief town

The council meets monthly in regular sessions and can meet at other times if necessary. It ensures coordination, supervision, and quality control across all schools in the department.

The Role of the Departmental Council

Each Departmental Council in Bulgaria appointed a permanent committee made up of two of its members. This committee worked under the presidency of the prefect and was responsible for ensuring that all decisions of the Council were properly carried out. In this way, the committee acted as a link between the Council’s resolutions and their practical implementation throughout the department.

Additional Councils in Each Department

Besides the Departmental Council, every prefecture also had two important advisory bodies: a Medical Council and an Educational Council.

The Medical Council supervised all matters related to public health, including sanitary conditions, hospitals, and hygiene within the department. Its goal was to ensure the well-being and safety of the population Customized Guided Tour.

The Educational Council oversaw the operation of schools and educational institutions, ensuring that educational standards were maintained and that schools followed national policies.

These councils helped the prefect manage specialized areas of local governance effectively.

Administrative Subdivisions The Districts

For more efficient administration, the departments were divided into districts (arrondissements)—a total of 71 across the Principality. Each district was headed by a sub-prefect, who acted as the intermediary between the prefecture and the communes within his district.

The sub-prefect was also the chief of the district police, responsible for maintaining public safety and enforcing the law. He oversaw the work of the judiciary police, ensuring that legal and administrative regulations were followed.

Town Prefects in Major Cities

In larger and more important cities such as Sofia, Plovdiv, Roussé (Roustchouk), and Varna, there were special town prefects. These officials performed duties similar to police prefects and had authority within the city limits.

Town prefects were appointed by royal decree, based on the recommendation of the Minister of the Interior. They were responsible for applying national laws and local regulations to maintain public order, safety, and cleanliness in the cities.

Organisation of the Communes

The Bulgarian Constitution included a special article (Article 3) that guaranteed complete self-government to the communes, the smallest administrative units in the country.

The records of the Constituent Assembly show that the first Bulgarian lawmakers worked with great care and determination to protect the independence of these local communities. The long debates held during the drafting of the Constitution revealed their commitment to ensuring that local self-government would remain strong and free from excessive central control.

Although Article 3 of the Constitution was brief, the spirit and discussions behind it established the foundations of Bulgaria’s local autonomy, which became one of the cornerstones of the nation’s democratic administrative system.

Through this well-structured system of prefectures, districts, and communes, Bulgaria created a balanced and efficient administration. The combination of local independence and central oversight allowed both effective governance and community participation in public affairs.

Impeachment and Legal Responsibility of Ministers

The impeachment of ministers in Bulgaria was an important part of the country’s constitutional system. The National Assembly had the authority to bring charges against ministers who were accused of crimes or misconduct while in office. This same body also handled accusations against ministers for common law crimes or misdemeanours committed during their term.

Once a minister was formally accused, the case was brought before a special State Court. This court consisted of the councillors of the Supreme Appellate Court and an equal number of judges chosen by lot from among the presidents of the Appeal Courts and District Courts. The National Assembly would then appoint one of its members to act as the State Prosecutor, responsible for presenting the case before the court.

The procedures of the State Court and the penalties it could impose were defined by the law of December 13, 1880. If a minister was found guilty of a common law offence while still in office, the case fell under the jurisdiction of the High Court of Cassation. After leaving office, however, such cases were handled by the ordinary courts Istanbul Daily Tours.

Importantly, no minister who was convicted could be pardoned or amnestied by the Prince without the consent of the National Assembly. This rule ensured that political power could not override justice.

Administrative Organisation of the Principality

For administrative purposes, the Principality of Bulgaria was divided into twelve departments. These departments were centred in the towns of Bourgas, Varna, Vidin, Vratza, Kustendil, Plovdiv (Philippopolis), Plevna, Roussé (Roustchouk), Sofia, Stara-Zagora, Tirnova, and Shoumen.

Each department was governed by a prefect, appointed by royal decree upon the proposal of the Minister of the Interior. The prefect represented the central government within the department and exercised executive authority on its behalf. He supervised local administration, managed the department’s finances, and was also in charge of the departmental police. To assist him, a financial director worked under his supervision.

The Departmental Council

Every prefecture had a Departmental Council, composed of 12 to 30 members depending on the size and importance of the department. These members were elected by universal, direct, and secret vote for a three-year term.

The Council met every December for a regular session lasting one month. Its duties included:

Distributing taxes among the communes,

Managing departmental properties,

Preparing the departmental budget,

Reviewing the accounts of local institutions, and

Advising on public works such as railways, highways, and construction projects that benefited the department.

This system of administration ensured that Bulgaria was governed efficiently and fairly. The balance of power between ministers, the courts, and local authorities protected both justice and accountability, reflecting a well-organized and modern government for its time.

Revenue Sources of the Principality

The total revenue of the Principality for the year 1907 amounted to 121,983,000 francs. The main sources of income were as follows:

Duties: 6,525,000 francs

Fines: 135,000 francs

Revenue from Communications: 15,000,000 francs

Revenue from State Properties and Funds: 7,728,000 francs

Various Other Revenues: 3,065,000 francs

This balanced financial structure reflected the government’s efficiency in collecting taxes and managing national income.

The Executive Power

The executive power in Bulgaria was placed in the hands of special ministers, each appointed by the Prince. These ministers formed the Council of Ministers, which served as the highest administrative body of the state. The Council acted under the direct supervision of the Prince, who also chose one minister to serve as the President of the Council.

One of the main responsibilities of the ministers was to ensure the correct and fair enforcement of the laws passed by the National Assembly and approved by the Crown Istanbul Daily Tours.

The Eight Ministries

In 1907, Bulgaria had eight ministries, each responsible for a specific area of government:

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Religions

Ministry of the Interior

Ministry of Justice

Ministry of Public Instruction

Ministry of Finance

Ministry of Commerce and Agriculture

Ministry of Public Works, Roads, and Communications

Ministry of War

Each minister directed their own department but also worked collectively as part of the Council of Ministers on matters of national importance.

Powers of the Council of Ministers

The Constitution granted the Council of Ministers several important powers. For example:

If the Prince died and there were no heirs, the Council took over the government temporarily and called a Grand National Assembly within one month to elect a new Prince.

If the Prince died without appointing regents, the Council assumed supreme authority and summoned the Assembly to choose new regents within a month.

All official acts had to bear the signature of the Prince and at least one minister. Ministers were responsible to both the Prince and the National Assembly for their actions.

Ministerial Responsibility

According to the Constitution, ministers could be held politically, civilly, or criminally responsible.

Political responsibility was regulated by Article 153.

Civil and criminal responsibility was covered by Article 155.

Ministers could be punished if they acted disloyally toward the Prince or the country, violated the Constitution, or committed acts of treason. They were also accountable if they used their positions to harm the state or individuals for personal gain.

The Bulgarian government of 1907 was organized with a clear division of authority between the Prince, the ministers, and the Council of Ministers. This structure ensured both political stability and legal accountability, forming the foundation of a responsible and modern administration.

Financial Summary of the Principality in 1907

In 1907, the Principality of Bulgaria presented a detailed financial statement showing the amounts owed to the government, the payments already made, and the remaining balances. These figures reveal a well-managed economy with careful attention to both debts and assets.

Sums Owed to the Government

The following table shows the various sums due to the Bulgarian Government on January 1, 1907, including loans, reserve funds, and amounts advanced to private individuals.

By the Sublime Porte:

Originally: 46,777,500 francs

Paid off by Dec. 31, 1906: 14,140,500 francs

Remaining: 32,637,000 francs

Unconverted Consols of the 6% Loan (1888):

Originally: 30,000,000 francs

Paid off: 8,655,000 francs

Remaining: 21,345,000 francs

Reserve Fund of the 5% Loan (1902):

Originally: 124,962,500 francs

Paid off: 24,176,500 francs

Remaining: 99,786,000 francs

Reserve Fund of the 5% Loan (1904):

Originally: 106,000,000 francs

Paid off: 1,850,000 francs

Remaining: 104,150,000 francs

Sums Advanced by the Government to Private Persons:

Originally: 99,980,000 francs

Paid off: 690,000 francs

Remaining: 99,290,000 francs

Various Current Accounts:

Remaining: 15,155,616 francs

Total Liabilities and Balances: 377,030,235 francs

The 1907 Budget Plan

The Budget for 1907 outlined both the expected revenues and expenditures of the Principality. The total approved expenditure for the year amounted to 121,969,441 francs Istanbul Daily Tours, distributed among the main ministries as follows:

Civil List: 2,581,620 francs

Public Debt: 32,187,764 francs

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Religions: 5,482,117 francs

Ministry of the Interior: 8,164,365 francs

Ministry of Public Instruction: 11,381,975 francs

Ministry of Finance: 7,913,890 francs

Ministry of Justice: 4,656,538 francs

Ministry of War: 28,820,804 francs

Ministry of Commerce and Agriculture: 5,535,959 francs

Ministry of Public Works, Roads, and Communications: 14,986,889 francs

The total expenditure reached 121,969,441 francs, with a small budget surplus of 13,559 francs, bringing the total balance to 121,983,000 francs.

Sources of Revenue

To cover these expenses, the ministries were authorized to collect taxes and fees according to the country’s laws. The total expected revenue for 1907 was 121,983,000 francs, made up of:

Direct Taxes: 41,380,000 francs

Indirect Taxes: 36,890,000 francs

State Privileges: 10,650,000 francs

The financial records of 1907 demonstrate that Bulgaria’s economy was efficiently managed. With its expenditures fully covered by revenues and a modest surplus remaining, the Principality entered the new year with a balanced and stable financial outlook.

Financial Stability and Growth in Bulgaria

When the new financial privileges are fully established, it is expected that Bulgaria’s income from excise and customs duties will increase from four to five million francs. This increase in revenue will further strengthen the country’s already solid financial position and allow for continued economic growth.

The General Financial Condition

To understand the financial situation of the Principality, it is enough to look at the official balance sheet of the State. This document shows both the country’s assets and liabilities, including state-owned properties. According to the balance sheet from January 1, 1907, Bulgaria was enjoying a firmly established and healthy financial condition Istanbul Daily Tours.

The country’s total assets and reserve funds show that the government had a strong foundation for further development. The reserves from the loans of 1902 and 1904 provided additional financial security, while investments in the Bulgarian National Bank, as well as funds for railways, harbours, and state buildings, represented important assets contributing to the national wealth.

Assets of the Principality (as of January 1, 1907)

General assets: 74,671,416 francs

Reserve fund of 5% Loan (1902): 2,500,000 francs

Reserve fund of 5% Loan (1904): 1,000,000 francs

Cost of railways and harbours: 189,500,000 francs

State buildings: 41,980,000 francs

State properties: 29,712,872 francs

Capital invested in the Bulgarian National Bank: 25,495,385 francs

War materials: 166,000,000 francs

Total assets: 509,859,673 francs

Liabilities of the Principality

General liabilities: 39,912,890 francs

Consolidated debt: 357,208,000 francs

Total liabilities: 397,120,890 francs

After subtracting these liabilities from the total assets, the country enjoyed a surplus of 112,738,783 francs, which reflected strong fiscal discipline and effective management.

The Public Debt Situation

As of January 1, 1907, Bulgaria’s public debt consisted mainly of loans taken between 1888 and 1904. These included:

Bulgarian 6% Loan (1888)

Bulgarian Mortgage 6% Loan (1889)

Bulgarian 6% Loan (1892)

Bulgarian 5% Loan (1902)

Bulgarian 5% Loan (1904)

In addition, there were debts owed to Eastern Roumelia, the Bulgarian National Bank, the Bulgarian Agricultural Bank, and in Treasury bonds.

The financial data from 1907 clearly shows that Bulgaria’s economy was on a stable and prosperous path. With a significant surplus and well-managed debts, the Principality demonstrated sound fiscal policy and growing economic confidence during the early 20th century.