Armenia's Legislature – the Khorhourt
Amidst this "formless chaos," Kachaznouni strove to build the nations' governmental apparatus. While the numerous administrative organs in Tiflis became Georgian property, there was little to inherit in Yerevan. Because elections were then out of the question, the four political parties agreed that creation of a legislature could be effected most smoothly by simply tripling the National Council membership of each. Dashnaktsoutiun, most willing to share the burden of government, did not object to the disproportionate number of places accorded to the opposition groups. 92 Thus, when Armenia's legislative body, the Khorhourt, convened, there were eighteen Dashnakists, six SR's, SD's, and Populists respectively, and two non-partisans. In addition, six Moslems, a Yezidi, and a Russian represented the Republic's minorities. 93 Generals Nazarbekian and Silikian, members of the Moslem and Russian national councils of Yerevan, and envoys of the Ottoman, Persian, Ukrainian, and German governments were present for the opening ceremonies. Also attending was the chief of the Austro-Hungarian mission to Transcaucasia, Baron von Frankenstein, who arrived in Yerevan with von Kress on the preceding day to pay an official visit to the Catholicos and the Armenian government. On his return to Tiflis, von Frankenstein reported to Vienna that he had been favourably impressed by the inaugural meeting of the legislature and especially by the fact that, in sharp contrast to the situation in Georgia, all minorities were represented. 94
Gathering in the theatre of the City Hall, members of the Khorhourt were called to order just before noon on August 1 by Avetik Sahakian, acting chairman of the National Council. He reviewed the tragic events that had culminated in the creation of the Republic and expressed faith in a brighter future. Armenian delegations already in Berlin and Constantinople were labouring to gain terms more favourable than those dictated by the Batum Treaty. The ideal of independence and statehood was taking root in the mind of the nation; soon it would be cherished. Stressing that every existing treaty obligation would be honoured and every effort made to secure friendship with all neighbouring countries, Sahakian added: "Yes, our Republic is small and its bounds are narrow. It is deprived of its best lands, and there is not enough room for all the people. It seems as if conditions are lacking for its independent existence. But I feel that the boundaries of a state cannot remain inflexible forever. I believe that our borders will spread with the iron force of life, with defence of our just and indisputable rights concerning the occupied lands, and with a new treaty of friendship with Turkey and its allied governments, whose representatives are here present. We have chosen the path of mutual agreement and peace, and we would like to believe that we are not mistaken in this." 95 Following these remarks, the band played the national anthem as the red, blue, and orange tricolour was raised atop the Khorhourt. Then, turning to its agenda, the legislature elected Sahakian (Dashnakist) President, Grigor Ter Khachatrian (Populist) and Davit Zubian (SR) Vice-Presidents, and Petros Zakarian (non-partisan, SD sympathiser) Senior Secretary. 96
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