Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1873-12-10
e,en,en t more dangerous to continued colonial
relations between Cuba and Spain thsn that

- ;,s,.,;,ad the instruction of Yarra an
element opposed to granting any releI nom
misrnle and abuse. with no aspirations after
freedom. commanding no sympathies in gen.
e efoass ofeat the rhackles Of slavery
osad oppression, has siezed many of
the embiems of power in Cuba and under
professions Of loyalty to the mother country
is exhaustng the resources of the island. and
is doing acts which are at variance with those
principles OF justice, liberality and of right
which give nobility of character to a republic.
In the Interests of humanity, OF civilization
and OF progress, 1t is to be hoped thus evil
infiuepce may be soon averted. - -
THE CASE OF THE vIRGINIUs.
The steamer Virginius was, on the Goth day
OF September, 1870, duly registered at the
port OF New York as a part of the CONNER
clal marine OF the United States. On the 4th
day OF October, 1870 having the certificate of
her register IN the usual legal form. she sailed
from the port OF New York, and has not since
been within the territorial jurisdiction OF the
United States. On the 31st of October last,
while sailing under the flag of the United
States on the high seas, she was forcibly
seized by the Spanish gunboat Tornado.
and was carried into the port of
Santiago de Cuba, where many of her pas
sengers and crew were lnhumanly, and so far,
1T least. relates to those who were citizens,
were without due process OF law put to death.
It is vell-established principle, asserted by
the United States from the beginning OF her
national independence, recognized by Great
Britain and other maritime powers, and stated
by the Senate in a resolution passed unanl-
mously on the 4th Of June, 1858, that American
vessels on the high seas, in time Of peace
bearing the American flag remain under the
jurisdiction OF the country to which they be-
long, and therefore any visitation, molesta-
ton or change of destination Of an such yes
sci by force on the part of foreign power is
in derogation of the sovereignty of the United
States. In accordance with these principles
the restoration of the Virginius and surrender
of her passengers and crew, and due repara-
Of the authorities who had been
guilty of illegal acts of violence were demand
ed. The Spanish Government has recog-
nized the justice of the demand and has ar
ranged for the immediate delivery of the
vessel and for the surrender of the survivors
of the passengers ard crew, and for salute
to the flag, and for proceedings looking to the
punishment of those who may be proved to
have been guilty Of illegal acts of violence
towards citizens of the United States, and
also towards indemnifying those who may
be shown to be entitled to-
indemnity. A copy OF a protocol OF
a conference between the Secretary of State
and the Spanish Minister, in which the terms
of this arrangement were agreed to, is trans
mitted herewith The correspondence on this
subject with the legation of the United States,
IN cypher and by cable, needs the verifcation
of the actual text Of the correspondence. 1t
has seemed to me to be due to the importance
of the case not to submit this correspondence
until the accurate text can be received by mall
1t is expected shortly, and will be submitted
when received.
In taking leave of this subject for the pres
ent, / wish to renew the expression of nv
convection that the existence of African slave
ry in Cuba is the principal cause of the lament
able condition of the island | do not doubt
that that Congress shares with me the hope
that it will soon be made to disappear, and
peace and prosperity may follow its sbo-
htion. The embal gong OF American
vessels in Cuba the cruelty
to American citizens detected in
no act OF hostility to the Spanish Govern
ment, the numbering of prisoners taken with
arms in their hands, and fnally.the capture
upon the high seas Of vessel sailing under
the United States flag and bearing a United
States registry has eliminated in an outburst
of Indignation that has seemed for the time
to threaten war. Pending negotiations be-
tween the United States and the Government
of Spain on the subjectsof this capture,
have authorized the Secretary of the Navy to
put our navy on war footing, to the extent
at least of the entire annual appropriation for
that branch of the service, trusting to Con-
gress to respond the public opinion Of the
American people to justify my action,
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT.
Assuming, from the action of the last Con-
gress III appointing Committee on Privileges
and Elections to prepare and report to this
Congress constitutional amen lment to pro-
vide better method OF electing the President
and Vlce-President of the United States, and
also from the necessity OF such an amend
ment that there will be submitted to the
state legislatures, for IA tticatIon such an in
prOvement in our condition, | suggest two
others for your considera ton: First, to au-
thorize the Executive to approve of so
much OF any measure passing the TWO houses
of Congress as his judgment may dictate with
on approving the whole; the disapproved
portion or portions to be subjected to the
sane rules as now, to wit To be referred
bs K to the house IN which the measure or
~ assures originated, and If passed by a two
third vote OF the two houses, then to become
altW without the approval Of the President.
| would add to this a provision that
there should be no legislation by Congress
during the last twenty-four hours of its sit
ting, except upon acts, and IN order to give
the executive an opportunity to examine and
approve or dlsapprove Understandings Sec
ond, to provide py an amendment, when an
extra eesslon Of Congress is convened by ex-
ecutlve proclamation that legislation during
the continuance of such extra sessions becon-
fined to such subjects as the executive may
bring before 1t from time to time in writing.
The advantages to be gained by these two
amendments are obvious. One session in
each year is provided for by the Constitution,
in which there are no restrictions as to the
subjects Of legislation by Congress II more
are required, it is always in the power of Con-
gress, during their term OF Office, to provide
for sessions at any time. The first of these
amendments would protect the public against
many abuses, and the expenditure # public
money, which creep into the appropriation
bills aud other important measures passing
during the expiring hours of Congress. to
which, otherwise. due consideration cannot be
given.
OUR FINANCES.
The receipts of the government from all
sources for the last fisca! year were 1897, 73S,
81, 9G3, As, thus showing an excess Of re-
ceipts over expenditures Of $40, 392, $50. But
it is not probable that this favorable exhibit
will be shown tor the present fiscal year. In
deed, it is very doubtful whether, except with
great economy on the part of Congress
in making appropriations. and the
same economy in the administration of
the various departments of the Government,
the revnues will not fall short of meeting the
annual expenses, including interest on the
public debt. I commend to Congress such
economy, and point out two sources where it
seems to me it might commence. to-wit: In
appropriations for public buildings in many
cities where work has not been commenced !;
in appropriations for river and har-
where the improvements are of
but little benefit to general commerce and
Notifications. There is a still more fruitful
nj jnI r