The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1873-12-05

opinion. order or decision of any officer of this
Government, which denies, restricts, impairs
or questions the right of eXpatriation is incon-
sstent with the fundamental principles of this
Government but Congress did not indicate in
that statute nor has it since done 80, what
acts are to be deemed to work expatriation.
For my own guidance in determining such
questions l required, under the provisions of
the constitution, the opinion in writing OF the
principal officer in each of the Ex-
ecutiye departments upon certain
questions relating to this subject
The result satisfies me that FUR
ther legislation has become necessary. i,
therefore. commend the subject to the care =
iul consideration of Congress. and transmit
herewith copies of the several opinions OF the
principal officers of the Executive Depart
ments, together with other correspondence
and prominent information on the same sub
ject The United States who led the way IN
the overthrow Of the feudal doctrine of per-
petual allegiance, are among the last 10 lhdi-
cate how their own citizens may elect another
nationality. The papers submitted herewith
indicate what is necessary to place us On
pan with other leading nations IN llberalty Of
legislation on this International question. We
have already IN our treaties assented 10 the
principles which would need to be embodied
~ ',Fa intended 10 accomplish such results.
Na 1.t agreed that citizens of the United
States may cease to be citizens and may vol
unfairly render allegiance to other powers.
We have agreed that re sidence in foreign
land. without intent to return, shall
of itself work eXpatnation. We
have agreed in some instances, upon
the length Of time necessary for such intent.
invite Congress now to mark out and define
when and how eXpatriation can be accom-
plished. 70 regulate by law the condition of
American women marrying foreigners. to fix
the status Of children born in foreign coun-
ny of American parents residing more or less
permanently abroad, and to make rules for
determining such other kindred points as may
seem best to Congress.
II compliance with the request of Congress,
transmitted to the American Minister at
Madrid. with instructions to present to the
Spanish Government. the Joint resolution APP
proved on the Sd of March last, rendering to
the people of Spain, III the name and on behalf
of the American people. the congratulations
of Congress upon the efforts to consolidate in
Spain the principles of universal liberty in
republican form OF government. The exist
ence of this Republic was inaugurated by
striking the letters from the slaves in Por
to Rico. This benefcent measure was fol-
lowed by the release of several Thousand
persons illegally sold as slaves in Cuba. Next
the Captain-General of the colony was de-
pryed of the power to set aside the orders of
his superiors at Madrid, which had pertained
10 the Office since 1928 The sequestered es-
tates of American citizens, which had been
the cause of long and frequent correspond
ence were ordered to be restored to their
owners. All these liberal steps were taken in
the face Of violent opposition, directed by the
reactionary Shareholders Of HaYana, who are
vainly striving to stay the march of ideas that
has terminated slavery in Chris tendon, Cuba
only executed. Uahappily, however, this
bauefu influence has thus far succeeded in
defeating the efforts OF alliberal midded men
N Spain 10 abolish slavery IL Cuba, ANA in
preventing the promised reform in that island.
The struggle for political supremacy cOntin-
ues. The pro-savery aristocracy in Cuba Is
ga ly aITayng itself in more and more
open hostility and defiance of the home
Government. while 1t still maintains pO-
lltcal connection with the Republic IN the
peninsula. and although usurping and
Jcfyiug the authority of the home Govern
! mcnt whenever such usurpaton or defiance
tends in the direction of oppression or of the
maintenance Of abuses, II II still power IN
Madrid and recognized by the Government
thus forming an clement more dangerous to
the continued colonial relations between Cuba
and Spain than ,hat which inspired the insnr-
rectiOn at NaTa. An element opposed to
granting any relief from misrule and abuse
with no aspirations after freedom, command
ing no sympathles in generous breasts, aim
inE to ryet still stronger the shackles Of
slavery and oppression, has seized many Of
the emblems of power in Cuba, and under
professions of loyalty to the mother country
il eXhaustlug the resources Of the island, and
j. doing acts which are at variance with those
principles Of justice. hberaity and right which
give nobility of character 10 Republic. l.
the interests to humanity. OF civilization and
of progress, it is to be hoped that this evil IL
hUcnce may be soon avc'ted.
Tie steamer Virginius was, on the Goth lay
of september, 1869 duly registered at the
port Of New York as a part OF the commercial
marine OF the United States. On the It'll 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 3lst 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 passengers and crew were
! iuhumauly. and so far, at least. as relates TO
those who were citizens Of the United States,
/ without due process of law, put to death. 1t
/ is a vell-established principle, asserted by
/ the United States from the Begin
nmE of national Independence, recog-
| nl6ol by Great Britain and other maritime
/ Powers, and stated IN q resolution passed
unanimously on the 10th day of June, 1858.
that American vesseles on the high seas, IL
time Of peace, bearing the American flag. re-
! main under the jurisdiction OF the country TO
which they belong, and, therefore. any vista
ton. mOlestatiOn, or detention of such ycssel
/ byfoice on the part Of foreign power is in de-
logatOn of the sovereignty Of the United
states. According to this prEcpic, the res
tCration of tho Vrginirs and the surrender Of
/ the survivors OF her passengers and crew and
a due reparation TO the flag, and the punish
mont OF the authorities who had been guilty
of the Illegal acts of violence, were demanded
! The Spanish Government has recognized the
Justice of the demand, and has arranged FOR
/ the immediate delivery Of the vessel, ana foi
| the surrender of tao survivors of tho passca-
gers and crew, and for salute to the Dag. and
for proceedings looking to the punishment
of those who may be proved TO have been
guilty OF illegal acts Of violence toward citi-
zeus of the United states, and also toward
iudemnifying those who may be shown to bC
entitled 10 indemnity. a copy of protocol
. Of conference between tho Secretary OF
state aud the Spanish Minister, in which tho
terms OF this arrangement were agreed to-
will be transmitted herewith. The cores.
. poudence on this subject with the Legation
/ of the United States I'm cipher and by cable
needs the yeriication of the actual text ol
the correspondence. but it has seemed to ne
10 be due to the importance of the case not t.
I submit this CORE spordence until the accurate
texs can be received by mail. 1t is expected
. shortly, and Will be submit ed when received
Ia taking leave of this subject for the pres
ent. wish TO renew the expression of my con
yiction that the existence Of African slavery II
. Cuba In a principal cause of the lamentablt
condition of the island. i do not doubt tina