The Opelousas journal. [volume] (Opelousas, La.) 1868-1878, 1873-12-12


Until the year 1868 it was left embar-
rassed by conflicting opinions of the
courts and OF jurists to determine how
far the doctrine of perpetual allegiance,
derived from our former colonial re-
latlons with Great Britain, was appli-
cable t. American citizens. Congress
then wisely swept these doubts away by
enacting that any declaration, instruc-
tlOn, opinion, or order OF decision of
any officer of this Government which
denies, restricts, impairs or questions
the right of eXDatriatiOn, is incOnsistant
with the fundamental principles of this
government; but Congress did not in
dlcate IN that statute, nor has it since
done SO, what acts are to be deemed to
work expatriatiOn. For my own guild
ance in determining such questions Ire
qured, under the provisions of the con-
the opinion in writing of the
principal officer in each of the executive
departments, upon certain questions re-
latlng to this subject. The result salts
mes me that further legislation has be-
come necessary. | therefore commend
the subject to the careful consideration
OF Congress, and | transmit herewith
copies of the several opinions of the
officers of the executive de-
partmentS, together with other cores
pondence and pertinent information on
the same subject. The United States
who led the way in the overthrow of the
feudal doctrine of perpetual allegiance
are among the last to indicate how their
own cltizensmay electanOther natiOnali-
ty:
The papers submitted herewith indi-
cate what is necessary to place us on q
par, with other nations in hberality of
legislation on this international Ques-
tlon. We have already in our treaties
assented to the principles which would
need to be intended to accomplish such
results We have AL read that citizens
or the United States may cease to be
citizens, voluntarily render allegiance
to other powers. We have agreed that
residence in foreign land without in
tent to return shall of itself work ex-
patriatiOn. We have agreed in some
instances upon the length of time neces-
sary for such continued residence to
work a presumption of such intent. |
invite Congress now to mark out and
define when and how expatriation can
be accomplished; to regulate by law
the condition of American women mar
Lylng foreigners; to fix the status of
foreigners born i'll foreign countries, of
parents, residing more or less
permanently; to make rules for deter
mining such other points that may seem
best to Congress.
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE PEOPLE OF
SPAIN UPON ASSUMING A REPUBLICAN
FORM OF GOVERNMENT.
In compliance with the request of
Congress, transmitted to the American
at Madrid, with instructions to
present it to the Spanish Government,
the joint resolution approved on the Sd
OF March last, rendering to the people Of
Spain, in the name and on the behalf of
the American people, the cOngratula-
tlons OF Congress supOn the efforts to con-
sOlidate in Spain the principles of uni
Versal liberty IN a republican form of
government.
The existence of this new republic
was lnaugurated by striking the fetters
from slaves in Porto Rico. This benef-
cent measure was followed by the re-
lease Of several thousand persons ille-
ga1ly held as slaves in Cuba. Next the
Captain General of that colony was de-
prlved of power to set aside the order of
bis superiOTs at Madrid, which had per
tained to the Office since 1895. The
sequestered estates of American citizens
which had been the cause of long ED
fruitless correspondence, were ordered
to be restored to their owners. All these
liberal steps were taken in the face of a
violent opposition directed by the reac-
tionary shareholders of Havana. who
are vainly striving to stay the march of
ideas which has terminated slavery i'm
ChristendOm CUBA only excepted.) IN
happily, however, the baneful influence
has thus far succeeded in defeating the
efforts of all liberal-minded men in
Spain to abolish slavery in Cuba, and in
preventing the promised reform in that
island.
The struggle for political supremacy
continues there. The pro-slavery and
party in Cuba is gradually
itself in more and more open
hostility and defiance of home Gov
ernment, while it still maintains q DO
litical connection with the Republic in
the peninsula, and although usurping
and defying the authority Of the home
whenever such usurpation
or defiance tends in the direction of on
preston or the maintenance of abuses
it is still a power in Madrid and is recOe-
nized by the Government.
THE VOLUNTEERS AT HAvANA--A JUST
IL, SEVERE MENTION OF THEIR ABUSE
AND MISRULE OE POWER.
Thus an element more dangerous to
continued colonial relations between
Cuba and Spain than that which inspir-
ed the insurrectiOn at Yara--an element
opposed to granting any relief from
and abuse with no aspirations
after freedom-commanding no SYM
pathies in generous breasts, aiming to
rivet still stronger the shackles Of slave
Ty and oppression, has seized many of
the emblems OF power in Cuba, and un-
der professions of loyalty to the mother
country is eXhausting the resources of
the island, and is doing acts which are
at variance with those principles of JUS
tice, Of iberality, and of right which
give nobility of character to a republic.
In the interests of humanity, of ciyiliza-
tion and OF progress, it is to be hoped
that this evil influence may be soon
averted. ~ .... 81. g. ......,.~
THE VIRGINIUs CASE-AMERICAN YES
Sells BEARING THE AMERICAN FLAG
ARE UNDER THE JURISDICTION OF
THEIR OWN COUNTRY.
The steamer Virginius was ON the Goth
day of September, 1870, duly registered
at the port of New York as q part of the
commercial marine of the United States.
On the 4th of October, 1870, having re-
ceived 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 day
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 car
ried to,the port of Santiago de Cuba
where many of her passengers and crew
were inhumanly, and, so far, at least, as
relates to those who were citizens of the
United States, We're without due process