The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1873-12-03

powers. We have agreed that residenc,
III foreign land without intent e
return shall of itself work expatriation
NE nave agreed in some instance
upon the length of time necessary for sucf
continued residence to work q presumption
OF such intent. invite Congress now tc
mark out and define when and how ex.
patriatlon can be accomplished, to regulate
by law the condition of American Women
marrying foreigners, TO fix the status Of
children born in foreign country o.
American parents residing more or less
permanently abroad, and to make Jules for
determining such other kindred points as
may seem best to Congress.
EHaf SPAIN. hft4
In compliance with tho request of Con-
| gress transmitted to the American Min
lister at Madrid, with instructions to pre-
sent 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 congratulations of Congress-
upon the efforts to consolidate in Spain
the principles of universal liberty in q re-
publican form OF government. The exis-
tence OF this new republic was inaugura-
ted by striking the letters from the slaves
in Porto Rico. This beneficent measure
was followed by the release of
several thousand persons Illegally held as
slaves in Cuba. Next, the Captain-G General
of that colony was deprived of the power 10
set aside the orders of his superiors at Ma
drid, which had pertained to the office since
1926. The sequestered estates of American
citizens, which had been the cause of long
and fruitless correspondence, were ordered
to be restored to their owners. AL these
liberal steps were taken in the face of
violent opposition directed by the reac-
tionary shareholders of Havana, who are
vainly striving to stay the march of ideas
which has terminated slavery in Chris
tendon, Cuba only excepted. Unhap-
PLY, however, this 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-slayery and aristocratic
party in Cuba is gradually arralgning itself
IN more and more open hostility and de-
fiance OF the home government, while it
still maintains a political connection
with the republic in the peninsula and
although usurplng and defying the au-
thorlty OF the home government when
ever such usurpation or defiance tends in
the direction of oppression or of the main
tenance OF abuses it is still power in Ma
drid, and is recognized by the Government.
Thus an element more dangerous to con-
tinued colonial relations between Cuba and
Spain than that which inspired the insurrec.
lion at ara-an element opposed to grant
ing any relief from misrule and abuse. with
no aspirations after freedom, Commanding
no ssympathies in generous breasts, aiming
TO riyet still stronger the shackles of slavery
and oppresslon-has seized many of the |
emblems OF power in Cuba, and under pro-
lesslon OF loyalty to the mother country is
exhausting the resources of the island, and
IS doing acts which are ut variance with
those principles of justice, of liberty. and
Of right, which give nobility of character
to republic in the interests of humanity.
OF civilization and Of progress. It is to be
hoped that this evil influence NAV be soon
ayerted.
THE CUBAN TROUBLES.
The steamer Virginius was on the Goth
lay OF September, 1870, duly registered at |
he port of New York as a part of the
commercial marine of the United States.
in the 9TH of October, 1870, having re-
'eived the certificate of her register in the
lsual legal form, she sailed from the mort
II New York, and has not since been
within the territorial jurisdiction of the
United States. On the 31st day of October
.st, while sailing under the flag of the
nited States on the high seas, she was
'rclbly seized by the Spanish gunboat
ornado, and was carried into the port of
antago de Cuba, where many of her
assengers and crew were ilhumanly. and
far at least as relates to those who were
tlzens of the United States, without due
recess of law, put to death. - (
1t is well-established principle. as
'rted by the United States from the he {
inning OF their national independence.
scognized by Great Britain and other |
maritime Powers, and stated by the Senate
resolution passed unanimously on the
5th OF June, 1858, that american veg
lis on the high seas, in time of peace
caring the American flag, remain under ]
le jurisdiction of the country to which s
icy belong, and therefore any visitation. I
olestation or detention of such vessel by !
rec or Sy the exhibition of force on the $
'rt OF a foreign Power is in derogation of c
9 sovereignty of the United States.n
In accordance with this principle. the Q
storation of the Virginius and the sur Q
nder OF the survivors of her passengers a
q crew and due PREPARATION to the flag t
d the punishment of the authorities who p
d been guilty of the illegal acts Of yio- o
ice were demanded. The Spanish Gov P
nment has recognized the justice of the n
mand and has arranged for the immedi. y
delivery OF the vessel and for the sur OF
lder or the survivors of the passengers ia
crew and for salute to the flag and pi
proceedings looking TO the punishment OF
those who may be proved to have been to
lty OF illegal acts of violence towards Ell
zens of the United States, and also W
Yards indemnifying those who NAV be en-
'wn to be entitled to indemnity. A W
y OF protocol of conference between or
Secretary of State and the Spanish sll
lister, in which the terms of this ar TO
cement were agreed to, is transmitted an
ewith. rie
The correspondence on this subject with dil
legation of the United States in trs
drld was conducted in CIPHER and by try
lie, and needs the yerification of the wi
lal text OF the correspondence. It has dit
ned to me to be due to the Importance ex
he case not to submit this correspon- we
"a until Tho oon,,nta la..I | of