Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1873-12-03


protect them in degree of independence while IN
office. Proper rules will protect Congress as well
as The Executive from much needless persecution,
and will prove of great value to the public at large
l would recommend for your honorable considera-
ton the passage OF an enabling act for the admit
lance Of Colorado as SlaIe in the Union. 1t pos
sesses all the elements Of a prosperous State,
agricultural and mineral, and, believe, has
population now to justify such admission In con-
nection with this / would also recommend the en-
enlargement of canal for purposes of irrigation
from the eastern slope of the Rocky Mountains TO
the Missouri river AS rule, | am opposed to
further donations Of public lands for internal i'm
provemunts, owned and controlled By private cor
porations, but in this Instance | would make an
exception.
Between the Missouri river and the Rocky Noun
tains there is arid belt OF public land, from
three hundred TO five hundred miles i'll width, per-
frcLly vaueless for the occupation OF man for want
of sufficient rain to secure the growth Of any pro-
ducts An irrigating canal would make productive
belt as wide as the supply Of water could be made
to spread this entire country, and would
secure Gordon y settlements connecting the
present population Of the mountain and mining
regions with that of the older States. III the land
reclaimed would be clear gain. Ii alternate Sec
tiuns are retained by the Government would sug-
ges. that the retained sections BE- thrown open 10
entry under the homestead laws, or sold to actual
settlers for Very low price.
renew my previous recommendation to Congress
for general amnesty. The number engaged in the
late rebellion yet laborng under disabilities is very
small, but enough to keep up constant irritation.
No possible danger eau accrue to The government
by restoring them TO eligibility TO hold office
| suggest for your consideration the enactment of
a law 10 better secure the civil rights which free
dom should secure-but has eitccLually secured,
10 the cnirauchlscd slave.
EXECUTIVE MANSION, December |, 1878.
pRoCroCoL OF THE CONFERENCE held at the
Department Of state, at Washington, on the 2Jth
OF November, 1878, between hamilton Fish, Secre-
ldry of State, aud Rear Admiral DOu Jusc Folio
de- Brrnabc Envoy Extraordinary and Minister
pienpoLentiary of Spain
The undersigned, having met Tor the purpose OF
entering into dciiuilive agreement respecting The
case of the steamer ''Virguuo,' WHICH, While
under the flag OF the United States, was' on the
3ls dag OF Uctobgr last, captured OH the high seaS
by The Spanish man-of-war Tornado, have reached
the following conclusion
Spain, her part, sLipulatcs TO restore forthwith
the vrsscd referred to- aud the survivors OF her pas
scugcrs and crew, and On the 25h day Uf Deccm-
her next 10 salute the 1ag Of the United States. If,
however. before That date, Spain shonld prove, to
the satisfaction of the Government Of the United
States, that the ''Virglnius, was not enlltcd TO
carry the flag of the United Stacs and was carry
ing it AT the time of her capture without right and
Imp opcry, the salute will be spontaneously dis
a
requirablr; but tho UuLcd States will expect in
such case disclaimer of intent OF indSniLy To its
Har in the act which was committed
Furthermore, ii on or before the 18th OF Dcccm
Der 1878, it shall be made 10 appear 10 the sati>tac
ton of The United States that the 'VlrSnus did
not rightfuly carry the American flag, and was not
entitled 10 American papers, the United States will
institute inquiry aud adept legal proceedings against
the vessel; II il be found that she has violated any
law of the United States, and against any Of the
| pcrsons who may appear TO have been guilty OF
illegal acis connected thrrewith-it being under
stood that Spain will proceed according TO the Sec
oud PROPOSITION made To General Sicklcs and COM
muuicalrd in his telegram, read TO Admiral Polo
Oh the 2Tth instant, to Investigate the conduct oil
those of her authorities who have infringed Spanish
laws or treaty obligations, and arraign them before
competent courts and inhict punishment on those
who may have offended.
Other reciprocal rec lamations to be the subject oil
consideration and arrangement between the two
Governments and in case of no agreement, to be
the shbi,ct of arbitration, if the constitutional
assent Of the Senate Of the United States be gwen
thereto
Ii is further stipulated that the time manner aud
place for the surrender of the VlrGnlus and the
survivors of those who board Of her at the
time of her capture ; and also the lime, manner
and place for the salute to the flag of the United
States, If there should be occasion for such salute,
stall be subject 10 arrangement between the uucer-
signed, within the next TWO days.
HAMILTON FISH,
JOSE Polo DE BERNABE