The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1873-12-03

tenance of abuses It is still a power in Ma.
drid. and Is recognized by the
Thus an element more dangerous to con-
tinue,l colonial relations between Cuba and
Spain than that WI ich inspired the insurrec-
ton nc Iaru-nu element opposed TO grant
ing any relief from misrule and abuse. with
no aspirations after freedom, commanding
no sympathies in generous breasts, aiming
10 riyet still stronger the shackles of slavery
and oppression-has seized many Of the en-
bIems of power in Cuba, and under profess
sion of LOYALTY to the mother country IS eX-
baustng the resources of the island; and is
doing acts which are at variance with those
principles of Justice, of liberty, and OF right,
which give nobility of character to repub-
lie in the interests of humanity, Of civilian
ton, and of progress. 1t is to be hoped that
this evil influence may be soon avcrted.
THE CUBAN TROUBLES.
The steamer Virginius was on the Goth
| day of September. 1870, duly registered at
the port of New York as part of the com-
mercial marine of the United States. On
the 4th of October, 1870, having received 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 day Of October last, while sailing under
| the flag of the United States on the high
seas. she was forcibly seized by the Spanish
crnboat Tornado, and was carried into the
port of Santiago de Cuba, where many OF
| her passengers and crew were inhumanly,
and so far ut least ms relates 10 those VINO
| were citizens Of the United States, without
| due process of law, put to death.
| 1t is Il wel.established principle. asserted
| by the United States from the beginning OF
their national independence, recognized by
| Great Britain and other maritime Powers,
and stated by the Senate in resolution
passed unanimously on the 10th OF june
| 1858. that "American vessels on the nleh
seas. in time of peace, bearing the American
FLAG. remain under the jurisdiction OF the
country to which they belong, ana there
fore any visitation, molestation, or detention
of such vessel by force or by the exhibition
of force on the part of Il foreign Power Is IN
derogation of the sovereignty OF the tnlted
States"
| In accordance with this principle, the
restoration of the VirSinlUs and the sllrren-
der of the survivors OF her passengers and
crew and due reparaion to the flag and the
punishment 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 and for the surrender of the sur
vivors of the passengers and crew and for q
salute to the 1ag and for proceedings look
ing 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 indcmnifyng those
who may be shown to be entitled TO indem-
nifty. A copy of protocol of conference
| between the Secretary OF State and the
Spanish Minister, in which the terms Of this
arrangement were agreed to, is transmitted
herewith.
| The correspondence on this subject with
the legation OF the United States in Madrid
was conducted in CIPHER and by cable, and
needs the yerfcation 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 ac-'
curate text can be received by mail. 1t is
expected shortly, and will be submitted
| when received.
In taking leave of this subject for the
| present wish to renew the expression OF
my conviction that the existence Of African
| slavery in Cuba is principal cause OF the
| amcntable condition of the island. do not
doubt that Congress shares with me the
hope that it will he soon made to disappear,
| and peace and prosperity may follow Its abo-
| itiOn.
The cmbarSoing of American estates in
| Cuba, cruelty 10 American citizens detected
| in no act of hostility to the Spanish Govern
ment, the numbering fprsoncrs taken with
arms in their bands, and, finally, the capture
upon the high seas of vessel sailing under
the United States flag and bearing L United
States registry, has eliminated in al out.
burst Of Indignation that has seemed fora
time to threaten war. Pending negotiations
between the United States and the Govern
ment Of Spain on the subject of this cap
ture I have authorized the Secretary OF the
Navy TO put our navy on war footing to
the extent at least Of the entire annual ap-
preparation for that branch Of the service,
trusting to Congress and the public opinion
of the American people to justify my ac-
/ ton. .
PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION.
Assuming from the action of the last
Congress in appointing committee on
Privileges and Elections" to prepare and
report to this Congress n constitutional
amendment to provide better method of
eIecting the President and Vice-Presidcnt Of
the United States, and also from the neces-
sity for such an amendment, that there will
he submitted to the State Legislatures for
ratification such improvement in our Con-
stitution, suggest two others for your
consideration: First-To authorize the EX-
ecutive to approve of so much OF any mea-
sure passing the two Houses Of Congress rs
his judgment may dictate without approx
ing the whole, the disnpproyed por-
tion or portions to be subjected TO the
same rules as now-to wit, to be referred
back to the House in which the measure or
measures originated, and il passed by
two-thrds vote of the two Houses, then to
become q law without the approval of the
President. l would add to this a provision
that there should be no legislation by Con-
grcss during the last twenty-tour hours Of
its sitting except upon vetoes, in order TO
give the Executive an opportunity TO exam
inc aud approve or disapprove bills under
standingly.
Second-To provide by amendment that
when an extra session of Congress is con-
veued by Executive proclamation, legislation
during the continuance of such extra eeS-
sion shall be confined to such subjects as the
Executive may bring before it 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 Consti-
tuition, in which there are no restrictions Us
to the subjects Of legislation by Congress.
If more are required, it is always in the
power of Congress during their term Of
office to provide for sessions at any time.
The first of these amendments would protect
the public against the many abuses and waste
OF public moneys which creep into appro-
priaton bills and other important measures