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

ration of the Virginius and the surren-
der OF the survivors of her passengers
and crew, and due reparation 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 survivors of the
passengers and crew, and for salute to
the flag, and for proceedings looking 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 indem-
nifying those who may be shown to be
entitled to indemnity. A copy of pro-
tOcOl of conference between the Secre-
tary of State and the Spanish Minister,
IN which the terms of arrangement were
agreed to, is transmitted herewith.
THE ACTUAL TEXT OF THE ECORREsPOND-
ENCE IN THE VIRGTNIUs CASE NOT
YET RECEIVED-sLAVERY ON THE IS
LAND OF CUBA.
The correspondence on this subject
with the legation Of the United States
in Madrid was conducted in cypher by
cable, and needs the verifcatiOn of the
actual text of the correspondence. 1t
has seemed to me to be due to the i'm
pOrtanCe of the case not to submit this
correspondence until the accurate text
can be received by mail. 1t is expected
shortly, and will be submitted when re-
ceived. IN taking leave of this subject
for the present wish to renew the ex-
preston of my conviction that the ex-
iStence of African slavery in Cuba is a
principal cause of the lamentable con-
ditiOn Of the island. do not doubt
that Congress shares with me the hope
that it will soon be made to disappear,
and that peace and prosperity may fol-
low its abolition.
THE WRONGS AGAINST AMERICAN ClTI-
zENs BY SPANIARDS IN CUBA CULNIIN-
ATED IN AN OUTBURST OF INDIGNA-
TION.
The embargoing of American estates
in Cuba, cruelty to American citizens
detected in no act Of hostility to the
Spanish Government, the numbering Of
prisoners taken with arms in their
hands, and, finally, the capture upon
the high seas of vessel sailing under
the United States flag and bearing a
United States registry, has eliminated
in an Outburst of indignation that has
seemed for time to threaten war.
THE NAVY PUT UPON A WAR FOOTING.
Pending negotiations between the
United States and the Government of
Spain on the subject of this capture,
have authorized the Secretary of the
Navy to put our navy on war footing
to the extent, at least, of the entire an
nual appropriation for that branch of
the service, trusting to Congress and
the public opinion of the American
people to justify my action.
A PROVISION TO IMPROVE THE METHOD
OF ELECTING THE PRESIDENT AND
VICE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED
STATES. @s.' t'
Assuming from the action of the last
Congress, in appointing q Committee
on Privileges and Elections, to prepare
and report to this Congress a c0nstitu-
tional amendment to provide o better
method of electing the President and
Vice President Of the United States !;
also, from the necessity of such amend
ment, that there will be submitted to
the State Legislatures for ratification
such an improvement in our conStitu-
ton, | suggest two others for your con-
sideratiOn; l. To authorize the EXecu-
tive to approve of so much of any
measure passing the two houses of Con-
gress as his Judgment may dictate,
without approving the whole; the dis
approved portion or portions to be sub
Gected to the same rules as now, to wit :
to be referred back to the house in
which the measure or measures origina-
ted; and if passed by twO-thirds vote
of the two houses, then to become o
law without the approval of the Presi-
dent. would add to this q provision
that there should be no legislation by
Congress during the last twenty four
hours of its sitting except upon :vetOes,
in order to give the Executive an Op-
pOrtunity to examine and approve or
disapprove bills understandingly. 2. To
provide by amendment that when an
extra session of Congress is convened
by Executive proclamation, legislation
during the continuance Of such extra
session shall be confined to such sub
iects 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 con-
stitution, in which there are no restric-
| tiOns as to the subjects of legislation by
| Congress-. If more are needed it is al
ways in the power of Congress during
their term of Office to provide for ses-
siOns 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-
| priatiOn bills and other rimDortant meas
ures passing through the expiring hours
of Congress-, to which otherwise due
consideration cannot be given.
THE TREASURY DEPARTMENT RECEIPTS.
| The receipts of the Government from
all sources for the last fiscal year were
| 1888, ,738, ,204, and expenditures on all
accounts $500, ,245, thus showing an
excess OF receipts over expenditures of
$48, ,392, ,959.
| DOUBTFUL IF THE PRESENT FISCAL
YEAR PRODUCES so FAVORABLE AN
EXHIBIT. ,,'a.
But it is not probable that this favor
able exhibit will be shown for the pres
ent fiscal year. Indeed, it is very
doubtful whether, except with great
economy on the part of Congress in
making appropriations, and the same
economy in administering the various
departments of the Government. the
revenue will not fall short of meeting
! actual expenses, including interest on
the public debt.
| SOURCES OF ECONOMY POINTED OFT.
commend to Congress such economy
and point out two sources where Il
seems to me it might commence, tO-wit
In the appropriation for public build
| lngS in the many cities where work has
not yet been commenced. In the an.
| preparations for river and harbor i'm.
| provement in those localities where the
improvements are of but little benefit
to general commerce, and for fOrtifca.
tiOns. There is a still more fruitful
source of expenditure, which | viii
point out later in this message. Irefel
to the easy method of manufacturing
| claims for losses incurrnd II, rr1rr,rns-