The Andrew County Republican. [volume] (Savannah, Mo.) 1871-1876, 1874-01-02
GENERAL.

"A Washington dispatch of the 2lst of De-
cember says 1T seems now to be under
stood in official circles that the Attorney-Gen-
eral has given his opinion that the Yirginius
had forfeited the right to bear the flag of the
United States, and at the time of the capture
was carrying it without right and improperly.
In view of this opinion, our Government will,
in accordance with the terms of the protocol.
institute inquiry, and begin proceedings
against the Virginius. and against any per-
sons who may appear to have been guilty of
illegal acts in connection Herewith. As Spain
has proven to the satisfaction of the United
States, according to the Attorney-Generais
opinion, that the Virginius was, at the time of
her capture, carrying the United States flag
without right and improperly, the salute to
the flag on the 25th day of December will be
dispensed with, as not now necessary, but the
United States will expect a disclaimer of in
tent to offer indignity to its flag in the act
which was committed"
An immense meeting Of workingmen was
held in Chicago on the night of Sunday. Dec.
81, to consider the condition of the unem-
ployed classes. Speeches were made in En-
glish, French, German, Scandinavian and
Polish, and the sentiments were to some ex-
tent very radical. The general ground taken
was, that it was the duty of the Government
to find work for the unemployed laborers.
The press was denounced as in league with
capital against labor. Similar meetings were
held in indianapolis and Cincinnati on the
same day.
Tho Dnotpnoptar N o-a1 so rool;,, ro,-o
ments by which European mails will be dis
patched from New York four or five times a
week.
The opinion of Attorney-Gene Williams
in the case of the steamer Virginius has been
published. The opinion is based mainly OF
the law of 1892. He decides, after a full in
vestigation, that the papers of the yirginius
were procured by false swearing, and that the
vessel was really the property of certain Gu
bans, who had purchased her for an illicit
traffic. He decides, therefore, that the Viz
ginius had no right as against the United
States to carry the American flag. He holds.
nevertheless, that while carrying this flag she
was as exempt from interference on the high
seas by foreign powers as if she had been
properly registered, on the ground that neither
Spain nor any other Government could assume
a jurisdiction belonging exclusively to the
United States. This decision relieves Spain
from the obligation Of saluting the American
flag, under the terms of the protocol. and it
makes it incumbent on the United States to
prosecute the Virginius under the laws OF this
country.
The unemployed workingmen of Chicago.
to the number of about 5000. marched in pro.
cession to the City Hall, the other night.
and, through a committee, had a conference
with the Mayor and Council. Mayor Colyin
assured them that he would do everything in
his power to afford employment and relieve
the prevailing distress, after which the pro-
cession dispersed and everybody went home
apparently satisfied. Similar movements have
been had in Cincinnati, st. Louis. Louisville.
Philadelphia, and other cities. arising from
lack of employment. In the latter city there
has been some rioting among the dock la
borers.
The Government Directors of the Union
Pacific railroad have made their annual report
TO the Secretary of the Interior, which is ex-
ceedingly favorable. They express the belief
that the road, with reasonably good manage
ment, can earn 80, 600. 600 a year. Estimating
the operating expenses at 55 percent. theystate
that this will pay the interest on the first
mortgage and Government subsidy bonds, and
leave $4,000 to be divided among the stock
holders. The earnings for the last fiscal year
were 80 600, 900. The Directors take the
ground that the road is completed in the mean
ing Of the act that applies 8 per cent. of The
net earnings to form a sinking fand.
"A Washington Associated Press dispatch
states that a majority Of the Senate are OPP
posed TO the total repeal Of the Bankruptcy
act. 1t is proposed to amend it with a view of
protecting debtors from the exactions of a
small minority of their creditors.
The House Committee on Railroads and
Canals are improving the recess to present
definite plan for chespening Transports !