The Donaldsonville chief. [volume] (Donaldsonville, La.) 1871-current, 1874-01-10
FOREIGN.


An ordinance has been officially promul-
gated in Berlin, ordering that in future all
bishops, upon their installation, shall swear
to maintain the completest subordination to
the state and cooperation in suppression of
all disloyal intrigues.
The Virginius prisoners were delivered to
the commander of the U. S. steamer Juniata
on Dec. IS, and that vessel Immediately sailed
for New York. The Virginius, conveyed by
the 0ssippee, had also sailed for New York.
At Ingersoll, Ont, on Dec. q, a man named
Timothy Topping killed his wife and four
children by cutting their throats with a
butcher-knffe. He also tried to murder his two
oldest boys, but they succeeded in disarming
him, and hed for help TO aneighber's. On
their return they found he had cut his own
throat. At the latest advices he was still
alive. The cause assigned for the butchery is
insanity caused by financial troubles.
Information has been received from Havana,
via Key West, Dec. 81, that serious compi-
cations in regard to Cuba have arisen be-
tween the Spanish and British Governments.
The advices did not state the precise nature
of the difficulties, but it has become known
there that the British Consul-General at Ha-
vana has received dispatches from Lord Gram
vile to instruct all the naval commanders IN
the West Indies to Immediately rendezvous
in Cuban ports. 1t is stated that in official
circles it is certainly known that the British
Government win assuredly demand the pun
ishment of Burriel.
A bloody riot occurred between rival fac
tons at the close of the mayoralty election at
Matamoras, Mexico, on Dec. 81. Several
hundred shots were fired, by which number
were killed and wounded.
A ferryboat eapsized on the Thames Eng
land} on Dec 81, by which thirteen persons
were drowned.
A Berlin telegram of Dec. 81, says that the
Emperor William has had slight attack Of
apoplexy, which causes much anxiety, and
efforts are being made to conceal his condi-
ton.
The State Department at Washington has
received dispatch from Madrid to the effect
that President CASTELAR, has instructed Senor
solore, the Minister of Colonies, now In
Cuba, that the Spanish Republic is virtually
pledged to the immediate abolition of slavery,
and that his mission win be incomplete unless
he prepares the way for this act. 1t is ex-
pected that he will acquaint the leading slave
holders of the determination of the Home
Government, convince them of the folly of
rebelling against the orders of the Madrid
authorities. and assure them that nothing less
than the abolition of slavery will be satisfae-
tory to the United States. CASTELAR, further
saws that he has made this proposition the
test of Spanish authority in Cuba, and that
1 L. Cfnfa co
Government.
The New York Tribane's Key West tele-
gram gives an account of the surrender OF
the Virginius prisoners to Lieut.. Commander
Braine of the Juniata. 1t appears that the
Spanish authorities to the last moment kept
the poor wretches in ignorance of their pros
pective release and with base inhumanity led
them to suppose that they were to be exc
cuted Priests were with them, taking their
confessions and dying declarations and in-
pIering them to look to God for pardon. They
were taken out of prison in despair, but. on
their way to the slaughter-pen, as they sup
posed, their eyes fell upon the Juniata,
| flying the flag of the United States. When
they realized the truth, a scene occurred
which beggars description. Their enthusiasm
knew no bounds. They were speedily trans
ferred to the deck of the Juniata and gave
vent to the most extrayagant but touching
demonstrations of joy, embracing each other,
some crying, some kissing, and others audibly
offering thanks to the Almighty for their de-
liyeranee from the horrors of their dungeon,
and the prospects of an ignominious death.
| On the night of the surrender the officers
| o,,d oraxr- ,f 4I,o I,,riafo xvprn afafinund at
quarters, her guns turned on the city, the
/ Spanish volunteers having been excited to an
open riot by the rumor that the surrender was
] to take place. The prisoners were IN most