Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1875-12-15

not be looked upon acquiescently by those
who have paid taxes. In growing country
where real estate enhances 80 rapidly with
time, IS in the. United States. there isproba-.
bly, no limit to the wealth that may be acquir-
ed by corporations, religious or otherwise.
If allowed to retain real estate without taxa
ton, thu contemplation OF 80 vast q property
as here alluded to, without taxation, may
lead to Representation without constitutional
authority, and through blood, would suggest
the taxation of all property equally: whether
church or corporation, exempting only the LAST
resting place OF the dead, and possibly, with
proper restrictions, church edifices.
OUR FOREIGN RELATIONS.
Our relations withs most of the Foreign
powers continue in q satisfactory and friendly
feeling. Increased intercourse. the extension
Of commerce and cultivation Of mutual inter-
ests, have steadily improved our relations
with the large majority Of the powers OF the
world, rendering practicable the peaceful So
luton of questions which from time to time
necessarily arise, leaving few which demand
extended or particular notice. The corre-
spondence of the Department of State with
our diplomatic representatives abroad
is transmitted herewith. I am happy
to announce the passage OF an act by the Gen.
eral Cortes, Of Portugal, proclaimed since the
adjournment OF Congress Tor the abolition OF
servitude in Portuguese colonies. 1t is to be
hoped that such legislation may be another
step toward the great contamination to be
reached when no maD shall be permitted, d.
rectly CT Indirectly, under any guise. excuse,
or form Of law, to hold his fellow men in bond
age. am OF the opinion, also, that it's the duty
OF the United States in contributing toward
that end, as required by the spirit Of the law,
to provide. by reliable Legislation,
that no citizen Of the United States
shah hold Slaves as property in any other
country, or be interested therein.
Chill has made reparation in the case
Of the whale-ship Good Return. seized
ty years ago. Though she had denied
her accountability, the denial was never
acquiesced in by this government. and the
business Of the claim has been 80 earnestly
contended for that it has been gratifying that
she shonld have acknowledged it.
States steamer Montigo, for the search and
detention of which TIE government OF the
United States of Columbia .ss held
accountable, has decided in favor
Of the claim. This decision has
settled question which has been pending for
several years, and which, while it continued
open, might more or less disturb the good un-
Outstanding which it is desirable should be
maintained between the republics. 6sff
reciprocity treaty with the king of the Ha-
waiian islands was concluded the same month, as
it contains stipulation that it shall remain in
effect until Congress shall effect the proper
legislation. For this purpose copies Of the
instrument are herewith submitted in order
that if such should be the pleasure OF Con-
gross, the necessary legislation on the subject
may bs adopted
- Daes vIRGINIuS IDENMITY.
In March last an agreement was made
through Mr.. Gushing, our minister in Madrid,
with the Spanish government, for payment by
the latter to the United States, OF $4,000 in
coin. for the purpose of the relief OF families OF
persons of the ships company and certain
passengers Of the Virginius. The sum was to
have been paid In three installments OF two
months each. It is due to the Spanish Gov
eminent that should state that the pay
ments were fully and speedily anticipated by
the government, and tnat the whole amount
Was paid within but few days more than the
two months from the date OF agreement, q
copy of which is herewith transmitted In pnr-
suance of the terms OF adjustment. have
directed the distribution OF the amount among
the parties entitled thereto, including the
ships company, aud each Of her passengers az
were American citizens. The payments are
made accordingly on the application OF parties
entitled thereto.
CUBAN AFFAIRS.
The past year has furnished no evidence OF
an approaching termination OF some OF the
rulnous conflicts which have been raging fol
seven years in the neighboring islaud of Cuba.
The same disregard OF the laws of civilized
warfare, and of the just demands of humanity
which have heretofore called forth express.
sions of condemnation from the nations OF
| sad scene of desOlation Ruin and pillage are
pervading the rich fields of one Of the most
fertile and productive regions of the
frIag plantations and valuable fac.
tories and buildings, is the agent making the
alternate advance and retreat of the contend
ing parties. The protracted continuance Of
the strife seriously affects the interests of al
common nations. but those Of the United
! States more than others, by reason of oul
close proximity. A large trade and inter
course with Cuba, and frequent and intimate
personal and social relations have grown uI
| between it's citizens and those of th,
of our citizens in Cuba is large, AMI
is rendered insecure and deprecated il
value and in capacity Of production, b,
continuance of strife, and the unnatural mode
of its conduct. The same is true, differing onl,
in the degree, with respect to the interest ant
people of other nations. and the absence o
any reasonable assurance of a near relation o
conflict, must of necessity soon compel tn
! states thus suffering to consider what interests
/ of their own people. and their duty tOWar(
themselves may demand. have hoped tina
| Spain would be enabled to establish peace il
/ her colony, 60 auOrQ security 20 the prop
erty and interests Of our citizens, ant
allow legitimate scope to trade and com
merce, and the natural productions of tn
| island. Because of this hope, and from al
extreme reluctance to interfere in the affair
of another and friendly nation, especially o
one whose sympathy and friendship in tn
struggling infancy eft our own existence mus
ever be remembered with gratitude, I hav
patiently and anxiousiy awaited the progress O
events. Our own civil Conflicts too recen
for us MOTTO remember the difficulties whcl
surround government distracted by dynast
rebellion at home, At the same time that it hal
to cope with separate insurrectionin a dis
tant colony, Bat whatever causes may hav,
produced the situation which 80 previously
Affects our interest, as it exists. with all it
attendant evils operating directly upon thi
country and itr people,-thus far all tn
resources OF Spain have proved abortivr, an
time has marked no Improvement in the stu
alton. / be armed bands OF either side nov
occupy nearly the same ground as IN the past
with the difference from time to time Of NOR
lives sacrificed more property destroye ed, an
a wider extent of fertile and productive field
and more valuable property constantly and
wantonly sacrificed to the inceDdIary torch.