The daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1873-1877, 1875-12-08

and most earnestly recommend it, that q
constitutional amendment be submitted
to the Legislatures of the several states
for ratification, making it the duty of each
Of the several states toestablish and for
ever maintain
FREE PUBLIC SCHOOLS
for the education of children IN the rudi-
uentary branches, within their respective
limits, irrespective of sex, color, birth
place or religion; forbidding the teaching
10 said schools of religious, atheistic or
pagan doctrines. and prohibiting the
granting of any school funds or school
taxes, or any art thereof, either by leg
jslation, municipalities or others tor the
benefit of any other object, OF any nature
or kidd whatever, ln connection with |
this important question [ would also call
your attention to the Importance OF cor
recting IN evil that if permitted to con-
tinue will probably lead to great trouble
before the close of the nineteenth century,
| liz is the accumulation of vast amounts OF
UNrAxED CHURCH PROPERTY.
In 1850, | believe, the church property
of the United States, which paid no tax.
municipal or state, amounted to about
$S3, 100000 In 1860 the amount had
doubled. In 1875 it is about 81 900, 000,'
900. By 1900, without check; it is safe
to say this property will reach a sum ex.
ceedlng 50, 100000. So vast sum
receiving all the protection and !nefts
Of government without bearing it's pro-
portion of the burden and expenses of
the same will not be looked upon very
favorably by those who have paid taxes
} In q growing country where real estate
enhances SO rapidly with time as in the
United States there is scarcely limit to
the wealth that may be acquired By cor
poratione, religious or otherwise. II al
/. lowed to retain real estate without taxa
o ton. The contemplation Of so vast a
!. property as is here alluded to without
q taxation may lead to sequestration With
: out consti rutional authority and through
this to bio odshed. l wol AID suggest the
|. axation of all property equally whether
,. church or corporation, exemptlng onll
IS the last resting place OF the dead, AMI
O. possibly, with proper restrictions, church
E, edifces.
n FOREIGN RELATIONS.
of Our relations with most OF the foreigl
in powers continue on a satisfactory AM
10 friendly footing. Increased intercourse
ne the exGention of commerce and cultlYa
ss tion of mutual interests, have steadIl
!. improved our relations with the large
n. mai ,rity of the powers Of the world, rer
bv derlng practicable the peaceful solution G
= questions which from time to time nece'
~ sariy arse leaving few which dem and e.
he tended or particular notice. The GORE
an p Jndence of the Department of Stat
We with our diplomatic representative
cv abroad is transmitted herewith. | al
IA. happy to announce the passage OF an al
m. by the General Cortes of Portugal, pr
mt claimed since the adjournment of Congress
for the abolition OF servitude 10 the Port
guese colonies. 1t is to be hop'
that such legislation may be another 1T
on tow ird the great con summation to
1er reached when no man shall be permits
toT directly or indirectly, under any gul'
OF excuse or form OF law, to hold his tellt
our man in bondage. l am of the Opinl
ms, also that it is the duty of the Unit
q uio states as contributing toward that
lne required by the spirit of our Institute
eat. to provide by suitable legislation that
VOW citiz n OF the United states shall h
N.Y. slaves as property in any other country
an be interested therein.
II Chill has made reparation in the O
han of the whale ship Good Return" sci,
& OF without sufficient cause upwards of
and years ago, though she had hitherto den
ort, her accountability. The denial was ne
4 10 acauiesced in by the government, and
OF Justice of the claim has been so earne!
ates commended for that it has been graf
ARK log that she should have Acknowledged
ho in 10 nj hp n
IONS States steamer Montijo, for the seiz
ears nd detention of which the oovernmeu
inter- the United States of Colombia was /
IN accountable, has decided in favor of
tion- claim. This decision has settled q
incd ron which has heen nendinp for sew
very years, and which while it continued o
1er,e might more or less disturb the good
NJ 10 Outstanding which it is desirable sht
ores be maintained between the republics.
en'er A reciprocity treaty with the KIM
lcihg the Hawaiian islands was concluded
'i 10 same month. As it contains stipula
Waat that it shall not 20 into effect until
e our gress shall enact the proper Legislation
Aoam the purpose. Copies OF the in .trun
az no are herewith submitted, in order th
tened such should re the pleasure of Cong
lness. the necessary legislation upoa the SUI
may be adopted.
SPAIN AND CUBA.
- ,ha In March last an arrangement was Z
,mon, through MIR. Cushing, our Minlst
=. al Madrid, with the Spanish governmen
~ GA the payment by the latter to the III
S .ates of the sum Of $80,00'
coin, for the purpose Of
of Its relief of the families or persons oil
igno- ships company and certain passenge
srable the Virginius. This sum was to
ice to been paid in three installments at
lcafed mouths each. 1t is due to the Sp;
quies- government that l should state tina
neither payments we're fully and speedily a
PRIEST pated by that government and tina
the whole amount was paid within but
ltv for days more than two months from the
They of the agreement, copy of which is
have with submitted. In pursuance OF
reatest term of adjustment have directe
f any distribution of the amount among tn,
!. All ties entitled thereto. including the 4
ach it company and such of the passenge
fusion we're American citizens. Payments
fought made accordingly on the Applicant
srefore the parties entitled thereto.