Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1875-12-08

ers continue on satisfactory and friendly foot,

u
ing.
Increased intercourse, the extension of COM
merce and the cultivation of mutual interests
have steadily improved our relations with the
large majority of the Powers of the world, rem
dcring practicable the peaceful solution of
questions which from time to time necessarily
arise, leaving few which demand extended or
particular notice.
The correspondence of the Department of
| State with our diplomatic representatives
abroad is transmitted herewith.
am happy to announce the passage of an
act by the General Cortes of Portugal, pro-
claimed since the adjournment of Congress, for
the abolition of servtude in the Portuguese
colonies. 1t is to be hoped that such legisla-
ton may be another step toward the great con-
summation, when no man shall be permitted,
directly or Indirectly, under any guise, excuse,
or form of law, to hold his fellow man 10 bond
age. | am of opinion, also, that it is the duty
OF the United States, as contributing toward
that end, aud required by the spirit OF the age
10 which We live to provide by suitable egis-
lation that no citizen Of the United States shall
hold slaves as property in any other country or
be interested therein.
Chill has made PREPARATION 10 the case of the
whaleship Good Return, seized without sufi.
oient cause upwards of forty years ago. Though
she had hitherto denied her accountability,
the denial was never acquiesced in by the Gov
eminent, and the justice of the claim has been
SO earnestly contended for that it has been
gratifying that she should have at last ackuow-
lodged it.
The arbitrator 10 the case of the United
States steamer Montijo, for the seizure and de-
tentlon of which the Government of the Unit
ed States of Colombia was held accountable,
has decided in favor Of the claim. This decis-
lou has settled a question which has been
pending for several years, and which, while it
continued open, might more or less disturb the
good understanding which it is desirable should
be maintained between the two Republics
A reciprocity treaty with the King of the
Hawaiian Islands was concluded some months
since. As it contains stipulation that it shall
not take effect until Congress shall enact the
proper Legislation for that purpose, copies of
the instrument are herewith submitted 10 or
der that, if such should be the pleasure of Con-
gress, the necessary legislation upon the sub
ject may be adopted
THE vIRGINIUs INDEMNITY.
ln March last an arrangement was made
through MIR. Gushing, our Minister in Madrid,
with the Spanish Government for the payment
of the latter to the United States of the sum
pose of the relief of the families or persons Of
the ships company and certain passengers of
the "Virgi nus. This sum was to have been
paid in three installmcnts, at two months each.
1t is due to the Spanish Government that
should state that the payments were fully and
spontaneously anticipated by that Government,
and that the whole amount was paid wit hin
but few days more than two months from the
date OF the agreement, copy Of which is here.
with transmitted. lu pursuance of the terms of
the adjustment. have directed the distribu-
ton OF the amount among the parties entitled
thereto. including the ships company and
such OF the passengers as were American citi-
zeus. Payments are made accordingly, on the
application of the parties entitled thereto.
THE REVOLUTION IN CUBA.
The past year has furnished no evidence of
an approaching termination of the ruiuous con
fct which has been raging for seven years in
the neighboring island Of Cuba. The same
disregard of the law Of CIVILIZED warfare and Of
the just demand of that nation from the ne
tons OF Chrlstendom have continued to darker
the sad scene. Dcsolatlon, ruin anu plllage are
pervading the rich fields of one of the most
fertile and productive regions Of the earth, and
the incendiary's torch fring plantations aud
valuable factories aud buildings, is the agent
marking the alternate advance or retreat of
contending parties.
The protractei continuance of this strife Sc
rlously affects the interests of all commercial
nations, but those Of the United States more
than Others, 10y reason of close proximity, its
larger trade and intercourse with Cuba, and the
frequent and Intimate personal and social rela-
tons which have grown up between its citizens
and those of the Island. Moreover, the prop
| ~ - (I,,l. =. l.. ]
dered Insecure and deprecated in value and in
the strife and the unnatural mode of its con.
duct. The same is true, differing only in de-
gree, with respect to the interests and people
of other nations, and the absence of any rea-
sonable assurance of a near termination of the
conflict must of necessity soon compel the
States thus suffering to consider what the in-
terests of their own people and their duty TO-
ward themselves may demand.
have hoped that Spain would be enabled
to establish peace in her COLONY, to afford Sc
curi.y to the property and the interests of our
citizens, aud allow legitimate scope to trade
and commerce and the national productions of
the Island. Because of this nope, and from
! the extreme reluctance to interfere 10 the most
remote manner in the affairs OF another and
freddy nation, and especially Of one whose
! sympathy and friendship ID the struggling 10
fancy of our own existence must ever be re-
membered with gratitude, l have patiently and
anxiously waited the progress of events.
Our own civil conflict is too recent tor US not
to consider the difficulties which surround
Government distracted by dynastic rebellion
at home, at the same time that it has to cope
with separate insurreciion in distant colony.
But, whatever causes may have produced the
situation which so grievously affects our inter-
csts, it exists, with all its attendant evils, ope-
rating directly upon this country and its peo-
pie. Thus far all the efforts Of Spain have
proved abortive, and time has marked no i'm
provement 10 the situation. The armed bands
OF either side now occupy nearly the same
ground as in the past, with the difference, from
time to time, of more lives sacrificed, more
property destroyed, and wider extent Of fertile
and productive fields aud more and more of
valuable property constantly Wantonly sacrifc