The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1875-12-08

proportion of the burden of the expenses
OF the same, will not be looked upon with
acquiesCense by those who have paid
taxes. In q growing country, where real
estatee nhances SO rapidly with time as
in the United States, there is scarcely a
limit to the wealth that NAV be acquired
by corporations, religious or otherwise,
If allowed TO retain real estate without
the taxation herein contemplated, it
may lead to trouble. | suggest
the taxation of all property equally,
whether church or corporation, except
ing only the last resting place of the
dead, and possibly with proper restric-
tions of church ediices.
Foreign Relations.
With most of the foreign powers
we continue on satisfactory foot
ing. The increased intercourse, the
extension of commerce and
cultivation of mutual interests have
steadily improved our relations with the
largo msjority of the powers of the
world, rendering practicable the peace
ful solution of the questions which, from
time to time, necessarily arise, leaving
few which demand extended or particu-
lal 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 Cortes of Portugal,
proclaimed since the adjournment of
Congress for the abolition of servitude in
the Portuguese colonies. 1t is to be hoped
that such legislation may be another step
toward the great consummation to be
reached, when no man shall be permitted
directly or indirectly, under any guse,
excuse or fear of law, to hold hiS,.felow
man in bondage. | am OF opinion, also,
that it is the duty of the United States,
"a contributing toward that end
and required by the spirit of the
age.
Chill has made reparation in the
case of the whale ship Good
Return, seized without sufficient cause
upwards Of forty years ago. though she
had hitherto denied her accountability.
The demand was never acquiesced in by
this government and the justice of the
claim has been so earnestly contended for
that it has been gratifying that she should
have at last acknowledged it. The arbi-
traitors in the case of the United States
steamer Montlgo for the seizure and do
tention Of which the government of the
United States of Columbia was held ac-
countasle, have decided in favor of the
claim. This decision has settled the
question which has been pending for
several years, and which while it
continued, might more or less disturb the
good understanding which it is desirable
should be maintainsd between the re-
publcs. A reciprocity treaty with the
King of the Hawaiian Islands was con-
cluded some months ago, but it contains
a stipulation that it shall not go into ef-
feet until Congress shall enact the prop
er legislation for the purpose.
In March last an arrangement was
made through Mr.. Gushing, our minister
in Madrid, with the SpsnishGovernment
for the payment by the latter to the
United States of the sum of $4,000 in
coin for the purpose of tho
reueI oI the Gamiues or the person,
Of the ship and certain passengers of
.he Virginius. this sum was to have
been paid in three instaIlments of two
months each. It's due to the Spanish
Government that should state tina; the
payments were fully and speedily an
iclpated by that Government and that
he whole amount was paid within but
/ few days more than two months from
he date OF the agreement, copy of
which is herewith transmitted. In pur-
uance of the terms in the adjustment
nave directed the distribution of the
AMOUNT among parties entitled thereto
including the ship Co. ana such of the
passengers AS were American citizens
Payments are made accordingly or ap-
1licatlon of the parties entitled thereto.
The Cuban Question.
Some of the rumors of the conflicts
which have been raging for seven years
n the neighboring Island of Cuba on
he same diSregard,of the laws of civilized |
warfare and the just demands of human
tv which have heretofore called forth |
expressions of condemnation from the |
nations of Christendom, have continued !
'uin and pillage that are pervading the |
,ich fields of one o! the most fertile and |
productive regions of the earth. The in |
,endiaries' torch is still firing plantations
md valuable factories and buildings, and |
$ the agent marking the alternate
ADVANCE or retreat of contending parties. |
The protracted continuance of the strife
seriously affects the interests Of all com
nercal nations, but those OF the United !
States more than others, by reason of it, !
lose proximity, its large trade and in
ercourse with Cuba, and frequent
intimate personal and social relations
which have grown up between its citi-
,cns and those OF the island. Moreover
he property OF our citizens in
Cuba is large, and is rendered
insecure and deprecated in
value and in the capacity Of produc.
ion by the continuation of the strife and
he unnatural mode of its conduct The
.amc is true, differing only IN degree
with respect to the interest Of the people
IF other nations, and the absence of any
assurance of near termina-
ion Of the conflict, must Of necessity soon
compel the States thus suffering, TO con.
.ider what tho interests Of their own peo-
pie and their duty toward Themselves
may demand.
have hoped that Spain would be en-.
lbled to establish peace in her colony, to
laord security TO the property and the
interests of our citizens, and allow Il
legitimate scope to trade and commerce
and the natural interests of the Island.
Because of this hope and from an extreme
reluctance TO interfere in the most remote
manner in the affairs of another and
friendly nation, and especially Of one
whose sympathy and friendship in the
.ruggling infancy OF our own existence,
must ever be remembered with gratitude.
| have patiently and anxiousl y waited the
progress Of events.
our own civil conflict is too recent for
ls not to consider the difficulties which
surround a government distracted by a
,.,: r.Lallinn 81 hOmn A. tho same