THE AMERICAN Appletons' ANNUAL CYCLOPÆDIA AND REGISTER OF IMPORTANT EVENTS OF THE YEAR 1874. EMBRACING POLITICAL, CIVIL, MILITARY, AND SOCIAL AFFAIRS; PUBLIC DOCU- VOLUME XIV. NEW YORK: D. APPLETON AND COMPANY, 549 & 551 BROADWAY. 1875. PREFACE. THE year 1874 was remarkable for the novel spectacle which it presented of the earnest and extensive conflict of principles, with the entire absence of military strife, except in certain localities where hostile factions were contending for the possession of the civil government. Thus in the northern provinces of Spain, in Cuba, in Western and Eastern Asia, the disturbances were local, and small forces were engaged. But this conflict of principles, without interference with the quiet pursuits of industry, is one of the fruits of diffused intelligence and education. The most extensive of these conflicts existed between some of the governments of Europe and the Roman Catholic Church. In Germany, in Switzerland, in Italy, and in Austria, the supremacy of the State in antagonism to the independence of the Church was asserted and maintained by the most energetic and decisive measures. In France the republic remained entirely tranquil, and the progress of popular principles was unchecked. In Spain the strongest political factions have transferred the authority to the heir of the late Queen. All these leading public subjects, and the various relations arising out of them, with the views of governments and people, are set forth in these pages with fullness and completeness. In no year since the war have the internal affairs of the Southern States caused more earnest discussion than during 1874. From some of these States came reports of disorders as conflicting as they were exciting. The alleged marching of negroes upon Vicksburg not only spread alarm throughout Mississippi, but riveted public attention. An appeal to arms was made, to decide a question of State politics in Arkansas, and an apparent civil war, after more than a month's duration, was only ended by the interference of the Federal Government. The exciting events in Louisiana during the latter part of the year, and the beginning of 1875, mark an epoch in the constitutional history of the nation. All of these events, not alone the public acts, but the constitutional questions and political issues involved, and whatever tends to throw light upon the cause of the difficulties, and the solution of the problems presented, are recorded in these pages with official accuracy, impartiality, and with a fullness and clearness that leave nothing to be desired. In the preparation of the record, official documents alone, where such existed, were used; while in disputed matters, both sides |