Dec. 1—The 43rd Congress assembles for its first session.
” 14—Louis Agassiz, a distinguished naturalist and man of science, died at Cambridge, Mass.
1874.
Jan.—The U. S. government narrowly escaped a war with Spain on account of the taking of the Virginius by Cuban authorities. That vessel was sailing under the American flag which was violated by its capture. 54 men were shot as pirates, some of them American citizens. The Spanish government disavowed the act, and gave up the vessel, Dec. 16th, 1873. It was so much damaged as to sink while on the way to the United States.
” 2—A Revolution in Spain overthrows the government of Señor Castelar.
” 5—The President sends a message to Congress concerning the Spanish difficulty, now substantially settled.
” 8—U. S. Senate repeals the bill of March 3rd, 1873, increasing the pay of members of Congress.
” 9—Hon. Caleb Cushing nominated Chief Justice of the U. S. Supreme Court.
” 14—Nomination of Caleb Cushing recalled.