In the United States, the Eads Bridge over the Mississippi River at Saint Louis is formally opened. In New York City, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children is organized. In Germantown, Pennsylvania, Charlie Ross, aged four years, is kidnaped from his father’s home (has never been found). Death of Ezra Cornell, founder of Cornell University; ex-President Fillmore; Charles Sumner, American statesman and politician. Important inventions: the quadruplex telegraph (Edison); twine binder for harvesters (Gorham); the practical barbed-wire machine (Glidden and Vaughan). Immigration, 313,339; exports, $586,283,040.
In England, owing to a reaction against Liberal measures, Gladstone appeals to the country, promising abolition of the income tax and other tax reductions, but the national elections result favorably for the Conservatives; Gladstone resigns and Disraeli forms new government. Termination of the celebrated Tichborne trial, the longest known in England. In Spain, the Cortes votes a “lack of confidence,” and Castelar resigns. The military, however, disperse the Cortes, and a military dictatorship is formed under Marshal Serrano; European powers, except Russia, recognize his government; the warfare against the Carlists and Alfonsists is prosecuted with indifferent success. Finally army officers, led by General Campos, declare for Alfonso, son of ex-Queen Isabella (deposed); Serrano resigns, and a ministerial regency notifies Isabella of the elevation of her son to the throne.
RULERS—The same as in the previous year, except that in Spain Serrano succeeds Castelar as dictator.
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1875
In the United States, two rival State governments in Louisiana maintain civil war and distract the State and nation (see 1877). Passage of new Civil Rights Bill (see 1883). Congress provides for the gradual resumption of specie payments; act becomes effective, 1879. Death of Henry Wilson, Vice-President of the United States; ex-President Andrew Johnson, and John C. Breckenridge. In Massachusetts, the Hoosac Tunnel is opened to traffic. In Louisiana, Captain Eads begins the work of deepening the channel of the South Pass of the Mississippi River, and in New York City the work of excavation under the dangerous reef of Hell Gate is completed; forty-seven thousand four hundred and sixty-one cubic yards of rock removed (see 1876). In Massachusetts, centenary celebrations of the battles of Lexington and Bunker Hill are held. Many government officials indicted for connection with the swindles of the “whisky ring.” Important inventions: illuminating gas made from water (Lowe); ice machine; sulphuric acid plant; cash-carriers for stores (Brown); artificial ice skating-rinks (Gamgee). Immigration, 227,498; exports, $513,442,711.
In England, the shares of the Suez Canal owned by the Khedive of Egypt (amounting to nearly one-half interest) are purchased for four million pounds, in order that England may protect her interests in the route to India; the money is advanced by the Rothschilds. Departure of polar expedition under Captain Nares (see 1876). Death of Arthur Helps, English essayist and dramatist.
In France, the Constitution of the Republic is finally adjusted, and a parliamentary body established (Senate and Chamber of Deputies); Gambetta is leader of the “Left” or Republican division. Death of Quinet, French author. In Turkey, the provinces of Bosnia and Herzegovina revolt against the intolerable abuses of Turkish rule under Abdul Aziz. In Germany, civil marriage legalized throughout the empire. In Spain, the Bourbons regain power, Alfonso, son of Isabella II, being crowned king under title of Alfonso XII. Canovas del Castillo is made regent, and prosecutes attempts to suppress the Carlists.
RULERS—The same as in the previous year, except that in Spain Alfonso XII becomes king.
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