s and crews, of the British dominions of
North America, any entrance into the waters, ports or places of or within
the United States." Eventually the Canadians assumed a more reasonable
attitude, and American fishermen, on their part, learned to be
independent of Canada, and to value the exclusive possession of their own
markets more than Canadian fishing privileges.

* * *

Spain invited a conflict with the United States by the summary execution,
in November, 1873, of 110 persons, including a number of American
citizens, captured on the American steamship Virginius, while on their
way to assist the Cuban patriots. President Grant acted with firmness and
deliberation, refusing to be carried away by the popular demand for war,
but resolute in his demand for redress on the part of Spain. The Spanish
government surrendered the survivors and the Virginius, and made
reparation satisfactory to the United States. When the American schooner
Competitor was captured recently, on an errand to the Cuban insurgents,
the Spaniards did not dare to repeat the tragedy of the Virginius.

* * *

The American Indians made their last hostile stand against white
aggression June 25, 1876, when the Sioux, led by Sitting Bull, destroyed
General Custer and three hundred cavalry under his command. The troops
fought bravely, but the Indians were nerved to desperation by the
presence of their women and children. Sitting Bull took refuge with his
followers in British territory, but surrendered to United States
authority in 1880, under promise of amnesty. He was treacherously killed
in 1890, on suspicion of being concerned in fomenting trouble with the
whites. The policy of the National Government toward the Indians has of
late years been humane and liberal.

* * *

The extinction of imperialism in Brazil in 1889 effaced monarchy from the
American continent, save as represented in the territories still subject
to European States. Dom Pedro II., one of the most amiable and liberal of
nineteenth century rulers, was driven into exile, and without an armed
encounter, or the firing of a gun in anger, the empire of Brazil became
the United States of Brazil. Unlike other emperors and kings who have
been compelled to give up their American dominions, Dom Pedro's parting
message to the land he had wisely governed was one of amity