Virginia Resolutions of 1798 were resolutions adopted in that year by Virginia. They were drawn up by Madison and were similar in import to the Kentucky Resolutions of 1798 (which see). Virginius Case.-On October 31, 1873, the steamer Virginius was captured on the high seas, near Jamaica, by a Spanish vessel. The Virginius was sailing under the American flag, but was supposed to be carrying men and arms to aid insurgents in Cuba. Executions followed of the captain and several others. The United States demanded the surrender of the vessel and the survivors, and reparation for the insult to our flag. The vessel was surrendered in December, but sank on the voyage to New York. The prisoners were also liberated. Spain disclaimed any intention to insult us, and it was proven that the Virginius was not entitled to sail under our flag. Vote, Presidential. (See Presidential and VicePresidential Electoral Vote; Presidential Popular Vote.) Voters, Qualifications of. (See Qualifications of Voters.) Voting in the Air.-This phrase was invented by William M. Evarts, of New York, during the presidential campaign of 1884, to characterize the action of those who intended to vote for St. John, the Prohibitionist candidate. St. John had no chance of election, and votes for him were considered, from the Republican standpoint, as thrown away. Wade-Davis, Manifesto. (See Davis- Wade Mani festo.) Wagon Boy.-Thomas Corwin, of Ohio, was so called because he had driven an army-wagon during the War of 1812. Walker, General William (sometimes called "the gray-eyed man of destiny "), was born in Nashville, Tennessee in 1824, followed journalism in New Orleans and San Francisco, practiced law in California and then engaged in the expeditions an account of which will be found under the title Filibusters. Walking Delegate.-In the trades-unions of today there is employed an official known as Walking Delegate. He is a species of inspector, carrying to the different branches of an organization the decrees of the central bureau and supervising their execution. One of his principal duties consists in discovering and reporting any instance of the employment of non-union men in institutions where union men are at work, the latter being forbidden to work with the former. War, the, a Failure.-The Democratic party at its national convention in 1864 declared the Civil War a failure. (See Anti-War Democrat.) Previous to that time the Legislature of Illinois, that met January, 1863, had carried in the house resolutions condemning the war, and recommending the adoption by the federal government of measures leading to a peaceful settlement. These resolutions failed in the State Senate. Those that favored this solution of the national difficulties were known as Peace with Dishonor" men. 66 War Democrats.-Those individuals that, Democrats before the Civil War, yet favored the prosecution of that contest and supported the Republican party during its continuance, were so called. War Department.-One of the executive departments of the government; it was established by the Act of August 7, 1789, and with the departments of State and of the Treasury constituted the original departments. At its head is the Secretary of War; he is a member of the Cabinet; his salary is $8,000 per annum. The department has charge of all matters relating to war or to the army, including purchase and distribution of supplies and army transportation; it also has charge of the signal service and meteorological records and of the disbursement of river and harbor appropriations. The principal subordinates of the department are: Adjutant-General. Inspector-General. Quartermaster-General. Commissary-General. Surgeon-General. Paymaster-General. The above are officers of the regular army, and receive the pay and allowances of a brigadier-general. The Secretaries of War, from 1789 to date, are as follows: Isaac Shelby Kentucky. 1817-1817 George Graham.. John H. Eaton.... John C. Spencer.. James M. Porter. Simon Cameron. Virginia... 1817-1817 South Corolina. 1817-1825 * Suspended, August 12, 1867; reinstated, January 14, 1868. 1891-.... War of 1812, sometimes called the second war for independence. In the early part of this century Euro pean nations did not admit the right of expatriation. Great Britain held that "once an Englishman always an Englishman," and maintained the rights of search and impressment. Many of our vessels were stopped on the high seas and searched; seamen claimed to be British subjects were taken from them and forced to serve in the British navy or imprisoned for refusing to serve. Several of our men-of-war were fired upon and compelled to give up seamen in their crews. The arrogance of Great Britain was further shown by her interference with our commerce under her paper blockades. She interfered with rights which our government claimed for our vessels as neutral ships. (See Embargo Act.) The Henry affair (see Henry Documents) also increased the bitter feeling of our people. For several years previous to the war England's action had been intolerable. The failure of the Non-Importation, Non-Intercourse and Embargo acts (which see) necessitated more vigorous measures. The Federalists were opposed to a war: the Republicans favored it. Madison, the Republican President, was personally not disposed to warlike measures, and it was asserted that he "could not be kicked into a war." Finally, however, the pressure from public and party became too strong for him. The Congress which assembled in December, 1811, was heartily disposed to resort to arms. It passed acts to increase the army, and appropriated large sums for the army and navy. Finally, on June 18, 1812, the President declared war against Great Britain. The Republican scheme of invading Canada was hardly a success, but brilliant victories were gained on the ocean, and by Jackson at New Orleans. During the war the Federalists continued to oppose the government's measures. (See Hartford Convention.) The war was ended by the Treaty of Ghent (which see). Its result practically was the end of the old Federalist party and renewed strength to the Republicans. The objects of the war, so far as English arrogance was concerned, were practically accomplished, though the terms of the treaty did not expressly nega. tive the British claims. War Power of the President is a term applied to the power of the President as Commander-in-chief of the army and navy (Constitution, Article 2, section 2). This power is great or small according to the emergency it is called upon to face. In serious emergencies it is almost despotic, being limited only by the power of Congress to withhold supplies. In time of peace it is entirely suspended. The Emancipation Proclamation was issued "as a fit and necessary measure of war" by the President as Commander-in-chief of the army and navy. War, Secretary of. (See War Department.) Wars of the United States.-The chief wars in which the United States have been engaged since the formation of the government, in 1789, are four in number, and are treated under the headings, Barbary Pirates (the Algerine War), Civil War, Mexican War and War of 1812. The most important conflicts with Indian tribes are discussed under Indian Wars. The Aroostook boundary disturbance is mentioned in the article Northwest Boundary, and the title Canadian Rebellion covers another slight difficulty on our northern frontier. (See also Fenians.) The irregular hostilities with France at the close of the last century are treated under X. Y. Z. Mission. For domestic difficulties, sometimes called "wars," see under appropriate headings, as Border War, Buckshot War, Hot Water War, etc. War to the Knife and the Knife to the Hilt.This sentiment was attributed to the Republicans by the Anti-War Democrats during the Civil War. War With Tripoli. (See Barbary Pirates.) Washington, City of. (See Capital of the United States; District of Columbia.) Washington, George, the first President of the United States, was born in Westmoreland County, Virginia, February 22, 1832. He died at Mount Vernon, Virginia, December 14, 1799. He was of English descent. His education was obtained in the local schools. In his early days he was a land surveyor. He inherited considerable property from his father and from |