Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1854-05-30
THE REPUBLIC OF DOMINICA.

The history of the little Republic of Dominica pre-
cents a narrative OF heroic resistance I" wrong anu
oppression, which appeals with touching pnthos to ihe
sensibilities of the American people.-Ille island "l
IIayti was the exclusive property of Spain from Its
discovery by Columbus III 1895, until the ccssion ofthe
western division to Erancein 1901. From this period to
lTSg, when the infTnmat0ry principles nf the French
revolution melted the negroes t" revolt, the island WINS
bovond approach the most touTishinS OF the Antilles.
Its produce and commerce were equal to the produce
and commerce of all the West Indies together. Inc
rich and various growth Of the tropics, stimulated 10y
tho skill and care of European culture, covered the
island as with n carpet. The French division OF Inc
island WIS the abode OF wealth and rchnclncnt-ln
the Spanish portion the rustic pursuits of pastoral Inc
nhsorhcd the energies of the simple peasantry. Such
,vos the cay. ioyous and innocent life of the popula-
ton of Iayti when the instruction OF The negroes
broke out, and blasted the Island az with the hreaihoi
the siroccn. Tho tragic incidents ot tie struggle De-
tween the feeble whites and the ieroci"us slaves so
psthotically related by Alison, make up atale OF woe
| sorrow and savage airoclty to which even hctioh lM-
| nishes no parallel. In the rio, OF passion, hayfi was
| delrccd with blood, ind when the smoke OF the con
Nnvrntion was blown away, nothing waa seen but tho
vr.rl, md rr,;n of the fnircst island of creation. Its
fields were wasted, its habitations burnt, and its COM
mercc DESTROYED. From these evils the people o! tho
spapish dominion wore partially exempt; but their
nrosner;ty stimulated the lust Of their savage neigh
bors, md in 1921 Boyer subjected the whole island {"
| b;s sway. After enduring years OF unutterable dc
ersdstion anil wrong, the Spuniards roae ngainst their
black oplres.orr, and by great deei"" valor achi"'.
od THAR independencc, and established the republic Of
Dominica.
Tho negro despots Of Hnyti, however, did not aban-
don the project Of the rrconquest "i Dominica. I'M
uenso armies were rnised and precipita,ed upon the
Republic, but they were rcpulsed hy the heroic COIL
rare of tho whites. These attempts were repealed
until 1919, when tho army Of Soulouque was routed
in n great action by the patriot Santana, and Il truce
for twelve months concluded. Soulouquc threatened
n renewal of hostilities in 1850, but desistcd from his
purnose in consequence of the interpretation Of Eng
land, France and the United Suites. Recently, how
ever, he has been making formidable preparations" Tor
another invasion Of DoIninicn; and the synlpaflics OF
the country uc invoked in hrhalf of a people OF XIII
dred race and civilization whom Il savage dcspot
dooIns to destruction.
But there arc reasons Of State, which, no less than
feelings of sympathy, impel the United States to eS-
tend all legitimate protection TO the Republic of Do
minicu.-lt Is our policy to strengthen the republican
governments Of this continent, and 10 aid them in Their
icsis,u,ce to foreign domination. France is intriguing
Tor tile conqucs: Of Dominicn. Her fleets are constantly
lowering round tho country, her agents are necessarily
interfering in its domestic affairs. She has made
moro than one hostile demonstration against its sove-
reign;y, md possibly shc yet holds purscsSion OF the pc
ninsula ofSunauu. 1t is clearly the duty ofthc United
States to intcrpose for the protection Of the Doinini-
cans, and the dotrnt ut this scheme Of French annex
alton.
We are glad to perceive that Mr.. Douglas, who IL
ever alive to the honor and the interests of the country
has introduced the matter To the Senate, by suggest
ing an inquiry into the cxpedicncy of recognizing tho
: iudcpcndeuce of Dominica, and OF opening diplomatic
intercourse with its government. The mere rccosni
ton of the Republic 10y the L. Suites would contribute
much to its stability, and ii the proper sort Of person
were sent there to represent our Government, our i'll
huence would soon become predominant over III
! cnuncilp, and valuable commercial and political To-
suits would be- achieved. IL we except Cuba. Tho
islnud of llayti is the most important point in The Gull
} Of Mexico, and, iu some respects, its condition a'
3 destiny are evon Of more interest 10 us than the con
di,ion and destiny of Cuba. We ,rus, Congress vii
respond farorably to the resolution OF Mr.. Douglns
aud assert ut once the Legitimate influence Of thu
country in the Dominican Republic.