Washington sentinel., 1854-06-07
THE RECOGNITIoN OF DOMINICA.

JouTnalS tDrOugnOuI Inc couhtlg orc ui9SuSoih6
the propriety of recognizing the independence
of Dominica Almost all those we have mo-
ticed urge the recognition as duty we owe TO
brave people and to republican principles.
Some, however, oppose that recognition; and
being chiefly of the freesoil or abolition stamp,
their opposition proves the soundness of the
measure. All we desire is to have the subject
brought to the attention of the people and of
the representatives of people, feeling perfectly
sure that when it is understood, every obstacle
viii vanish ut once.
For ten years the whites of San Domingo
have maintained their independence against
the Haytian negroes, although many attempts
have been made to subjugate them. Having
maintained their Independence thus long against
the barbarous forces Of negro empire, they ask
only that countenance and encouragement from
the United States, which we have often extend
ed to others whose situation did not appeal SO
strongly to our sense of justice or to our sym
pathies.
The descendants Of the few whites left by the
great San Domingo massacre, retired to the
west portion of the island, and after declaring
their independence, maintained the declaration
and established q republican form of govern
ment. The negroes in the eastern portion of
the island, after years of tumult, established an
empire with black emperor-as black as the
ace spades-who has tricked himself out in
all the stars, and spangles, and gewgaws, of an
eastern monarch. This negro empire of Hayt
will give the white republic of Dominica no
rest. Year after year it persists in acts of an
noyance, and is constantly threatening to ex-
terminate the whites or bring them under sub
jugation.
We cannot believe that the people of Anne.
rica, omitting q few crazy abolitionists, can
look with unconcern upon such spectacle,
when it is presented to them in the proper
light. It is abhorrent to every American SEN
timent, and more than that, it is an outrage
on humanity. To see brave, frugal, thrifty
white race of Christians overrun by a misera.
bic and debauched horde of black barbarians,
is sight too revolving to be contemplated.
And the picture is not softened in any Of its
disgusting details by the knowledge that the
whites have established form of government
similar to our own, and that their adversaries
bear the-banner Of an Infamous despotism.
1t should be borne in mind that San Domingo
is not far Off 1t does not belong to the other
hemisphere. 1t is at our doors and forms a
part of the North American continent. It's
fate is, therefore, a matter of great Importance,
and ought to be one of deep concern to US.
The Dominican republic invites commerce and
emigration. 1t is anxious to enter into COM
mercial treaties with us which would be emin-
emily beneficial to our trade. Its productions
are extremely valuable and confirmed peace
would increase them an hundred fold, and that
too within short time. But whilst we fail or
refuse to recognize the independence of the re-
public we can make no treaties with it, nor can
we interfere in any manner to cure that chronic
state of hostilities which has hitherto existed.
We have refused to recognise the negro gov
ernment of Hayti. Why should we then re
spect its claim to the territory occupied by the
Dominicans? What then stands in the way Of
the recognition we urge? An act of Congress;
of which no one can complain, is all that is
needed for we feel no hesitation in saying that
the President would be much pleased to be af
forded the opportunity of attaching his sigma
ture to such an act. We do not, of course,
speak by authority; but, yet, we may safely say
that General Pierce feels deep interest in this
matter, and would give his influence, as far as
he rightfully could, to carry out such measure;
for there is multitude of reasons which urge
its adoption, whilst not one can be brought
against it. 1t is time, therefore, that the indie.
pendence Of Dominica should be acknowledged
by the United States That recognition costs
us nothing, whilst it will be Of incalculable
benefit to a sister republic maintaining herself
against black despo,ism.
The moral force Of such q recognition would
have an immediate effect, and it would place
MS in position to negotiate favorable treaties
and avail ourselves Of valuable trade. We
could then say to the Haytien negroes that
they had annoyed the neighborhood long
enough; that Dominica had achieved her in
dependence; that the commercial interests of
those dealing with her could not longer be in.
jured by the hostility of black savages. The
earth was made for use; and all authorities
agree that nations have right to put an end
10 protracted wars which annoy their trade
and injure their interests without promising
any definite result. But even if our govern
ment shall not go thus far-even if it should
be willing to see the negroes of Hayti barass
the whites of Dominica for ten years to come
still we urge the recognition of the republic as
measure due to justice and to the sympathes
Of the people. 1t is right and proper in itself
it is in accordance with our previous action
and it is demanded by the genius of our inst
tutions and the position we occupy as th,
great republic Of the western world. We were
the first to urge this measure, and we will be
abandon it.