The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1858-08-19
THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC.

THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC.
The Richmond South comes out in very de-
cided article in favor of Government interior.
ence in the Republic of Dominica. 1t says:
"For many years, the white inhabitants ofthe
Dominican Republic have waged gallant but
unequal struggle with the horde of black bar
barians who would exterminate or subject them
to an intolerable oppression. In the contest,
the superiority of the European over the Afri
can race has been signalized by victories
achieved against the greatest odds and under
the most embarrassing circumstances. Though
but a handful in comparison with the multitude
of their sable foes, and though assaulted by the
| treacherous ferocity of Soulouque, the Spanish
settlers of st. Domingo have again and again
repealed the attacks destined for their destruc
4
Santana, whose exploits would dazzle the world
| if exhibited upon more conspicuous theatre,
they have at last achieved victory which
promises them permanen ascendency over
their savage enemies"
The impassioned language quoted is calcu.
lated to mislead the reader as to the character
of the conflicts which have taken place between
the white and colored inhabitants of Dominica.
South employed the same, or nearly the same,
language in describing the exploits of that hero
Gen. William Walker in Nicaragua. A little
allowance is to be made. In view of the pres.
ent state of things in Dominica, the Admins.
tration is resolved upon doing something in
that quarter of the world. We quote again
| from the South:
"It is reported from Washington that Mr..
Buchanan is resolved to avail himself of the CD.
portunity to contract relations of diplomatic in.
| tercourse with the Dominican Republic. The
rumor is not improbable. Indeed, for many
| years our Government has been impressed with
the importance of securing a foothold in the
Island and an influence in the Dominican
councils. Mr.. Calhoun was tie first to sug.
gest the policy, and it was during his control OF
the State Department, in the Tyler adminisrs.
ton, that an American agent was first dis
patched to ST. Domingo. Unfortunately, the
individual selected for the enterprise proved to
be incompetent. The mission then failed, but
afterward, under the able management of Gen
Caseneau, it resulted in an important treaty be.
tween the United States and the Dominican
Government. In the moment, however, of sue
cessful contamination, the policy miscarfed
through the unwarrantable interference of the
French and Spanish representatives, who posi-.
lively prohibited the ratification of the treaty
A disappointment of this kind could not be
borne with equable temper by the enthusiastic
advocates of African Slavery. 1t was an i'm.
pediment in the way of the enforcement of the
Calhoun policy, which was the extension of hu.
man slavery over the world. These men know
very well that Slavery cannot live and remain
quiet. 1t must advance, or die. The small
number of white inhabitants of Dominica
should be encouraged to enslave the horde Of
black barbarians" on the Island. This we sup
pose would not be intolersble oppression. y
The use of the phrase indicates that the South
has an idea of what "intolerable oppression y
may be, and that it can exist. What is " intol
cradle oppression 2" OF course, it is not 10
ruling, governing, or enslaving ones fellows, OIL
different race. 1t does not consist in barbs
rous conduct towards the subject. If any Of
these definitions are correct, then there is sin.
tolerable oppression all around Richmond
throughout the Old Dominion. We wonder
then, what the "intolerable oppression is, thai
the South fears might have been the lot of the
white Dominicans, and which would justify
them in enslaving their colored brethren
SO anxious is the South to get fresh foot
hold for Slavery in the West Indies, that il
would venture the dangers of skirmish with
France in the attempt. 1t would not permit
French intrigues upon the Island. 1t is enough
for the Slavery propagandists to intrigue there
for Slavery-France should not be permitted to
do it against the propagandists. Says the
South:
"E1ceptit be the purpose of the United States
to deliver the West Indies into the hands Of
European Powers, and to renounce all claim to
influence in that interesting quarter, they must
impose some restraint upon the impertinency
of French intrigue in St. Domingo. 1t is Ger
tain they cannot submit with honor to the re
pulse they endured in the rejection of their
treaty. Besides these present motives ofpolicy
other more remote but not less urgent corsid