The New York herald., 1869-04-26
ST. DOMINGO.
Progress Of the Annexation Icea-COunter
Influences Mt Work-Napoleon's PInn for n
West Indian Confederation.

Progress Of the Annexation Icea-COunter
Influences mt W0rk-Napoleon's PInn for n
West Indian Confederation.
ST. DOMINGO, April 2, 1862
The idea OF annexation 10 or some form OF pro-
lection from the United States Is taking possession
OF the Dominican mind to an incredible extent. In
recent trip into the interior sections, where the
African population largely preponderates and where
we least expected such exhibition OF interest we
were overwhelmed with inquiries as to when the
Americans were coming. Almost everybody has
something he expects to sell 10 the Americans for
their beautiful gold and silver.n Lands cattle
horses, pigs poultry TO find a cash market
when the Americans shall take charge Of Domini-
can prosperity" =
There Is a secret but steady counter current at
work, however. which Will take q distinct form
should Congress refuse to authorize the President 10
effect the annexation. One and all deny the soft i'm
parchment. but II not the less true, nevertheless
that at least two Of the European consuls have
united in urging counter plan upon the Dominican
Cabinet, and that one member (but one, believe,
decidedly prefers the European plan TO the policy OF
annexation to the United states. Some members of
the Senate say that while the vote for annexation
would undoubtedly ne unanimous II pronered by the
United states the counter plan Is equally sure to
work out the Independent prosperity Of the island.
IL is even asserted, but not Official authority that
can learn, that the inspiration comes from the Tuil-
enc, pecause gentleman from Paris has been the
chlef advocate among the Dominican merchants OF
Recommendation.
The counter plan looks to the confederation OF
Cuba Hayti, Porto Rico and jamaica, possibly up.
der a European recognition which shall amount To
an oflicent protection OF the Republic OF the Antilles
~ Is thought here that such pressure could be
brought upon Spain by France, England and other
powers that Spain would give up Cuba 10 the
that Cuba shall remain an independent state and
agree TO gyant something like permanent free trade
for spanish SHIPS. II the Dominican republic win
renounce the idea OF annexation 70 the United States
and declare the ports OF ssmana and Monte Christie
Iee and neutral ports, valuable aid and countenance
will be rendered the Baez government through
bank which parties stand ready BE- establish. taking
the mining rents az a security Tor the loan now IN
Allowance.
The mere discussion OF annexation has done Rsrch
for the relief OF Baez coming up "a IL did contempo
raneousy with the Cuban revolution. IL became ev
dent TO the alert consular agents Of Europe that the
Grant administration would have the power to add
these three islands-Cuba. Hayti and Porto Rico--to
the Union, whether Europe was pleased or not no
nation on the other side of the water would ture
beyond little quiet intrigue to prevent IT, but should
the United states NJ lsinclined TO annex just now
what them WIZ e,idedr0r 10 make Jnure dnne1o-
ton impossible Can this be donet Here IL Is be-
lleved by many that II T. not ony feasible but in
OF the Antilles by means OF st. Domingo. II the
ocean cable should suddenly fash the intelligence
that Napoleon had forest1ed the Grand Cabinet IN
cognsing In CuDa "a whole people struggling for their
existence n q distinct nationality and IN asking
dence, both SPAN and he Cubans WIN be apt to
heed the advice OF this strong mediator In advance
Of this the Dominican republic will have learned ex.
actly what has TO expect from the United States.
n the fiat should he free acceptance into the Union
Cuba Will not hear Of any other destiny for herself
than annexation. Neither will France waste much
diplomacy to rescue Cuba from Spain II the island OF
Hayti-second only 10 Cuba In importance-is given
over to the United states. But with both islands
ducts and tariffs arranged TO meet the interests o1
European manufactures and commerce, the affair IL
worth managing.
. Baez himself IL very dubious on the subject OF an.
nexatior. lie doubts much whether Congress VIII
authorize the Executive TO proceed Immediately,
and any Other course VIII be very uncertain OF
success hTe That falling, the counter
plan Of ires ports at samapa and Monte