The New Orleans crescent., 1869-01-17

In the House of Representatives, on the 18th,
mr.. Banks reported the joint resolution, already
puoiished in the newspapers, proposin. the pro
lection Of Hsyti and San Domingo by the United
STATES. ne ssio tnis subject had been brought TO
our attention very recently, and that the reso u
uon was based upon the theory that these repub-
ncs desired the action recommended BE was
not, however. authorized officially to state the
Iso.; va, menuoned II on his own responsibility.
predlcated on the best information which he could
obtain. He had presented the subject TO The com.
mittee on foreign affairs; there was not time for
full consideration; it was novel question, and Of
importspce, out he received the unanimous au
thorlty OF tne committee to make the report.
Mr.. Mullins inquired whether, by pursuing that
coprse they were not running the hazard of inter.
fering with the foreign government
Mr.. Banks replied: In no respect whatever
No European government had the slightest aims
on the island, and the resolution did not conten.
plate Intervention in the slightest degree IL was
only for the purpose OF assisting Hayti and San
Domingo to maintain their own institutions"
Mr. IDgersoll asked Mr.. Banks to inform the
House what would be our future liability by vir.
tue of the proposed protectorate or our relations
Mr. Banks said the resolution did not contenl.
plate protectorate, in the European sense. Ii
might require nothing more than sending thither
vessel OF war, and in case of the interruption of
the public peace, to advise the parties attempting
revolution that they had better wait till the period
OF election occurred. He was satisfied that this
wonld be sufficient to secure the object of the
resolution.
Mr.. Woodward inquired whether this was mot
initiating steps for entsngling alliances. against
when the father Of our country had warned us.
Mr. banks replied that it was not initiating
steps, except secure a good government. All
.he european powers bad recognized the in-
dependence OF these republics, and Spain had
Withdrawn all claims to the sovereignty of the
island.
MIR. Woodward inquired, "If we extend our
protectlon to these feeble, though inde pendent,
O0VarnmQpfa do uuof .of srftt
European powers ~
Mr.. Bsnks-"We do not; but we prevent az.
gression."
Mr.. Ward inquired whether there was any pre- |
cedent for the contemplated action? |
MIR. Banks replied that there was no precedent
Dut we are ~ the age when new action is required
he then stated that, owing to the frequent revo- |
iutlons, our commerce had within few years /
suHeieo 10 The extent OF millions of dollars, aud
within these republics our trade would be very
much increased. and this. If there were no other
reasons, was sufficient why we should desire peace.
Mr.. Judd asked whether there was any pending
neSouauon between the executive. and those gov.
= nments looking to protectorate.
Mr.. Banks replied that he was not at liberty 10
'tate that there had been, but that be could state
as his own belief, that these governments and
peoples desired, and would accept, our friendly
Intervention. More than this he could not saw
Without compromising those governments. BE
'eheVed that, when We made the offer, it would
De accepted.
, Mr.. Garfield remarked that the gentleman from
massachusetts, had said we might send ship of
var TO that island. How could peace and quiet
e urged unless the vessel was called on 10 do
omethiDg?
Mr.. Banks replied that we could not take nos.
ession OF the territory, or occupy their seas
'IlhouI treaty between those republics and our
Wn. III the government ask for our protection |
or vessels would be accompanied by officers |
Iho, II there should be organic alton to reyolu.
onlZe the government, could advise insurgents to
eslst from their purposes until the time for the
lecuon OF president occurred, in pursuance to
Mr.. Judd iDquired-Suppose the revolutionists
1ould refuse to accept the sdvice2
Mr. Banks-Ihen il would be for the govern
ent OF the United States to determine what
1ght to be done, and consult the Senate in the ,
lrm of treaty.
Mr.. Bingham asked whether it would not he !
ell to limit the scope of the resolution bv adding
e proviso that it was deemed important to re. !
fct the president, so as not TO be involved u an
of money, without consulting the =
onRTess Gf the United States and obtaining its ;
'nsent Tor further action. Otherwise we might | =;
voive the country in a conflict of arms. :
MIR. Banks replied that we did not intend 10 : :
tier into conflict of arms. We want a good z
'Vefnment; therefore revolutions in that Island :
lperil the peace OF our own country. The reso. a
llon dd not warrant an expenditure of money. y
MI Ferris old not see how the object could be =
ace enectual by the limited power Ia the resolu- ,
n ard be INQUIRED whether the committee in p
termining TO recommend the protectorate of q
Island, regarded it as stepping stone, having ii
M view tDe ulnmste annexation of the territory 81
sr. Banks replied that the committee had no :,
CD an idea, nor had it any time for full con. y
GRAFTON. They gave him authority TO report y
J resolution, and nothing more than that. 80
W. CuIloIn SAID the understanding of the COM .,
Itee would not justify the gentleman from :,
ssachusetts calling for vote on the resolu. ~
n to-day. st
NJ. Judd said that they wanted further time. q,
ar. Banks said he would consent that the res. (,
ton should go over till tomorrow. SS''
he House. at 4;l5, adjourned. ~