Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1870-12-08
rEACE CONFERENCE

! The long deferred Peace Conference between
| Spain and the allied South American Republics
has been inaugurated in Washington under the
auspices OF the United states, pursuant to the
Communications contained in the resolution of the
House of Representatives of the 18th of Decem
| Der, 1866 the Executive Department of the gov
eminent offered ITS friendly offices for the promo
! ton OF peace and harmony between pain and
| the allied Republics. nesitations and obstacles
occurred TO the acceptance of the otfer-ultimate-
| ly, however, a conference was arranged and was
opened in this city the 18th of October last at
which authorized the Secretary of State to pre-
| side. It was attended by the Ministers of Spain,
Peru, Chilli and Ecuador lu consequence OF the
absence OF Representative from Bolivia the
Conference adjourned until the attendance
of a Plenipotentlary from that Republic could be
secured, or other measures could be ADOPTED to-
wards comprising its object. The allied and
other Republics OF spanish origin on this eontl-
nent may in this fact clear preuf OF our so-
eere interest in their welfare Ut desire to
them blessed with good governments ca pable OF
maintaining order and pre- .erving their respective
territorial integrity, and OF our sincere wish to
extend our own commercial and social rsla-
tions with them. The time is not prob ably far
distant when in the natural course OF events the
European political connection with this continent
will cease. Our policy should be shaped in view
OF this probab llity 80 as to ally the commercial
interests of the spanish American States more
closely to our own, and thus give the United
States all The pre-epinence and all the adyau-
tages which Mr.. Monroe, Mr., Adams and Mr..
Clay CO ptemplated when they proposed to join in
the congress OF Panama,
SAN DOMINGO.
During the last session of Congress a treaty. for
the annexation OF the Republic of san Domingo
TO the United States, failed to receive the reani-
site two thirds vote of the Senate I was thor
oHghly convinced then that the best interests of
this country commercially and materially de-
manded its ratification. Time has only confirmed
me in this view. l now firmly believe that
the moment it is known that the United
States have entirely abandoned the pro-
lect OF accepting as part OF its territory the Is
land OF San Domingo, a free port, will be nego-
tiated for by European nations. In the bay OF
SANTANA large commercial city will spring up,
to which we will be tributary without receiving
corresponding benefits, and there will be seen
the Jolly OF rejecting so great a prize.
The Government of San Domingo has
voluntarily sought this annex att IN. It Is a
weak power, numbering probably less than
100000 souls and yet sslDg of the richest
localities under the sun, and capable OF support
ing population of 10000, coo f people in luxury
The people OF San Domingo are not capable of
maintaining themselves III their present condition
ana must look for outside support. They yearn
ior the protection of our free institutions and
laws, our progress and civilization. Shall We re-
fuse them The acquisition of San Domipg is
desirable because OF Its geographical position It
commanos the entrance of the Carribian and the
Isthmus transit of commerce., It possesses
the richest soil, the best and most cananous bar-
bois, the most salubrious climate, and the most
valuable products OF the forests mines and soil of
am of the West India Islands. Its possession by
us vii, In a few years build up a coastwige COM
merce of Immense magnitude which will 90 far
towards restoring to us our lost merchant marine
It will give TO us those articles which consume
greatly, and do not produce, thus equalizing our
exports and imports In case of a foreign war it
will give Us command OF all the Islands referred
to, aud thus prev.nt an enemy from gaining
himself a rendezvous on our coast. 1t will pro-
tect our coast trade between the States bordering
on the Atlantic and those bordering on the Gulf
Of Mexico, aud to the Bahamas and tie Antilles.
Twice we must, as it were, pass through foreign
count, les to get by from Georgia to the west coast
Of Florida. San Domingo with blegovernment
under which her immense resources can pc devel-
oped, will give remunerative wages to loo, 900 la
borers not now upon the Island. This labor win