The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1870-07-04
THE DOMINICAN PRISONER.
Arrival Of Davis Hatch in this City-Presi.
dent Baez's Victim His Way Home-The
Dignity Of the American Flna.

Arrival Of Davis Hatch in this City-Presi.
dent Baez's Victim on His Way H0me-The
Dignity of the American Flag.
Mr.. Davis Hatch a resident OF South Norwalk,
Conn., left this city In 1862 for the island OF ST. Do
mngo, to assume control OF a salt mountain in the
Neba district, about fifteen miles from Barona and
100 miles from st. Domingo city, and for the working
Of which number OF New York capitalists mad OBJ
tanned grant from the governments OF Spain. Mr..
Hatch subsequently, returned 10 the United States,
ana again in 1865 went to ST. Domingo
to resume operations at the salt mine. Yesterday
he again returned to this city. after absence OF
nearly five years, although only expecting when he
went to the island the last time to be absent two
three months. In the course, however, Of the many
revolutionary movements going on there under
Cabral, Baez aud the Observation-Disclosures, Garcia
and Luperon-Mr. Hatch became involved in certain
official transactions with them, growing out OF his
assertion OF the rights OF the corporation which he
represented, and ultimately fell under the ban of
President Baez's dispeasure, the result being that
he was arrested, charged with ncitlng hostility
to the designs of the government (Which was
President Baez), treason, &C., was finally tried
without any opportunity for defence and sentenced
TO death. The sentence was subsequently COM
muted, and an immense amount OF the customary
Indifference Of the United States government for the
rights protection OF its citizens abroad was mani
tested throughout the entire transaction. Another
phase of the trouble has, however, been brought
very prominently before the public lately in cOnse
quence OF the investigation ny the United States
Senate into the question OF claim asserted by Mr..
Hatch against the Baez government. This inquiry
has brought UP the whole Dominican ques-
ton, including the 0vertures made by our
the result has been the 'washing' of some very
dirty diplomatic linen, and In the course OF the dis
closures there are many hints and riddles about Mr..
Hatch having been imprisoned by BaeZ because he
opposed the scheme OF annexation, and was infiu-
entail In that opposition among the Domncans.
Whether he were guilty or not OF such an ndscre
ton IS really matter OF no importance in justihca.
ton OF the act OF imprisonment but The main prOmi-
nent fact is that an American citizen has been
sentenced to death, without any cause to
warrant such action, so far as has yet
been shown, and that prominent government
officials have been fully aware OF the fact by written
and verbal notifications, yet have winked at the
outrage and apparently have been in collision with
the perpetrators. One thing In this connection Is
CERTAIN and that is. that If Mr.. Hatch mad been a
British subject Baez would never have imprisoned
him, II he did, aud refused to surrender him on
demand, even without diplomatic formality. Brit
ish igate would have made the temperature even
more than tropical about Baezs dOmicle.
Mr.. Hatch arrived here by the steamer De Soto
from Havana, and is evidently suffering from ner-
vous prostration consequent upon his Incarceration
been subjected. He Is a man OF about fifty years OF
age, gentemanly demeanor and pleasing frank
appearance and expression. When visited yesterday
by HERALD reporter he declined 70 give any details
at present for publication of his difficulty In ST.
Domingo, as ne ala not Wish 10 place himself in the
position OF endeavorng TO create any outside feeling
during the Congressional investigation now pending
at washington. However disappointing this course
may be TO the public, 1t must be admitted that It
b ears The imprint OF frank straightlOrwardness as
his statement OF actual iacts would perhaps put
affairs In startling aspect: but he prefers to
allow matters to take an official course without pre-
JUDGE on his part, and If the Senate Committee
desire to hear his evidence, as it seems they should
do, he Will doubtless respond with aacrlty.
Mr.. Hatch was released by Baez. with his sentence
committed to immediate and perpetual Punishment,
and has since that time been detained ST. Thomas
endeayoring to effect settlement OF his business
and private affairs i'll st. Domingo This he was
unable to do before leaving, as by the arrangement
between Rear Admiral Poor. commanding the United
States West India squadron, and Baez Mr. Hatch
was obliged to "make tracks, direct, IN "boe liner
from his prison quarters TO the ship which bore MIN
away. He was, I'm fact unable even to procure
his necessary wearing apparel. This morning Mr.
Hatch will leave for NOrwaik to visit his family