Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1870-06-27
The San Domingo Investigation Ne.
ports.

On Saturday we Published a brief ahStrac. ~
the report submitted to the Senate by Mr.. How-
ard, chairman OF the select committee 20 inves-
tigate the facts relating to the imprisonment OF
David Hatch, an American citizen. en the
island o. san Domingo, exonerating Gep. Bah
States Minister on that island, from any com
plicity In the imprisonment Of Hatch.
In regard 10 Hatch, the committee sav, i'm
conclusion 80 That according % the testimony
Of ex-Commercisl Agent Smith, Hatch had
been engaged in other illicit transactions AZ
Barahons- The Danish vessel Rotto was
consigned from 81. Thomas 60 Hatch, at Bars-
hona, and was undoubtedly engaged In an
Illicit trsnhe st which Hatch oonnived. She
was setEed, condemned and sold hy the Domf-
nican government. That a person 50 situated
ernment he was thus offending would Sem
20 be singular, and from what Il before the com
mittee they cannot presume that he had or has
now any ground for the claim OF indemntcs-
ton. III he was damaged NJ ALA fact
which u is not necessary 70 deny-it was
ms mifortune, growing out OF his fault;
and without assuming 20 say he can es-
ment Of the republic, the committee are CON
strained TO say that they are not able 20 see
It's justice, and that, at any rate, his spplics-
ton 70 Congress In his behalf Is premature and
irregular
The committee cannot but regard this uuu-
sual course as an attempt by Mr.. Hatch, in
making his alleged grievances public TO prevent
fair consideration OF the treaty OF snnexa-
non; TO arouse unfounded prejudices against
r, and finally 10 defeat &C. His course
eyinces 2 want of that candor and cir
cumspection which should characterize every
American citizen abroad I'm matters in which
MS government and country are concerned
Loud and passionate clamor against individuals
the judgment and induce forsetfulness of mat
ters OF fact, are not the means proper 20 be ex-
ercised TO inf uence our Judgment in matters
OF suep grave Importance. They, therefore.
reCOmme a ha ind. fiust,
The majority report is signed by Senators
Howe, Nye, Williams and Warner.
MI. Schurz, from minority of the committee
submitted report, in which they express regret
al being obliged 70 dissent from the majority in
every important point OF fact. They submit the
folowing points from the evidence:
i. Hatch, an American citizen of irreproacha-
pie character, was arrested by the Dominican
a1tnorites al on charge of having aided party
commission and sentenced 10 be shot. The
record OF the trial shows the whole proceeding
was barbarous farce.
2. dafch was pardoned on condition he would
leave the country, by decree of the Domincan
senate ofhcially published October 4. Is69
8. Hatch was, In spite of that decree, kept in
prison until the middle of March, 1870.
=. Pfudent Baez and his Secretary of Stat
Gautier, the latter In an Official note address.
% the representatives of the United Stat
ed as the reason for Hstch's continued inca,
ceraton afttr the decree OF pardon that n wa.
il set free. 'o"oie
.; Commercial agents OF the United Stats.
omltn and Perry, used every means in their
power 10 procure the release Of Hatch
O.. General Babcock was sent to St Domingo
A. tne special agent Of this government aud
having authority TO give erection 90 war ves-
sels or the United Safes in Domini can waters
s ,or tne pfotectiono OF Baez's government against
lofeign interference, not only declined 90 speak
as, single word in favor Of the release OF Hatch,
oer also discouraged Others from doing 80.
Ihe minority believe that aside from Hatch's
pecuniafy losses, he Is, in considerable of the
treatment he received at the hands OF the DO
ton. ~ eP"a
Inc report is signed by Senators Schurz.
Ferry aud Vickers and they submit = rssoI,,,1.,
mat the President be requested 10 demand OF
tne government OF the Dominican republic fun
aIsuon 1or the suffering and losses Of David
Hatch as q prisoner"
Ihe testimony which accompanies the report
OF the majority is very voluminous. and the
main points OF IL have already been publi.hei.