The Portland daily press., 1870-12-14

the main portion of the Islands inhabitants
the Hayleus-are bitterly opposed to the all
nexation. As we don't propose TO annex
them without their consent, what does their
opposition matter.
The claim OF Hayti to the San Domingo
territory will probably be paraded. What can
that matter. Hayti has by no means claim
as equitable to San Domingo as. Mexico has
to Texas. The two Republics were under
one government as late as 1925, but success
full revolution severed that 1 believe Hayti
however, claims that San Domingo should
pay certain proportion of debt, known as
the French claims, believe, which she her
self has been paying for years. This she in
tends to demand of our government il annex
alton is pushed.
Another point which Mr.. Sumner will urge
and doubtless with ample marginal notes, is
the bad character of the Dominican and other
projectors OF the treaty. What he eau say on
that subject will doubtless be quite scandalous
and spicy. Baez, ,Cessnea, Sullivan, Tubens
d Co., are bad set, morally, politically and
financially. But how much better are the OPP
positions there. Calral is traitor by profess
ion, a reyolutionist by practice and an adj
venturer in fact, who would sell tomorrow
what he opposed doing to day.
AS for Gen. Babcock and the other agents
OF the United States, doubtless MIR. Sumner
will be sure of his proofs before assailns their
personal character. 1t is noticeable however
that no one of these points touch the reasons
presented or suggested by the President for
acceding to the Dominicans'
REQUEST FOR ANNEXATION.
The President argues for the policy on these
grounds: LIST, the Dominican people have
asked for it; I'd, the soil, climate, productions
and comparatively unoccupied territory, rem
der 1T a desirable addition to our land; Sd, its
geographical and commercial position is such
as to render it of transcendant importance to
us; 4th, because it is probable European gov.
ernments will ere long withdraw from this
continent, leaving their colonies to shift fol
themselves. We ought to be prepared with a
| due influence over the movements that must
/ follow; 9Th, more than all however is the fact
that the Presidents policy is purely an Amer.
lean one, designedto build up other Ameri-
can countries, as well as our own, and espe-
cially aiming to draw all nearer in commercial
and other friendly relations.
The truth is, the President aims at the in
itation OF ia large American policy. He be-
lleves American commerce would at once re-
vlve and immensely expand il we would dc
| away with the balance of trade against us in
South and Central America, and in the Gull
of Mexico, by obtaining the carrying trade
now so largely in the hands of the English
and French. TO such an end he regards the
acquisition of territory like San Domingo
as indispensable. 1t will give us the Cult
carrying trade, command the waters, and es-
pecially .the route TO and from the inter-
oceanic canal, THE construction of which is
part Of the Presidents large plan of opera
ton. According to his conception the Unit
ed States Oguht TO be the chief maritime
nation of the world ere many years, especial.
ly controlling the body of the vast commerce
ct which the Pacific Ocean is to be the seat
Now if VT be true THAT the great body CT
the people of San Domingo favor annexation
none of the objections have pointed out as
likely to be urged by Mr.. Sumner are valid
reasons for opposing a full examination by a
commission, and an equitable arrangement by
which annexation may be consummated.
PERSONAL,
1t is much to be feared, from the indica
|'tions here that the San Domingo may breed
bitter discussions. Every one who knows
Mr.. Sumner understands with what teEacity
and stubborness he fights. Apart from what
is regarded by friends if not himself, as per-
sonal affront-Mr. Motley's recal-the Massa-
chusetts Senator is human enough to feel
as personal wrong the idea that he should
be overlooked, and men like Grant be taken
and put into high places. If he feels so, he
PROBABLY greatly undertakes Grant. I am sat.
lsfled that whatever the cause, there is by far
too low an estimate of the Presidents
real ability held by the older leaders of the
party. Grant is an able man, with patient
saSacity that nothing battles when his mind
Is made up. He will yet win on the issue
under discussion. SpEcrATop