Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1871-02-24
SAN DOMINGO.

San Domingo, Feb. 90 The Commission
has been busy in looking over the records of
the government during the last week. and in
gathering the statements of persons repre-
senting various classes upon the feeling in
regard to annexation. The larger majority
who appear before the commission, and most
of them voluntarily, express themselves as
cordially in favor of the change. All Of the
commissioners, however, admit of the exis-
tence of decided minority against it. The
information concerning complications with
Hayti, has caused a change in the plans
which had been formed with regard to re-
turning, and the present intention is to visit
the capital of Hayti, and to try and fathom
the whole subject. If Cabral is as firmly,
though somewhat secretly supported, as is
reported both here, but more decidedly by
way of St. Thomas, it will be regarded by the
commission as a gross matter, as indicating
the purpose of that nation. The commits
sion has had long interview with priest of
high rank, sent out from Rome to examine
the title of the church, to many extensive
ruins of converts, chapels, colleges and other
church buildings and the ground upon which
they stand. He informed US that the Pope
despatched him nearly year ago, and imme-
diately upon learning the intentions of the
United States in regard to the title, he wished
the commission to know the number and ex-
tent of the claims which would be insisted
upon by the church in case of annexation, SO
there might be no further misunderstanding.
The titles to all the property in question are
in dispute under former negotiations. The
material resources of San Domingo are
found to be all they have been represented,
and that of the public lands, and the more
important mining privileges and the natural
lines for railway with lease of adjacent lands
I,o,, hnon do 90
The Commissioners do not now propose to
visit the interior, unless the conflicting re-
ports from the district of Sibiso, on the north
side of the island, shall seem to make it nee
essary. Statements from parties apparently
equally trustworthy, are directly opposite to
each other. One repsenting that the people
are ripe for trouble if annexation is agreed
upon, and others declaring them all in favor
OF the plan. Exploration of most of the in
terror will be left to the various students and
Professors with the Commission. The latter,
however, have requested and obtained long
report upon the geology and mineralogy of
the Island from Prof Gabb, the geologist of
the New York Land Company, which is sur
veying the public domain under contract of
Fabens made with Baez.
This report will be incorporated with that
of the commission. The parties now out are
following Prof. Blake with the geological par
ty. Prof Marvin and Miller are marking
botanical expedition, and DR.. Newcomb is
pursuing medical researches in various direc-
tons. An earnest effort will be made next
week for Asna to send party to Gen. Ca
brals camp. A permission and safe conduct
will be granted by Baez for this purpose.
The result of the last few days begins to
open wider than was expected at the last of
the week, and it was agreed to name the mid
die of April as the time for their arrival in
Washington. President Baez has called at
tention of the Commission to the fact that q
second payment for SANTANA has not been
made. This violation of faith, as it is re-
garded here, has seriously embarrassed Baez,
and left nearly all his officers without pay.
The opinion of the commission seems decid-
ed that money should be paid Immediately
Just before the sailing of the steamer, no
vel event for San Domingo occurred in the
| Supreme Court. For the first time in its his
tory and American was admitted to plead in a
| case of considerable magnitude, as principal
| council.
The Tennessee will, it is now expected
to leave with party for Arena on Thursday
or Friday Of this week. They are all enjoy
ing excellent health and the officers and crew
of the U. S. steamer Nantasket and Yantis
in this harbor are well.