The Tipton advertiser. [volume] (Tipton, Cedar Co., Iowa) 1856-1962, 1871-04-13

"a duty. Accordingly, after having
appointed Commissioners to visit the
Island, who declined on account of
sickness, l selected a second gentleman,
in whose capacity, integrity and judg-
ment I had, and have yet, unbo,mded
confidence. He visited San Domingo
not to secure or hasten annexation, but
unprecedented, to learn the facts about
the government, people and resources
of the Republic. He went ccrtaiul y as
well prepared to make an unfavorablc
report as favorable one, if facts war
rantcd it. His report fully corroboratcd
the views Of the previous Commission
crs, and upon this report felt that a
sense of duty and due regard for our
great national interests, required me to
negotiate a treaty for the acquisition of
the Republic of San Domingo. As soon
as it became publicly known that such
a treaty had been negotiated, the attcn-
ton of the country was occupied with
allegations calculated to rejudicc the
merits of the case, and with it, those
whose duty had connected them with
it. Amid the public excitement thus
created the treaty failed to receive a
requisite two-third vote of the senate,
and was rejected; but whether the &C
ton of that body was based wholly upon
the merits of the treaty or might not
have been in some degree influenced by
such unfoundcd allegations, would not
be known by the people, because
debates of the Senate i'll secret are not
published. Under these circumstances
7 deemed it due to the office which |
hold, and due to the character of the
investigation, that such proceedings
should be had as would enable the
people to know the truth. n commits
sion WIS therefore constituted under
authority Of Congress-, consisting Of
gentlemen selected with especial refer
encc to their high character and capa-
city forthc laborious work entrusted to
them, who were instructed to visit the
spot, AMI report upon the facts. C;hcr
eminent citizens were requested to
accompany the commissioners in order
that the people might have the benefit
of their view. Students of science
and correspondents of the press, with
out regard to political opinions, were
invited to Join the expedition, and their
members were limited only by the
capacity Of the vessel. The mere re-
lection by the senate Of a treaty nego-
tiatel by the President only indicates
a difference of opinion in the govern
mcnt, without touching the character
or wounding the pride of either, but
when such rejection takes place stimuli
tancously, with charges openly made,
of corruption on the part of the Presi
dent, or those employed by him, the
case is different, indeed, in such case,
the honor OF the nation demands invcs-
tigation. This has been accomplished
by the report of the Commission here
withtransmittcd, which fully vindicatcs
the motives and action of those who
represented the United States in the
negotiation.
Now my task is finished, and with it
ends all personal solicitudc upon the
subject. My duty being done, yours
commences, and GLADLY hand over the
Who'll" matter to the judgment Of the
American people and their representa-
tivcS i'll Congress assembled. The
facts will now be spread before the
country, and decision rendered by
that tribunal whose convictions so sell
dom ccr, and against whose will | have
no policy to enforce. My opinion is
unchanged ; indeed it is confirmed by
the party that the interest of our coun-
try and OF San Domingo alike, invite
annexation of the republic in view Of
the difference Of opinion. Upon this
subject, | suggest that no action be
taken at the present session beyond
printing and general dissemination Of
the report before the next session of
Congress. The people will have con-
sidcrcd the suhjcct and formed an intel
li~"mt opinion concerning it, to which
opinion deliberately made up, it VIII be
the duty Of every department Of the
Government to give heed, and no on"
will more chccrlulIy conform than my
self.
1t is not only the theory Of our con-!i
tuition that the will Of the people, con
stit"tionally expressed, is the supreme
law, but have ever believed that all
nen are wiser than one man, and if the
people, upon full representation Of facts
shall decide annexation is not desirable
every department Of the Government
ought to aclui"sce in that decision.
In again submitting to Congress n
subject, upon which public sentiment
has been divided, and which has been
made the occasion of acrimonious debate
in Congress and unjust aspcrsions else
where, | may, | trUs', lie INDUCED in
single remark. No man can hope to
perform duties 50 delicate and RESPONSE
Die as pertain TO the Presidential Office
without sometimes mourning the hostii
ity Of those who deem their opinions
AZ! wishes treated with insufficient
consideration, and lie who would under
take 10 conduct the affairs OF the great
government rs a faithful public servant
if sustained by the approval Of Iii. own
conscience, may lcly with confidence
upon the candor and intelligence Of free
people, whose best interests he hos
strircn 70 suhserve, ana can bea: with
patience the ccn3ure Of disappointed
men.
(signed,) L. s. GEANT.
Executive Mansion, Apr. 5, 1871.