Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1871-04-07
The San Domingo Question.

We invite tie attention of our readers to q
careful and judicious statement of the present
condition Of San Domingo, which we publish
ON the fourth page. This statement presents
the nam facts which are reported to be embod-
led in the Commissioners report, which is about
10 be presented to the Senate.
Amidst the excitement which has prevailed
on this question, 1t may be well to urge calm
and consiierate thought on the value and pros
pectivs Importance of this island to these United
States. In the examination aud slucidation of
the very many complicated questions identified
with the prospective annexation of that island,
we may properly regard the past history Of its
people in connection with their present status,
and then determine whether in commercial or
stagetical sense, the acquisition is a desirable
or is likely to become profitable one.
In regard to its resources, there can be no
question as to its productiveness, but the ques-
. ton is how, or by what means such resources
m " become available, for it is now we'll under
s.ood that its present occupants are not the elass
10 develope them. Living as they dc, almos.
within the tropics, they are Influenced by the
same physical inertia which characterizes 9th
eF people in the same latitude. II then its min
sral and agricultural resources are developed,
that result must be achieved by the Importation
sr Chinese or Cody laborers who, in condition
of sem-slavery, may be induced TO perform for
: their masters-the prOspecsiSe spectators
what the former slaves of San Domingo accom-
plished for their French masters. By such pro-
cess alone can its resources be made available.
NJ a. L. ask he
commercial aspects of the question are not very
gloomy. With the broad and almost illimi.able
expauss of rich territorial lands we now possess,
almost whelly unoccupied and their resources
undeveioped, is Unnecessary, is itexpedient, that
we should assume tho debt and accept the stat
US % this island as the condition precedent o.
its annexation? Is it desirable, is It expedient
thai We should send, possibly, thousands OF our
brave soldiers 70 contend with the diseases in
eideutaI TO that tropical cline, and also with the
restless and sanguiuary people who for three
fourths Of a century have controlled the destin-
les Of that region We think it is inexoedient.
u our citizen soldiers must be sacrificed, let 1t
be done at the shrine Of liberty, not at that of
snammon. The past history Of that people and
nation, has been that Of continued disorder OF
bloodshed aud of rapine. What guarantee
have we that these results will not follow when
Il may becomsa a portion Of this Republic SIM
ply none atall.
Entertaining these opinions of this question,
We are in favor of letting that island alone.
II selfish spectators like crafty monkeys de-
sIre San Domingo ehestnuts, we are in favor OF
Showing them to expose their own paws to the
ere. whea they have secured their prize II
will be time enough to talk OF sharing it with
them. In the mean time We would urge every
man 10 raise his voice against the expenditure
Of single dollar, or the sacrifice Of single life
Ia order 10 secure It's annex xation,