The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1871-04-06
SAN DOMINGO.
THE PRESIDENTS APOLOGY
NO WRONG INTENDED.
Report of Commissioners.


hitting the report of the San Domingo
Commissioners
r. n, Senate and House Of Representa-
tres: g,
have the honor to submit herewith
O., the TWO Houses of Congress the re-
,,-t or the Commissioners appointed in
Yvr.1snce of a joint resolution APP
loved January T., 1871.
!, will be observed that this report
.,ors than sustains all that have here
,D,ore said in regard to the productive
,a.s and healthtulness Of the Republic
~ San Domingo, the unanimity OF the
,a,rlr for annexation to the United
l,stes aud their peaceable character.
I, +, due TO the public and myself
that should here give all the circum-
.,ances which first led 10 the negotia-
ION Of the treaty for the annexation of
The Republic OF San Domingo to the
United States. When | accepted the
sr|uous and responsible position which
now hold. did not dream of institu-
m, anv steps for acquisition OF insular
n,..e,s.ons. believed, however, that
ap- institutions were broad enough
:, extend over the entire continent
=. rapidly as other peoples might desire
10 bring themselves under our protec-
zion believed, further, that we should
not permit any independent government
wjrhin the limits OF North America to
,as, from a condition of independence
ioone Of ownership or protection under
an European power. Soon after my
inauguration as President, | was waited
mon Lv an agent OF President Baez,
with proposition to annex the Republic
o., San Domingo to the United States.
Tbi, Gentleman represented the capacity
d, the Island, the desire of the people
and their character and habits about as
thew have been described by the Com
mi,.ioners. He stated, further, that
bein- weak in numbers and
poor in purse, they were not
carabIe of developing their great re-
.oarces; that the people had no incen-
tive to industry on account Of the lack
Of protection for their accumulations,
and that if not accepted by the United
States, the institutions OF which they
Owed above those OF any other nation,
they would be compelled to seek protec-
ton elsewhere. To these statements |
made no reply, and gave no indication
Of what thought OF the proposition.
10 the course of time was waited upon
hva second gentleman from San Do
mirso. who made the same representa-
lions and who was received in like man
urr.
In view of the facts which had been
laid before me, and with an earnest de-
.Irr 10 maintain the Monroe doctrine,
believed that | would be derelct in
my duty il did not take measures to
ascertain the exact wish Of the govern
nrnt and inhabitants of the Republic
Of San Domingo, in regard to annexa-
Ion. ani communicate it to the people
of the Cuitcd States. Under the at
'rniin. circumstances | telt that if |
'V:nci deaf ear TO this appeal | might
a'n,urr be justly charged with fla
trant neg.cctof the public interests and
Wirrd,grgard OF the welfare of down
'roiien race praying tor the blessing Of
rec and strong government and for
Protection in the enjoyment Of the fruits
0' their own industry. Accordingly,
alter having appointed Commissioners
20 visit the island, |. selected a gentle
nan N whose capacity, judgment and
nlrsrIty had and have yet the most
htoUndel confidence. He visited San
Domingo, not TO secure or hasten an
neXal!On, but unbiased, to learn
lie facts about the Government and the
Ieope and the resources Of that people.
lie went As well prepared to make an
'h'ayorabIe report a. favorable one,
the facts warranted it. His report
'aIy corrohorated the views Of previous
commissioners, and upon its receipt |
.~.i that a sense OF duty and due regard
'"r our great national interests required
me 10 negotiate treaty for the acquisi-
Uon OF the Republic of San Domingo
As soon as it became publicly known
mat such a treaty had been negotiated
'he attention of the country was occu.
pet with allegations calculated to pref
'Hce the merits Of the case, and with
nose whose duty had connected them
with II. Amidst the public excitement
mus created the treaty failed to receive
Tie requisite two-thirds vote of the SEN
ale, aud was rejected But whether
lie action of that body was based
"aoIIy upon the merits OF the treaty, or
might not have been in some degree
influenced by such untounded allega-
hons, could not be known by the people,
"ecause the debates in the Senate in
'rcret session were not published.
Then commission was constituted,
under the authority OF Congress, con.
,lsing of gentlemen selected with
special reference to their high character
aud capacity for the work entrusted &c
them, who were instructed to visit tn,
>Pot and report upon facts. Other emi
nrnt citizens were requested to accom-
lany the Commission, in order tina
The people might have the benefit o
Their views. Students of science ant
correspondents of the press, withou
regard to political opinion, were invi
{e' toJoin the expedition, and the mum
'rFS were limited only by the capacit.
Of the vessel.
ihe mere rejection by the Senate o
treaty negotiated by the Presiden
"n'y indicates a difference of opinion
'he Government, without touchin!
saT s;T Character or wounding the pride o
s.her. ,jer. But when such rejection take
pace simultaneously with charge
"Feniy made of corruption on the par
Hi The President or those employed b,
n,lI' the case is different. Indeed il
r such case the honor OF the nation de