Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1871-04-14
SAN DOMINGO.
The Report of the Commissioner Sub-
mItted TO Congress -NesSnge of
the President Accompany
Ing the Document,
WASHINGTON, April $.


Ing the Document.
WASHINGTON, April :.
The following is the Presidents message trans.
mttlng the report OF the san Domingo Commls-
sioners to the Senate aud House of Representa-
tives. Hl r.aI
MESSAGE.
70 the Senate aBd Ro, &c of Representatives.
have the honor TO submit herewith to the two
houses of Congress the report of the Commits
sloners appointed In pursuance of the joint reso-
luton approved Jan. IL, 1871 1t will be observed
that this.feport more than sustans oil that have
heretofore said in regard to the productiveness
aud healthfulness of the Republic OF San Domn.
90, the unaninity of the people for annexation to
the United States, and their peaceable character.
1t is due to the public, as II certainly is to my
self, that should hero give all the circumstances
which first led to the negotiations of the treaty
for tho annexation of the Republic of San Do
mngo to the United States. When accepted the
arduous and responsible position 1 now hold,
did not dream of instiuting any steps for the ac-
qusition of insular possessions. believed, how
ever, that our institutions were broad enough to
extend over the entlse continent as rapidly as
other peoples might desire to bring themselves
under our protection. believed, further, that we
should not permit any Independent government
within the limits of North America to pass from
condition of independence to one of ownership or
protection under an European power. Soon after
my Inauguration rs President, was waited upon
by an agent of President Baez with proposition
to annex the Republic Of San Domingo to the
United states. This gentleman represented the
capacity of the island, the desire of the people,
and their character and habits about as they have
been described by the Commissioners, whose re-
port accompanies this message. He stated further,
that being weak in numbers aud poor In purse,
they were not capable of developing their great
resources; that the people had no incentive to in
dustry on account OF the lack of protection for
their accumulations, and that If not accepted by
the United States whose institutions they loved
above those of any other nation, they would be
compelled to seek protection elsewhere. TO these
statements l made no reply, and gave no mdioa-
ton OF what thougnt 81 tne psoposluOn In tc
man from San Domingo, who made the same
representations and was received in like manner.
In view OF the facts which had been laid before
me, and with an earnest desire to maintain the
Nnoroe doctrine ! believed that would be der
elict in my duty If did not take measures to
inhabitants of the Republic of San Domingo in
regard to annexation, and to oommunie ate the in
formation to the people of the United States. I'm.
der the attending circumstances, felt if 1 turLed
deaf ear to this appeal that might in future be
justly charged with flagrant neglect of the public
interest and in utter disregard of the welfare OF
down-trodden race praying for the blessing oil a
free and strong government, and for protection IN
the enjoyment Of the fruits of their own industry.
Those opponents to annexation who have hereto.
fore proessed to be pre- -eminentlv the friends OF
the rights of man believed would be my most
violent asssilants If neglected so clear duty.
Accordingly after having appointed commits
soner to visit the island, who declined on account
of sickness, selected a second gentleman, in
whose capacity, Judgment, and integrity had,
and have yet, unbounded confidence. He visited
san Domingo, not to secure or naSten annexation,
but unprejudiced to learn the facts about the gov
ernment, people and resources of that republic.
He went, certainly, we'll prepared to make an un
favorable report as q favorable one, If the facts
warranted it. His report fully corroborated the
views of the previous commissioner, and upon its
report felt that sense of duty and due regard
for our great national interests required me to ne
gOtate treaty for the acquisition Of the Republic
of San Domingo. AS soon as it became publicly
known that such treaty had been negotiated, the
attention of this country occupied with allie
cations calculated to prejudice the merits OF the the
case, and of those whose duty had connected them
with it. Amidst the public excitement thus
created the treaty failed receive the requisite
twothirds vote of the Senate and was rejected
but whether the action OF that body was based
wholly upon the merits of the treaty, or might moi
have been in some degree influenced by such un
founded allegations, could not be known by the
people because the debates of the Senate in secre
session are not published.
Under these circumstances, deemed it due tc
the Office which hold, and due to the character
ofthe agents who had been charged with the in
vestigadon, that such proceedings shonld be hat
as would enable people to know the truth. A
Commission was therefore constituted, under tht
authority of Congress, consisting of gentlemen Sc
lected in special reference to their high character
and capacity for the laborious work entrusted tC
them, who were instructed to visit the spot ant
report upon the facts. Other eminent citizens
were requested to accompany the Commission, il
order that the people might have the benefit o
their views Students of science and correspond
@ ns % ae W 0n e "a sn
numbers were only limited by the capacity OF TN
vessel.
gotiated by the President only indicates differ
ence of opinion in the different branches of th
government, without touching the character o
wounding the pride of either. But when such
rejection takes place simultaneously with charge
openly made of corruption on the part of the Pres
ident, or those employed by him. the case is differ
ent. Indeed, in such case the honor of the natio
demands an investigation. This has been accom-
plished by the report of theCommssioners herewt
transmitted, which fully vindicates the purity @
the motives aud actions of those who represente
the United States in the negotiation.
And now my task is finished, and with 1t END
all my personal solicitude upon the subject. Nj
duty being done, yours begins; and gladly han
oyer the whole matter & 70 me the Juqgmea
tives in Congress assembled. The fact
will now be spread before the country
and decision rendered by that tribunal who's
convictions so seldom err, and against whose WI
/ have no policy to enforce My opinion
indeed II Is c0nnTmea oy y Ine son TePS 10
mingo alike invite the annexation of the repul
lie. In view of the difference Of opinion upo
ing the present session beyond the printing an
general dissemination of the report. Before II
next session of Congress the people will hay
considered the subject, and formed an intelligel
opinion concerning it, to which opinion, delibe
ately made up, it will be the duty of every depar
ment of the government to give heed and no or
will more cheerlully conform than myself. IL
not only the theory of our constitution that Il
will of the people cGnstitutionally expressed
men collectively are wiser than any one man al
il the people, upon full representation OF q
facts shall decide that annexation is not deslrabl
every department of the government ought to a
quesce in that decision.
In again submitting to Congress the subject upC
which the public sentiment has been divided, al
which has been made the occasion of acrimOniol
debates in Congress, as well as unjust dispersion
elsewhere, may trust, be indulged in a sing
remark: No man can hope to perform duties
delicate and responsible as pertain to the Preside
tial office without sometimes mourning the host
ity of those who deem their opinions and wish
treated with insufficient consideration, and he wi
undertakes to conduct the affairs of great go
eminent as faithful public servant, il sustain'
by the approval of his own conscience, may re
with confidence upon the candor and intelligen
of free people whose best interests he has strive
TO subserve, and can bear with patience the censu
of disappointed men. U. s. GRANT.
EXECUTIVE MANSION April 3, 1871.