Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1871-04-07
SAN DOMINGO.

CdN OO1HIAUO.
The message of the President transmit
ing the report Of the Commissioners to San
Domingo to Congress is a paper ofspecial
interest Its tone cannot be commended
too highly, while the inform alton which ii
contains as to the manner in which the
President came to be engaged in the pro-
ject of annexation. and the conclusions at
which he has arrived in regard to the dis
position OF the question must give the best
satisfaction. Through it all there runs an
air of candor and sincerity, of honesty of
purpose, that viii impress itself upon every
reader.
1t appears that the President did not
listen at first with q very willing ear to
proposals for annexation, but after obtain
ing all the information which he was able
to get, he formed the opinion that the ac-
QUESTION was not only desirable and prop
er but that it was his duty to take active
steps in the matter. He sent agents to in
yestigate the condition of the island, the
government, and the feeling Of the people
in relation to joining this government,
making no move until he had fully inform
ed himself. 1t is somewhat singular that
the opposition to his scheme should have
come from the quarter where he imagined
it would be most strongly supported, and
from which he looked for censure if he did
not give his active support to annexation
that is, from the class of whom Mr.. Sum-
ner is the epresentative-those who are
especially known for their advocacy ofthe
advancement ofthe negro race He thought
it would be a good move for the colored
people as well as for our national inter
ests. After the treaty was rejected by
the Senate, the President would have
dropped the subject had it not been that his
motives Were attacked by its opponents,
and the question itself misrepresented.
Then he determined that it was his duty
to make all the facts known and let the
people judge for themselves. Hence
Commission consisting of able and impair
tial men was appointed to visit San Do
mingo and investigate and report the facts,
and others who chose to go were allowed
to accompany them to see and Judge for
themselves and send home for publication
in the papers such reports as they pleased.
To such q course there could be no OBJ
lection 1t was certainly fair and prop
er. The character of the President had
been assailed, and it was due to those who
elected him that he should show himself
guiltless if he could of the wrong with
which he had been charged No voice
has been raised against the character of
the Commissioners, and none we presume
will be raised against the report. With
the submission of their report to Congress
the President ends his active efforts for
the acquisition of San Domingo. AL
though believing its annexation desirable
he will not press it against the will of the
people. Having done bis duty he leaves
the question in the hands of Congress and
the public, content to abide their decision
whatever it may be. Whatever else may
be said there is no chance left TO ac-
cuse him of pushing his own ideas about
San Domingo contrary to the wish of the
American people. His views stand open
before the world with the reasons he has
for adopting them. If annexation is de-
sirable and yet fails he will not be account
able for the failure.
The report of the Commissioners pres
ents favorable case for annexation, rep
resentingthe facts as understood and stated
by the President. The island is healthy,
productive, valuable, but on account of
poor government the population is igno-
rant, idle and unthriity. Baez is the le-
climate ruler, while Cabral is a bandit
supported by the Haytien government.
The mass of the people are for annexa-
ton. The Commissioners do not advise
US to annex them, but they say very plain
ly that all they need is strong govern
ment. which we can furnish them, in re-
turn for which we may have the benefit
of acquiring fine piece of property.
Upon the whole the subject wears DIFF
ferent aspect when both sides are looked
at. There seems nothing worthy of CEN
sure in the Presidents course since he has
been allowed to speak. Indeed after the
glowing accounts OF the coveted island
we are not surprised that he should cast
longing look in that direction. The Com
missionors leave no doubt that Baez is the
head of such government as there is, and
Cabral mere robber supported in his
raids by Hayti. and this substantated