Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1871-03-30
SAN DOMINGO.
REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONERS.
The Island, Its Government, POpula.
ton, Resources, Debts, &C, &C.


The following is understood to be a correct
synopsis OF the report of the Santo Domingo
commission as 1t will be signed by all the
members, unless some unexpected disagree
ment occurs:
manner in which the work was done and the
parts of the island visited.
THE BABZ GOVERNMENT.
A full account of the fern OF government is
given, followedby a reference TO the long series
OF revolutions, and discussions approaching
that character, and this condition of affairs -
given as an explanation OF the more summary
measures than could otherwise be tolerated u
constitutional govern ment. The Dominican
government was found in full operation, aud
exeVcls ing every legitimate junction of govern
ment, and Baez in full and pc .ceable posses
sion of all parts of the republic except the Hay
tan border, which is disturbed by revolution
airy leaders assisted by HaytiaBs. BaeZ enjoys
the respect Of the majority of the population,
and has four times accepted the Off ce of Chief
Magistrate. 1t is remarkable that the Pres
ident's cabinet, legislature, and judiciary, are
in favor OF laying down their power in favor OF
the United States.
The constant cOmmotiOn of several years has
completely paray Zed industrial pursuits, and
the resources ofthe republic have so diminished
that II can not pay expen ses, and the confidence
OF the people could alone have preservedits eN-
isteuce.
Cabral occupies three or four mountain viii
lagos, and with q small force, has been able to
disturb considerable district for a long time,
Luperon has lately created disturbances in the
north of the island, but it could not be dis
covered that either Of these leaders had a flag
or organized government, even in form. The
Inc essant trouble for such leaders led the popu-
lation to agree to the Spanish occupation, but
the harshness OF the rule of Spain. the folly of
slavement, led to Withdrawing the Spaniards
from the island.
THE POPULATION.
The population is fixed at 1G0 600; MANY of
D4rtiOnS
hsbited. The people had generally heard Of
the question OF annexation on all parts of the
island and IL had been discussed everywhere.
1here was nearly unanimous feeling that
peace and tranquility could come only from
annexation. The greater friendship for the
Snlted States thah for other Powers is due
largely to colonies which went out to the island
years ago. The people seem more unanimous
for annexation than the commission has known
ton. An exceedingly small portion is opposed
10 annexation, and these are chiefly traders or
agents or forei gn houses, whose business would
suner by the change. The commission and all
connected with it travelled i'm all parts OF the
stand without guard or weapon, and in perfect
safety.
The physical, mental and moral condition
was founo much better than anticipated. The
population is almost wholly OF mixed blood in
every conceivable degree. The cultivated and
educated, such as the officials, cOmpare well
with the same class in other countries and the
NJ educated appear as we'll as the same class
eIseWhere. There is an entire absence OF all
IItJuuCt Vi race OF cOlOf- they appear rSspeCt-
tul and polite, kind and hospitable High
crimes, according TO the statements of their
Judges. are nearly unknown. All are Roman
Catholics, except the American emigrants sent
out by the Colonization Society in 1874. They
live among the Catholics in peace and hav-
mOny. Ihe people are poor and live in CHEAP
dwellings, but in the country all have as much
land a. they desire TO cultivate, and they are
not averse TO work when certain of return
There are few schools, and the great mass or
me people are uneducated, but show a strong
desire to learn.
THE RESOURCES OF THE COUNTRY.
Ine resources of the country are vast ami
ore is abundant, and possibly available for
manufacturing iron. Copper ores are of a fair
degree, but the mines have not been extensively
opened. The reported coal of SANTANA is ouly
ignite, and OF little value as fuel. Little =
known OF the gold regions. Salt deposits are
extensive and valuable. Considerable space j.
devoted TO setting forth the richness of the soil
and the variety OF tropical products and those
OF the temperate regions found on the uplands
The Island is represented as generally healthy,
but acclimating is necessary. This part of the
report is not finished. EARTHQUAKES are not
frequent; in autumn, hurricanes are.
THE DRBT.
The public debt statement is TO be compared
with later data received by the commission 10
see II they have been furnished with correct
ngures. As now made up, the debt is in round
numbers, fourteen hundred thousand dollars;
ADDITIONAL pending claims, two hundred and
four thousand dollars, including one of seventy
thousand by President Baez for personal pro-.
the first head is $500 600 for back salaries TIE
total is given at 81 556, 900. The Official STATE
ment OF reeeipts OF the government for $50
show total of $40, 00G; and one of the items a
for import dues alone, over 5000 600.
THE TREATIES.
lHe commission md no foundation for the
statement tnat dominica ls bound To Hayti for
an indemnity sum to France. No treaties of
any consequence exist between Dominica and
other powers. The only settled boundary be-
tween HAY ii and San DomiD 90 is the old Spsu-
ish and French line 1357. When the Havtians
were driven out Of the east part of the island
mere remained as disputed territory, consd-
cradle extent east OF the old boundary This i.
stiiI IN dispute. or this the Haytisns have hell
10 pfacucaIly constant control the towns of
San Rafael. San Miguel, and Los Caubas.
Inc Bonica valley, east of these, and Neyba
district have been alternately overrun by both
Larues. The claim OF Hayti to the boundary of
me 1efTard map, which is the meridian through
Alta Nela, is regarded as preposterous The
extent OF territory within the old boundary OF
lIIl Is found by new and careful computati0n to
De zZ,2i2 square miles. The portion OF this re-
public referred to as having been msinlv n
Hsytien occupancy is about Il, 900 square miles
GRANTS AND CONCESSIONS.
iIe history OF grants and concessions given
DIV the commission is about the same as aIre adv
widely published in the Nsrth. The report is
government ffcials OF the United States bavs
been privately interested in them.
DOMINICA WANTS TREATY.
Inc dominican government was found willing
10 agree to the terms of the treaty as now con-
Guided, but not ratified, and for the only change
think ii fair that an account of the great And
Unexpected expense OF the government attend
lng the delay that the sum paid for SANTANA and
now due be not deducted in the final settlement
~ was also agreed by Domiaica that one nth of
tie public lands should be set aside for srhool
purposes, provided the United States w0uId
grant three hundred Thousand acres for An
agricultural college.
TIE FINAL SUMMING UP.
Inc summing up of the report is not vet COM
pleted' Some new matter under other heads
WI be added, bat the above is a synopsis of all
yet agreed upon.
BALTIMORE ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF TIM
AFRICAN MI, T., CHURCH- hodv mill 90