New national era. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1870-1874, 1871-04-13
SAN DOMINGO.
REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONERS.
Special Message Of the President
HIS DUTY IN THE MATTER ENDED

to Congress the report OF the San Domingo
Commissioners. with the following accompany
ing message:
To the Senate and House Of Representatives.:
have the honor to submit herewith to the
two Houses of Congress the report of the Com
missioners appointed in pursuance OF joint
resolution approved January II, 1871.
1t will be observed that this report more
than sustans all that have heretofore said In
regard to the productiveness and healthtulness
of the Republic Of San Domingo, of the una
nimity of the people for annexation TO the United
States, and of their peaceabe character.
1t is due to the public, as il certainly is to
myself. that should here give all the circum
stances which first led to the negotiation of a
treaty for the annexation of the Republic oi
San Domingo to the United States. When
accepted the arduous and responsible position
which now hold, L did not dream of institut-
ing any steps for the acquisition of insular pos
sessions l believed, however, that our insti-
tutions were broad enough to extend over the
entire continent as rapidly other peoples
might desire to bring themselves under our
protection. l believed, further, that We should
not permit any independent government within
the limits Of North America to pass from a
condition of independence to one of ownership
or protection under a European power.
Soon after my inauguration President l
was waited upon by an agent of President Baez
with proposition to annex the Republic of
San Domingo 10 the United States. This gen
teman 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 report accompa-
MES this message. He stated, further, that,
being weak in numbers and poor in purse, they
were not capable of developing their great
resources; that the people had no incentive TO
industry, on account of lack of protection for
their accumulatiODs, and that If not accepted
by the United States, with Institutions which
they loved above those of any other nation,
they would be compelled to seek protection
elsewhere. TO these statements | made no
reply, and gave no indication of what thought
Of the proposition.
In the course of time l was waited upon by a
second gentleman from San Domingo, who
made the same representations, and who was
received in like manner.
In view of the facts which had been laid be-
fore me, and with an earnest desire to maintain
the Monroe doctrine" believed that should
be derelict in my duty if did not take meas
ures TO ascertain the exact wish of the Govern
ment and Inhabitants of the Republic of San
Domingo in regard to annexation, and commu.
nicate the information to the people of the
United States. Under the attending circum-
stances i IeII I1dt III Il turneu uea1 ear 10 tnlS
appeal might in the future be Justly charged
with a fragrant neglect of the public interests
and an utter disregard of the welfare OF down.
trodden race, praying for the blessings of free
and strong government and for protection in
the enjoyment Of the fruits of their own indus
try. Those opponents OF annexation who have
heretofore professed to be pre-eminently the
friends of the rights of man believe would be
my most violent ASSISTANTS if 1 neglected so
clear duty. Accordingly, after having APP
pointed commissioner TO visit the island who
declined Oh account of sickness, | selected
second gentleman, In whose capacity, judg-
ment and integrity l had and have yet the
most unbounded confidence. lie visited San
Domingo, not TO secure or hasten annexation
but unprejudiced and unbiased to learn all the
facts about the Government, the people, and
the resources of that Republic.
lie went certainly as we'll prepared to make
an unfavorable report as a favorable one, if the
facts warranted it, His report fully corrobo-
rated the views of previous commissions, and
upon its receipt felt that senss of duty and
a due regard for our great national interests
required me to negotiate "A treaty for the acqui-
sition of the Republic of San Domingo.
As soon as il became publicly known that
such q treaty had been negotiated the atten-
ton Of the country was occupied with allega-
tons calculated so rejudce the merits of the
case, and with aspersions upon those whose
duty had connected them with il. Amidst the
public excitement thus created the treaty failed
TO receive the requisite twothrds vote of the
Senate, and was rejected but whether the ac
ton of that body was based wholly upon the
merits OF the treaty, or might not have been in
some degree infiaenced by such unfounded
allegations, could not be known by the people
because the debates of the Senate, in secre,
session, are not published. Under these cir.
cumstances, / deemed it due 10 the Office which
i hold, and due TO the character of the agents
who had been charged with the Investigation
that such proceedings should be had as would
enable the people to know the truth. A com
mission was, therefore. constituted under au-
thority OF Congress, consisting of gentlemen
selected with special reference 10 their high
character and capacity for the laborious work
Entrusted TO them, who were instructed to visit
the spot and report upon the facts. Other emf
nent citizens were requested to accompany the
Commission, In order that the people NIGH,
have the benefit of their views. Students o.
science and correspondents of the press, with
out regard 10 political opinions, were invited Il
join the expedition, and their numbers were
limited only by tire capacity of the vessel.
The mere rejection by the Senate of a treaty
negotiated by the President only indicates q
difference Of opinion between two coordinate
ing the character or wounding the pride oil
either. But when such a rejection takes place
simultaneously with charges openly made OF
corruption on The part of the President. or OF
those employed by him, the case is different
Indeed, IN such case, the honor of the nation
demands investigation. This has been accom-,
plished by the report of the Commissioners
herewith transmitted and which fully vindi.
Gates the purity OF the motives and action OF
those who represented the United States in the
negotiation.
And now my task is finished, aud with il
ends all personal solicitude upon the subject.
My duty being done, yours begins, and gladly
hand over the whole matter 10 the judgment OF
the American people and of their representa-.
tves in Congress assembled. The facts will
now be spread before the country and a deci
sion rendered by that tribunal whose convic-
lions so seldom err. and against whose will |
nave no po'lcy 10 enforce. My opinion remains
nchsnged-indeed, 1T is confirmed by the re.
port-that the interests of our country and al
San domingo alike invite the annexation of
that Republic 'o' VI
in view oil the difference of oninion ,,o, Al
SUBJECT suggest that no action he - =,
'ne present session beyond the nriotinn n :,
seneIai dissemination of the report '''N
before the next session of Cano.as. A.
pie VIII nave considered the subiect ana ~ peo,
an intelligent opinion concerning il to ~ 81
opinion, deliberately made up, it will h. ~
duty OF every department of the Governma,.,
to give heed, and no one will more eheerfnlI,
conform 10 ii than myself 1t is not only IN,
theory Of our Constitution that the will of tbe
people, constitutiOnally expressed, is the su
preme law. but / have ever belieyed that 90 a n