West-Jersey pioneer., 1871-04-21
POLITICAL OUTLOOK.

POLITICAL OUTLOOK.
But few weeks since the prospect for
the Republican Party was anything but as
suring
Charles Summer was engaged in denoun-
cling with all tho power of his marvellous
eloqueuce the policy of the President, and
not very indirectly the President himself.
Following this at the organization of the
Forty-Second Congress, Senator Cameron
was appointed Chairman of the Committee
on Foreign Affairs, position that had been
held by Summer for years. The event gave
rise to much bad feeling, and how far it
would cripple if it did not destroy the party
could hardly be foreseen. The result of tho
elections in New Hampshire gave additional
confirmation to all the sinister forebodings
that had been freely expressed.
1t is almost incredible that in so short
time such a change should occur in general
sentiment. The members of the San Do
mingo Commission made their report, con-
firming every favorable Judgment that had
been expressed by the President, and closing
as follows =
f's In reviewing the whole field of their in
vestigations, looking to the interests of
both divisions of the Island, they are firmly
persuaded that the annexation of Santo Do
mingo to the United States would be hardly
less beneficial to the Haytien than to the
Dominican people. This benefit would
arise-first, from the example which would
be afforded of well regulated, orderly, and
prosperous State, the great need of that
part of the world, and which it has never
yet seen. A second and more direct benefit
would arise from the equitable establish
ment of a boundary line between the French
speaking and Spanish speaking nations upon
that island, and its guaranty by strong
power. This would end the sxhaIsting bor-
der warfare, which has been one of the
greatest curses of Hayti as well as of Santo
Domingo, and would enable both to devote
their energies thenceforward to the educa-
tiOn of their people and the development of
their resources. Respectfully submitted,
B. F. WADE,
ANDREW D. WHITE,
Erf rii s. e. HOWE. 'sii
To the President of the United States.'
President Grant on April 5th, presented
the Report to Congress, accompanied with
Message, of which we give the main
points in the following =
"And now my task is finished, and with
it ends all personal solicitude upon the sub
ject. My duty being done, yours begins
and gladly hand over the whole matter to
the judgment of the American people and
of their Representatives in Congress assem-
bled. The facts will now be spread before
the country, and decision rendered by
that tribunal, whose convictions so seldom
err, and against whose will have no policy
to enforce. My opinion remains unchanged
indeed it is confirmed by the report, that
the interests of our country and of Santo
Domingo, alike invite the annexation of the
Republic. In view of the difference of
opinion upon this subject, suggest that no
action be taken at the present session be-
yond the printing and general dissemination
of the report. Before the next session of
Congress the people will have considered
the subject and formed an intelligent opin-
ion concerning it, to which opinion, delibe-
rately made up, it will be the duty of every
department of the Government to give heed,
and no one will more cheerfully conform to
it than myself. 1t is not only the theory of
our Constitution that the will of the peo-
pie, constitutionally expressed, is the su
preme law, but have ever believed that all
men are wiser than any one man; and if
the people, upon full presentation of the
facts, shall decide that the annexation of
the Republic is not desirable, every depart
ment of the Government ought to acquiesce
in that decision"
Just at this time the result of the Con-
necticut election was announced, and in
stead Of sweeping Democratic victory ac-
cording to the programme of reaction, it
proved in almost every respect Republican
gain. Since that better feeling has mani
tested itself in Congress.
It was intimated that Senator Sumner
would through personal pique, oppose the
bill giving power to the President for the |
suppression of disorder in the Southern
States. But on the contrary he made one
of his most able speeches in behalf of the
measure. On Friday morning last immedi-
ately after the meeting of the Senate, Mr..
Howe of Wisconsin, who had been very Sc
we're in reply to Mr.. Summers San Domingo !
speech, took occasion to make an explana-
ton looking to more peaceful relations. He
stated that he had not only combated the
Senator's position, but had INDUCED in
some personal reflections upon his course of
action. The explicit declaration made by
the Senator from Massachusetts, had con-
vinced him that his purpose was not what
he supposed it to be, and he sought an op-
portunity to make this declaration. Mr..
Sumner received the explanation kindly,
and while asserting the strength and hon
esty of his convictions, announced himself
as a member of the Republican Party,
i" faithful to it always"
1t would appear that all political expecta-
tions born Of this party feud may be con-
sidered as indefinitely postponed.