Wyandot County Republican. [volume] (Upper Sandusky, Ohio) 1869-1903, 1871-04-13

The following is the Presidents message trans
hitting the report of the San Domingo Commits
sioners to the Senate and House of Representa-
tives.
MESSAGE.
To the Senate and House of Representatives:
have the honor to submit herewith to the two
houses of Congress the report of the Commits
luton approved Jan. IL, 1871. 1t will be observed
that this report more than eustains all that have
an m Of tie fepubiie df san pomin
60, the unanimity of the people for annexation to
the United States, and their peaceable character.
1t is due to the public, as it certainly is to my
self that should here give all the circumstances
which irst led to the negotiations of the treaty
@ the 9bs as St s o
arduous and responsible position I now hold,
did not dream of insttuting any steps for the ac-
ever, that our Institutions were broad enough to
extend over the entire continent as rapidly as
other peoples might desire to bring 1hs
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 as President, was waited upon
by an agent of President Baez with proposition
United States. This gentleman represented the
capacity of the island, the desire of the people,
been described by the Commissioners, whose re-
port accompanies this message. He stated further,
that being weak IN % poor II
resources; that the people had NO incentive to in
duetry on account of the lack of protection for
their accumulatfons, 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 made no reply, and gave no indica-
ton of what thought of the proposition. In the
course of time was waited on by a second gentle
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
Mnoroe doctrine, believed that would be der
elict in my duty if did not take measures to
ascertain the exact wish Of the government and
inhabitants of the Republic of San Domingo in
regard to annexation, and to commune ate the in
formation to the people of the United States. I'm
deaf I ear to this appeal that might in future be
justly charged with fragrant neglect of the public
interest and in utter disregard of the welfare of
free and strong government, and for protection in
the enjoyment Of the fruits of their own industry.
Those opponents to annexation who have hereto,
the rights of man believed would be my most
violent assailants if 1 neglected SO clear duty.
sioner to visit the island who declined on account
of sickness, selected second gentleman, in
whose capacity, Judgment, and integrity had;
and have yet unbounded confidence. He visited
San Domingo, not to secure or hasten annexation,
but unprecedented to learn the facts about the gov
ernment, people and resources of that republic.
He went, certainly, as well prepared to make an un
favorable report as a favorable one, If the facts
warranted it. His report fully corroborated the
views of the previous Commissioner, and upon its
report I felt that sense of duty and due regard
for great national interests required me to ne
Of San Domingo. As soon as it became publicly
known that such treaty had been negotiated, the
attention of this country was occupied with allie
cations calculated to prejudice the merits OF the
case, and of those whose duty had connected them
with it. Amidst the public excitement thus
twothifds E vote eA Of the Senate, and was rejected
but whether the action OF that body was based
wholly upon the merits of the treaty, or might not
founded allegations, could not be known by the
people, because the debates of the Senate in secret
session are not published.
Under these circumstances, deemed it due to
the Office which hold, and due to the character
of the agents who had been charged with the in
as would enable people to know the truth. A
Commission was therefore constituted, under the
authority of Congress, consisting of gentlemen se-
lected in special reference to 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 eminent citizens
were requested to accompany the Commission, in
order that the people might have the benefit of
their views. Students Of science and correspond
ents of the press, without regard to political opin
ions were invited to join the expedition and their
numbers were only limited by the capacity of the
vessel.
The mere rejection by the Senate of treaty ne
gotiated by the President, only indicates differ
ence of opinion in the different branches of the
government, without touching the character or
wOunding the pride of either. But when such a
rejection takes place simultaneously with charges
openly made of corruption on the part of the Pres
dent or those employed by him, the case is differ
ent. Indeed, in such case the honor of the nation
demands an investigation. This has been accom-
plshed by the report of theCommissioners herewith
transmitted, which fully indicates the purity OF
the motives and actions of those who represented
the United States in the negotiation.
And now my task is finished, and with it ends
all my personal solicitude upon the subject. My
duty being done, yours begins; and gladly hand
the American people and their representa-
tiyes in Congress assembled. The facts
@ be rengessd DR ReSs s The W6as
convictions SO seldom err, and against whose viii
I have no policy to enforce. My opinion il
unchanged; indeed, it is confirmed by the repor
that the interests of our country and San Do
mingo alike invite the annexation of the repub
lie. In view of the difference of opinion upoI
this subject, suggest that no action be taken dur
ing the present session beyond the printing an6
general dissemination of the report. Before the
Considered the subject, and formed an intelligen
opinion concerning it, to which opinion, deliber
ately made up, it will be the duty of every depart
ment of the government to give heed, and no one
will more cheerfully conform than myself. 1t ii
not only the theory of our constitution that thu
the supreme law, but have ever believed that al
men collectively are wiser than any one man; ant
the 1 people, upon on full representation Of tn
every department of the government ought to &C
quiesce in that decision.
In again submitting to Congress the subject upo
which the public sentiment has been divided, an
which has been made the occasion of acrimoniou
debates in Congress. as well as unjust aspersion
elsewhere, may, trust, be indulged in singl
remark: No man can hope to perform duties s.
delicate and responsible pertain to the Presiden
tial office without sometimes incurring the hostil
ity of those who deem their opinions and wishe
treated with insufficient consideration, and he VIII
undertakes to conduct the affairs of a great gov
ernment as faithful public servant, if sustaine
by the approval of his own conscience may rel
with confidence upon the candor and intelligenc
of free people whose best interests he has striye
to subserve, and can bear with patience the censur
of disappointed men. q. s. GRANT.
EXECUTIVE MANSION, April g. 1871.