Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1871-02-21
San Domingo,
News from the Comm issiOn-PrOsperOu
Voyage fthe TenBessce-HOw the Conn
missIOners were Received, etc.


SAN DOMINGO CITY, Feb. Sd, via New York,
Feb. 2O.-The Tennessee arrived here day before
Yesterday evening, having had very prosper
GUS voyage; but we did not land formally till
to-day. We touched first SANTANA, but as there
were no facilities whatever for sending off coal
to ships of the class of the Tennessee, we
were detained six days to bring off coal in the
steamers launches. The commission spent the
time hard at work, and got statements from
representatives of all classes, most of which are
favorable to annexation. Many ofice-holders,
however, are specializing whether they will be
displaced by American officers, and while they
did not raise the question with the commission,
talked freely with others. There was nothing
whatever to show that any official of the United
States is concerned in any operations ofa private
character in the neighborhood of SANTANA; but
Fabens and O'Sullivan, with some associates
of the former, have leased nearly all the water
front, and for considerable distance back of that
which has deep water in front of it.
The grant is far below the usual rates, and
the annual consideration, SIP, is without re-
gard to increase in price. Fabens has also inn
ported lumber and other stores free of duty,
under the plea that they were for the United
States. There is no system of internal taxation,
and it is doubtful whether the natives would
submit to one. The country is as rich as the most
earnest friends of annexation have represented,
and the season, at present, is very healthy, and
the heat less than that of Washington in sum-
mer. The people are very ignorant and indo-
lent, and mostly live in huts, The whole land
seems asleep. The most prosperous part of the
population is a negro colony which came from
Philadelphia, in 1924. They now number nearly
500, and are all Methodists. The harbor of
SANTANA will not admit ships of the second class,
like the Tennessee, and will require large ex-
penditure to put the coal station in proper con-
diton; but it is capable of being made one of
the finest in the world. The Notifications will
necessarily be as extensive as those at New York
city. There is no harbor at this place. except
for vessels below the fourth rate. All our
steamers lie in open roadsteads with banked
fires.
The commission is honestly aiming at full
and free investigation; but none of its members
express their opinion. Their reception here, by
Baez, was quite formal, and was followed by
at the executive mansion of the republic. Del
Monte Gautier and the minister of war were
present. Mr.. Wade presented statement of
the action of congress, and read the following
letter of authority from President Grant:
EXECUTIVE MANSION,
WASHINGTON, d. c., Jan. 18th, 1871.
To HIS Ercelency, B. Bdez, President Of the
Republic of San Domingo .-Sir-ln accordance
with joint resolution of the two houses of the
congress of the United States, have appointed
three distinguished citizens of the United States,
to wit: Hon. B. Wade. many years senator, Pres.
A. ID. White Of Cornell university, and Dr. S. G.
Howe, distinguished for his philanthropy,
learning and services in relieving he blind of
much Of the monotony of life incident to their
infrmities, by opening to them the world of
letters,-as n commission to visit the republic
OF San Domingo, and to obtain the information
called for by the resolution. Associated with
the commission IS Judge Allen G. Burton, Sec
rotary to the same, a gentleman who has hon.
ored his country by serving 1t in diplomatic
capacity. l beg to introduce these gentlemen
and to ask for them your kind offices. With
great respect,