The evening Argus. [volume] (Rock Island, Ill.) 1861-1871, 1871-04-06


the capacity of the Island, the desire of the |
people and their character and habits, about
as they have been described by the Commiss
toner's, whose report accompanies this |
message. He stated further that being |
weak in numbers and poor in purse, they |
wsre not capable of developing their great
resources that the people had no incentive |
TO industry on account Of lack of protection |
for their accumustions, and that if not ac>
cepted by the United States, with inssitu
tions which they loved above those of any
other nation, they would be compelled TO
seek protection elsewhere. To these state
ments / MADE no reply, and gave no indica
tions of what | thought of the proposition.
In course of time / was waited on by q
second gentleman from San Domingo, who
made the same representations and was
received in like manner. In view of the
| facts which had been laid before me and
with the earnest desire to maintain the
| Monroe doctrine, l believed that would be
/ direleet il my duty if did not take meas.
ures 20 ascertain the exact wish of the gov
ernment and inhabitants of San Domingo
in regard to annexation, and communicate
the information 10 the people of the United
| States. Under attending circumstances, ]
felt that if torned deaf ear to this al
peal, might in future be Justly charged
with G fragrant neglect of the pub
| lie interests, and utter disregard of
the welfare of the down-trodden
race praying for the blessings OF
a free and strong government, and for pro
lection IN the enjoymentof the fruits of their
own industry. Those opponents TO annexa-
tion who have heretofore professed to be
pre-eminently the friends of the rights Of
man, believed would be my most violent
assailants if neglected SO clear 6 duty
| Accordingly, after having appointed Com
missioners to visit the Island, who declined
| on account of sickness, l selected a second
gentleman, in whose capacity, judgmentand
| integrity | had, and have yet, unbounded
confidence. He visited San Domingo not
to secure or hasten annexation, but IN pref
udlced, to learn the facts about the govern
ment, people and resources cf the Republic.
he went certainly as well prepared to make
an unfavorable report as favorable one, if
facts warranted it. His report fully corrob
GRATED the views of the previous Commis-
sioners, and upon this report | felt that a
sense of duty and due regard for our great
national interests, required me to negotiate
treaty for the acquisition of the Republic
Of San Domingo. As soon as 1t became
publicly known that such treaty had been
negotiated, the attention Of the country WRs
occupied with allegations calculated to
prejudice the merits of the case, and withi.'
those whose duty had connected them with
: il. Amidst the public excitement thus ere
ated, the treaty failed to receive requisite
two-third vote of the Senate, and Was reject
ed but whether the action of that body was
> based wholly upon the merits of the treaty
or might not have been in some degree in
huenced BY such unfouuded allegations
would not be known BY the people, because
: debates of the Senate in secret are not pub
iished Under these circumstances | deemed
it due to the Office which | hold, aud due &c
the character of the investigation, that sue h
proceedings should be had as would enable
the people to know the truth. 4 commission
was therefore constituted under authority o.
Congress-, consisting of gentlemen selected
with especial reference to their high chRrac
ter and capacity for the laborious work en-
trusted to them, who were instructed to visi
the spot and report upon the fscts. Other
eminent citizens were requested TO accom-
pauy the commissioner in order that the
; people might have the benefit of their views
Students of science and correspondents o
the press, without regard to political opin
ions, were invited to join the expedition
( and their mum bers were limited only by tn
= capacity of the vessel. The mere rejection
oy the Senate ofa treaty negotiated by th
President, only indicates a difference c
b opinion in the government, without touch
ing the character or wounding The pride q
eitter, but wheu such rejection takes plac
i sitnultaueousiy with charges openly made
If corruption on the part Of the Presiden
3 or those employed by him, tt e CO is difel
: ent; indeed, in such q case, he honor Of tn
y nation demands investgs:ions. This ha
Ie been accomplish ed by ths report of tn
70 Commission herewith transmitted, wbic
81 Iuly vindicates the printing of the motive
and action of those who represented ii
- United States in the negotiation.
Now my task is finished, and with it enc
q all personal solicitude upon the subjec
- My duty being done, yours commences, al
~ gladly hand over the whole matter TO tt
a, Judgment of the American people and the
" Representatives 10 Congress assemble
70 u The facts will now be spread before II
~ country, and decision rendered by tn
g. tribunal whose convictions so seldom er
and against whose will ] have no policy
Us enforce. My opinion is unchanged; inde'
~ it is confirmed by the party that the intere
Of our country and of San Domingo alik
IN invite annexation ot the republic. In vie
ns' of the difference of opinion on this subiet
suggest that no action be taken al &
ed present session, beyond printing, and gen
ia raj dss emination of the report, before t
ges next session of Congress. The people W
LED have considered the subject and formed
Aid intelligent opinion concerning it, to viii
opinion deliberately made up, it will be
m duty of every department of the Cover
OF uent to give heed, and no one will me-
mo cheerfully conform than myself. 1t is 1
MI, only the theory Of our Constitution that
Id will ofthe people, constitutionaly express'
is the supreme law, but have ever believ
DE- that all men are wiser than any one m'
ate and if the people upon full representation
em facts shall decide annexation is not des
oi able, every department of the Governm
ted ought to acquiesce in that decision.
In again submitting to Congress 81
'ate iect, upon which public sentiment has be
'hu- divided, and which has been made the
the casion of acrimonious debates in Congrt
as vel. as unjust aspersious elsewhere
ing NAV. trust, be INDUCED in single rema
port No man can hope to perform duties so
cate and responsible as pertain to the Pr
ans Dental Office, without sometimes incuri
ngo the hostility of those who deeu their o!
ions and wishes treated with insuthei