Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1871-04-06
SAN DO MINGO,
N ESSAGE OF tn z PRESI OENT.
Report Of the Com DESIGNERS.

Inc following message of President Grant
submitting the report OF the San Domingo Com
mission, was received in both Houses Of Con
gress yesterday:
To tie Senate and House Of Representatives.:
nave the honor to submit here with to the
missioners appointed in pursuance of Joint reso.
luton approved January IL, 1871.
IL VIII be observed that this report more tn an
sustains all that have heretofore said in regard
TO the productiveness and healthfuiness of the
Republic of San Domingo, of the unanimity of
the people for annexation to the United States
and Of their peacesble character.
1t is due to the public, as 1t certainly is to nv.
self, that 1 should here give all the circum-
stances which first led to the negotiation OF a
treaty for the annexation Of the Republic OF San
cepted the arduous and responsible position
which L Low hold, did not dream of inst.
futing any steps for the acquisition of insular
possessions 1 believed, however, that our insti-
buttons were broad enough to extend over the
entire continent as rapidly as other peoples
might desire TO bring themselves under our pro-
lection. believed, further, that we should not
permit any independent government within the
limits of North America to pass from a cOnd-
ton of independence to one Of ownership or
protect under European Power.
soon AFTER my Inauguration as President /
was waited upon by an agent of President Baez
with proposition to annex the Republic OF
San Domingo to the United States. This gem
tleman represented the capacity OF the island
and habits about as they have been described
by the Commissioners, whose report accom-
panies this message. He stated further that
bt ing 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
thtlr accommodations, 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
seNhere. 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 main
tain the Z" Monr 0e doctrine" believe that L
thonld be derelict in my duty ii did not take
government and inhabitants of the republic of
San Domingo in regard TO annexation, and COM
muDicate the inf0r nation to the people OF the
United states; Under the attending circum-
appeal might in the future be justly charged
with q fragrant neglect OF the public interests,
and an utter disregard OF the welfare of do wn.
tIodden race, praying for the BLESSINGS Of afree
and strong government, and for protection in
the enjoyment OF the fruits Of their own
industry Those opponents Of annexation
who have heretofore progressed to be pre-.
man believe would be my most violent
assaiants if 1 neglected 90 clear Q duty
Accordingly, after having appointed q com
mission to visit the island, VINO declined on &C.
count Of sickness, 1 selected . second gentle
man. in whose capacity, judgment, and integ-
rity had and have yet the most unbounded
confidence. He visited San Domingo, not TO
secure or hasten annexation, but unprejudiced
and unbiased to learn all the facts about the
GOV eminent, the people, and the resources o.
that republic. He went certainly g well pre-
pared to make an unfavorable report o. . IA
vorable one, If the facts warrantedit. His re-
port fully corroborsted the views of previous
commissions, and upon its receipt felt that
sense of duty and . due regard for our grea
national interests required me to negotiate
treaty for the acquisition OF the Republic OF
San Domingo.
As soon e it became publicly known tina.
such a II eaty had been negotiated, the attention
OF the country was occupied with allegations
calculated to prejudice the merits Of the case,
and with aspersions upon those whose duty had
connected them with II. Amidst tho public
excitement thus created the treaty failed to
receive the requisite two-thrds vote 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 have been in
some degree Influenced by such unfounded
allegations, eoald not be known by the people,
because the debates of the Senate in secret
session are not published. Under the circum