The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1871-01-17
SAN DOMINGO.
What General Mcclellan ThSGghg of the
Island In 1884.

Island In 1891.
The following are the principal features of
the reports on San Domingo, made by Brevet
Captain George b. Mcclellan to Jeff Davis
Secretary of War, in 1854.
Several harbors are mentioned, but none seem
10 equal Samana Bay, of which the report says:
The largest ships psof-the-line can enter this
bay with the utmost ease, and fnd secure au-
chorage within, entirely out of common range
from vessels outside the keys. The anchorages
and small harbors on the northern side of the
bay, near the entrance, are very good, aud have
excellent holding ground.
The only objection to this bay arises from the
Tareness of land breeZes at certain seasons of
the year at least; that it Is difficult for large
vessels to sail out as the channel is somewhat
narrow for them to beat through. This diff
Guilty can be remedied by the use of steam-tug,
by hedging or warping. We're the channel we'll
"buOyed out, it is probable that shi pot the
line could, in case of necessity, beat out. With
respect to steamers, there is no obstacle in the
way OF their entering or leaving at any time In
the day or night.
The country itself is not favorably reported
on. The island is described as traYersed by
narrow paths, and no roads could be found
offering way for ordinary travel. Tue village
of SamaEa was the principal town on the penin-
sula formed by Samana Bay. If had, at the tlme
the report was submitted, 1921 inhabitants
most of them negroes-who carried on very
laDguid and meagre commerce with the neigh
borngsislands The Samana Peninsula is re
presented as remarkably healthful aud little
subject to yellow fever. Bituminous coal was
found quite plentifully at several points and of
excellent quality. The mountain ranges are
covered by luXuriant growth OF valuable thu
Der, mahogany, bulata, acOma, meAosa, palms,
and pine. The plains between the mountain
ranges are fertile and healthful.
The reports conclude:-There is certainly
little reason judging from what saw, TO call
Daminica "white republic" The great mass
OF the people are negroes and mulattoes.
general Incidence and apathy appear TO reign.
There are no indications of either commercial
or agricultural prosperity. Money ana the
comforts of life are very scarce. Wages are low,
except when foreigners are the employers. The
macs of the people seem perfectly contented to
exc ont their eXistedce in cave huts, trusting for
support to their bananas and eocoanuts The
American negroes at Samana express more am-
bition and desire of improving their condition
than the others. The best possible feeling APP
pears TO prevail towards Americans. much bet
ter than towards the English aud French.
Grant Ready 80 ~ta0o bv the EvtdsSce ei the
Dominican COmmIssi0".
Before Mr.. Whites departure from washing
ton, President Grant said To him-
81 want you TO probe matters TO the bottom. IN
vestigate everything. flnd OUT anu St tSt squa,sy
the entire case, just as 1t is dOh Wlsu 70 lnnu'
ence you TO make report en- one sld- OF Tue other
l am ready TO be converted oy the eFiaence 10 the
anti Just as hope they are ready TO
he converted te favor annexation. What want Is
inst hat the country wants, ana that Is the real
facts Especially investigate the evidence az 10
iobs and land grants, ana any m0ney-making cOH-
tracts Don't hesitate 20 expose an body aud
everybody whom yon may fnd guilty OF dishonest
fc' l'rce