Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1871-04-11


the San Domingo Commissioners to
the Senate and House of Representa-
tives:
EXECUTIVE MANSION, April 5, 1871.
81 have the honor to submit herewith to the |
two houses of Congress, the report of the |
Commissioners appointed in pursuance Of a |
joint resolution approved January l2th, 1871. |
1t will be observed that this report more than |
sustans all I have heretofore said in regard 10
the productlveness and hcaithfulness of the re-
public of San Domingo, the unanimity of the
people for annexation to the United States,
and of their peaceful character.
It is due to the public, as it certainly is to-
myself, that should here give all the circum-
stances which first led to the negotiations of
treaty for the annexation of the republic of
San Domingo to the United States. When
accepted the arduous and responsible position
which / now hold, did not dream Of institu-
ting any steps for the acquisition Of an insular
possession. believed, however, that our in
situations were broad enough to extend over
the entire continent as rapidly as other peo-
pie might desire TO bring themselves under
our protection. believed further, that we
should not permit any independent govern
ment within the limits of North America, TO
pass from a condition of independence to one
of ownership or protection under a European
power. Soon after my Inauguration as Pres
ldent was awaited on by an agent of Presi-
dent Baez with proposition to annex the Re-
public of San Domingo to the United States.
| This gentleman represented the capacity of
| the island, desire of the people, and their
character ana .habits-as they ha We been des
cribed by the commissioners, whose report
accompanies this message. He stated further,
that being weak i'll numbers and poor in purse,
they were not capable Of developing their
| great resources that the people had no incen-
| tive to industry, on account of lack of protec-
| ton for their accumulations, and that il not
| accepted by the United States, with institutions
| which they loved above those of any other
| country. they would be compelled to seek pro-
/ lection elsewhere. To these demands | made
no reply, and gave no indications of what l
| thought of the proposition. In the course of
| time | was waited on by second gentleman
| from San Domingo, who made the same rep
reservations, and was received in like manner
| In view of the facts which were laid be-
fore me, and with an earnest desire to main
/ tain the Monroe doctrine, | believed that l
would be direect in my duty, if ! did not
take measures to ascertain the wish of the
government and inhabitants of the Republic of
San Domingo in regard to annexation, and
communicate the information to the people Of
the United States. Understanding the cir
cumstances. | felt if turned deaf ear TO this
appeal might IN future be charged with neg
lect of the public interests, and utter disregard
| of the welfare of downtrodden race, praying
for the blessings of free and strong govern
ment ard for protection in the enjoyment of
the fruits of their own industry. Those OPP
ponents Of annexation, who have heretofore
protested to be pre- minently the friends Of
the rights Of man, believe would be my most
violent assailants if neglected so clear duty.
| Accordingly, after having appointed a Com
| IN vie ifs hp Isl bO
account of sickness, / selected second gentle
man, in whose capacity, judgment and integ
rity had and have yet unbounded confidence.
He visited San Domingo not to secure or has
| ten annexation, but, unprecedented, to learn
the facts about the government, people and
resources of that Republic. He went certain
ly as well prepared to make an unfavorable re-
port as favorable one, if the facts warranted
It. His report fully corroborated the views
of the previous Commissioners, and upon this
| report felt that sense of duty and due re-
gard for our great national interests required
me to negotiate treaty Tor the acquisition of
the Republic Of San Domingo.
| As soon as it became publicly known that
such treaty had been negotiated, the atten.
ton OF the country was occupied with alega.
tons calculated to prejudice the merits of the
case, and those whose duty had connected
them with it. Amidst the public excitement
thus created, the treaty failed TO receive the
requisite two-thirds vote of the Senate and was
rejected, but whether the action Of that body
was based wholly on the merits of the tteaty
or might not have been in some degree nflu-
enced by such unfounded allegations, could
not be known by the people, because the de-
bates OF the Senate in secret session are not
published.
Under these circumstances, deemed il due
| to the Office which hold and due to the char
| arts of had oh
with the investigation, that such proceedings
| should be had as would enable the people 10
| know the truth. A commission was there
| fore constituted under authority of Congress,
| consisting Of gentlemen selected with special
| reference to their high character and capacity
I for the laborious work entrusted 10 them, who
/ were instructed to visit the spot and report on
| the facts. Other eminent citizens were re-
| quested TO accompany the Commission, in or
der that the people might have the benefit of
their views. Students of science and CORES
pondents of the press without regard to politi-
| cal opinions were invited to Join the expedi-
! ton and their numbers were limited only by
| the capacity of the vessel
| The mere rejection by the Senate of
treaty negotiated by the President, only indi-
| Gates difference of opinion between depart
| ments Of the government, without touching
the character or woundng the pride of either,
taneously with charges openly made of cor
ruption on the part of the President or those
employed by him, the case is different In
deed, in such case the honor of the nation
demands investigation This has been accom-
plished by the report of the Commissioners, |
herewith transmitted, which fully yindicates
the purity of the motives and action of those |
who represented the United States in the me- |
gotiation and now my task is finished, and |
xxytfh I nIe all
subject. My duty being done, yours begins, |
and gladly hand over the whole matter TO the |
judgment of the American people and their
representatives in Congress assembled The
facts will now be spread before the country,
and decision rendered by that tribunal whose
convictions so seldom err, and against whose
will Eave no policy to enforce. MY opinion
is unchanged indeed, il is confirmed by the
report that the interests of our country and
San Domingo alike invite the annexation of
the republic. In view of the differences of
opinion upon this subject, | suggest that no
action be taken at the present session., beyond [
the printing and general dissemination Of the
report. Before the next session Of Congress,
the people will have considered the subject
and formed an intelligent opinion concerning
1t, to which opinion, deliberately made up ii |
will be the duty of every department of the
Government to give heed, and no one will
more cheerfully conform than myself 1t is
not only the theory of our constitution that
the will of the people, consttutionaIly express
ed, is the supreme law, but have ever beliey-
ed that all men are wiser than any one man.
and, il the people, upon full representation Of
the fact, shall decide that annex alton is not
desirable, every department Of the Government
ought TO acquiesce in that decision
Again submitting to Congress the subject,
which the public sentiment has been dNj-
ded, and which has been made the occasion of
an acrimonious debate 10 Congress, as well as
unjust aspersions elsewhere, may, I trust.
be INDUCED in single remark No man can
hope to perform duties, so delicate and res
ponsible, as pertain TO the Presidential Office,
without sometimes mourning hostility of those
who deem their opinions and wishes treated :
With insufficient consideration, and he who !
Undertakes to conduct the affairs of great ]
government as faithful public servant. #
'uNalned by the approval of his own con-
clence, may rely with confidence upon the
AMOR and intelligence of free people
snose pest interests he has striyen to subserve,
ppointed men. i