Knoxville weekly chronicle. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1870-1875, 1871-04-12
SAN poMINco.
Message from the President Accompany.
Ing the Report of the Commissioners.

S{s WASHINGTON, April S,
TO the Senate aud House Of Re,)resenta-
4 HUes.
/ have the honor to submit herewith to
the two Houses Of Congress, the re-
port of the Commissioners appointed
in pursuance of the joint resolution APP
proved January u, 1871. 1t will be OBJ
served that this report more chan sustains
all that have heretofore said in regard to
the productivcness and healthfulness of
the Republic of San Domingo, of the
nnanimity of the people for annexation to
the United States, and of their peaceable
character. 1t is due to the public, as it
certainly ID 10 naysef, that, should here
give all the circumstances which first led
to the negotiation of n treaty for the an
nexation of the Republic of San Do
mingo to the United States. When i ac-
cepted the arduous and responsible position
which now hold, ! did not dream of in
stituting steps for the acquisition Of insular
possessions.
believed, however, that our institutions
were broad enough to extend over the en-
tire continent as rapidly as other people
might desire to bring themselves under
our protection. / believed, futher that
we should not permit any independent
Government, within the limits of North
America, to pass from q condition of in
dependence,t to ownership or protection un-
der an European power.
ANNEXATION ASKED.
After my Inauguration as President, L
was waited upon by an agent of President
Baez, with proposition to annex the Re-
public of San Domingo TO the United
States. This gentleman represented the
capacity of the Island, the desire of the
people, and their character and habits
about as they have been described by the
Commissioners, whose report accompanies
this message.
He stated further that, being weak in
numbers and poor in purse, they were not
capable of developing theirgreat resources;
that the people had no incentive to indus
try, on account of the lack of protection
for their aceumulations and that if not ac-
cepted by the United States, with the in-
stitutions which they loved above those of
any other nation, they would be eompell-
ed to seek protection elsewhere. To these
statements i made no reply, and
gave no indication of what thought of
the proposition. In the course of time /
was waited upon by q 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 before me, and with an earn
est desire to maintain the Monroe doctrine,
i believed that it would be derelict in my
duty if did mot take measures to ascertain
the exact wish of the Government and the
lnnaDltantS OF the republic OF san domingo
in regard TO annexation and communicate
the information to the people of the United
States. Under the attending circumstances
/ felt that If turned a deaf ear TO this APP
peal, might in the future be justly charg-
ed with a fragrant neglect of the public in
terests and an utter disregard of the well
fare of n down-trodden race praying for
the blessings of free and strong Govern
ment and for protection in the enjoyment
of the fruits of their own industry. Those
opponents of annexation, who have hereto
fore professed to be pre-eminently the
friends Of the rights of man, believed
would be my most violent assailants if
neglected 80 clear duty, Accordingly,
after having appointed q commission to
visit the island, who declined on account
of sickness, selected a second gentleman,
! in whose capacity, Judgment and Integrity
J. had and have yet the most unbounded
confidence.
.THR MATTER INVESTIGATED.
lie visited San Domingo, not to secure or
hasten annexation, but, unprejudiced and
unbiased, TO learn all facts about the gov
eminent, the people aud the resources of
that Republic He went, certainly, as well
prepared to make an unfavorable report as
favorable one, If the facts warranted IT,