Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1871-02-21

The above Is the official translation Of the
speech. After formal speeches the inter-
view took the form of question and answer.
Baez asserted that the opposition to the an
nexation was not with the Dominicans but
with the Haytiens. Gabriel had no Domini-
cans to support him worthy of notice; the
fact that he was not in command of the forces
commonly styled his, the officers were Hay
items and the whole life of the movement was
with the Haytien authorities. Mr.. Wade
here said that such statements we're at
variance with the commonly received opinion
in the United States, that he felt constrained
whether it could be relied on Baez replied
that it was entirely accurate and to show a
basis for it produced the official letters, CIV
ing detailed information of arrangements
nominally under Cabral. While the commits
sion was here for the purpose of influencing
Its opinions, the case made out by Baez
showed deep hostility on the part of Hayti to
BaeZ, and his plans, the force with which Ca
bral Is. Baez gave as one regiment only,
and there was a prospect that one or two
more were about to join him. His real posi-
ton is 6 miles west of Aguau, and he has
constantly been along the Haytien border.
Even the Dominicans near him have taken
no part but fallen back as he advanced.
Baez expressed great confidence that he had
not over-rated the desire of the people for
annexation, but hoped that the commissions
ers would question freely on that point in all
directions. A second and less formal meet
ing was arranged at Baezs house Small
parties of the scientific corps will be sent
into the country from here in various direc-
tons. The commission is proceeding in
very unostentat ious way, and is very in
dustrious. 1t will report what it sees and
discovers bearing upon the question en-
braced in the Senate resolution, but will ex-
press no opinion upon the policy of annexa-
ton. What was seen of the people around
SANTANA was of little consequence compared
with the investigation into the value of peace
as naval station. All seemed to agree that
the present condition of the finances would
justify it, and the harbor where the coaling
station is should be obtained by one govern
ment, by lease or purchase. The real inves-
tgation into the views and disposition Of the
people and resources of the country, will be-
gin here. 1t is the present intention to go
from this place some time next week to
Aguau, and visit the region around DIVA,
thence proceed to the north side of the Is
land, probably stopping at Port Au Prince
for one or two days. From Puerto Plata or
some point near either the commission or the
small parties, Wi visit the great cities
Thus far the problems which seem to be re-
garded as most important are the difficulty
of assimilating such mixed population, the
question whether our system of taxation
would be submitted whether war with
Hayt would not soon follow, or whether our.
treasury just now could stand large appro-
priation which the annexation would require
Immediately. The richness of the country,
magnificent of foliable, and beauty and
grandeur of the mountains cannot be over
rated. There is neither energy or thrift.
The commission hope to start for home soon
ba irpf &c ho,l on
case of sickness in the party and the season
is healthy everywhere in the Island. So far
as heard from all the United States officials
upon the Island are well. The report of the
commission can hardly be ready for Con-
eress before the latter part of March, or ten
days after their arrival in Washington. 1t
will doubtless contain a very favorable sum-
ming Of the material resources of the Island,
and Il strong commentator Of SANTANA as a
naval station, bearing of observations made
and studies presented upon political and
social, and ec0nomius questions connected
with the annexation will probably be touched
upon, only so far as to call public attention
to them, but without preventing an argument
for or against annexation. The report will
doubtless vindcate the Presidents motives
and declare his sole connection with the mat
ter has been in his official capacity, and that
he is not concerned in private operations of
any kind. There has, however, been very
questionable use of war power directed
against Hayti, as the officers of the navy have
positive orders to use their ships to defend
Baez against his enemies in the Island.
These orders do not show on their face that
they originated in the department, but came
direct from the commanding officer of the
fleet over year ago, The survey of the
public lands by the New York Company is
going rapidly forward. The contract with
the Dominican government gives them one
fifth of the whole amount "A contract was
first made with Fabens, and he arranged
with New York capitalists. Interests have
been offered to unofficial parties in Washing
ton. The agent of the company making the
survey is also agent of the government to see
that the company does not get all the best
land. Thus far $4,000 have been expended
in surveying. The company is selecting as
far as possible outside of all the Spanish
grant There is millions of dollars of profit
in the scheme if the annexation is consum-
mated.