Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1871-04-06

THE SAN DOMINGO REPORT AND MESSAGE,
10 the Senate and House of REPRESENTATIVES
have the honor to submit herewith to the two
houses of congress the report of the commits.
sloners appointed, in pursuance of the joint res
olution approved January 18th, 1871 II will be
observed that this report more than sustains all
have heretofore said in regard to the produc-
tiveness and heathiulneSs of the republic of San
Domingo, of the unanimity of the people for
annexation to the United States, and their
peaceable character. 1t is due to the public as
it certainly is to myself, that should here give
all the circumstances which first led to the ne
COLLATION. 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, l did not dream of
instituting any steps for the acquisition of in
sular possessions.
believed, however, that our institutions were
broad enough to extend over the entire CONT
nent as rapidly as other people might desire to
bring themselves under our protection. be.
ieyed, further, that we should not permit any
independent government, within the limits of
North America, to pass from a condition of in
dependence TO one of ownership or protection
under European power. Soon after nv in
auguration 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 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 number and
poor in purse, they were not capable of develop
ing their great resources; that the people had
no incentive to industry, on account of lack of
protection for their accumulations; and that, if
not accepted by the United States, with institu-
tons which they loved above those of any other
nation, they would be compelled to seek protec-
ton elsewhere.
To these statements l made no reply, and gave
no indication of what | thought of the propo-
sitlon. In the course of time, was waited
upon by 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 earnest desire to maintain the Monroe doc
trine, believed would be dereect in my duty
If did not take measures to ascertain the ex-
act wish OF the government and inhabitants of
the republic of San Domingo, in regard to an
nexation, and communicate such information to
the people OF the United States. Under the at
tending circumstances, | felt, if turned a deaf
ear to this appeal, | might in future, be justly
charged with hagraut neglect of the public
interests and utter disregard of the welfare of a
Gown trodden race, praying for the blessings of
iree and strong government, and for protection
in the enjoyment of the fruits of their own in
dustry: These opponents of annexation, who,
heretofore, professed to be prominent friends of
the rights of man, l believed would be nv most
Vloleht aSsailants II neglected so clear a duty.
Accordingly, after having appointed commits
sion to visit the island, who declined, on
account Of sickness, selected second gentle
man, in whose capacity, Judgment and integrity
/ had the most unbounded confidence. He
visited San Domingo, not TO secure or hasten
annexation, but, uupreiudiced and unbiased.
to learn all the facts about the government, the
people and the resources of that republic He
went certainly as well prepared to make an un-
favorable report as favorable one, II the facts
warranted it. His report fully corroborated the
views of the previous commissioners, and, upon
It's receipt, felt that sense of duty, and due
regard for our great national interests, required
me to negotiate treaty for the acquisition Of
the republic Of San Domingo.