The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1871-09-08

found to offer the advantages that were
sought. Owing to prohibition i'm the
Dominican Constitution, that govern.
ment could not consent to an absolute
sale of territory, but offered a lease
upon the details of which the parties
failed to agree. President johnson, un.
willing to relinquish the project, direct.
ed our Commercial Agent there TO
accept terms for lease which had been
rejected by the former agent. No pro-
gress being made by the agent for some
months, his instructions were revoked
Later in the same year, 1867, it was an
nounced that the two powers on the
island had entered into treaty not to
ALLEVIATE any portion of their territory.
This was subsequently found to be an
error but it had the effect TO put a stop
to our negotiations for a time Again,
however, in November, 1867, the Do
minican Government sought to renew
the negotiations, and they were pend
ing in March, 1868, at the time OF the
downfall Of Cabral and restoration of
Baez This termination of our negotia-
tons gave rise to great solicitude on the
part of some Of our leading men, the
distinguished Massachusetts, Senator
among them, lest some European power
should obtain possession of the bay, the
great Importance of which was then
conceded by all men who had studied
the subject. In December, 1868, the
government OF Baez opened negotia-
tons with the United States for the an
nexation of the island, and the entire
unanlmity OF the people was assured.
This was the situation of the San Do
mingo question when General Grant was
inaugurated. In June, 1869, he APP.
pointed Mr.. Hunt, of Philadelphia,
gentleman thoroughly acquainted in
Hayti to visit the island and make
report upon its resources, and the con-
ditiOn of its population. Mr.. Hunt ac-
cepted the appointment, but was pre-
vented from sailing by a severe attack
OF illness, and General Babcock, of the
army, was appointed in his stead. I'M
der the instructions given him, the lat
ter concluded treaty for the annexa
ton OF the San Domingo territory, and
as an alternative, a convention for the
lease Of the bay and peninsula of Sa-
mana. The terms Of the treaty required
ratification by the citizens Of that
country, which was given with great
unanimity. This treaty, it will be re-
membered, did not receive the ratifica-
ton of the Senate, and the convention
for the lease of the bay and peninsula
of SANTANA is still pending.
On the 10Th of January, 1871, under
the authority of joint resolution Of
Congress, the President appointed
commission to visit the island of Hayti
and make report of its condition, re-
sources, ETC. The selection of this COM
mission was such as TO fully satisfy the
entire community, and their reports
more than corroborated everything the
President had said relative to that
country. 1t was elaborate. thorough,
and able, setting forth in minute detail
everything Of interest or importance in
relation to the island and its people.
AT this point, the subject having
passed beyond the control of the Presi-
dent, he transmitted the entire ques-
ton to the Senate, using in his message
the following language:
"And now my task is finished, and with
it ends all personal solcitude on the sub
ject. My duty being done, yours begins,
and ! gladly hand over the whole matter to
the judgment Of the American people, and
of their representatives in Congress assem-
bled. The facts will now be spread before
the country, and decision rendered by that
tribunal whose convictions so seldom err,
and against whose will have no policy to
enforce
APPEAL TO REPUBLICANS.
Mr.. Delano concluded with an appeal
to Republicans to relax no effort to Sc
cure the completion of the noble work
undertaken 10y the Republican party,
and to prevent the government from
falling under the reckless and extrava.
CANT control of Tammany politicians.
He said
"All important considerations gather
together and demand that you neither
sleep upon guard nor surrender to the
foe. You will realize this, and continue
active and vigilant. Advance your
picket defenses close upon the enemy,
and invade his lines whenever strength
or strategy shall warrant success. So
you shall conquer again, and hold for
yourselves the country and the public
trust which treason and rebellion cast
upon you. You can then look proudly
back 10 what your valor has accom-
plished, and look forward, with hope, to
the progress Of civilization, the happi-
ness of future postcrity, and the present
glory of the nation"