Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1871-02-21


necessary, and will take special pleasure IN Civ
ing you every satisfaction. In making your
investigation, as to the spontaneity of the reso-
luton of the Dominican people, we desire ar
IDENTIFY that you will consult not only the inn
mense majority in favor of annexation, but,
also, those who are opposed to it.
The above is the official translation of his
speech. After the formal speeches, the inter
view took the form of question and answer.
Baez asserted that opposition to annexation was
not from Dominicans but from the Haytiens.
Cabral has no Dominican support worthy of
notice. In fact he is not in command OF the
forces commonly styled his. The officers are
Haytiens, and the whole life Of the movement is
with the Haytien authorities. Mr.. Wade here
sad, such statements are so at variance with the
commonly received opinion in the United
States, that he felt constrained to ask whether
it could be relied upon.
Baez replied that it was entirely accurate;
and to show the basis for it, produced official
letters giving detailed information of arrange
m2nts made with the Haytiens for an incursion
nominaly under Cabral, while the commission
is here, for the purpose of influencing its opin-
ions. The case made out by Baez certainly
showed deep hostility on the part of Hayti TO
Baez and his plans. The force which Cabral
has, Baez gave as one regiment only and the
prospect that one or two more were about to
join him. His real position is sixty miles west
of Aqua, and he has been constantly along the
Haytien border. Even the Dominicans near
him have taken no part, but have fallen back as
he advanced. Baez expressed great confidence
that he had not over-rated the desire of the peo-
pie for annexation, but hoped the commissioners
would question freely upon that point in all di-
rection.
A second and less formal meeting was ar
ranged at BaeZ's house. Small parties of the
scientific corps will be sentin the country from
here in various directions
The commission is proceeding in very unos-
tentatious way, and is very industrious, 1t will
report what it sees and discovers bearing upon
the questions embraced in the senate resolutions.
1t will express no opinion upon the policy of
annexation.
What was seen of the people around SANTANA
was of little consequence compared with inves-
tigation into the value of the place as a naval
station. All seemed to agree that if the present
condition of our finances would justly it, that
the harbor where the coaing station is should
be obtained by our government by lease or pur-
chase. The real investigation into the views
and disposition OF the people andlthe resources of
the country will begin here. 1t is the present
intention to go from this place, sometime next
the bay of DIVA, and thence proceed to
the north side OF the island, probably
stopping at Puerto Plata for one or
two days, if deemed advisable. From
Puerto Plata or some point near, either the COM
mission or small parties will visit other i'm
portant points. Thus far the problems which
seem to be re .arded as most important and
difficult, are: The assimilatiug of such mixed
population; the question whether our system of
taxation would be submitted to; whether war
with Hayt would not soon follow; and whether
our treasury, just now, can stand the strain of
the large appropriations which annexation
would require Immediately The richness of
the country, the magnfcence of the foliage,
and the beauty and grandeur of the mountains,
cannot be overrated. There is, however, neither
energy nor thrift.
The commission hopes to start for home soon
after the first of March. There has been no
case of Illness in the party, and the season is
healthy sverywhere in the island so far as heard
from. The United States officers upon the island
are well. The report of the commission can
hardly be ready for congress before the latter part
of March, or ten days after their arrival in
Washington, 1t will doubtless contain very
favorable summary of the material resources
of the island, and strong commcndation of
SANTANA as naval station. The bearings of OBJ
servations made and studies presented uPon the
political, social and economical questions con-
nected with annexation, will, probably, be
touched upon, only so far as to call public atten-
ton to them, but without presenting an argu-
ment for or against annexation.
The report will, undoubtedly, fully vindieate
the presidents motives, and declare that his sole
connection with the matter has been in his
official capacity, and that he is not concerned
in private operations of any kind. There has,
however, been a very questionable use of the
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 that
they came direct from the commanding officer
of the feet over year ago.
A survey of public lands by New York COM
pany is going rapidly forward. Their contract
with the Dominican government gives them
one-fifth of the whole amount The contract
was first made with Fabens, and he arranged
with New York capitalists Interests have been
offered to unofficial parties in Washington. The
agent of the co mpany making the survey is also
agent of the government to see that the COM
pany does not get all the best land. Thus far
$4,000 have been expended in the survey. The
company is selecting as far as possible outside Of
all doubtful Spanish grants There are millions
of profit in this scheme, if annexation shall be
ppY ofo1