Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1871-01-04
st. Domingo Annexation.

Views widely different as % the annexation of
this Island seem % prevail in every quarter.
Gen Grant must be regarded as the most eager
advocate, and Charles Sumner rs the most
decided opponent Of annexation The view.
of the former were briefly summed in his mes
sage viz that the authorities wished 10 unite
with US that the Island would be q great and
desirable acquisition, very productive of sugar
and tropical fruits, and capable of sustaining
100000 inhabitants It has IN area Of about
% 600 square miles, and has exceeded all the
other West India islands in its exports
Mr. Sumner objections to its annexation are
probably not yet fully stated but are doubtless
based on the divided state Of the population. the
two governments that have existed and their leuds.
The heterogeneous population, being French,
Spaniards, Negroes, Mestizoes etc, all unaccus-
toned to our habits and customs, and not easily
assimilable to our population. Perhaps a large
debt may be found resting upon its government.
For other objections we must await the report of
a Committee, whichwi soon proceed 10 inycsti-
gate the matter. Objections are also raised by
some from the state Of our population. We are
not yet harmonious from the great division caused
by the late war; are not unit in reference to
national policy, aud new elements Of population
and race might make greater divisions. It's ac-
QUESTION would increase our national expenses in
many ways, probably much beyond lie enhanced
income.
But the great argument for il is. that it would
benefit the Island If the inhabitants are iayom-
BILE, it would seem a providential indication that
this is the accepted time, and should be improved.
If we shall ever be better prepared to receive
them, they may not then aeceptus. Some difficult
ties must be overcome to effect 50 great an object,
and perhaps we may as well encounter them TO-
day as never to spread republcanism over th,
West India Islands. Not from rapacity, mol
from pride, but because the inhabitants of botl
lands may be equally benefited, would we dcsin
annexation. It is the only mode Of forever sup
pressing wars in those Islands, and Of giving {,
/ the population the assurance of security aud OF
freedom. 1t would afford to them home marke
/ for every thing they could raise, and give TO then
cheap and abundant bread It would stimulate
in them every laudable enterprise, and confer OF
them the institutions Of learning and religion
NO people could reap higher benefit, none coul
so easily obtain equal rights. They would mme
diatey rank with those who have been br1ugh
up in republican institutions, and secure 70
themselves the yigor and power Of the republic
To us there would he the opportunity Of con
icrring benefits, and it is always more blessed t
give than to receive. IL would afford an uuinter
rupted opportunity to present the causes of cdu
7 cation and religion to the mixed populations o
those Islands. Their capacity would be tested
their responsibilities would be made known
their duties urged We should enter into NOR
intimate relations with them secure their conf
: dence, if worthy Of it, and with it their trade
and Americanize another portion Of the continent
1t seems therefore an opportunity worth improy
ing and if it can be lawfully and satisiactoril
$ done, let all the people say Amen.
: T. 5 H.