Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1871-04-06

nOiO, and cue 70 the CHARACTER OF tne agents
who had been charged with the investigation,
that such proceedings should be had as would
enable the people to know the truth. A com
mis- ion was, therefore, constituted under au-
thority of Congress, consisting Of gentle men
selected with special reference to their high
character and capacity for the laborious work
Entrusted to them, who were Instructed 70 Witt
the spot and report upon the facts. other emil
nent citizens were requested to accompany the
commission, in order that the people might
have the benefit of their views. Students OF
ont regard to political opinions, were invited TO
JOIN The expedition, and their numbers were
limited only by the capacity of the vessel.
The mere rejection by the Senate of treaty
negotiated by the President only indicates
difference of opinion between two coordinate
departments OF the government, without touch
ing the character or wounding the pride of
elther. But when such rejection takes place
simultaneously with charges openly made OF
corruption on the part of the President, or of
those employed by him, the case is different.
Indeed, in such case, the honor of the nation
demands investigation. This has been &C
complished by the report OF the Commissioners
herewith transmitted. and which fully vind-
Gates the purity of the motives and action of
those who represented the United States in the
negotiation.
And now my task is finished, and with il ends
Gil personal solicitude upon the subject MY
duty being done, yours begins, and L gladly
hand over the whole matter to the judgment OF
the American people and of their representa-
iyes in Congress assembled. The facts will
cision rendered by that tribunal whose convic-
lions SO seldom err, and against whose will |
have no policy to enforce. Myopinion remains
unchanged-indeed, it is confirmed by the re-
port-that the interests of our country and of
republic.
subject, suggest that no action be taken at the
present session beyond the printing and general
dissemination Of the report:
Before the next session Of Congress hepeople
IA no n hsocf
intelligent opinion concerning it, to which
opinion, deliberately made up, il will be the
duty or every department of the government to
give heed, and no one will more cheerfuily con-
form to it than myself 1t is not only the theory
OF our Constitution that the will Of the people
constitutiopally expressed, lie the supreme law,
wiser than any one man." and IL the people.
upon full presentation. Of the facts, shall de-
eide that the annexation Of the Republic is not
desirable ss every department Of the government
In again submitting to Congress a subject
upon which public sentiment has been divided,
and which has been made the occasion of acri-
monious debates in Congress, az well as of un-
Just ASPIRATIONS elsewhere, may, 1 trust, be
INDUCED In single remark. No man can hope
10 perform duties so delicate and responsible a.
pertain 10 the Presidential Office without some
times mourning the hostility Of those who deem
their opinions and wishes treated with insuffi-
cient consideration; and he who undertake. to
f eondncf tne affairs OF great government
prevail OF his own conscience, may rely with con-
hcence upon the candor and intelligence of a
free people, whose best interests he has striven
10 subeerve, and can bear with patience the GEN.
sure OF disappointed men. U. S. GRANT.
EXECUTIVE MANSION, April5, 1871.
THE REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONERS.
The Commissioners begin by referring to the
action OF Congress in providing for the appoint
ment OF commission to visit and inquire into
the condition of the Dominican Republic,
alluded to their departure on the Tennessee, and
q = fha nft hasr IN.
describing the island. its products and the so
cisl and political condition of the inhabitants
ihe substance Of these portions of the report
has already been published. In reference To
the sentiments Of the people there, thew saw
that all classes of the Dominicans are anxious
for annexation. The Commissioners saw that
OF course theyfelt deep interest in the expert
meht In sef-government which the blacks are
trying IN Hayti. They iDtimsted to the Presi-
dent (of that country and his Council their
dispositions and desires, but they received no
announcement to pursue their inquiries They
asked verbally and through our Minister in
writing, for permission to explere the interior
OF the island, but this was met in a spirit
selves, therefo16, witX taking such testi l
and gathering such Information upon matters
Bearing upon the question Of annex alton as
they could without giving offense.
The conclusion of the report is as follows: ain
reviewing the whole field OF their nvestig stions
looking TO the interests of both divisions of the
island, they are firmly persuaded that the an.
nexstion Of San Domingo to the United States
would be hardly less beneficial to the Haytian
than to the Dominican people. This benefit
would arise, first, from the example which
would doubtless be afforded of well-regulated,
orderly, and prosperous State-the great need
OF that part OF the world, and which II has as vet
never seen. a second, and more direct beneft,
would arise from the equitable establishment of
q boundary line between the French-speaking
and the Spanish-speaking nations upon that
leland, and Its guarantee by Q strong power.
This weuld end the exhausting border warfare,
which has been one OF the greatest curses of
Hayt, as well as San Domingo, and would
enable both to devote their energies thencefor-
ward to the education of their people and the
OF their resources"
The report IL signed by the three commits
sioners-B: +. Wade, A. d. White and S. G.