The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1871-04-06


panying the report of the San Domingo Commis-
iioners:-
have the honor to submit herewith to the two
Houses of Congress the report of the Commissioners
appointed in pursuance of the joint resolution ap-
Tioved JANUARY IL, 1871 1t will be observed that
this report more than sustans all that have here
tofore said in a regard to the PToducntiveness and
the unanimity of the people for annexation to the
United States, and of their peaceable character. 1t
is due to the public it certainly is to myself, that
should here give all the circumstances which first
led to the negotiation of treaty for the annexation
of the Republic of San Domingo to the United
States.
When accepted the arduous and responsible po-
siton which now hold did not dream of insttu-
ting any steps for the acquisition of insuar possess
sions. L believed, however, that institutions
were broad enough to extend over the entire conti
nent as rapidly as other peoples might desire to
bring themselves under our protection. believed,
further, that we should not permit independent
governments within the limits of North America to
pass from condition of independence to of
ownership protection under a European power.
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 they have
been described by the Commissioners, whose report
accompanies this message. He stated further that
being weak in numbers and poor in purse, they
not capable of developing their great resources;
that the people had Incentive to industry on ac-
count of the lack of protection for their accumula-
tons and that If not accepted by the United States
with the institutions which they loved above those
ofany other nation, they would be compelled to
seeksprotection elsewhere.
o these statements 1 made no reply, and gave no
indication of what thought of the proposition. In
the course of time was waited upon by second
gentleman from San Domingo, who made the same
representations, and who received in like man
ner. In view of the facts which had been laid be-
fore me, and with an earnest desire to maintain the
"Monroe doctrine" l believed | would be derelict
in my duty if did not take measures to ascertain
the exact wish of the government and inhabitants
of the Republic of San Domingo in regard to
annexation, and communicate the information
to the people of the United States. Under the at
tending circumstances felt that if turned deaf
ear to this appeal might in the future be justly
charged with hagrant neglect of the public inter-
ests and utter disregard of the welfare of down
trodden race praying for the blessings of free and
strong government, and for protection in the enjoy
ment of the fruits of their own industry. Those
opponents of annexation who have heretofore pro-
fessed TO be pre- emnently the friends of the rights
of man | believe would be my most violent assail-
ants if neglected so clear duty.
Accordingly, after having appointed q commits
sioner to visit the island, who declined account
of sickness, L selected second gentleman, in
bounded confidence. He visited San Domingo, not
to secure or hasten annexation, but, unprejudced
ernment, the people and the resources of that Re-
public He went certainly as well prepared to
make an unfavoraole report as Il favorable one, If
the facts warranted 1t. His report fully corrobo-
rated the views of the previous commissioners, and
upon it's receipt l felt that sense of duty and
due regard for great national interests required
me to negotiate treaty Tor the acquisition of the
Republic of San Domingo
As soon as it became publicly known that such
treaty had been negotiated the attention of the
country occupied with allegations calculated
to prejudice the merits of the case and with asper-
sons upon thos whose duty had connected them
with it. Amidst the public excitement thus cre-
thirds W vote OF the senate and was reiected, but
whether the action of that body was based
wholly upon tho merits of the treaty or
might rot have been in some degree in
luenced by such unfounded allegations, could
not be known by the people because the
debates of the Senate in secret session are not
published. Under these circumstances deemed it
due to the office which held, and due to the char
Wi he
investigation, that such proceedings should bo had
as would enable the people to know the truth. A
commission was therefore constituted under the
authority of Congress, consisting of gentleman se
lected with special reference to their high charac
ter and capacity for the laborious work entrusted
to them who instructed to visit the spot and
report upon the facts. Other eminent citizens were
requested to accompany the Commission in order
that the people might have the benefit of their
views. Students OF science and CORE, ,pondents of
the press. without regard to political opinions were
invited to join the expeditions; their numbers were
| limited only by the capacity of the vessel
The mere rejection by the Senate of treaty ne
gotated by the President only indicates differ
| ence of opinion between two coordinate depart
| ments of the government, without touching the
| character or wounding the pride of either. 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 different. Indeed in such the honor
| of the nation demands investigation. This has
been accomplished by the report of the Commls-
siOners herewith transmitted, and which fully vim
dicates the purity of motives and action of those
who represented the United States in the negotia-
| ton.
And now my task is finished, and with 1t ends all
| personal sohcitude upon the subject My duty be-
ing done, yours begins, and gladly hand over the
| whole matter to the judgment of the American
people and of their representatives in Congress
| sembed. The facts will now be spread before the
country and decision rendered by that tribunal
whose convictions 80 seldom err, and against whose
will have no policy to enforce. My opinion re-
| mains unchanged. Indeed it is confirmed by the
report that the Interests of country of San
Domingo alike invite the annexation of that Re-
| public.
In view of the difference OF opinion upon this sub
| jeCt, suggest that action be taken at the pre-
sent session beyond the printing and general dis
semination of the report. Before the next session
| OF Congress the people will have considered the
subject and formed an intelligent opinion concern
ing 1t, to which opinion, deliberately made up, it
| will be the duty OF every department of the gov
eTDment to give heed, and no one will more cheer-
fully conform TO ii than myself IL is not only the
theory OF our Constitution that the will of the
pie, eonstltutionaly expressed, Is the supreme law,
but have ever believed that all men wiser than
| any one man; and If the people, upon full pre-
sentaton Of the facts shall decide that the annexa-
ttOn OF the Republic is not desirable, every Depart
ment OF the government ought to acquiesce in that
| decision. In again submitting to Congress a sub
jeet upon which public sentiment has been divided,
| and which has been made the occasion of acrimo-
! monious debates in Congress- as well as of unjust
aspersions elsewhere, may trust be INDUCED in a
single remark.
! No man can hope to perform duties SO delicate
! ana responsible as pertain to the Presidential
office without sometimes incuTring the hostility of
| those who deem their opinions and wishes treated
| with insufficient considerations and he who under
takes to conduct the affairs of great government
as faithful public servant, if sustained by the ap-
proval OF his conscience, may rely with confidence
upon the candor and intelligence of free people,
whose best interests he has striven to subserve, and
can bear with patience the censure of disappointed
! men. u. s. GRANT.
Executive Mansion, April 8, 1871.
GOAL.