Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1871-04-14
s772,Gs4 7514

The Commissioners believe that the statement
published, as given, includes all the Indebtedness
or obligations for which the Dominican Republic
is in any degree liable, as we'll that which 1t con-
siders valid and binding as that which 1t regards as
% 0NTrstateg ~ ,o .ne ron the mo
minican authorities that every claim known to ex-
ist, Of whatever character should be exhibited TO
the Commission, whose object was not to deter
mine the precise amount that was Justly due and
binding, but TO get at the bottom and find the Mt
most limit of their obligations setting forth every
thing for which the government could, under any
circumstances, be made liable. The above account
contains much that the dominican Government
believes to be partly or wholly groundless, and
some which, upon inspection, will appear ques-
tionabe. Among pending claims is one upon
President Baez for destruction of property. It Is
alleged by the claimant that the Spanish Govern
ment recognized the claim as valid, and
dered an examination to fix the
amount; but the Commission cannot understand
how this claim could be valid against the Do.
minican Government. A question has been raised
in our country whether the government and peo-
pie, of the Dominican Republic, having once been
under the rule Of the Haytiens, might not be liable
for portion of the indemnity exacted by France
from Hayu for the estates of French families
which had been conlisealed by the Haytiens during
the revolution of 1891. The Commissioners made
inquiries on the subject of the Dominican Govern
ment, also In Hayti and they could not learn that
the Haytien Government had ever made this claim
upon the Dominican Republic, and they think that
| ifmade 1t would be wholly without foundation.
The Commissioners were informed by the Domini;
can authorities that the present administration of
| the government has not had diplomatic represen-
tativcs or made treaties or engagements with any
| other government except the United States. An
examination of the treaties made during the pre-
viOus history of the republic with France, Great
Britain, and other powers, will be found in Ex
! Doe. II, Forty-frst Congress, second session.
They are mostly treaties of navigation and com
merce, and contain no unusual provision requiring
| notice here.
The extent of undisputed Dominican territory is
| 22,2t2 square miles; the portion which had been
| formerly involved in the dispute with Hayti being
| 1000 square miles.
| THE GRANTS TO AMERICANS.
The Commissioners were not unmindful OF the
various rumors which had been circulated on
| divers occasions, that concessions or grants OF
| land were made to officials of the Government of
| the United States when the treaty Of annexation
was negotiated in 1863. No pains were spared to
| ascertain the exact truth of this statement. In
addition to the examination of all grants from the
| government Of the republic, the Commissioners
further carried their researches to all municipal
grants by the town of SANTANA, where rumor had
located the supposed grants. The officers of the
municipality and the records were carefully eX-
amined. Inquiries were also made of the author
tiles of the city of San Domingo. After this In
vestigatiOn the Commissioners can declare, with
out hesitation that there is no particle OF evidence
for these charges.
WILLING TO BE ANNEXED.
The Dominicans repeat their willingness TO be
annexed on the terms of the treaty Of 1869, ask
| ing, in addition, payment for rent of Samana Bay
during the two years the negotiations have been
pending. They are also willing to appropriate
fifth of the public funds for schools providing
the United States will appropriate 5000 900 for the
| establishment of an agricultural and scientific
| college. In relation to Dominican Independence,
the Commissioners say there Is but one chance
for that republic ever to secure its indepen-
dence; TO become, after proper period of pro
| baton, one of union Of States, the freedom
and substantial dependence of each being guar
anteed by the strength of all. II Is beyond the
province of the Commissioners, under the resOiu
tion of Congress, to recommend that such course
be adopted or abstained from. They simply state
as their belief, founded upon the observations
they could make and OF the facts they could learn
that this is the only way in which Dominican inde
pendenCe can be secured, and that II II should be
judged best not to adopt that course, even the
present shadow of independence will be takeI
away The Dominican territory Is one of the
finest and richest on the earth, Unless some sucf
means as those above mentioned are resorted to
1t to lie exhausted and helpless until some strong
nation shall seize aud hold 1t in colonial subjec
ion.
| COMMERCIAL RELATIONS.
The commercial relations of the Dominican par
of the island present one indication not to b'
passed without mention. The most importan
commerce OF the island by far, the tobacco trade
ia carried on mainly by Germans, and Is with th'
principle seaport of the new German Empire. II
such an extent has this tendency developed itself
that this trade Is rapidly becoming Germai
monopoly The Commissioners found the mum
her Of German subjects In important business
operations and agencies on the north OF the isan'
TO exceed those Of any other foreign power ant
their influence is extending steadily up INTO th'
central districts
SLAVERY THE QUESTION.
The influence which San Domingo, under stabl