The Elko independent. [volume] (Elko, Nev.) 1869-1872, 1871-04-01
THE ELKO INDEPENDENT.
summer on San Domingo.

Hon. Charles Sumner addressed the United States
Senate Last Monday the annexation Of San Domingo
His address was very interesting. but lengthy
would have been pleased have given II in our col
umns, but our space WIN net permit He Was lis
tened 70 by large audience with the profoundest at
tenton. He commenced by saying It was plain that
the navy u the United States has been engaged in
measures OF violence and belserent be-
ing war without the authority Of Congress: that Mo
knce has bccn employed to prop up and maintain
weak ruler usurper-uphohding him In power that
he may sell his country: and that II has been EN-
ployed 70 menace the black Republic Of Hayti: and
that the navy had acted under the dcaton OF the Ad
ninistrstion. He maintained that means had been
employed which can not be justified While the treaty
for the annexation Of the Dominican people under
consideration In the Senate the Assistant Secretary of
State presented Ar Sumner with dispatches from San
Domingo. and among them was one from the Consular
Agent there who signed the treaty, there be no
question. 1t was contract obtained under duress
and therefore void To gain that result. the whole
Island had been beleaguered by navy. sailing from
port to port and hugging the land its guns which
maintained at the cost Of millions Of dollars The
Senator then proceeded to show that the Government
has siezed upon the power two indepen-
dent nAonr He stated that in this business the CEN
trail figure IN Bnenaventura Bsez unless he excepted
President Grant. 10 whom some would accord the
place Of honor The two have acted togsiherEs CO.
partners. Baez had been all his lie an adyenturer
eonspirator and trickser without character tn or
patriotism; being at time violently against the
United States as he Processes to be for them
BaeL secured his election President OF Dominica in
1885, and afterward contriyed, by fraud intrigue
TO gain another lease OF power contrary express
provision of the constitution The people soon rose
against him, and after eleven months Of usurped
power he left for France. Meanwhile Cabral became
Protector. Early in 1865 Baez returned and with the
help of Salnaye the late ruler of Hayt compelled the
captuation of CAbral He drove his enemies into
exile. gorSed the prisons, and the most respectable
citizens were his victims He held his position under
the title of the Grand Citizen. Obtaining power a
second time by violence, 1t not long before he
found himself obliged to invoke foreign assistance.
European Powers would not hsten but last he was
relieved by an answering voice from our Republic.
The President sent General Babeock Dominica who
with Baez signed treaty. by which the usurper pre-
tended TO sell his country the United States in con-
sideraton of a million and half of dollars; also an
other treaty leasing the Bay Of SANTANA for annual
rent Of $4,000. The latter was paid down
100000 In cash and $4,000 In muskes and In bat
terry It was plot worthy OF the eonsprA,or and his
well bred eonfederates. and gross infracton of
the constitution Of Dominica Sumner stated that the
usurper BAez was maintained IN power by our navy
70 enable him to carry the sale Of his country and
our feet; both acts being questionable breaches Of
constitutional and international law. For the truth
Of what he said he would produce documentary eyi.
denee. He brought forward the confession OF tho
Secretary Of State also the confession Of his agent in
San Domingo, and the confession of BAez himself that
the usurper depended for support on our navy Gen.
GRAFT 1t Is asserted promised to all his influence
with members Of Congress for the ration scheme
The Navy Department, on Feb. 9th. 1870. issued An
prda fnr
the following:
the United States has agreed TO afford
assistance TO the Dominican people against their enc
lawfully constructed Government; and you will
the force at your command to resist any attempts by
the enemies OF the Dominican epublc by land or sea
30 far as your power can reach them"
The order plainly showed belligerent intervention
In Dominica. with declaration of war against the
black Republic. included under the head OF 'enemies
Of the Dominican Republic" Sumner showed at
length the course Of Government in violation
Of law and tho Constitution OF the United States citing
the best authorities from both strengthen his posi-
ton. He confined himself in his remarks to public
documents the dispatches orders and naval re-
ports. He said:
international law has been violated in two COM
mAnding rules-one securing the equality of nations
the other providing against belligeient Intervention
while distinctive fundamental principle Of the Con.
sutuuon, the President-doprived OF kingly preroga
uve-hAs .disregarded This very kingly prerogatfye
u asserted by the President We this great DISC
beence has for s object the acquisition OF an outly
ing tropical aland, with the promise OF wealth; that
In carrying out the scheme, Republic forcibly
country. and deal blow at the independence Of tho
black Republic OF Hayti--which insult TO the
African race All this was done without the authority
Of Congress"
Interesting to Assessors.
The revenue laws of Nevada being practically the