2
THE DAILY xENINU TELEGKAPH PfflLADELPIIIA, THURSDAY, APRIL G, 1871.
caxi sozvzzrxao!
&mHnv4 frtm Q4 Trti rag.
Haytiens and political intriguer, and emissaries,
who have congregated At various points In the
neighboring Is-iand. These Are incited to extraor
dinary activity at thin time by the fear of Annexa
tion to the United States. From All that the Oom
milc ner could Ascertain, Preldont Raez has the
respect of k great majority of the ominlcan peo
ple for hi" administrative abilities and the strong
attachment of many of the leading men, who re
gard Mm as the only statesman among thorn win
ran hold the nation against domestic tactions and
foreign foes. In the year lin, after five years of
war, conr-eqnent npon the expulsion of the Maytien
power, (Je cral Rer was regularly elected Prest
(lent of tho Republic. It appears that he was
Chosen as a man who, by his education, fortune and
pnbllc services, would be most likelT to secure
general confluence, and heal the wounds InHicted
by civil and foreign wars. Fiva years before this
be had been elected to the national Congress, ami
be had been made President of that body at a most
critical period of the national history, the period of
the creation ol new Institutions, after the casting
Oft of the llaytlen yoke.
ills first a'fliiiiiiiHtration appears to have been
successful. It stands unique In one respoct, for It
Is the only one In the annals of the Dominican Re
public which has lasted during the entire con
stitutional period, in 1S53 he was regularly and
peaceably succeeded by General Pedro Santana.
A period of anarchy soon ensued, which lasted until
the year lWil, when the Island was brought again
under tho power of Spain by General .Santana.
Alter the expulsion of the Spaniards anarchy again
followed. During the periods before and after
the Spanleh domination, Genera! liaei was several
times called In from abroad to save the country
from this anarchy by provisional authority, the only
authority cxi.-ting At such times in the Republic.
In one of the delegations of leading citizens who
tendered to him the chief magistracy was General
Cabral. President Raez has now entered upon the
third year of his present admlnstratlon. There Is
ample testimony to the fact that under him, de
spite the difficulties that have beset him, the republic
Las enjoyed as much liberty as any of his pred ces
aors dared allow, and more than they knew how to
give. Nor do the Oomnii-sioners find that there Is
any opponent of the present administration of that
republic who has now or who ever has had any
claim to the chief magistracy by a title superiorto
that of the present Incumbent. Whatever technical
def ects there might have been In his original title
to the office, It was confirmed by the na'ional con
tention and ratified by the assent and support or
the people.
The frequency of civil commotion during a
long period, and the consequent insecurity of pro
perty, have paralyzed industry, discouraged ac
cumulation, and so impoverished the country, tha.
for the last two years the financial resources of the
f;overnment, as Its officers informed us, have bieu
nadequate to pay its expenses. Meanwhile, it has
been constantly harrassed with incursions and at
tempts at revolution. Only the ability of the ad
ministration, and a large share of confidence re
posed in it by a strong majority of the people,
could have maintained it in existence through so
luany difficulties.
The Insurrections which still exist are headed by
Gabral and Luperon. The former of theso is uni
versally conceded to be the more important, but
neither has a distinct Has or a regular organlzod
arm; neither is tho exponent of a clearly dadoed
policy,
iu.u seem animated by interest, attachments and
resentments purely personal. Their opposition has
assumed the character ot an annoying guerilla
warfare, involving a heavy expenditure on tne part
Of the government at the capita), but possessing no
power which givea It any hold on public opinion
beyond the territory it may temporarily occupy.
Ab to their leaders, the Commission obtained in all
parts of the country substantially tho sarn? infor
mation, Tlx., that General Cabral once had ele
ments of personal popularity; that in tim? past ha
earned the respect of many by public service, but
in the administrative capacity he has proved In
competent, and has lost the confldanco of the conn
try. Many even who still entertain more kindly
rerconal feeling toward him than toward General
iaez confess that he falls far short of the la't-r in
administrative abilities. That General Cibral
does not claim to be the legal head of the
Itcpoblic; that he does not claim to represent the
principle of constitutional or legal authority and
order, is shown by the fact, that in his proclamation
and In a communication to the OommiHsion, he
styles himpelf "Chief of tho Ravolution," and the
journal pretending to emanate from him at San
Juan, but well uuderstood ti be printed at the
llaytlen capital, is styled "Bulletin of the Revo
lution." As to Luperon lie Is considered a bandit,
stained with crime, and has not, so far as could be
learned, distinguished himself In any regular man
ner, his main exploits being in sundry robberies
and political operations on the coast, the latter
by means of a steamer furnished him by lnurrec
tion brokers on a neighboring island. The disturb
ance of which Cabral is the head ha Its peat in the
western part of tho Republic on Haytien frontier.
It is claimed that the districts of San Juin and
Neyba, in which his operations are conducted, em
brace a large population devoted to him, but tho
testimony of several ref ugees and heads of families
from that district, a well as considerable corrobo
rative evidence, show that the region naraod, be
tween the incur: ions of tho Haytiens and the preva
lence of insurrections, is nearly depopulated, and
that the force immediately at Cbral'H command
does not exceed a few hundred me n, who, In case
of emergency, foi co into the service all the male
population upon whom they can lay their lnn H.
It has also been claimed tha. he has controlled the
Dominican part of Rarahona, and received sup
plies through It, but this is certainly 10 longer the
case. On the other hand it is charged by the pre
sent Dominican government that h) has receive 1
supplies through J lay ti , and that Haytien soldiers
and arms have been at his disposal.
The Commissioners obtained evidence of this fact
from many sources. They also examined Haytien
prisoners, speaking only the language of the Hay
tiens, and having in their hands muskets bearing
the llaytlen stamp. To the northeast of the coun
try overrun by Cabral, in the neighborhood of the
bay of Manzsnillo, is the band under the control
of Luperon; but the opinion of trustworthy per
sons, as taken in that section by the Commission, '
that his force is small and of a poor character,
lie seems to have the strength of a desperado, and
nothing more. The Commissioners believe that
had these leaders wielded only their own forces and
resources, they would long ago have been put down.
Their whole importance is derived from the help
of foreign intriguers and from the fact that behind
them stands the Haytien nation, which haa nearly
five times the population and revenue of the Do
minican Republic, which has never relented in its
aggressive policy, and at whose head Is a President
elevated by a bloody insurrection involving the
murder of his predecessor.
Besides the revolts which have been named and
the Haytien aggressions, some minor cause h tve,
in the weakened condition of the Republic, teudad
to aggravate ita difficulties. First of these may bo
mentioned, the provincial Jealousy existing be
tween the people of the great district north ol the
central chain of mountains and those Inhabiting
the southern side. The former district omVa-ee
the two most thriving cities of the Republic, Puerto
Plata and Santiago, besides somtt villages of ira
itortance. On the other hand, to the south side
belongs the city of Santo Domingo, with its pres
tige of capital, the city decaved but still powerful,
from its vital connection with the history of tha
island, from Columbus to Raez. In a weakened
state of the Republic tho Jealousy between these
districts has caused re vol utionary leaders to arise; but
with a government strong and free, giving hotter
internal communications and developing industry,
this provincial jealousy would probably be changed
Into a healthy political rivalry. Next, a mure seri
ous cause of disturbance to the steady exercise of
political rights lies in the existence of a consider
able number of petty military chiefs, about whom
has grown up a peculiar system of clanship, or
semi-military attach men t. This prevail especially
tn the central and mountain districts, and Is the
natural result of long continued struggles between
ambitious men for supremacy in the Republic.
In the anarchy thus caused eaci neighborhood
baa shown a tendency to grow itself around its
more daring men. These have received military
titles from he s of various, governments or revo
lutions, the rank of each depending mainly oti tho
number of retainers he could briri' to the lea lar
whose cause he had espoused. The attachment
thus begun in war continues in peace, and as polit
ical institutions are weak often becomes stronger
than law or political habits. Hence arises a class
whose importance depends on commotion, unoccu
pied, and therefore uneasy, prompt to in:reas9 anv
troubles that may arise. The people of the country
clearly understand that these disturbers of their
peace are public enemies. Among the reasons
constantly assigned for desiring annexation to the
United (States was the necessity of extinguishing
the lawlessness and shiftlesimehs arising lrom this
system.
Firm and Judicious measures in admlnldtra'.ion,
Immigration, Increased activity iu agriculture ai l
trade, would doubtless rapidly destroy the greater
part of this evil. Union with a strong government
would of itself discourage and put au end to iu -.t
of these disturbances, and as political lubite in
crease it is probable that thesi semi-military com
binations of chief and retalneis may ba trans irited
to political combinations, under constitutional und
legal restrictions. To these caus s of disturbing
may be added a third, very effective at present, hi:
which would be at once annihilated should tin
Dominican Republio be effectually pretectal by
connection with a strong nation.
Within short distances of Santo Domingo arevi
rious other islands wher iiis.irtvcttoriiet e aod-li-UUCtivcs
Irtely hatch their plot. To such au ex
tent has this been carried that certain capitalists
there Invest In prominent revolutionists as a mat
ter of business. Revolution becomes thus a branch
of trade In which capitalists embark, with cer
tainty of great risks, but with a possibility of great
gains. To further these operations proclamations
Are formed. These emanate nominally from the
leaders of the insurrectionary force of the day, but
they generally present the clearest Internal evi
dence that their pretended authors never saw
them. From these parties and their agents come
rumors and even circumstantial accounts of insur
rections where none exist. The t;ommlsioners
encountered several instances of this. This insur
rection brokerage would doubtless cease as soon as
St is the policy of any strong nation to prevent it.
In all the struggles ol various administrations
sgair.st revolutionists and destructives, the local
and municipal liberties of provinces, districts and
towns have suffered greatly. The exigencies of tlie
ce ntral civ l pi d military authority seem to have
prevented tho growth of any large srale of that
jsteni of heal sell-governrnent which forms the
giot ndwe.; ot freedom in tho United States. Still,
tLu germs ot local liberty are by 110 means totally
destroyed. Aj untamlcntos, or town Councils, are
still retained. Theso are bodies elected by the
ptople, holding regular sessions, keeping records of
theii proceedings, ami exercising considerable care
li'fthe registration of vital statistics.
MTo these bodies belong the local administration.
They are small, and tho length of the term of
cilices prevents, in some degree, the immediate in
fluence of popular will being felt upon them. Still
they serve at least to keep up the tradition of local
f reedom and some habit of local management of
a flairs, 'lhe men chosen seem worthy of their trust.
The Commissioners were impressed with the gene
ral character and ability of the members of these
municipal bodies. There are among them many
who would do honor to similar councils In any
countrv. The difficulties and dangers with which
these men have been environed seem to have deep
ened and strengthened their characters, while In
teiest in political aftalrs has been by the same cir
cumstances nearly crushed out of the more timid
majority. It was among this class that the Com
miction and their agents iotind their most intelli
gent welcome, and unrestrained conversation with
them showed that this welcome was not a mere for
mality to which they had been compelled. It ap
pealed to the Commissioners that, under a govern
ment guaranteeing liberty and order, these muni
cipal bodies, scattered through the country, might
become centres of a belter system than the Domini
can Republic has yet known. Spanish reinorpo
ticn, the constant succession of insurrectionary lead
ers, and the long series of disturbances to which
it has been the fate of the Dominican people
to be subjected, many years since led thoughtful
men among them to look abroad in the hopo of re
lief. It was this sentiment which led the popula
tion generally to acquiesce, quietly at first, in the
occupation of the republic, by the forces of Spain
in 1M1. That occupation bad been brought about
by the management of Santana ami others,
then In power, aided by two Spanish shipiot war,
vt ithoul the general knowledge of the people, and
it was suddenly consummated, to the surprise of
the great majority or tne citizens, ma commis
sioners took especial pains in all parts of the coun
try to examine into the causes of the failure that
followed this annexation, as well os of the unpopu
larity and overthrow of tho Spanish rulo in the
islnnd. These have been generally stated to thorn
as follows:
1 That, contrary to the understanding between
the Dominican and Spanish governments, tho pub
lie cilices' of all sorts wi re unduly filled with Span-
lar. la , r tl.a nl,ulr,n nf I Iflmi.it'utiu
"'! ' " L1JV1 Vwur-.v.. V. ........... V ....O.
2. 1 hat the Spanish subordinate functionaries
were not generally native Spaniards, but Spanish
subjects drawn from Cuba and Porto Rico, colonies
where blacks ar d men of color are held as slaves,
and that the atmosphere In which theso men had
been brought up bad tilled them with a prejudice
which unfitted them utterly lor the administration
of government in a country where the great majo
rity 01 tne population are colored and a considera
ble number are blacks.
3. Thatsoraeof the superior officers, and very
many of the soldiers, were brutal beyond endur.
Hi'ce, and that very little effective redress could ba
obtained. It was slated to tho Commissioners, by a
clergy man In charge of one of the most important
parishes tn the island, a man of acknowledged de-
votiin to (yiiristiiin duty anti entirely trustworthy,
that the Spanish Governor of that province bail, to
his certain knowledge, boen concerned in the assas
sination of a mother to obtain control of the person
of her daughter. That he had entered tho clergy
man's house, stick in hand, and threatened him
with igiiomlnous cbaMlscuietit, and that In various
ways the Spaniards oppressed the people, treat
ing them os conquered, and insulting their local
authorities.
4. That tho Spanish rulers showed a mania for
regulating the details of ordinary life, in some cades
resulting in positive indignities to tne people.
6. That the ecclesiastical administration was at
variance with their ideas. Practically religious
toleration had grown up in the Republic. This
tact the new Archbishop under tho Spaniards doos
not seem to have recognized. Protestant churches
were shut and orders were issued to the clergy of
the Established Church to enforce a multitude of
vexatious regulations upon their flocks, Involving
spying uon families. To use the language ot a
venerable rrtt-st: " l he Archbishop was a worthy
man, but ho seemed to consider that he was living
in tie time of the inquisition." The clergy were
dissatisfied at that policy. Remonstrances were
made, and a letter from one Catholic clergyman to
tho ArchMthop stated that "Such measures befit
neither this ago nor this country." to luesa may
be added the fact that tho Masonic fraternity,
which possess a very large and widespread mem
ht.rship among the best men of the island, was un-
des stood to be menaced,
(i. That there were manifested on various occ'
sior s certain deep-seated political Idea". Ot these
ma y be mentioned opposition to monarchy, and to
colonial subjection and attachment to the name of
the Republic.
7. 'J hat th re was aroused a popular apprehen
sion, founded upon a knowledge of Spanish admin-
is!rs.tiii 011 the neighboring islands, that slavery
would be re-establlhed, either by reducing the co
lored Dominican people to the condition ot slaves.
or by new importations. Although theso causes
wt re not equally operative in all parts of the country,
and the better classes 01 spanisu oinciais mitigated
them considerably in tome districts, they wore sum
cient, when Joined to uneasiness under the colonial
yoke, to cauto an insurrection which soon became a
revolution.
'i he people revolted in all parts of the interior,
and, aided by greater knowledge of tha country
and greater lauiinarity with guerilla wariare, ro
fcisted all attempts to put them down. They finally
diove the Spaniards into tho strongholds on the
coast, where the soldiers died by wholesale of the
malignant fevers, engendered in close and filthy
barracks devoid of all sanitary appliances. Of
the Spanish losses no exact data could be obtained
The best opinion seemed to be that the Spaniard's
sent in all about thirty-five thousand troops, of
whom between six ana eight thousand were lost by
desertion and the causes above alluded to. Al
though bitterly disappointed in the results of the
Spanish annexation, lhe people who were soon in
volved in new revolutions ceased not to look abroad
in the hone of relief.
To the surprise of the Commission, In almost all
parts of tho country, even the remotest, the people
were found to be familiar with the question of an
nexation to tne 1 uiiea .btatts, and to have dis
cussed it among themselves with intelligence. All
classes In all parts of the Republic were consulted
Magistrates and ecclesiastics of every grade, oill.
cials civil and military, citizens of all professions
and occupations iu town and country, and every-
wuere nitre was a general agreement in tha
declaration that their only hope of perma
nent peace and prosperity is in annexation
to and becoming part of the people of tha
United States. They generally declared their ba
lief that the strong arm of this Republio, taking
them under protection as nart of the nation, would
at once end the etlorts and hopes of every seditious
revolutionary leader, and establish law, ordur and
prosperity. The incorporation Into public senti
ment of a feeling strongly favorable to annexa
tion to the United States iu preference to any other
Power, is partially due to the presence in vaifus
I'm ib ui mo vuumry ui smaii colonies oi colore J
people lornicrly from the United States.
These persons or their immediate ancestors Bene
tally came into the country in the time of Presi
dent Royer. Their love of the country of their
birth seems to have deepened with time, and tUay
all look upon American institutions us the only
means of rescuing the country from its present iu
security. Very touching expressions of this met
the Commissioners at various points. These peopia
live on the best of terms with neighbors speaking
the language of the country, und conforming iu
ft iicial to its customs, and they have formed in a
greater or less degree ceutres from which, respect
lor the United States has gone forth.
Wbeu aktd if they would not prefer to remain
an independent nation, the people generally an
swered that they would he glad to preserve their
li ( fundi i ce if it were porsible; but since expe
rience had shown that tho ratios could not sustain
ilsiit, tuey were compelled to look abrjad for sup
I oi t, ami, f they must sink their nationality, tuey
pritiued lhe Amuicun Union, with Ireo iiiititu
tiois, a 4'rictidly p'oplo uud common iuturosts.
'1 1 ey stem to us to bs mora nearly unanimous upou
this than we bava evor bclore kuowu a peop'o to
te 1 J on ai.y political q'lcbtioo which they were
chll il m; to tonslr'er.
It was only by diligent search that the exoeel
likly ,'inall pioportion who opposed auuoxt'lon
ould be found ii all. The principal part ot the
oi pcstilon when t'oes exlot, appear to be aoi m
t erlsin tiaders in tho ports, some of whouil icaiu
c f sniii xaiK.u and competition with Amurlcan tu
t:riiif would losn contjed of branches of liu-ii'isss,
: v I 'Cb. in Pi. pro-. ;.t 1 irrow uhannels thay hivi
a n-OLCpoiyi oihws ate butagciits of houses abroad,
ami In the event of thes branch establishments
being withdrawn would be supplanted. To these
should be added certain agents of houses In neigh
boring Islands who have made pecuniary advancos
to rebel leaders, tbongh these would, without doubt,
isvor annexation 11 11 were consummated unner
the direction of those whom they support.
Resides these, a small number scattered in va
rious parts of the country, oppose annexation for
reasons peculiar to themselves; some from misun
derstanding of the matter, some few from a liking
for the turmoil which the present condition of
things permits, and some from opposition to the pre
rent administration.
Tbo reports and rumors that there are parties in
vai ions (cctions of the country ready to resort to
iles erate measures against annexation seem to be
disproved by the following simple facta In the his
tory of the Commission:
First. On arriving at 8anto Domingo tho Com
missioners took up their residence In a honsoon a
public street, remote from any official residence or
military post.
They had at no time anything in the nature of a
guard or watch, and at an early period during
their Hay the night watchman of that quarter was
removed at their request. They had no weapons
of any sort. Persons of every condition passed in
and out of the bouse freely until a late hour of tho
night. Access was made easy to everyone. The
Corr.missiciiers and those accompanying thorn
slept with doors slightly secured, ami sometimes
not secured at all, and with windows wide open.
It would have been entirely within the power of a
single man cf energy and determination to hive
cut oil the entire party. IJut no shadow of an at
tempt upon them was ever detected. No suspected
person was ever found.
Secondly. The Commissioner and their agents
li sversed. the. country In every direction, without
guards or weapons. They slept at night in open
thbina, no watch of any sort being kept. The
character of the country and conditions of the
loads obliged them to move slowly and separately
tbri 11 1; h mountain passes, ravines, forests, and
thickets, in which a handful of resolute opponents
could easily have destroyed them. Especially was
this true in the Cibao, the district generally re
let red to in tint avor able reports, every important
route of which they explored. When, as in two or
thiee rases, members of the Commission had for
short distances an escort of honor, it was made up
of citizens, in citizen garb, unarmed, so far as
roild be seen, and with no military guard what
evir. Neither commander or attaches, so far as
Kr own, ever carried sword, dagger or pistol. Their
move meiits were easily foreknown, but they never
encountered any shadow of a hostile demonstra
tion; rotlitiig but kindness met them in all quar
ters end among all classes, and this was not less
msrked in the Cibao than elsewhere.
The desire for annexation seemed to be even
moie general among the rural population than In
the cities. 1 he evidence taken, as well as the ob
rervatiors of the Commissioners and all who ac
ce n pankd or aided them, establish this fact be
jel 0 question. It was deemed unnecessary to ac
cumulate the wiitten testimony of v itnesscs, which
vi:8 everywhere uniform. The Commission did not
have to search after evidence of the disposition of
the people, individual citizens, bodies of rn3n,
delegations from Masonic, industrial and mutual
aid societies, representatives of ecclesiastical asso
ciations, people of all kinds came to them in such
numbers and with such frequency that their visits
tecamo almost a hurt en, all declaring their desiro
lor annexation.
Soon alter the treaty of annexation was ncgotl
ated a pepulcr vote was taken in the manner
usual in that Republic, as required by treaty,
v. bit h resulted in an almrst unanimous expression
in lavcr of annexation to the United States. What
ever may be individual preferences- or opinions as
to the best form for taking tho vote of an entire
nation on a subject of that magnitude, the great
mass cf the evidence before the Commission goes
to show that this was a truthful expression ol the
will 01 the people, and in all the expeditions, either
of rceiuberB of their own body or tlnr a,:ents, ample
corroboration of this opinion met thora at every
1 dint. The condition of tho iieoiil," tha nhvuical.
mental and moral condition of the inhabitants of
Santo Domingo was found to be much more ad
vanced than had been anticipated.
'J he population is pi nci ally of mixed blooJ. The
f rest majority, especially along the coast, are nei
ther pure black or pure white; they are mixed in
every conceivable degree. In some parts of the in
terior considerable numbers of the white race are
to 1 c Rural, and generally iu the mixed race tha
white blood predominates. The Dominican people
differ widely in this prrlicular from the Haytiens,
among whom tho black race is in complete ascen
dency. The cultivated r.nd educated, such as the
President, members of his cabinet, senators. Judges
at.d local magistra es, comparo well with the sain 3
clr.ssi s in other countries, and the uneducated ap
pear equal 10 the same cih" In any country with
winch we uro acquainted. They seem to be practi
cally destitute 01 prejudice of class, race or color.
Iu their inteiccurso with each other and with
strsnvers thev are courteous in manner, rcsnsctful
end polite. In all their relations with them tbo
( cramisMontrs tound them kind and hosnltable.
The testimony shows them to bo an honest and
ire fi'enslvo people, among whom in the rural
uistncta a porson may travel alone and unarmed,
8ll over the countrv with treasure, without danger.
All of tho numerous parlies attached to the Com.
miss lor, wbu h traversed various parts or the conn
try, beiitved the sumo testimony concerning the
jeoile. The judicial ofliceis stated that high
ciiincs, rut h es murder, arnon, burglary and the
like are nearly unknown among them. No pauper
class exists, and beggary is almost unknown. They
are temperate people, and drunken men are rarely
stcn. Among popular vices is that or petty gam
bllng, which is indulped in openly and extensively,
f I , dally ty tne bpantsb portion ot the population.
They are all Roman Catholics except the Ame
rican emigrants sent out in 1824 and succeeding
yests, who, with their descendants, now form a
number of settu merits, and amount to several
thousand persons. These are mostly Methodists
and baptists. They live among the Catholics in
peace and harmony. No intolerance or religious
persecution can be discovered among them. The
people aro generally poor, living in cheap and
humble dwellings, which, though well adapted to
their country, might appear rude and uncomfort
able to these accustomed to nouses made tor a more
ligoious climate. In the country almost every
iaruily possesses all the land they desire to cultivate,
which Is generally one small field, for an acre or
two well tilled is sufficient, in this fertile land, to
iurnisb a family with their food. The reason thev
unanimously assign for not cultivating more 1b that
amiu constantly recurring revolutions it is very
uncertain who may reap the crop. Resides, there
is no market here tor surplus produce.
lhe Ctmmissloners had an opportunity to Bee tha
progress which the people of color have made in
Jamaica. In that island there is abundant evi
dence that, in spite or mismanagement, the social
oppression which has lasted long af ter the abolition
of slavery, this people are Improving, and becom
ing sharers in a higher civilization. The evidence
taken shows that the Domiulcan people are not
averse to worn, wnen certain or reasonable re
ward, but are good and faithful laborers. An
abundance of labor can now be had about ten dol
lars per month. Appearances make it probable
that the eh tnents necessary to physical persistency
exist among the people, especially ,in that large
1, rot or Hon in whom Spanish blood iiredoininats.
The decline of these people In number and enter
prise is sufficiently accounted for by social and po
litical cautts, wiuioui me gratuitous assumption
that the race is dying out or ei.'cto.
These are few schools in the Republic, and con
sequently the great majority of the people are uu-
euueateu. cm 01 an ine great numbers who were
examined by the Commissioners and their asentson
this point, not one f ailed to express the desire that
seme sstem of general education should be crea
ted and the Pellet that It would ba eairnrlv em
braced. The few schools that exist are maintained
by the people, with little or no supiiort from the
government. School books, prepared in the United
States, were found In some remote cabins. The
basis of original talent is not lacking, l he shrewd
ness of the Dominicans is proverbial among those
w Lo are brought into close relations with them. In
tho schools, few and feeble as they are, may be
found abundant evidence to corroborate the asser
tions of tho teachers that the average of native
ability is gecd.
Rut one printing office exibts within the Repub
lic, liom which newspapers or books are issued.
1 his is at the capital, and is very small and poorly
equip! ed.
Serious as are thes-e obstacles to general civiliza
tion and to the intelligent exercise of political lib
erties the condition ot the people is by no means
lopeltss. For several generations there has been
m li be rslavery nor any caste spirit to deprive them
of manliness. The people at lurpe are not degraded.
'I hey are willing to work w hen the result of their
labor Is made secure. From among them at va
lid! s times many noble and capable men have
arirtn; men combining statesmanship and general
ship with patriotism. Many of the people possess
very clear ideas oflibcity and show a willingness
to ipskc sacrifices for It. lhe courage and devo
t on that have been wasted iu lnturrecllous and re
volutions may yet, under better guidance, ripen
Into cspacitj for self-government and regular po
litical action.
'1 he data furnished by authorities as to popula
tion arc very Lucupro at.d unsatislaclory. Au esti
mate was recently made by tho ecclajiast.e 1
court, counting by parishes, v.hich pave a tot-el of
2(,7.(KO. '1 here are evident tUns of error iu ful
estimate. For instance, the cepiial whs set down
at ten thousand; while it is obvious to the careful
observer w ho counts fctreot and hou,s:n, that there
ruiiiiot be over tlx thousand, If so mnuy. Ab'iin,
A if u is estimated at lO.OiXi; whil.i an aclu.il count,
made a few years ago. showed that It contained
only 77H; the present number is appreut!y ftill
krs. I.os Llacoj is kt t down at aoim, but the mlii
tury governor now estimates that the number uf
families does not exceed which would Indicate
a population of not over WOO, although by a tax
list 01 ir.ii, in ine possession or the Commission, It
l) Ai rare pajeie.
The rnmmunes of San Juan. I)s Matos. Bonlca.
Nejl a, Vc., are s t down at T2,(HH), but they have
been depopulated by revolution and Invasion, and
their actual number Is fixed by local residents and
other competent witnesses at from 6mio to Miss).
Comparing these figures of the ecr,leslatloal court
with certain known lacts, and with all evidence
vte could gather I mm intpliigem witnesses and per
sonal observation, the Commissioners estimate that
the actual population ot the Republic does not e
cecd IftO.MO. 'i bis does not Include tho many who
have voluntarily expatriated thenixcl ve, on ac
count ol tl.e continual disturbances, nor the few
who have been bsnlshed.
It seems probable that more than nine-tenths,
nerl.sl-s nineteen-twentieth are native Domini
can The others arc: l ltst.color' demlgrantsfrom
the United States; Seem iiy, I'.uropean traders
who lo not settle anjwbsre but rejourn at com
nn nisi pnlrts. N'pro bltod trerKiideraes very
lsrgi ly in llsyti, bl.t the j ure rn-gro of African
t j pe is net con mon even there. White blood pre
penrleratts largely in Dominica, but pure whites,
in tl.e popular sense cf the word, are not numerous.
The mi-jotlty are ot a mixed race, much nearer
white than blqck.
The resources of the country are vast am' various,
and its jroducls may be inci eased with scarcely
anv other limit than the labor expended upon
the m. 1 here is evidence eif mineral wealth in va
rious patts ot the Island. Tho geologists of the ex
I edition rej ort the existence of the ores of Iron, of
eopperand of fnld, w ith deposits of lignite, rock
salt and petroltum. Iron ore is abundant, easy of
access, and w ill, doubtless, in time be made avail
able for the cheap production of pig iron. The
cot per ores arc of a fair degree of rich uess, and the
beds have been opened to a slight extent.
'lhe reported coal of Simana peninsula and In
the nelghboihood of Puerto Plata was examined
and found to be lignite, of litllo value as a fuel,
compared with Pennsylvania or Kngllsh coal. The
gold region is extensive, and though worked
anciently, is at present but little known, and In
vites patient exploration by practical miners. The
salt tlepositB in the mountains near Nnyba are be
lieved to be extensive and valuable. '1 he salt can
be quarried out In large transparent blocks, and a
chemical analysis made for the Commission shows
It to be of sufficient purity lor commercial pur
poses. Summarily and practically viewed for agricultu
ral purposes there are five classes cf land In S into
Domingo, viz: First, the mountain slopes and val
leys; these are uniformly rich and productive, ex
cept In llmite d regions where rain Is deficient, or
on the southern slopes of coast range northeast of
Mente cristo.
Second. The extensive prairie regionof the llanos
lying east and north of Santo Domingo City, south
oi the Cibao range. This Is all admirable past ure
land, a large portion ot it is capable of nrolitahla
cultivation. It Is intersected by wooded valleys
and gloves containing much excellent timber.
Third. The rolling plain of the Vega, which is
generally wooded, and is the finest body of agricul
tural land on the island.
Fourth. The dry lands are like a portion of the
plain cl A 7.11a and the valley of the Taquie, where
rain Is partly or wholly wanting from topographi
cal causes. 1 ncse lauus can ue made icrtne by ar
tiflcial iirlgaticn.
Filth. The red clay lands are mostly alona the
costt and underlaid by coralline limestone. These
are usually covered with timber.
TLey are not generally very susceptible of profit
able cultivation. The vicinity of San Doming)
City Is a fair average specimen of this clas of sails
nrc'iiortlonablv canable of cultivation. A t trout; 1
San Domingo contains almost every v trlety of
roll, there is very intio swampy or s.imjy larnl. in
this resp'ct It dirlers widely from Florld i and the
other (iulf Stales. The country is varied in sur
face, unusually well watered, und excels in no,lur.tl
drainage. There is hardly any ror'io,i of tha
Islsnd where the land is not capable of cult! va'.lon.
'1 he mountains support a vegetation widely known,
eiifliring irom that ot the 10 lauds, butlfioy no
where lise so high as to be covered with snow.
t.vervwhere thev are fertile, exce;it the few
small districts already mentioned, as the plain of
the Ttquie and a part or tne azu region, whose
chaiacte r could be changed by irrigation. Taken
as a whole the republic is one ot tho mo-tfertilo
regici s on the lace of the earth. The evidence of
men well acquainted with the other West India
islands declare this to be naturally the richest of
them all in agricultural products; while the ;ico
grai hlcal position of San Domingo within the tro
pics implies the successf ul production of all the
tropical fruits and vegetables, including the com
mercial staples, the ciiiferouce-s of cxposuro, eleva
tion above the sea, and chancier ot soil, lire cut a
variation of circumstances adapting particular dis
tricts to many dilierent clns-os of growths and
branches of agricultural industry. 1 11 the rich lo -lands
and valleys sugar-cane yields the most profit
able return.
The extent and average richness of thi trscls
suited to this purpose are unsurpassed in the W ot
JiiGlts. Tho evidence shows that the average
quality or sail iu San Domingo, espuoi tUy tho
plains of tho Vega cud portions of tho country on
tho north shore, are better adap'cd to raising suar
cane tt an are the sugar-growing districts ot ihe ad
jacent Islands. 1 bis is coriouorated by the oh'er-
vationof tho Commissioners. They and their agents
Insj tc'ed several of the principal sugar plantations
in Jamaica. The production of the.-e is very great
where irrigation is practiced. Iu soma cases it is
said to exceed two tons per acre. Rut in in-iny of
the circumstances conducive to the most profitable
manufacture, Jamaica is less favored than San Do
mingo. A mnch larger portion of the latter in natu
rally watered to a decree suitable tor this and other
agricultural purposes.
In many 1 aits ot San Domingo the canes Jo not
need replanting for many yeais. Fifteen nuc.:es-
sive annual cuttings from the original root are com
mon upon the richi-st land. .Excellent cane is found
ot much greater age. This is due portly to the
greater frequence and abundance of rain, resulting
Ire 111 the easterly or windward position of San Do.
miiifcO, which gives it freer access to the trade
wim, s than the islands further within the gulf, and
partly also to the rich vegetable mould which covers
the surface of extensive plains and valleys, the re
sult of centuries of forest growth and deeav. Tha
greater abundance of fuel would appear to give to
San l)omi':;;o an additional advantage over u ijoin
ing Islands 111 this branch of industry.
'l he mountain regions are especially suited to the
culture of collce and cocoa. The soil of tho hills
is usually rich; even where too steep to be plowed
they ran be cultivated with the hoe. Tho salubrity
of climate and the beauty ot scenery make them
exceedingly attractive. To persons acclimated and
Bccustumed to the northern temperature these
mountain regions oiler peculiar inducements. At
present theso high lands, which form more thao
one half the area of the island, are geuerally unin
habited and almost nnvislted by man. Iu Jam lie
are many fine plantations ot cofte.e in similar situi
tioi s, at an altitude of 35VU to 4000 feet above the
sea.
The culture of coffee and cocoa requires much
less labor and capital than that of sugar, an 1 is
peculiarly adapted to families of moderate moans.
'Iho collie tree begins to bear at the age of four
years, and continues to yield an annual crop for
more Ihuu tilty years. The cocoa Is equally produc
tive and easy ol cu'ture. Native chocolate, pre
I an d fieiu ibe tocoa bean, is of excellent quality
and In gene ral use. Roth these trees have become
thoroughly naturalized and aio found growing wild
iu the woods, and seem free Irom diseases and ene
mies. There are a number of plants, varieties of
Iho genus agave, which produce valuable fibres,
already employed to some extent in San Domingo
lor dcaestie purposes.
Tho cabuia is the most common. It grows wild
in the driest ami most arid elistiicls. It is suscep
tible ot easy cultivation. The Dominicans mke It
Into ropes, baiters, hammock fastenings, &c. Ry
the rough process of exti acting fibre by hand, now
used, it could not be profitably manufactured, bat
w lib suitable machinery It would form au import
ent article of export. The product of wax and
honey is surprisingly large. Iu many places the
rocks and hollow tiees abound In bees. The honey
Is to cheap anil plentiful that comparative little of
it is saved. Thousands of hives are destroyed for
the sake of the wax alone. Wax candles aro in ga
teral use among the 1 oorest classes. Wild ginger
and indigo grow everywhere in profusion. The
roiton tree giows even on the dry lands and bears
abundantly .
The American cotton shrub Is also ral.-ed sue
cesslully near Azua. Almost every tropical pro
duction would seem possible in asoll so rich and a
climcte ro genial. At a still higher point upon
these mountains the culture of ciochoua or Peru
vian bark can be made a profitable branch of in
dustry. '1 his invaluable plant requires an cquabla
el. mate, free from excessive beat ami frost. Jt has
recently been introduced into tho neighboring
islui.el of Jamaica, and flourishes at an elevation of
Ire oji four thousand to six thousand feet.
'1 he stems cf the trees, only four years old, are al
ready nx inches in circumference, and they are
about eleven feet in height At the age of tan years
they will have attained sufficient size to bo cut
e'owr, and will spring up again from the roots with
out re planting. 'J ho Rritisb government seems to
have considered this production a matter of national
I mi ortance, and have carefully f stered it.
Upon these mouLtalns many of the vegetables and
finite ot the tcinpeiate zone cm be eucessl'ully
cultivated. Potatoe s, cabbages, caiilillotvers, eelu
ry, lettuce and radishes were seen In pet taction. In
Port au Prince peaches were found (raised on the
neighboring mountains), pineapples grow luxuri
ant y in many parts of the island.
As an evidence of the present undeveloped on li
tion of Dominican agriculture, may be citm) the
fact that the Commioeiiou during their expeditions
thiocgh the interior of the island, ot ten 111 t wltU
leet sugar raised and iliueU lu Fi o.uco; butler and
cheese irrtorterl from Denmark, and milk Con
ner seel in the United HtAte, but seldom witn simi
lar srtlolos manufactured on the island.
F.vin ratlve indigo, a common weed by the road
side, Is supplanted by an adulterated foreign ar
ticle. So far as known no agricultural Implements
of any value are used. Not even a plough was
i.n where to be seen. The country I every whore
well adapted to the culture of tobacoo. Almost
every Ai(lcn contains enough for the use of the
Isn.iiy, i nn 11 itirnisiies the principal article or
exjert. There n ems no reason why it should not
equal the quality raided tn Cuba, If equal skill and
industry were spj lied. At present both are want
tr p. It I raised rare lesdy, cured imperfectly,
I ne keel lomblv In ceioocs ot palm lest, and trans-
otti el over mountains, upon the backs of donkeys,
to ine seareiAtci, wnerc 1. is sen a at adoiu six cents
1 er ) C'Ui d to fore'gn me reliant, and exported prtn
t'l slly to Gt rn-any.
Me.1ze.0r Indian ci.rn, Is ralsfd easily, but is of
iT'fetle r quality, end tioe not flourish as In tho
United Stnte. 'Ihtce croisayear can bo raised.
1 he tnn.iner ere p 1 sai l to bo the best In quality,
( 11 ly tl v w ii ter cicp ws s-.en. The mot valuablo
1 r.tivc grain is a spec e s cf tice which grosupon
the i pli'r els. It Is arke r And smaller than the rice
e t re inn.i tee. but ol e xn Merit eiuality, nn.l It enters
Wficly Into the food of the Inhabitants'. Tropical
f 1 u;is are numerous and excellent. More than
loity distinct species have been found growing
wild. Orsrges, pananns, limes, citrons, pino
l-l pies, mangels, tamsr'nds, guavas. melons, bread
fruits, &c., abound. With cheap and rapid cum
min Ichtfon the niarkc'sof the United States could
le Hpll.ed with ll.oio moro perishable! fruits in
crcht quantities and at veiy low price. At present
tl cy nte ursalsible.
Vegetal lesol many varieties are found at All
seise i s at tl.e market of tho principal cities of
f-sn D( mii go. 'I lie y arc toiinatocs, sweet potatoes,
re rn, 1 eas, be nns, le ttuce, radishe s, kidney beans,
Fqiiestes, rgg plants, peppers, etc. Also, yams,
cs.sssa, pliiintHin and many other products un
kiown in the north. San Domingo has always
teen noted for the comparative quality and abund
ance ot its grasses-, witch add greatly to Its agri
cultural cpphclty. The "grama," as it is com
monly csllei' a broad-leaved gra'S, which takes
rcot at every Joint grows abundant y and bo
re lies dicker in pioortion as it is cropped. A
still more valu ble grass, called "grama del pais,"
er grsss id the country, furnishes forage. The
Guii e a cress, which has proved so precious in Ja
D nil s, lice S V. c II.
lhe prairie graFsof the savannas Is said not to
bear close crop ing, but gives place to others. To
ti e abunelbnce ol these grasses is owing the pre.
cmiici.ee; of Sun Domingo over the adjacent
islsn's In ti e raising of cattle. For centuries the
neighboring agricultural colonic have depended
1. ton the Sanlsh xrtion of this island for their
suj plies ol ' Lorses, cattle and bogs. The vast s
ai i bs chili d llanos, on the eastern end of tho
island, are into rrerfed in all directions by belts of
timber, with a luxuriant undergrowth. Travelling
ever there savannas at midday, the Commission
li m el w hkt cr r toed lo be a solitary praino, with no
s 1 r:S ( f 1 1'rtiS.n habitation or animal lit?; but as
ti e sun eieclirii d there came out irom the groves on
nil side s thousands of cattle, spreading themselves
eve r the plains.
Tl. etc cattle are In tize a little less than a good
rifde'noor own country. They are mostly of a
fi-.wnj tr A'cViikv color, well mado up and long
heiind. As tLe ir Rod is perennial, and as they re
quire ro shelter in winter, the chltf btmin"cs of the
leiiHn,An Is to brand and to count them. They can
I c leiihl for about one cent pci pound on the hoof.
Xi st are the herds on the eastern llanos. They do
l i t jccl In number or quality those in other parts
cf the Isls.nd, but w ore they multiplied ten-told they
rtuld 1 ot exhaust the abundant pasturage. In tha
n ere erid districts goals abound, and in the forests
swlr e thiive In grest numbers; sheep are now very
tew; j e ultry is pier.til ul
Hoc! s of wild guin a fowls may bo seen In miny
pai Is ot tLc Island. For tracing or transportation,
lorses are gene-rally used; they aro raised In greot
rumlers; they arc smaller than those common in
our country, but strong and capable of great en
(liirLi.cf:, and thrive ujon a scanty subsistence.
'1 he pi est drawback to stock raising has arisen
liom ularauellrg ex editions during various Insurrections-
and revolutions, and the frequency of these
has prevented an immense development ot this
b-ar.cli cf national wealth. One of tho most re
maikable sgricultural features of Sn Domingo is
tLe diversity of natuial grow tin in different locali
ties. This arises from differences of soil, humidity and
temperature. The landscapes ot Maine and Louis
iana scarcely ditltr more wldi-ly to Ihe eye than do
the lower portions of the adjoining valley of the
Vcma and Vs. (j 11 1 , How ing respectively Into ihe bays
ot Samaria and Miirifillo between the same ranges
(In (juntam.". The palms and plantains of tho one
bear little resemblance to the caotm and accacias
ot the other. The high (mountain slopes and pla
teaus of the interior differ equally Irom both of
these, and have a flora of their own. It Is safe to
predict thst whtn culture ai d civilization have da.
veloied the various capabiMties of each the con
trasts of c, in ate and production will be still more
prniennced.
This diversity will give rise to an active Intnrnal
commerce, and will prove beneficial to the health,
comfort and material interests of tho pcoplo. Tho
Core mission expected to fir.d an abundance of tho
insect Hi d reptile pests w hich constitute such a so
rioiis Ci aw bHck to comfort inmost tropical coun
tries, but they were agreeably disappointed,
."mikes iceni to I e about es common as iu tho in
terior of rur own rta'es, but no venomous on -s
were heard of. Scorpions and tarantulas are
Jcur.d. but they are not common, and the effects of
their bile are not serious.
'lie testimony of the heads of a thrifty New
Fi glmid family, who had resided in tha neighbor
hood of .Shiiinna bay near ly two years, wad to the
eflect that there was as little difficulty in keeping
a house cle?r 1 rem troublesome insects as in our
1111 the rn States.
'1 be most striking characteristics of San Domingo
at lrt tieht is the wonderful luxuriance of its
lorests. In many parts, and e pecially in the nuigh
Ifibeodot the Ray of Samana, although there are
abn pt rld(e s, perpendicular cliffs and bold head
lines, no bare rocks can be seen. All are bidden
by a mass of strong vegetation. Uut ou close ob
reivation another and not less striking character
istic is revealed au astonishing variety In forest
predicts. The cause of this variety is to be found,
elcubllcFs, in the great difference in the elevation
ot Ihe surlace exposure and character of soil. These
aie a'iou. Species of palm are abundant and
very valuable iu constructing such houses as have
been generally found best suited to tho climate.
On thi mountain slopes, at different heights, grow
iu abundance both the choicest cabinet wood, as
mahogany, satin wcod, etc., and a great variety of
timber especially valuable in house building and
ship building. The roblo or Dominican oak, and a
hard pitch pine we re found in abundance in various
parts of the country.
in the more dry districts flourish sevoral valuable
woods, the best Known ot which, perhaps, Is the lig
num viin-, of which the quantity Is very great.
1 here is also an apparently inexhaustible supply of
the most valuable woods w hich enter Into manufac
tures or which have medical value, as logwood, fus
tic, aloes, &c. Great as are the quantities of wood
that have already been ou. down, there remains an
abundance. The mahogany trees have been cut oft
to some extent along the coast and the navigable
streuu s, where they were acces-ible; but lu the in
terior, where the simple methods of transportation
in use were insufficient, wide forests still untouched
await the const luctiou of roads to reudar them
available.
in various places the Commissioners saw houses
constructed chiefly of mahogany. The want of
roads has prevented any approach to an exhaustion
cf the products of the forest. A striking proof of
tl is was noted by those who crossed the island.
Sviibin thirty miles of the principal northern set
pi rt were frequently seen large logs of mahogany
ot the best qualities, evidently left to decay by the
rcaCside for lack of means ot transportation. The
n ain transportation of these woods, noted in these
expeditions, was by means of panniers slung upon
ti e Lacks of horses and mules: hence, ouly small
pieces could be brought out. Notwithstanding the
abundance of valuable timber no sawmill was
tound in the country.
'1 he details of forest products and botanical dis
tributions will be found Id the special accompany,
ing reiorts:
'J he fisheries, once flourishing, have, during tbse
latter years, fallen into neglect. At au earlier
I eriod iu the history of the island more attention
was paid to tho marine resources, and the tunny
lisbeiy was rairied ou around all the shores of the
Is snil, suf, plying Ihe home want for salt tlsh and
allow ii g au ex ort to other colonics. This tl.-hiug
in now discontinued, although great schools of
h h tie (till abundant on the southern shore. The
etlorts of ttherrn. u are confined to meagerly
si ppijlng the markets of the seaports, and their
Iiceuce is brought lu on two days tn the week,
bitbeugh both the surrounding seas and the rivers
1 ti e islsnd are well stocked with tleh of mauy
kinds.
Ihe blackfli h, or the grampus, a small member
of ti c whale family, is somewhat abundant on the
l.ortlurn tboiu, where several score are caught
eeciyjcar und their blubber tried dowu for oil.
Tl.e turtle, both the green edible species and the
hawks-bill, whose chief commercial value is in its
fel ell, s re abundant in the deep sea, a law nnlos trom
lai.ej, qu.te around the island. Roth are caught iu
n.i derate quantities. Several varieties of slieUUsii
are broi'ght into market in limited umouur.. A
smail oy: ter Is very abundant in cert-tin localities,
glowing attached to the mangrove bnsher Tuey
ate eaten by the natives, but are not so palatable
as the oyster ot more northern latitudes.
While au enumeration of the sea and rivnr a:il
inuls of tho island known to naiuiaiists would show
a lure number ot kinds of great linporlauce for
food, little can ho told of their distribution or
bbtiiuance. The prostrate condition of iu.ius.ry is
as marked In the neglect of the fisheries as In decay
of agriculture.
The testimony of witnesses, the observation of
the Co mmissioners, and the reports pf special In
vestigations, show that It is generally a healthy
country. Kmlgrsnt easily bcceimo accustomed to
the climate. On the cosst, where hot weather pre
vail, care must be taken. Individual from tha
noitbein State, now residing on the coast and en
gsgrel In cultivating plantations there, say they
can labor with their own hands, and that white
men may work under certain regulation a safely
es in Ihe United States. 1 be Interior of the Island
lot slsls chie lly of elevaled land.
lhe mountain slopes and valleys, overlooked or
surrounded by lofty 1 Idges, aro co'mparnti velv cool
at d aie favorable to noilhnrn constitutions. Within
a lew hours' rido Inland furrns wcro visited where
the ti mperatuic, cooled by the neighboring peaks,
wis blueing, and in tho same fields could be seen
gtowii g cabbage and banana, Statoos and plan
tains, Indian corn and sug.tr e-iinc, etc. Kilectlve
iHi crrs.n to prosecuted t y wbito men In such re.
Iler at.d general good health maintained. The
lioeersof acclimation to Ftrangers coming in was
so slifiht fi to bo scarcely on inconvenience. It
may be raid generally that this process presents no
creator ol stacle to cmlgrxtion than docs the similar
I r- ce ss In several of our new Stntis.
The jhysioal configuration of the island Is such
thai a ele clileel d llcienco ex'sts between its east
tin and western ends in n gard to health. In the
cistern or windward portion of the island occu
I ie el by tl.e Dominican hepublic the principal
n.ntiiitain chains run In lines approaching an cast
Slid west direction. 1 ho valleys between them are
tbeielorc swept (luting the greater portion of the 1
ar by the trade winds which, in that latitude,
eeme liom directions east and northeast. Theso
vsllcjs arc thus constantly supplied with pure air
tie m the sea, and malarious Influences are rapidly
cisst ate d.
On the other hand, the west end of the island,
occ upied by Hayti, is walled in on its eastern or
leew aid side by chains of high mountains running
in irri guiar curves from not th to south. It would
s pear that theso act to some extent as barriers to
trade winds; and to this fact, coupled with the in
due tee ot neighboring marshes and mangrove
swamps, it I due In a ureat measure that Port-au-Prince
and the country about it have so bad a re
putation in regaid to health.
As to the large towns thero can be no doubt that
the want at prise nt of any practical application of
fbiiltsry knowledge causes them to rank far lower
In repaid to hesitb than they otherwise would.
Among the leading historical events connected with
tl.e island ot tlaytl or San Domingo which have
stamped themselves upon the public mind, are the
dreadful eplde mlcs, pi incipally yellow fever, which
ravaged the Kngllsh, the French and the Spanish
aimies sncci ssively landed upon the coast.
'Iho victims were Europeans, and their sad fate
interested millions, so that in the public mind San
Dcnilnpo and yellow fever became almost synony
mous, it Is a matter of history that the most fatal
cf these, that ol the French, at the beginning of this
century, conducted its operations mainly in the
Hajtlon part of the Island. The English expedi
tion to Sen Domingo which s fiometime-s referred to,
to far as can be ascertained, was not attended by
any proater loss of life from disease than might
have been expected with the imperfect sanitary
regulations ot military forces which have existed
down to a very recent period. The losses of the
fetan'rh army from illness wore large'y due to tho
utter lack ot sanitary care; and tha commissioners
are satisfied that those losses have been enormously
exaggerated. The commissioners have given special
uttiniion to the matter of health, and beside get
ting information from other quarters, they have
ch rge d two medical gentlemen to report specially
upon it, and their reports are appended. Their
tor elusion Is this:
The popular idea that tho Dominlcin territory Is
I iticuiarly unhealthy, and that persons visiting It
are periodically liable to yellow fever, Is entirely
erroneous. The average general health and longe
vity is quite equal to, and probably greater, than
that ot the United States as a whole. Emigrants
arc not liable to any more distui bancs ot general
health in the process of acclimation than aro per
sons who pass from the old to the new States of
the United States, ami, saving upon the seacoast,
tLe j recess Is so gentle as to escape notice.
Inking the year through, as much agricultural
work t an be eione without affecting health as can
Ic core in our middle and western States, and
with greater results. Persona In all circumstances
tan here enjoy, by selecting their locality, a deli
cious climate and abundance of fruit, with far
less liability to diseases of the lungs, to scarlet
fever and other fearful epidemics, and without any
liability to yellow fever.
'l he Commission, its attaches, and the gentlemen
of the press, numbered thirty-two. The officers
and crew of the frigate numbered four hundred
and ninety six. This company of five hunlredaud
twenty-eight sojourned in the harbors, supposad to
te the most unhealthy ports in the country, and in
tbo interior of the Island, about two mouths. Fe if
any had been acclimated; nevertheless, there was
but one case of mortal disease, and that irom ctuses
nni onnected with climate.
lheiewas no case of malignant and none of se
vere sickness among them. The etoaraer Nantaa
ket, with its full complement of officers And sea
men, has been in the harbors of the island for
1 Lout titteen months, and has not hid a single case
ol jellow fever.
In 1W2 there was a severe earthquake, which did
rcnsidersble damage in some portions of the island.
Several similar shocks bad previously occurred in
the course of three and a half centuries. Since
that time none have b-;en experienced which, ac
cording to the accounts of the people, did any
serious damage to life and property. Almost every
year very slight shocks occur, so Inconsiderable
thtit scat ce a dozen ot the inhabitants are aware f
them. About the time of the autumnal equinox
hmricanes are not unfrequent, and are sometimes
accemi anted with damage, especially with shipping
along !.e coast, and even to trees and crops on
lann and rivers.
Tbi re are several rivers, as tho Yana, Yaqui and
Ozan a, which, during a greater part of the year,
can t e navigated by vessels of light draught to a
considerable instance it to the interior. At present
they simply aliord facilities lor floating down the
tin ier which grows wilhin easy distance of their
bunks.
'J Le territory of tho Dominican Republio Is in
ejintcd with nume rous harbors, generally aci esslblo
0 nly by vessels of light draught. The three great
bi-js, of bumui.a, Ocou ai d Manzanlllo admit ves
sels of the largest draught, and are impor ant as
outlets of the commerce if tho country surround
ing ihcm, especially the bay of Mauzaulllo, which
In s at the entrance of the great valley of the Yaqui,
but neither ot the two lu-t named have any great
importance in a military point of view.
'1 be Bay of Sumanu, however, deserves more
ositlul attention, s, on many accounts, the most
impiiUnt In the West Indies. It is at the north
cur tern extremity ot the island, and Is thirty miles
lorg by about ten miles broad, and is sufficiently
eemn odious for the largest fleets. It is well pro
tected irom the winds, and especially those of the
lorthtsst by the mountains of the peninsula. Its)
e i tn. 1 rc pre suits no obstacle to shif s of the largest
( rhutl.t; is narrower than that ot tho harbor of St
'1 L011 as, Lut Is the more easily lortiliod on that a
ciini. As ehowii by General McClellan in his re
1 ( rt on this bay. verv simple fortifications at:
1 i.trai ce if the harbor and at Port Jackson, ou:U
I cith there, would guard it thoroughly.
Jtr situation (jives it easy command of the Mona
psisi pe, the most important eastern avenue to the
Unit if Mexico, whoso importance will be iin
ri:( 1 Ft ly enhanced should a new passage be opeued
to the world's couiuieico thiuugh tho Isthmus of
l'aiitn 10 any Power having occasion to mainttln
II fleet in the West Indies, mid especially to the
Unite el States, as Laving vast interests to protect
ui the Cult if Mexico. '1 he value of tha jwisltton
ui a c bling station csnuot ho overlooked. Under
a si cure and liberul (.overnment a city would grow
1 I Lt feme point on this bay which would be one of
1 be great commercial centres of tha West Indies.
Its elue to the coasting trade is enhanced by the
ti.ct that what Is commonly called tha peninsula is
in utility an island, as there is a ptssaga which
(itid easily Le uiado available for ships of modern
: c tiC'in the wctt end of tha bay to the north sea
1 ouit.
'i l,c testimony f how s that a few citizens of the
United Ktstii. have acquired fho light to aconslder-
I L 1 art of the water iront of the village of Santa
I'liil-bia, which mono of the numerous harbors on
il is extensive bay, arid has heretofore attracted the
II cm i ttei.tiou. TLe portion so acquired forms, but
st tn til part of tic space which would be needed
r.i (I ice tpiid l y a great commercial city, even if
) at titv should finally grow up at th!s particular
I otnt. The rouutiy adjaeeut to the Rsyof Samana
is txrrt elingly fertile. Former reports of coal in
lis immediate neighboi hood are not confirmed by
1) c fceilegists attached t tho expedition: but the
rit I. lies ft the surrounding country In all other re
iMt has never, so fur as k no 11, baen overesti
u i.ioil. All accounts njree also as to ita salubrity.
'1 Lis lay derives an additlor al impoi Unca as the
l ateral outlet of the eastern slope of the great
plum called La Yeg 1 Reel, which is tho richest part
ittle Island and ponscsses every element of agri-culturr-1
wenlth and valuable mlmv al resources."
'J l e c hitf city or Santiago la, at regards inland
trtit'e, the most important in tho Republic, and in
its i.tlthborhood arc suvercl towns of little less im
oitaice. 'lhe inland communications from tba
Pbvof Samara wool I be eas-v. The Yana river
cenidle navigated lor a considerable distance by
vert els of a light draught, and a railroad along
that valley would have in iu favor the absence of
I eavy grades and large rivers, and tha presence of
an unlimited supply along a great part of it of tho
lie st timber for ties.
'1 l.e Commusioners were notified, whilo lnvestl
patir g matters at the capital of tha Dominic tu Re
liillc, that although the goveruweut ot the
CWiiud eon tht 2'kiii Page.