Legation of the
United States,
Port au Prince,
Hayti, November 28, 1872.
(Ree’d Dec. 18.)
No. 164.]
The article refers to the re-election of President Grant, and predicts as its
consequence the early re-opening of the question of the annexation of San
Domingo to the United States. I judge it to be a fair reflex of the
prevailing sentiment here, in regard to that event. It will be seen that to
obviate this annexation it suggests that steps should be taken by the
Haytien government to conclude “a treaty of peace, commerce, and alliance
with Baez.” My impression is that this idea was long ago suggested to this
government. * * * * *
[Inclosure A.—Translation.]
A deplorable fact will infallibly come to pass in April or May next. This
will be the annexation of the Dominican portion of the island to the
United States of America. For our part, the re-election of General Grant
to the presidential seat is the suspension of a new sword of Damocles
over our heads. Our line of conduct from to-day should be the most
serious, the most calm, and the most direct.
If we had the management of affairs, we would have taken immediate steps
to conclude a treaty of peace, commerce, and alliance with Baez. The
graceful manner with which he returned to us our four prisoners is a
sufficient proof that he does not wish us any evil.
Moreover, would not a friendly and durable arrangement be more profitable
than an enmity at once long, arduous, perilous, and disastrous? Let us
calm our passions, let us enter frankly on the stage of action, and let
us make use of the few friends that are left to us. There is one who,
though somewhat hurt, will serve us with a joyous heart, and lead
affairs to a happy conclusion. By not losing any time, we will triumph,
and we will prevent, perhaps, annexation. Let us, therefore, be up and
doing.
But the other one * * What other one? The other man. Very well! Give him
some money, and say to him, frankly, “For the last three years thou hast
done nothing but consume piasters. Be off quickly, if you know what is
well for yourself.”
Things should be done squarely, that’s all!