“Resolved, That the President of the United States be requested to communicate to the Senate, if in his opinion not incompatible with the public interest, copies of all papers and correspondence relating to the proposed annexion of the Dominican portion of the island of San Domingo or the purchase of any part thereof, including the original and all subsequent instructions to any agent or consul of the United States, with the correspondence of such agent or consul; also, any protocol or convention signed by such agent or consul; also, an account of the debt and liabilities of the Dominican Government, especially its obligations to the neighboring Republic of Hayti; also, the provisions of the existing Constitution of Dominica, so far as the same relate to the sale or transfer of the national domain; also, any treaty with Hayti or France by which Dominica is bound or affected; also, any communication from the neighboring Republic of Hayti, or from our Minister there, relating to the proposed annexion; also, instructions to the commander of our naval squadron in the waters of the island since the commencement of the late negotiations, with the reports and correspondence of such commander; also, any information tending to show what European power, if any, proposes to acquire jurisdiction of any part of the island, and if so, of what part; also, any information with regard to the position of President Baez, under whom the treaty of annexion was negotiated, and the extent to which he has been maintained in power by the presence of United States vessels of war; also, any information with regard to the sentiments of the people in Dominica and the reported pendency there of civil war; also, any information with regard to any claim of jurisdiction by the Republic of Hayti over the territory of Dominica.”
December 12th, in pursuance of the President’s recommendation, Mr. Morton, of Indiana, asked, and by unanimous consent obtained, leave to introduce “a Joint Resolution authorizing the appointment of commissioners in relation to the Republic of Dominica,” as follows:—
“Resolved, &c., That the President of the United States be authorized to appoint three commissioners, and also a secretary, (the latter to be versed in the English and Spanish languages,) to proceed to the island of San Domingo, and to inquire into, ascertain, and report:—
“1. The political state and condition of the Republic of Dominica.
“2. The desire and disposition of the people of the said Republic to become annexed to and to form part of the people of the United States.
“3. The physical, mental, and moral condition of the said people, and their general condition as to material wealth and industrial capacity.
“4. The resources of the country; its mineral and agricultural products; the products of its waters and forests; the general character of the soil; the extent and proportion thereof capable of cultivation; the climate and health of the country; its bays, harbors, and rivers; its general meteorological character, and the existence and frequency of remarkable meteorological phenomena.
“5. The debt of the Government, and its obligations, whether funded and ascertained and admitted, or unadjusted and under discussion.
“6. Treaties or engagements with other powers.
“7. Extent of boundaries and territory; what proportion is covered by grants or concessions, and generally what concessions or franchises have been granted.