Bassett to William M. Evarts, September 24, 1877

No. 255. Mr. Bassett to Mr. Evarts.

Sir: Referring to my No. 523, of the 11th ultimo, which, in conveying to you a note of the Dominican envoys to Hayti, touched upon the relations between the two republics of this island, I have the honor to invite your attention to the accompanying translation of a proclamation (inclosure) which was recently issued by President Canal, and which has reference to the same subject.

It will be seen that while President Canal in this proclamation mildly deplores the existence of a situation “badly defined,” and of “uncertain relations equally dangerous for both nations,” and professes a desire for the maintenance of friendly relations with Santo Domingo, and that while he speaks with an air of frankness, he at the same time endeavors to justify the refusal of his government to recognize the treaty of November, 1874, between the two countries, on the ground that the Corps Lé-gislatif had annulled the acts of the Dominique Government, and also because it had not been considered that the “regrettable instability of the public powers” of Santo Domingo had yet put this government “in face of a government,” in that country, “offering the guarantees of order, of duration, and of national independence,” as well as because the treaty’s stipulations were “too onerous amd without compensation.”

The proclamation is couched in careful language, and I am inclined to think that it was called out by the note of the Dominican envoys, and and that it was intended to neutralize any effect which that note might have abroad. It seems also to betray a reluctance on the part of this government to treat with President Baëz, if indeed it does not even carry in its soft phrases a thread or trace of haughtiness and dictation toward Santo Domingo.

At all events, I think it rather confirmatory of the views expressed in my No. 523, as to the real sentiment which animates and controls the policy of this government toward President Baëz and toward the Dominican Republic.

I am, &c.,