Page "Charles Sumner" Paragraph 66

Sen. Sumner, opposed to American imperialism in the Caribbean, was adamant to keep the island nation independent.

As chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Sen. Sumner initially withheld his opinion on the treaty on January 18, 1870.

Sen. Sumner had been leaked information from Assistant Secretary of State, Bancroft Davis, that U. S. Naval ships were being used to protect President Báez.

Sen. Sumner's committee voted against annexation and at Sen. Sumner ’ s suggestion, the Senate did not allow open debate of the treaty.

President Grant persisted and sent messages to Congress in favor of annexation on March 14, 1870 and May 31, 1870.

Grant believed that the mineral resources on the island would be valuable to the United States, and that African Americans repressed in the South, would have a safe haven to migrate.

A labor shortage in the South would force Southerners to be tolerant towards African Americans.

In closed session, Sen. Sumner spoke out against the treaty ; having believed there would be difficulty with the foreign nationals, the chronic rebellion that took place on the island, and the African independence of Haiti, recognized by the United States in 1862, would be taken away.

Sumner stated that Grant's use of the U. S. Navy as a protectorate was a violation of International law and unconstitutional.

Finally, on June 30, 1870 the treaty was voted on by the Senate and defeated having failed to gain the required 2 / 3 majority for treaty passage.