Highly Important from Hayti.

The barque Hecia, Capt. Hoyt, from Port au Prince, arrived here on Saturday, from Port au Plata, with advices from each place to the 6th inst., have arrived in the last two days.

The intelligence received by them from our correspondents at St. Domingo City and Port au Prince, is of a very interesting and important character.

It appears by what we learn from Capt. Lake, of the Clara, that extensive preparations continued to be made at Port au Prince for the long expected final conflict. It was the opinion of the Captain and General Pierrot, that St. Jago must decide the issue in its results. Either the black or white race must soon rule the island of Hayti. It is impossible for both to live together as one nation.

This aspect of affairs assumes an additional importance from the fact that there is likely to be some difficulty with the Haytien government, owing to an indignity offered to a commercial agent of the U. S.

All the intelligence, however, that we have received by these arrivals, perhaps the most important and exciting is that relative to the Dominicans and the course of Mr. Hogan, our agent, and his very attentive correspondents. This intelligence is not only important to us whether or not the island of Hayti shall fall into the power of Hayti, but as affecting our own relations with France, and perhaps with another power in Europe.

Among other documents which have been furnished to us, are several containing a great many highly interesting facts connected with the mission of Mr. Hogan to St. Domingo. We present three or four of these papers, because they bear the marks of authenticity, and well merit the perusal of all our readers. It will be recollected that about a year ago, or more, we mentioned the arrival here of two agents from St. Domingo to our government, relative to the acknowledgment, by the United States, of the independence of the Dominican Republic. Our government, in consequence of that movement, induced Mr. Calhoun to despatch Mr. Hogan to St. Domingo, to examine into the condition and resources of that part of Hayti. It is not yet known what Mr. Hogan has returned home from his mission, but we have reason to believe that he has made his report to our government, and that the President and his Cabinet are deliberating in the matter, in order to ascertain the best course to pursue.

We give three of the documents which we have received:

The first is an abstract of a statement made by Mr. Hogan to our government. The second paper is a sketch of the Dominican Republic, written by a highly intelligent Dominican to Mr. Hogan, after his arrival at St. Domingo; and the third is a brief history of Hayti, sent to Mr. Hogan by a member of the Haytien Legislature.

Takes in all points of view, these papers open an important issue in our relations with Europe, and the future affair of the American continent. The island of Hayti is the most fertile of any in the Atlantic, and its value is considered so great, that France, having once owned the island to the French, they have been devising plans for some time back to gain a colony to them too valuable to lose; and we are looking by for its probable re-occupancy by France. Commercial men, belonging to France, who have been, for some time, residing in different parts of the island; and one has lately been seen foreignly lodged by the Dominicans for modeling a new flag; and this may afford a pretext for France to strike a blow, which may at once be subversive of the Haytien Republic. All this, however, we shall see, will, perhaps, be proper for the United States to be a sort of protector to one person at least of that island, in order to promote the easy growth of power on this continent. The mission of Mr. Hogan may enable our executive to place the Dominican Republic in such a strong and favorable light to our government, as to lead to its recognition of the independence of Hayti; and if we be the first in this recognition, that Republic will, of course, apart from her republican feelings and instincts, look up to the United States in preference to any other nation. This gives the whole matter an importance that it would not otherwise have. It is expected that, considering the great probabilities of the present war against the Haytiens, the whole island will fall into the American Union, and thus become one great Republic—the Island Republic of the world.

It is necessary, in this view of the news we have received, for our government to act decisively in the matter. It is necessary for us to prevent any intervention on the part of France, or any European nation, in the affairs of Hayti, as in the case of the Republic of Texas. There is no time to lose.

An Abstract of a Memoir delivered to the Secretary of State of the United States, by the Political Agent of the Dominican Republic, near the government at Washington.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 8, 1845.

To the Hon. JOHN C. CALHOUN,

Secretary of State of the United States.

Sir—The undersigned has the honor to address you, as Political Agent, for information respecting the Republic of Do-mingo.

2. The former Spanish part of St. Domingo remained under the Spanish dominion till the 30th of November, 1821, when it declared its independence of the mother country, which then occupied the western part of the island. On the 9th of February, 1822, the President of Hayti and Spanish part took occasion on the 27th February, 1844, by separating themselves from the Haytiens, and taking possession of the fortified places, where they established a government, under the name of the Central Junta, who directed the army, and commanding the district and the Haytien forces, who, a few days after, was obliged to evacuate the country.

3. The Dominicans took up their headquarters at Sabana Buey, on the river Ocoa, and erected two redoubts at the pass of El Numro to restrain the march of the aggressors, who would not venture to advance further; and on the 7th of July, at St. Jago, they were encountered and driven back with great loss.

4. The President of Hayti, Herard Riviere, and General Pierrot, on the 3d of March, near the city of Santiago de los Caballeros, when they were met by the Dominicans at Azua, while only one was wounded on the Dominican side. On the 7th of July, 1844, Gen. Riviere retreated to Azua, and on the 9th to Port au Prince, and the President of Hayti to Port au Prince, since which time no further aggressions have been committed.

5. The Dominican territory was then invaded through the south by the President of Hayti, Charles Riviere, under General Herard Riviere, who arrived at Azua, with 10,000 men. The Dominicans met them with 2,500 men, under command of Gen. Pedro Santana, of 2,500 men and three cannons. The battle began on the 19th of March, 1844, and lasted three hours. The Dominicans lost three killed, while more than 1,000 Haytiens were left dead on the field.

6. The Dominicans then took up their head quarters at Sabana Buey, on the river Ocoa, and erected two redoubts at the pass of El Numro to restrain the march of the aggressors, who would not venture to advance further; and on the 7th of July, at St. Jago, they were encountered and driven back with great loss.

7. The President of Hayti, Herard Riviere, and General Pierrot, on the 3d of March, near the city of Santiago de los Caballeros, when they were met by the Dominicans at Azua, while only one was wounded on the Dominican side. On the 7th of July, 1844, Gen. Riviere retreated to Azua, and on the 9th to Port au Prince, and the President of Hayti to Port au Prince, since which time no further aggressions have been committed.

8. On the 12th of May, 1844, the declaration of the independence and the response of the Dominicans were considered at a meeting of all the towns, and a central government then engaged in calling on the people to elect deputies to frame a constitution. The deputies met at St. Christoval on the 24th of September, 1844, and framed a constitution which consecrated those social principles which secure civil and political rights, as well as the admission of foreigners to civil and political rights.

9. On the 14th of November, 1844, the 13th of the month of November, Senor DON PEDRO SANTANA was inaugurated President, and Senores Manuel Cabral y Baez, Minister of War; Senores Bobadilla, Foreign Relations and Justice; Don Manuel Jimenes, Minister of Finance; and sentence of banishment passed against Juan Pablo Duarte, and General Don Manuel Jimenes, of War and Marine.

10. The people then elected members of the Senate and Chamber of Deputies.

11. All the public functionaries are elected for a fixed period.

12. The state owns own property, or are licensed to carry on some industry. The state owns the public domain, the officers of the civil and navy, are entitled to vote.

13. The legislative power is vested in two bodies, periodical electors, who constitute an electoral college in each province, who elect the members of the legislative power. In case of no majority, Congress elects the members.

14. The President and Vice President are appointed for four years by the Executive.

15. The Dominican territory is divided into five provinces: St. Domingo, Azua, Vega, and Santiago, with the island, extending from Lasbon, on Massacre river, to the mouth of the river Pedernales, both falling into the sea; the latter to the windward (west) of Beate island.

16. The country fertile in the productions of the West Indies, and contains gold, iron, and coal. Two great bays, which form ideal anchorages and can anchor in security, viz. the Bay of Samana, and the latter admitting the whole navy of Samana on the north, the latter admitting the whole world as well as pearl fishery.

17. The principal ports and places of trade are St. Domingo, Puerto de Plata, Azua, Samana, and Monte Christi.

18. A constant trade is kept up with the islands of St. Thomas, Curacoa, Jamaica, and also with England and Germany, whether is transported a large amount of mahogany, and nearly two-thirds of their hides.

19. A sufficient supply of sugar is made for the people, and could be made an article of export.

20. The principal articles of export are mahogany, lignum vitae, fustic, and other woods of dye, tobacco, hides, yellow and white wax, gum guacum, honey, and a small quantity of coffee.

21. St. Domingo is surrounded by walls and fortifications, with the necessary artillery, as well as the city of Santiago; the city of Puerto de Plata is also fortified, sufficiently. The cities of Azua are in progress, and fortifications are being made at other points on the frontier, towards the enemy. At all passages between the two countries, there are posts of observation and troops to prevent aggression.

22. St. Domingo has plenty of cannon and ammunition, and other articles of war, with an arsenal well supplied, and a navy of ten vessels, carrying from three to fifteen guns each, two schooners of large size, also four armed vessels; viz: one brig and three schooners, of 12 guns each.

23. The revenues from imports, &c., is sufficient to cover the expenses of the government, and the republic has no debt, except that of its own paper money, which it has put means in the mining operation, and after the cessation of the war.

24. The population is over 200,000, half of which are white, and the other half colored. They are intelligent, industrious, and good citizens. Those of the whites, whom are landed proprietors or old mechanics; are well off; their manners are European, and those of color, who are negroes, most of whom are free born. Slavery was abolished in 1822, and never after re-established.

25. The government is anxious to encourage foreign immigration, and will make grants of land to immigrants, and give great security, thus augmenting and attract the white population. The Dominicans will never consent to a union with Hayti, nor will they consent to live with the white Dominicans who emigrated in 1822. Those who have taken up arms against the country, and their government has not confiscated; this will be restored, and if they return to their country, without prejudice to the injury of the present heirs.

26. The Dominican Republic presents actual capacity to fulfill the obligations of an independent nation, as well as every claim to the sympathy of the United States, as well as every other with nations that may grant it their sympathy.

27. The Dominican Republic is an object of interesting case for contemplation. Its cause is noble, just and holy; it is defending itself against the barbarous invasions, especially those of the American continent. It is a war of extermination, carried on by Hayti, to prevent the vengeance of the Haytiens, who count half a million, and the Dominicans 200,000; the white population, consequently, from their superior numbers and force, would be massacred or driven from the country, and all those massacres and conflagrations must ensue, if not supported by foreign powers.

28. The fear of another invasion, ought not to prevent the acknowledgment of the Dominican Republic, because the Haytiens are not able to execute it, and humanity dictate the preservation of the Dominican State from destruction, as an act sanctioned by philanthropy and religion.

29. The Dominican Republic, ought to be recognized, a rights to a place among the family of nations, in consequence of its being the first city built by European colonists from magnanimous and Christian nations: from Spanish ancestors, who are justly considered, for their heroic traits, by all lovers of independence, as the founder of real liberty in the new world.

30. Without the assistance of foreign nations, the Republic of Dominica would be respected, and the vigor of its people will protect it.

31. This recognition may be resolved affirmatively, as there is no obstacle in the treaty of 1825, between France and Hayti, which never comprehended Dominican territory, as Spanish Santo Domingo was never recognized by the United States, as it never had legal possession, and could not be transferred by France to Hayti.

32. The Republic of Dominica should not be left in her present state, as her position is dangerous to the continent of America, whose independence has been recognized.

DOCTOR J. M. CAMINERO.

AN ABSTRACT OF A NOTE TO THE HON. C. A. CLINTON, POLITICAL AGENT OF ST. DOMINGO.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 25, 1845.

TO THE HON. C. A. CLINTON—

Sir:—

1. An addenda to his note of the 9th inst to show that the Dominican territory was never comprehended under the name of Hayti, nor under that of the Haytien Republic.

2. The Spanish part of the island remained under the dominion of Spain till 1821, when it took the title of Spanish Hayti, night of which Dr. Jose Nunez de Caceres, Lieutenant Governor, and Auditor of War, took command of St. Domingo.

3. A few days afterwards, Brigadier General Don Tomas Portes, with his officers, officers, embarked for Spain, Porto Rico and Cuba.

4. President Boyer, in 1822, under the pretext that the rest of the republic of Hayti, contributed to restrain and maintain the tranquility of Spanish Hayti, invaded it with a force of 12,000 men, for the purpose of subjugating the country and changing the French part. The political change had been effected without bloodshed, and in consequence of the popular mind was not made up on the question, and in a state of surprise and unprepared, Boyer conquered the country. The Spanish flag was then only flying in the north side, which was fomented by European Spaniards; Boyer marched from Monte Christi and Santiago, and entering into relations with Spanish Hayti, entered St. Domingo.

5. The President, Nunez, in December, communicated with Boyer, and stated that the towns had yielded to his terms for a treaty of alliance, offensive and defensive. Boyer replied that he was not coming as an enemy, but as a friend, and would be at St. Domingo; and on the 9th of February, styled Nunez, in Azua, General, Chief of the Spanish Haytien Republic, and stated his hopes had been disappointed, and caused the utmost consternation among the inhabitants.

6. In this state of things all the civil and military authorities submitted to Boyer, who took possession of Spanish Hayti. Spanish Hayti retained all its former laws, and sent to submit to the outrageous oppression, baseline, and tyranny of Boyer for 22 years. Spanish Hayti was, on the 27th of February, 1844, when the Dominicans again marched into St. Domingo, on the 12th of May following, the independent republic of Spanish Hayti was declared.

7. On the following day he caused his constitution to be proclaimed, which has not existed since 1816, for the Spanish part, which had never taken part in it, nor was represented in its formation. Spanish Hayti was completely different in character and customs from those of the Spaniards, while that of Spanish Hayti was European, or rather Spanish, as shown by posterior acts, and by the general spirit of independence, was displayed, and the same spirit and energy which took place in 1821, was displayed by certain numbers of this class.

ST. DOMINGO, June 10, 1845.

JOHN HOGAN, Esq., Commissioner of the United States, St. Domingo:

DEAR SIR—I have to acknowledge the receipt of your favor letter of the 20th inst. I must first thank you for your kind wishes for my health, and your congratulations on my safe arrival, and assure you that I shall be happy to serve you or your republic, and give you my opinion concerning the several questions you have submitted to me:

1st. What is the political and moral condition of that portion of the island?

2d. What is the nature of its constitution, laws, and government?

3d. What is the population of the Republic?

1st. What is the political and moral condition of that portion of the island?—In order to answer this question, I must give you a short sketch of our former condition. We have been since the discovery of this island, Spanish subjects, and consequently have partaken of the spirit, character and habits of Spanish nations. Under the Spanish government, although Spanish policy did not tend to improve the country, yet we enjoyed the protection of the laws, and were under a moral influence, which maintained order, and made the inhabitants respectful to the laws, and attached to the soil. We had also a large clerical body, which maintained religion, and formed the morals of the people. St. Domingo was an Arch-episcopate, and the Archbishop had five suffragan bishops. It was also a primate of the Indies. We had a university, which produced men of great learning and talents; we had also many convents of both sexes, and many primary schools. Religious orders were established, and parish churches were erected in every parish. I must give you a list of our churches and their present state:

1. The Cathedral of St. Domingo, with 32 priests.

2. The church of St. Miguel, with a curate.

3. The city of Bayaguana, with its curate living in the town.

4. In the city of Monte Plata, a church with its curate, and a curate in Boya.

5. A church, very handsome, in the village of Boya, under the care of the curate of Monte Plata. It has a blessed image of Holy Virgin, with its church, very handsome, much frequented by travelers, under the particular protection of Our Lady of Grace, to whom all uneducated parish pay homage.

6. The city of the Holy Cross of Seibo, with a splendid church, and its curate, living in the town, and a curate in Higuey.

7. A country seat with a church and a curate, dedicated to the Lady of Altagracia.

8. The town of Salvaleon, with its curate and church, tied to the Lady of Merced.

9. The city of Hato Mayor, with its curate and church, living in the town.

10. Church belonging to the same parish.

11. The city of St. Antonio de Guerra, a curate.

12. The town of San Jose de los Llanos, a curate, and St. Charles, of Teneriffe, with a curate, who is, for want of a church, officiating in the chapel of St. Lazaro, being in repairing the damage caused in the church by, as is said, an earthquake.

13. The city of San Christoval, with a curate.

14. Bani, with its church and its curate—a person who was educated in Spain.

15. The town of Compostella, of Azua, with its church and curate, who also officiates in the parish of Neyba.

16. Neyba, with its church and curate.

17. San Juan de Maguana.

18. The convent of St. Francis, fronting a church, newly repaired by the people.

19. San Jose de Ocoa, a new parish, the church of which was injured by the earthquake now being repaired.

20. The city of La Vega, with a curate and handsome church, which was built after the earthquake of 1842.

21. The City of Conception, with its curate—out of the town—the church was destroyed by the earthquake of 1842.

22. The city of Santiago de los Caballeros, with a large and splendid church, which was destroyed by the earthquake, but the people, by their own subscriptions and labor, have built a temporary church. The church of Altagracia, which was destroyed by the earthquake, but the neighborhood have always supplied some means for repairing the damage.

23. The city of Santiago and its districts are destroyed, and their churches in ruins, with the exception of the church of St. Jago, which has a curate. The districts of Sabaneta, Guayubin, San Jose de las Matas, and Altabacoa, and risings of cattle—consequently rich in livestock, and producing mahogany and tobacco; with the exception that were known as the large convent and the little convent, with their curates.

24. The city of St. Philip of Puerto Plata, with its curious and splendid church, which has a curate; but, being in ruins, they have been obliged to build a temporary one; also the parish of Monte Christi, which is in ruins, and its curate, two leagues from that a hermitage.

This was the state of things when Boyer invaded us, and although he declared that he would respect our rights, he forced the clergy to leave the country, by taking away their property, and giving them a small pittance, which would not support them; so that our population was left without a priest, without religious instructions, and without schools. Our clergy were reduced to six or eight priests, and these were aged men, and could not visit the parishes. Boyer, seeing the consequence of his conduct, permitted some foreign priests to enter, but they were men without morals and without learning; and, taking advantage of the ignorance of the people, they committed the most disgraceful acts; but now our government has taken measures to remedy these evils, and has sent a mission to His Holiness the Pope to obtain priests, and has also established primary schools in all the towns, and we have now a college in this city, where the youth are instructed in all the branches of education.

Under the Haytien government, the spirit of religion was destroyed, and the people fell into a state of total indifference and opposition of the government has been broken, and the people have returned to their former habits. It is true that our churches are in a very bad state, owing to account of political motions, and the famous earthquake of 1842, when almost all of them were destroyed or damaged; and those that were repaired, were, during the revolution, cost uselessly, owing to the Haytiens using them for barracks; but the government, although poor, has appropriated a sum of money to repair some of these buildings for synagogues; and nothing was left for our churches. The Haytiens did not encourage any movement of divine worship; but on the contrary, to throw obstacles in the way of the Catholic religion, and to favor the See of Rome. It appears that the intention was to destroy our religion, and to establish the Haytien religion, which is a mixture of African superstitions, and it was the design of the Haytien part, to have missionaries and other sects of religion to establish themselves in the country, and the Pope who had no right there except the executive itself, to interfere with the religious affairs.

With this in trust I have given you information with regard to the first part of your letter. It is true that the people of this part of the island have been brought up in the habit of having religion in its purity, and its pastors to be aquin with their flock, and to give them good advice, and although they have been left without priests, yet they retained their superstitions rites, with some exterior forms of our religion; and, since our independence, they have returned to their former habits. My opinion is that the people of this country are capable of being led to a high state of civilization, if they have a good government, and good priests to instruct them, and I am happy to inform you, that since our independence, our government has taken measures to promote education and religion, and I hope that in a short time we shall see the fruits of their labors.

I remain, dear sir, &c.,

Your most obt. servant,

DR. JOHN H. FRELIGH, Member of the Legislature of St. Domingo.

2d. What is the nature of its constitution, laws, and government?—I have already spoken of the spirit of independence which existed in the Spanish part of St. Domingo. It was this spirit which induced the people to throw off the Spanish yoke in 1821, and to declare their independence. It was the same spirit which led them to resist the invasion of Boyer in 1822, and although they were obliged to submit to superior force, they never lost sight of their independence. During the long period of twenty-two years, they were subjected to the most oppressive tyranny, and were deprived of all their rights; but their spirit was not broken, and when the revolution of 1843 broke out in Hayti, they availed themselves of the opportunity, and declared their independence on the 27th of February, 1844.

After having declared their independence, they formed a provisional government, which was called the Central Executive Junta. This junta was composed of eleven members, chosen from the different provinces, and was charged with the government of the country until a constitution could be formed. The junta immediately took measures to organize the army, and to defend the country against the Haytiens, who were preparing to invade it. They also issued a decree for the election of deputies to a constituent assembly, which was to frame a constitution for the republic.

The constituent assembly met at San Cristobal on the 24th of September, 1844. It was composed of twenty-four members—six from the Santo Domingo province, six from Azua, six from La Vega, and six from Santiago. The assembly elected its officers, and appointed a committee to draft a constitution. The committee presented its report, and after a long and animated discussion, the constitution was adopted on the 6th of November, 1844.

This constitution is framed on the model of that of the United States, with such modifications as were thought necessary to adapt it to the circumstances of the country. It establishes a representative, republican, and democratic government, divided into three branches—the legislative, executive, and judicial. The legislative power is vested in a congress, composed of a senate and a chamber of deputies. The senate is composed of five members—one from each province—who are elected for six years, one-third of the number being renewed every two years. The chamber of deputies is composed of fifteen members—three from each province—who are elected for four years, one-half of the number being renewed every two years. The congress meets annually on the 1st of February, and its sessions last for three months.

The executive power is vested in a president, who is elected for four years by the electoral colleges of the provinces. He is assisted by a council of ministers, composed of four secretaries of state—one of war and marine, one of foreign relations and justice, one of finance, and one of the interior and public instruction. The president is the commander-in-chief of the army and navy, and is charged with the execution of the laws and the administration of the government.

The judicial power is vested in a supreme court of justice, and in such inferior courts as may be established by law. The supreme court is composed of a president and four judges, who are appointed by the senate on the nomination of the president. The judges hold their offices during good behavior.

The constitution also contains a bill of rights, which guarantees to all the inhabitants of the republic civil and political liberty, equality before the law, security of person and property, the liberty of the press, the right of petition, and the free exercise of religion. It also abolishes slavery forever, and declares that all persons born in the republic, or who may be naturalized, are citizens.

Having given you a short sketch of our constitution, I will now speak of our laws and government. Under the Spanish government, the laws of Spain were in force in the country, and after our independence in 1821, those laws were continued in force until they were modified or repealed by the legislature. Under the Haytien government, the French codes were introduced, and were continued in force until our independence in 1844. The present government has appointed a commission to revise and codify the laws, and in the meantime, the French codes, with such modifications as have been made by our legislature, continue to be the law of the land.

The government of the republic is now fully organized, and is administered with wisdom and firmness. The president, General Pedro Santana, is a man of great energy and talent, and possesses the confidence of the whole nation. He has succeeded in restoring order and tranquility in the country, and in organizing the army and navy, so as to be prepared for any emergency. The finances of the republic are also in a prosperous condition, and the revenue is sufficient to meet all the expenses of the government.

3d. What is the population of the Republic?—In the absence of an official census, it is difficult to give the exact number of the population of the republic; but from the best information I have been able to obtain, I think it may be estimated at about 200,000 souls, divided as follows:

White population . . . 100,000

Colored population . . . 100,000

Total . . . 200,000

The white population is composed of descendants of Spanish colonists, and of European immigrants who have settled in the country at different periods. The colored population is composed of mulattoes and blacks, most of whom are free born, slavery having been abolished in 1822. The people of both races live together in harmony, and enjoy the same civil and political rights.

In conclusion, I will add a few words respecting the whole island of Hayti. The island was formerly divided between France and Spain, the western part belonging to France, and the eastern part to Spain. In 1795, by the treaty of Basle, Spain ceded her portion of the island to France, and the whole island became a French colony. In 1801, Toussaint Louverture, Commandant of the province and regional chief of the north, under pretext of executing the treaty of Basle, set out from St. Jago in the northern part, to march against the east with 10,000 men. A convention held between him and the Governor, Don Joaquin Garcia, the 6th of January, 1801, permitted the black General to enter St. Domingo 30 days after. This is how France became master of all the island. At the time of the war of independence the eastern part of the island took no part in it. The expedition of Le Clerc had placed before the capital of Hispaniola Gen. Kerverseau, who was well received...

[The article proceeds with a detailed historical account of Haytien and Dominican rulers, including Dessalines, Christophe, Petion, Boyer, and Santana, outlining political developments, constitutional changes, legislative structures, military forces, and population breakdowns for the whole island.]

The population is found divided:

North . . . 250,000

West . . . 100,000

South . . . 90,000

440,000

Add for the Eastern part . . . 220,000

Total . . . 570,000