The long-deferred peace conference between Spain and the allied South American Republics has been inaugurated in Washington under the auspices of the United States.  Pursuant to the recommendation contained in the resolution of the House of Representatives of the 17th of December, 1866, the executive department of the Government offered its friendly offices for the promotion of peace and harmony between Spain and the allied Republics.  Hesitations and obstacles occurred to the acceptance of the offer.  Ultimately, however, a conference was arranged, and was opened in this city on the 29th of October last, at which I authorized the Secretary of State to preside.  It was attended by the ministers of Spain, Peru, Chile, and Ecuador.  In consequence of the absence of a representative from Bolivia, the conference was adjourned until the attendance of a plenipotentiary from that Republic could be secured or other measures could be adopted toward compassing its objects.

The allied and other Republics of Spanish origin on this continent may see in this fact a new proof of our sincere interest in their welfare, of our desire to see them blessed with good governments, capable of maintaining order and of preserving their respective territorial integrity, and of our sincere wish to extend our own commercial and social relations with them.  The time is not probably far distant when, in the natural course of events, the European political connection with this continent will cease.  Our policy should be shaped, in view of this probability, so as to ally the commercial interests of the Spanish American States more closely to our own, and thus give the United States all the preeminence and all the advantage which Mr. Monroe, Mr. Adams, and Mr. Clay contemplated when they proposed to join in the congress of Panama.

During the last session of Congress a treaty for the annexation of the Republic of San Domingo to the United States failed to receive the requisite two-thirds vote of the Senate.  I was thoroughly convinced then that the best interests of this country, commercially and materially, demanded its ratification.  Time has only confirmed me in this view.  I now firmly believe that the moment it is known that the United States have entirely abandoned the project of accepting as a part of its territory the island of San Domingo a free port will be negotiated for by European nations in the Bay of Samana.  A large commercial city will spring up, to which we will be tributary without receiving corresponding benefits, and then will be seen the folly of our rejecting so great a prize.  The Government of San Domingo has voluntarily sought this annexation.  It is a weak power, numbering probably less than 120,000 souls, and yet possessing one of the richest territories under the sun, capable of supporting a population of 10,000,000 people in luxury.  The people of San Domingo are not capable of maintaining themselves in their present condition, and must look for outside support.  They yearn for the protection of our free institutions and laws, our progress and civilization.  Shall we refuse them?