Dominican Republic Samaná Peninsula referendum, 1873

A referendum on leasing the Samaná Peninsula the United States for 99 years was held in the Dominican Republic on 19 February 1873.^[1] The proposal was approved by 99.91% of voters, but was never implemented after President Buenaventura Báez was overthrown on 2 January 1874.^[1]

Background

The Dominican Republic originally became independent from Haiti in 1844.^[2] However, in 1861 the country became part of Spain following an inflation crisis.^[2] In 1865 the country became independent again following the Restoration War.^[2] By 1870 the country had significant debts caused by the ongoing civil war.^[2] President Báez planned on selling the Samaná Peninsula to the United States for $1.1 million, whilst US President Ulysses S. Grant wanted to annex the entire country.^[2] A treaty was signed between the two countries on 29 November 1869.^[2] The US would purchase the Dominican Republic for $1.5 million and would lease the Samaná Peninsula for $147,229.91 for 99 years.^[2] Although the proposal was approved in a referendum in 1870, the United States Senate rejected the annexation on 30 June 1870 with a 28–28 vote.^[3]

However, Báez still required the money, and wanted to continue with the Samaná Peninsula leasing deal on the same terms.^[1] The Senate of the Dominican Republic agreed to the proposal on 28 December 1872. The plebiscite was later carried out in the form of a register, in which invalid or blank voters were not possible.

Results

Choice	Votes	%
For	20,496	99.91
Against	19	0.09
Invalid/blank votes	0	–
Total	20,515	100
Registered voters/turnout
Source: Direct Democracy

References

1. Dominican Republic: Leasing the Samaná Peninsula for 99 years Direct Democracy (German)
2. Dominican Republic: Integration with the USA Direct Democracy (German)
3. The Senate's Role in Treaties United States Senate