If any one of the candidates has an absolute majority of votes, he shall
be proclaimed president of the republic. When an absolute majority is
wanting, the consulting senate sh^ll separate the three having the largest
number of votes, and shall proceed, by a secret vote, to choose one from
this number. If on this first ballot no one receives an absolute majority,
another vote shall be taken, between the two candidates who received
the largest number of votes on the first ballot, and in case of a tie, the
election shall be decided by lot. All these operations must take place
in a single permanent session, otherwise they shall be null and void.
[1] VII. * Letter of the Secretary of State addressed to the chairman of i^
Committee on Foreign Relations^ communicating copies of the instruc-
tions under which the convention and treaty between tJie United States
and San DSniingo were negotiated, together with the accompanimenU
therein referred to March 24, 1870.
Department op State,

Washingtonj March 22, 1870.
Sib : In compliance with the request contained in your letter of the
20th instant, I have the honor to inclose herewith copies of the instruc-
tions under which the convention and treaty between the United States



DOHINICAN REPUBLIC. 79

and San Domingo were negotiated, together with the accompaniments
therein referred to.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,

HAMILTON FISH.
Hon. Ohabl^s Sitmneb,.
Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Relations j U. ^, Senate.
^Mr. Fish to General Bahcock. [3]

Dbpabtment op State,

Washington^ July 13, 1869.
General. : The President deeming it advisable to employ a special
agent to obtain information in regard to the Dominican Bepublic, has
selected you for that purpose.
