The New York herald., 1879-08-10
SPAIN AND ST. DOMINGO.

THE PRESENT TROUBLE BETWEEN THE two
GovERNMENTs-AN EXPLANATION By rHr
DOMINICAN CONSUL GENERAL.
CoNsuLADo DE LA REPuDLIcA DoMrNIcANA,l
New York. August 8, 1879. {
To THE EDITOR HERALD:-
Sn-For some time the press of this city has been
giving some reports respecting the trouble between
Spain and st. Domingo. and yesterday some private
information received in this city set forth that
should Spain lombard as she threatens to do. tho
capital of st. Domingo the Dominican government
will issue letters of marque for vessels to prey
Spanish shipping" am not aware that Spain has
made any direct threat to the Dominican govern
ment. nor have l learned that Spanish
squadron is expected at st. Domingo; but
regarding tho letters of marque. the Domini.
can Republic not having marine forces. its
constitution authorizes the Executive to issue et-
ters of marque in case of war with any foreign
ton. have not commenced to buy arms and am-
munition, as has been reported Since the election
and Inauguration of General Cesarea Guillermo aa
President his government has been regularly buying
arms ana ammunition merely to equip the army.
The cause of the dispute between the two nations
has been more or less msreprcsened. The facts ara
simply thesc:-AbOut six months ago, on the arrival
OF the regular Spanish mail steamer at Puerto Plata.
information was received that there board
two Dominican Generals members or the Bay party
who were about to start revolution on the Domin-
can frontier against the existing government.
The authorities OF Puerto Plata interviewed tho
Spanish Consul asking him to give the necessary
orders for the surrender OF the said generals, which
the captain of the steamer did. thus following tho
instructions of his Consul. protesting. at the same
time. against the orders of the Consul, aud not
against the Dominican government II is as well to
state here that when making his custom house en-.
try at Puerto Plata the captain did not mention.
either in the bin of health or in the passenger list
the presence board of the two generals As every.
body knows. they were courtmartialed and shot.
My government has done nothing against Spain. NOS
has 1t been the habit OF the Dominican Republic to
disregard the law of nations. In all international
questions IL always has behaved with moderation
and dignity. In the present instance President Gull.
lcrmo and his CABINET will know how to main.
tain their dignity. Owing to our political
connections it is generally believed that
foreign residents and their properties not re-
spected. This is, indeed, great injustice Never
has foreigner suffered any Inconvenience nor has
his property been violated by any government or
revolutions. The country is enjoying perfect
tranquility. Foreigners settling down every day
ia the Republic. aud with the franchises the govern.
ment has given in favor OF all agricut establish.
ments large sugar. coffee and other plantations ara
rising up The government has asked authority OF
Congress TO propose to the United states treaty Of
reciprocity, aud the Dominican press has been fer
time ana is yet discussing that question. The
Dominican Republic has no doubt entered into
of happiness aud peace. l nope you will have
the kindness to insert this letter in your valuable
paper aud oblixe your obedent servant,
II. BlLLIN, Dominican Consul