New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-02-07
san DOMINGO MUST PAY.
THE STATE DEPARTMENT PROSECUTING MA
THANIEr M'KAY's CLAIM.

Washington Feb S (SpecaD.-Nathaniel Mckay
several years ago built a bridge across the ozama
River in San Domingo under concession from
the San DOMINICAN Government TO nse the pIldee
az a tollbrdge FOR thirty gears Inis pridge cost
between $1,000 and 5000 in gold. About two years
ago barge from sugar estate ran INTO the
bridge and damaged it, Mr. Mckay brought sun
in the courts there to recover something IKE S"p
or nn The court Of first instance found the SUIT
was properly brought, and the sugar estate so'
the case transferred to the Supreme Court II
decided that the bridge had no right in the rirer
and found some 5000 for court costs against the
bridge and ordered the sale Of the bridge 10 he
made and the tolls embargoed. Mr. Mckay re-
fused 10 pay the judgment Of the court because II
was equal 10 the confscation OF the property
Tugs and vesses passing through the draw had
50 injured 1t by striking it that 1t was quite m-
possible 10 use II. and no means COuiu We lVuiiu
to protect the property.
The Stata Department ordered the Consul al san
Domingo to investigate the whole matter and re-
port He reported that the decision OF the supreme
Court was such as to conhscate the property of
an American citizen and take from him cohces-
sion duly given him by the Government. Inc
State Department directed Minister Smythe at
rovti 70 proceed to San Domingo. and on January
be made n report to the Department In the fol-
lowing language:
81 have carefully read the correspondence be-
tween the Department of State and this consulate
in regard TO the Ozama bridge matter, ana nave
ayailed myself OF all other sources of Information
omen TO me- and find that Consul Grimke has given
the Department very full details and correct con-
clusions The action OF the Supreme Court In the
matter was contrary 10 all law. and to carry out
It's decree would simply be the conhscatlon OF the
property. In good condition, Notwithstanding
the dctum Of the court TO the contrary and OF
almost inestimable value to the city and the GOV
eminent -, -, CO.. ,>........ .
Mr. Mckay has filed with the State Department
statement Of the cost of the bridge together inter-
est I'M TO February of this year. amounting 10 ABOUT
SIR 90 and the State Department has Forwarded the
hill and papers to Minister Smythe ar San Domingo
and directed him 10 make demand Tor payment
on account of illegal acts toward an American Gnu
zen The Government of San Domingo has used the
bridge at It's own convenience. and NOW refuses TO
paw anything for such use IT IL now probable that
San Domingo will have TO make repdrdton to the
United States Government for the wrongs done MI
Mckay. -
Mr. Mckay got a concession from the city govern
rnent 10 build the bridge and TO pay the city or san
Domingo l2L, per cent of the net income for thirty
years Just as soon the bridge was completed
and ready TO be opened for public travel the cry
government without any idea of justice. met in the
council chamber at San Domingo. cancelled the con-
cession and compelled Mr. Nc Kay TO pay II % per
cent OF the not income before it would accept the
bridge or allow 1t to be opened. This deprived MIN
Of so 900 from the value Of the concession.