Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1898-04-06
HAYTI AND San DOMINGO.
Former Will Remain Neutral In Case If
War.


New York. April G.-The Herald.s
Washington correspondent says;
Hayti, through her minister here. NJ
ST. Ledger, has Informed the state de-
partment of her intention TO remain
entirely neutral in case of war between
the United States and Spain. San
Domingo, on the other hand, has In.
timated to this government that her
wishes lie with the American peon,e
and she will aid the United States In
every way possible. even to her oyn
cost by parting with one OF her naya,
vessels. Secretary Long says he knows
nothing of the reported acquisition by
this government of an island In Sam.
ana Bay, which was to be u site for n
coaling station.
1t would be impossible for this eov-
eminent to take territory without the
consent OF Congress, and in view of tho
action OF the Senate rejecting the Lodge
resolution for the purchase of the
Dutch West indies. 1t is evident to the
administration that a treaty with San
Domingo for the cession of Samanal Bay
would meet with n similar fate,
But in the event of war the naval au
thorities would undoubtedly seize n
point In the West Indies possibly Sama-
u m
operations against Porto Rico. This
could be done with the consent of san
Domingo. but that government would
probably object, at least ON the sur
face, TO such action, in order to prevent
herself from liability growing out of
violation OF neutrality.
Anticipating that American men of
war cruising against Porto Rico Will
need coal, Instructions were sent some
days ago to the American consul at
81. THOMAS. directing him to purchase
as much hituminous coal at that point
as his discretion Indicated This conI
is now the property of the United States
and cannot therefore be obtained by
spanish vessels. The authorities are
confident that Denmark win not con-
slider that she Is violating her neutral
obligations by permitting American
vessels TO get their own coal. In order
TO prevent any protest II is proposed To
have number of lighters take the coal
out to American men of war IL neces-
sary.
The authorities deeply regret the ac-
ton OF the Senate In rejecting at this
time the proposition to purchase the
Danish West Indies, and they say ii
may have an important bearing upon
the relations between the United States
and Denmark in the event of war.
Naturally Spain Is trying to work up a
sentiment against the United States.
and 1t is expected she will use the st.
Thomas matter as the basis of her in
situations.
Confident that Great Britain will re-
main neutral the authorities are making
no attempt to purchase coal In Jamaica.
u has been decided to abandon the eff
fort to establish coaling stations on
Swan and Navassa Islands. In fact.
Hayti might object to the use of Ma
Vassa Island as coaling station. An
attache of the Haytian legation stated
that Hayti had n prior claim to the
Island and II the United States were to
use II as coaling station his govern
ment might be liable to Spain for dam
ages. On the other hand. 1t is con-
tended by the authorities that Nevassa
island Is guano island owned by an
american corporation. and Is. therefore, |
the property of the United States.