Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-11-14
The Islands disagreement.

The Islands Mlsgovernment.
The island has an area of $4,000 square
miles J-pon it are the two republics of
Hayti and Santo Domingo Santo Domingo
itself is not thickly populated, and the busl-
ness of the republic is conducted by the
whites who number numerically about ~
per cent of the population. They as rule
hold the offices, but 1t is very easy to secure
assistance from the other so per cent In the
event of revolution. That both republcs
have refrigerated steadily is matter OF
history. Both are financially wrecked, ana
the heavy debts incurred have gradually
destroyed the countries There is no form
of government strong enough to protect the
life and property, and the inevitable seems
to be the gradual drifting back toward bar
barism. until the United States in the name
OF humanity nterferes. That this will be-
come q duty most students of the history of
the West Indies will not deny. whether the
United States wants the island or not. The
Monroe doctrine 9ives the United States
control of the island, so far as any Euro
pean power is concerned, and in justice to
it greater sovereignty should be eXer-
cised
Strategic Value of SANTANA Bay.
SANTANA bay, one of the most beautiful
and valuable bays in the West Indies,
thrty-one miles long, lies at the eastern ex-
tremity of the island just across from
Porto Rico. For almost one hundred years
the United States has sought possession of
this bay a strategic point in the Carb-
bean sea. Gen. Jackson first recommended
this purchase in message to Congress.
President Buchanan made two or three
recommendations, and Presidents Lin
coin and Johnson followed with like
suggestions. Able engineers were sent
to report on the waters and various
conditions, and the project finally cul-
minated in President Grants open effort
to secure the bay for the United States,
which was defeated by Sumner in the IA
nous and bitter fight along about 1871. The
report of the commission sent to Santo Do
mingo at that time is elaborate and in
teresting document. and while no President
Grants day the statesmen have all
recognized the value of the posses
sion, and 1t is an open secret in
Washington that negoua tons have been
opened several times through the State
Department for the purchase of the bay
The failure of the project was something
Gen. Grant never forgot 1t was the most
bitter defeat he ever received. and every
message. including his last, referred to the
mistake which had been made in not ac-
quiring the Bay of SANTANA.
Efforts of the Powers.
Rumor reaches this country occasionally
of the attempted purchase of ports in
Hayt and Santo Domingo by European
powers. There is no question that success
full revolutionists on reaching the presiden-
cy look about for something valuab BILE to sell
in order to raise enough revenue to keen
their government in power. Secret negotia-
lions entered into with every foreign
power at some time looking to the transfer
of some port rights. The action of the
United States recently through Minister
Powell conveys to the people of the island
generally the information that these sales
will not be permitted. Should We ever have
war with a European power the Monroe
doctrine would be the first proposition as
sailed. and Santo domingo might be In
position to sell to advantage.
Jiminez an Able Man.
Ex-President Jiminez, who is at the head
of the present revolution, according 10 dis
patches, is a very able man. and very
loyal to his people. His administration be-
fore was business-like and honest He fail
ed because the revenues of the country
We're wholly inadequate for the expenses of
dent a debt of S31 100000 had been accu-
mulated. The entire revenues raised by
customs duties were mortgaged to secure
this amount, The custom houses were in
the hands Of Representatives Of this mort
gage. They allowed the government $4,000
a month of Its budget and as this was the
only method of taxation the entire govern
ment, national, state, city and town, had to
be paid out of this allowance. distributed
pro rata. This gave President Jiminez no
liberty in the adjustment of the finances of
the country or the modification of the Gus
toms duties His efforts were directed to
increasing the revenues by means of en-
couraging foreign commerce. so that the
government would in time have enough rev.
enue to pay off the Indebtedness and handle
its finances for itself. He met with many
ANNOUNCEMENTS In this effort, and finally