The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1904-01-07
STRONG HAND OF AMERICA
FELT IN SANTO DOMINGO
Rights of American Citizens in the
Anarchy-Ridden Island to Be
Amply Protected.
MARINE DETAIL LANDED
Commander Dillingham;, of the
Detroit, Reports Conditions
and the Action Taken.
MARINE DETAIL LANDED

WASHINGTON, Jan. 6.-With a firm
hand the Washington government from
now on will protect American life and prop
erty in the Island of Santo Domingo The
following dispatch received at the Navy
Department to-day from Commander Dill
lingham. commanding the Detroit, dated
at Puerto Plata Jan. g. was made public
by order of the secretary:
I'm this vicinity anarchy prevails and
business is at a standstill. Puerta Plata is
are collecting duties and dues. Jiminez is
at Santiago. The revolution is not one Of
principle. but of factions. VIII not allow
interruption of commerce. Went to Sousa
on the morning of Jan. 3 and returned to
Puerta Plata yesterday afternoon to see the
Cherokee out of the port. Will coal here to-
day and return TO Sousa. The fighting at
SOusa Dec. 26, between Morales and Jim
inez troops took place on United Fruit Com
panys property. Without notice houses
were looted, the lives of United States citi-
zens were absolutely disregarded, women
and children had TO flee for safety and
property was destroyed. Have forbidden
any fighting or any armed force of any
party within certain limits necessary to
protect the lives of United States citizens
at Sousa. Commanding officers in the field
near Sousa have been so instructed. Left
one officer, sixteen marines, Colt automatic
gun and steam launch at SOusa TO see my
instructions carried out until my return.
Am in signal communication with this force
and can control situation. CCnsuls here
present. Am all ready when necessary.
The British steamer Pallas is here. Have
joined the British captain in note to the
military commander here, holding him re-
spOnsible for any disorder, and telling him
that We would take such prompt action as
we see fit in case of disorder"
1t is said that the administration has as
yet adopted no permanent policy for the
conduct of affairs in Santo Domingo be-
yond that which 1T always has pursued of
protecting American life and property. The
statement is authorized that the conduct of
Commander Dillingham;. while following
only general instructions, is entirely in
dOrsed and approved by the government
and IL is believed that his intelligent hand
ling OF the situation will have a powerful
influence toward the restoration of order
In the island
1t is realized by the administration that
the Dominican problem must be taken up
and disposed of in a way that will put a
stop TO what was described by a European
ambassador tonight as IAN insufferable
nuisance which the civilized world looks
to the United States to clean up"
A dispatch from Santo Domingo city, dat
ed Jan. 3, says: THE tug Ana, the prop
erty of an estate at San Isidro, was pre-
vented by the revolutionists from reaching
the estate and the owners applied for pro-
lection TO United States Minister Powell
The latter informed the government of
ficials that # they could not protect the
Ana he would. Commander Mertz of the
United States gunboat Newport, furnished
armed convoy for the Ana equipped
with field gun The two boats. were ready
TO leave when the government endeavored
TO prevent their departure Minister Pow
directed boats
proceed and said that he and Commander
MertZ would accept all responsibility for
their action. Later Minister Powell and
Commander Mertz called on the President
and told him that If his government could
not protect American property the New
port could and would. The Ana carried
$4,000 in specie, which the rebels hoped to
capture"