Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1904-01-07
THE DOMINICAN SITUATION.

San Domingo Saturday night with two
captured Dominican schooners in tow.
The schooners carried arms and ammu-
nitions of war intended for coast de-
fense.
The Independence bombarded the
suburbs of the city on Sunday with the
object of driving the revolutionists opt.
1t is officially reported that Bani and
San Cristobal have been retaken by the
government troops.
There was a severe encounter between
the government troops and the revolu-
tionists at Haina, with a result favora-
bic to the government.
The tug Ana, the. property of an es-
tate at San Isidro, was prevented by the
revoutionists from reaching the estate,
and the owners applied for protection to
United States Minister Powell, The
latter informed the government that If
they could not protect the Ana he would.
Commander Mertz, of the United States
gunboat Newport, furnished an armed
convoy for the Ana, equipped with a
field gun. The two boats were ready TO
leave when the government endeavored
to prevent their departure. Minister
Powell promptly directed that the boats
should proceed. and said that he and
Commander Mertz would accept all re-
sponsipiIity for their action.
Later Minister Powell and Commander
Merit waited upon the President and
told him that if his government could
not protect American property the New.
port could and would. The Ana carried
500. 600, which the rovolutionists hoped
to capture.
The government has issued decree
closing the ports Of Azua de Compost,
lila. San Pedro de Macoris, Samana,
Sanchez, Porto Plata and Monte Cristi
to take effect within 20 days, in the case
of vessels coming from the Antilles with
in 30 DAYS tor vessels from American
ports. and within 45 days foryessels from
! European ports. Armed schooners and
gunboats will guard the closed ports.
There was a severe attack on the city
Saturday evening, but the troops man
aged to repulse the revolutionists.
Commerce scompletely alta standstill.
News from the interior cannot be OBJ
tanned.
With a firm hand the Washington
government from now on will protect
America life and property in the Island
of San Domingo. The following dis
patch received at the Navy Department
Yesterday from Commander Dillingham;,
commanding the Detroit, dated at Puer-
to Plata, January 6, was made pubic
bv order of the Secretary:
'In this vicinity anarchy prevails
business at a standstill. Puerto Plata
ouiet at present. Jiminez authorities
collecting duties and dues. Jiminez at
Santiago. Revolution not one OF prin'
ciple, but between factions. Will moi
allow interruption of commerce. Went
to Sosua morning of January 3: returned
to Puerto Plata yesterday afternoon to
see Cherokee out tofport. Will coal here
today and return to Sosua.. Fighting al
Sosua December 26 between Morales
and Jiminez troops took place on United
Fruit Companys property. Without
notice houses were looted; lives oi
United States citizens absolutely disre
garded; women and children had to fleC
for safety; property destroyed. Have
forbidden any fighting OF any armed
force of any party within certain limits
necessary to protect lives Of Unitec
States citizens at SOsua. Commanding
officers in the field near Sosua have beer
so instructed. Left one officer, IL
marines, Colt automatic gun and steam
launch al Sosua to see my instructions
carried out until my return. Am II
signal communication with this force
can control situation. Consuls her
want guard. Do not think it necessar.
at present. Am all ready when neees
sarv. British steamer Pallas here
Have Joined British captain in note t'
. military commander here, holding hin
: responsible for any disorder and telling
: him that we would take such promp
!. action as we see fit in case of disorder.