New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1905-03-06
EFRom THE TFIBUNE BUREAU.I

IFRoM THE TRIBUNE BUREAU.l
Washington. March 5.-The prospects for rati-
acatlon of the santo Domingo protocol at the
special session Of the Senate beginning to-mor-
row, appear TO be excellent. The fact that the
United States has acted solely on the urgent
request Of the Dominican government, thus sf-
ford!ng no precedent for the application of force
70 ether countries. appeals strongly even TO
Senators who would be reluctant to establish a
precedent for compelling American nations to
pay their foreign debts
The experience Of the United States at The
Hague, when Great Britain, Germany and Italy
were declared 10 be preferred creditors of Ven
ezuela, while American creditors will be COM
PEELED TO wait years before receiving the first
instalnent on their claims. proves a potent
argument with Senator's on both sides of the
chamber. who appreciate that ratification of
the Sauto Domingo protocol would insure to
American claimants simultaneous pro rata pay
ments with citizens Of other nations And
finally, the proximity of santo Domingo to the
Southern States and the benefits which would
accrue to them from the establishment Of peace
and prosperity on that island seem certain to
prevent any coalition Of Democratic Senator's
against the convention.
Although the removal of the injunction to Sc
crecy regarding the protocol has left Senators
free 10 discuss for publication its several feat
ures, few. If any. of them have had an opportu-
nifty in the rush incident 70 the closing hours
Of Congress TO examine carefully the details
~ 81
expressed themselves as strongly in favor of
the principles involved, notably Senator Piatt,
OF Connecticut; Senator Lodge Senator CulIom
and Senator Hansbrough
Senator Plat of Connecticut. whose study
Of the Caribbean situation has been exhaustive
and who was the author of that declaration
which enunciated in cIearest terms the humane
and bengnant attitude Of the United States tow
ard its South American neighbors, the Platt
amendment" discussed the protocol and its
prospects with a representative Of The Tribune
Bureau this evening.
Asked if the special session of the Senate
Fould be prolonged. the senior Senator from
connscricut said.
40 not know, but The SantO Domingo
treaty should be considered and disposed of
promptly, and the Senate ought not TO adjourn
uhH n has acted on that convention Since
Vlf acquisition of Porto Rico cannot be in
inherent 10 what goes in Santo Domingo,
which Is Porto Rico, and there is
every reason TO fear II the Senate fails to act
IN ne treaty which has been negotiated that
oslore II can convene again disturbances in the
Siand VIII break out afresh and bring about 4
condition Of affairs which viii result in seri-
Gus menace 70 the interests Of the United States.
,Doth public ana private. American citizens are
,,afgely Interested there and their property and
"Fes would be endangered.
., even Oh grounds other than the support
ai-g defence Of the Monroe Doctrine il seems inn
Pfallge that the United States should take some
acton which VIII restore tranquility and result
;. bringing about sta BILE conditions In Santo
.'Oplngo. Moreover we cannot IN justice refuse
~ Foreign nations the right TO force the cocc-
.pA o. their debts by taking charge Of the reye-
- ~ the Island, and at the same time do
,lling 10 aid them and their citizens in secur-
@g pa ymeut.
We seem 10 EaVe come 70 poirt where we
sslst either acquiescc ia foreign nations help
~ themselves or. OF the other hand, do some
s.Ae ourselves 10 help them when their inter
M are ignored by SantO Domingo authorities.
ahat Is nov proposed 10 be done by this treaty
>. a the urgent request of Ssnto Domingo itself.
'he end that there may be peace IN the