New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1905-03-06
LIKELY TO RATIFY PROTOCOL.
SENATE WILL PROBABLY ACT ON DOMINICAN cor
VENTION At SPECIAL SESSION.
O. H. Plat and Hanbrough Strongly Indo Proposed
Treaty an to The Tribune.

island. OF course. the proposition is a serious
one. 1t is feared in some quarters that IL may
lead to the necessity of similar action in the case
of other South American countries; but do not
think IL possibly furnish q precedent TOT
similar action unless case shoaId arse
exactly similar features, ana the propa aplIlty OF
that is remote. In order to constitute a prece-
dent IT would require that in another case the
disturbances should be in as close proximity 10
us as is Santo Domingo; that American inter-
ests should be threatened they are there:
that the same chaotic conditions should exist
that the situation with reference to in
debtedness, both domestic and foreign should
arise, and that our action should be requested by
the country involved. If may use the dlplo-
matte phrase much in vogue, "Our sphere of
influence" Santo Domingo would seem 10 be i'll
the very centre of that sphere, rather than on
the outskirts of it,
ManifestIy the time has arrived when the
United States must do something to compose the
situation in Santo Domingo, and we should not
neglect our duty because of any apprehension
that at some future time may he called on
to protect our interests 'eisewhe We have no
desire to acquire possession of Santo Domingo.
We simply wish to good offices In the
way which shall be most effective in securing
peace and prosperity 10 that republic.
/ have not studied the treaty closely enough
to say whether not it needs any amendment.
l do not now that it Goes At any rate. am
sure that the President is entirely justified in
calling our attention to it, and IN asking us to
act promptly on II.
Senator Hansbrough. of North Dakota, who is
the recognized leader of little cotcrie of North
western Senators, has declared himself emphat-
icany in favor of the santo Domingo treaty.
When asked for his views to-day he said, for
The Tribune:
The policy of the President in causing to be
negotiated the Santo Domingo protocol is one
that deserves appreciation and support, and be
lieve that opinion will be general I'm the Senate
once the terms of the treaty and the circum-
stances which led up TO it are thoroughly under
stood.
Contrary to what appears to be the general
impression the President has not proposed that
the United States exert force to compel Santo
Domingo to pay its debts to foreign cred
itOrs, and ratification of this convention and
the carrying out of its provisions would afford
precedent for summary action with reference
10 other South American countries. on the con-
trary, President Roosevelt. acting entirely with
in his constitutional powers to negotiate treaties
has undertaken with the advice and consent of
the Senate to lend assistance TO weak neigh
bor a sister republic, which appeals to the
United States to render her assistance in her
hour Of need. II is in response to Santo Do
mngo's urgent request that il is proposed that
this country shall appoint fiscal agents to collect
Santo DOmngo's customs, devote - per cent to
the defrayment of her Indebtedness including
that TO American citizens, and turn A. per
cent TO the republic for the conduct of her gov
eminent
II is both a businesslike and a kindly PROPOSE
ton that, while il is in entire accord with
the Monroe Doctrine, in that II obvates all pos
sibility Of European powers seizine either ports
territory in Santo Domingo. will render un-
necessary the Invocation Of the Monroe Doctrine
against European nations who in the absence
Of such action by the United States. might take
steps which would compel this country to pro-