The San Francisco call., 1905-03-25
MARINES HELD
IN READINESS
America Prepared to Land
Men From Gunboat at San
Domingo at Short Notice
POWERS HOLD ALO0F
Prefer to Allow the United
States a Free Hand in
Case of Black Republic

SAN DOMINGO, March 24.-Presi-
dent Morales Council Of Ministers Is
discussing the question OF asking the
United States to take Sanchez ana
Sauana under American protection
under the terms Of the aroitratlon
award, in order to prevent their seizure
by persons hostile TO the Government
A newspaper organ Of the opposltion
party has bitterly attacked President
Morales, charging him with disloy yaItS
and declaring he has been losing
ground daily since last June There Is
activity in the forts and in the city,
and the street guards have been deu-
bIed-
The American gunboat Castine is on
the alert, ready to land seventy men at
a moments notice to protect American
interests. The marines have their cart
ridge belts filed and all precautions
have been taken in view Of possible
outbreak. There is q signal station
on the roof Of the American consulate
WASHINGTON March 24.-The sit
uation in San Domingo was fully dis
cussed to-day at the Cabinet meeting.
No new phases Of the question have
arisen within a few days, and the ad-
ministration will not make any present
change in its Indicated method OF pro-
cedure.
The failure OF the Senate to ratify
the treaty with the Dominican Govern
ment has embarrassed the adminlstra-
ton, and nothing now VIII be done ex-
cept TO initiate an investigation into
the affairs Of the island Government
with view simply to obtain definite
information. The present status on
the island so far as this Government
is concerned viii not be disturbed.
AGREEMENT NOT KEPT.
BRUSSELS, March 24-The protests
OF the Belgian Government and Of the
French and Belgian bondholders Of San
Domingo are sid to be due TO San
Domingo's non-observance OF the
agreement concluded with the bond
holders o. J. 3, 1901. TO pay toward
the liquidation Of the public debt $25.-
600 monthly out OF the customs re-
ceipts OF the port OF San Domingo.
The largest of the foreign debts OF
San Domingo is that represented by
the bonds Of the new unified loan OF
1887. held IN Europe. principally in
France and Belgium, consisting OF two
issues bearing respectively and and
4 per cent interest and amounting to
about s21.250.0 eco. Both classes OF
bonds were secured on customs duties
and specially assigned revenues De-
fault in the payment OF interest was
made April 1, 1899. since which time
several arrangements have been at
tempted 70 provide for the interest
payments Belgians hold about So
600, eco OF Dominican bonds.
FRANCE KEEPS HANDS OFF.
PARIS. March z4.-The authorities
here say that no steps are being con-
sidered relative TO pressing the French
claims against San Domingo. Tt is
explained that the French holders of
Dominican bonds hoped the United
States Senate would ratify the treaty
adjusting the finances Of San Do
mingo, and the bondholders were
much Disappointed at the fact that
action was deferred. However, they
have taken steps TO secure Govern
ment Intervention, and the Govern
ment has not yet shown a disposition
10 assume the collection of the debt
by the adoption of drastic measures.
The officials here say the total
amount of Dominican bonds held in
Europe is about s21, 100000, divided
in order Of importance between Bel
GUM. France, Holland and Germany.
Although Belgium is chiefly interested,
the authorities point out that she is
a neutral power, not having the means
10 adopt coercive measures.
France approached the United
States some months since with the
view 10 securing details of the Do
minican sources of revenue. but these
proved so complicated that the off,
ciaIs entertain little hope of utilizing
the revenues as A means of liquidating
the foreign bonds.
BERLIN. March 24-The Foreign
Office. replying to an inquiry as to
whether the report that Great Britain
and Germany were pressing San Do
mingo for a settlement of the claims
Of British and German subjects was
correct. said the German Government
was satisfied to leave San Domingo
and her obligations to foreigners en-
tirely in the hands Of the United
States
Talks OF MRS REAnER