Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-01-27
TRANSFER OF MARINES
Their Recall From the Canal
Zone Explained.
GOING TO GUANTANAMO
NEW NAVAL STATION TO BE ADE-
QUATELY GARRIsoNED.
No Advices Received of Serious Dis
turbances in San Domingo as Re-
ported in Press Dispatches.

No information has reached the State or
Navy Department that serious disturbances
have occurred the Island of San DO
mingo and that mobs are fighting in-the
streets as reported in special press DIS
patch from Panama to explain the orders
for the recall of 200 marines stationed In
the canal zone. In the bureau of nav1ga-
ton, Navy Department it is stated that the
movement of the marines from the isthmus
has no connection with political conditions
In San Domingo and that SO far as informa-
ton received by that bureau Is concerned
there has been no material change in the
situation in the Dominican republic and GER
tainly nothing to require the forcible inter-
ference of the United States.
Going to Guantanamo.
According to one of the officers of the
bureau, an order was issued on the 18th
instant for the transfer of 200 marines
from Panama to the new naval station at
Guantanamo on the converted cruiser
Dixie, now at Colon, and it is supposed
that the movement is about to begin IN
accordance with that order. The officer
would not discuss the purpose or trans
ferring the marines to Guantanamo ex-
cept to declare that it did not necessarily
follow that they were intended Tor service
in San Domingo. He said generally that
nass for any service that may be required
of them and that if it shall be found neces-
sary to send them to San Domingo In exc
cution of the policy of the administration
to regulate the finances of that republic
they will be Immediately available.
1t is the plan of the Navy Department
to have about 800 marines at Guantanamo
as a reserve force. There Is guard OF
tWenty-seven marines there at present, and
that force is to be increased to 100 men by
a company now being organized at Nor
folk, which is to be taken to Guantanamo
on the cruiser Yankee. The detachment
from Panama will swell the command to
800 men.
May Go in Time to San Domingo.
Although not officially admitted, it is
generally believed that most of these ma
rines will be sent to San Domingo in
course of time to assist the United States
minister and his associates in administer
ing the financial affairs of the republic in
accordance with the tentative agreement
recently concluded between President MO-
rales and Commander Dillingham; Of the
navy representing the United States.
1t is held that the landing of marines
in San Domingo would not be an act of
hostility, their only purpose would be
to assist the Dominican authorities in the
preservation of peace and good order. The
two governments, it Is explained, would
be acting in perect harmony and the United
States marines would simply be held in
reserve as an auxiliary to the island po
lice force.
AS has been already stated the Domini-
can agreement is subject to the approval
of the United States Senate, and the naval
authorities will carefully refrain from act
ing precipitately in the matter. 1t was for
that reason. 1t is said, that the marines
were ordered to Guantanamo instead of d-
rect to Dominican ports In case of the
ratification Of the agreement the autherf-
ties will be fully prepared to act promptly
in the matter.
The action of the Navy Department will
reduce the marine detachment in the canal
zone to 300 men, which is considered suf-
ficient for safeguarding American inter-
ests under existing conditions. This force
Is augmented by the cruiser Marblehead,
which arrived at Panama yesterday, as the
relief of the cruiser Boston, ordered to
colder climate because of an outbreak of
yellow fever in the ships company. The
Dixie, which is at Colon, is expected to
leave there this afternoon or tomorrow
with the marines for Guantanamo 1t is
not thought necessary to have more than
one warship in isthmian waters.
Action Of Senate Committee.
Secretary Hay will send to the Senate a
treaty to take the place of the protocol,
through which the United States intended
to take charge of the financial affairs of
the government of San Domingo and ad-
minister them to the end that the claims of
all persons against the island shall be
equitably met. communication to that
effect was sent to the Senate and by SEN
ator Cullom laid before the committee on
foreign relations today
Senator Cullom gave to the committee
the result of conference he had had with
Mr.. Loomis, to the effect that the protocol
by which the United States representatives
took charge of the islands finances has not
yet been received at the State Department,
but is now en- route to the United States. In
view of the communication Senator Bacon
moved that his resolution of inquiry lie
over without prejudice, until the full state
ment has been received from the State De-