New-York tribune., 1911-11-21
rFron Tho Tribune Burcau.1

fFron The Tribune Bureau
Washington. Nov 2O.-Ramon Caceres.
President of the Dominican Republic. was
shot and killed by two assassins sup
poseI TO be political malcontents late
yesterday afternoon. according to ad-
vices received at the state Department
to-day from Francis NJ. Endicott
charge d'affaires Of the American Lcga-
ton.
The President according TO the dis
patches, while leaving the house Of Le-
conte Vasquez. where he had been max
ing a call, was fired upon by two men,
Luis Tejera and Jaime Mote. Although
wounded. he ran into a stable next TO
the American Legation. The assassins
followed and fired again, wounding him
fatally and leaving him unconscious. He
was brought 10 the legation, where he
died shortly afterward. The assassins
made their escape from the city and fed
TO san CristobaL The charge affaires
reported that the city was quiet and was
patrolled by guards.
Minister Russell. who has been in
Washington for some time, will leave for
his post at once. He will go by way Of
Guantanamo. sailing from ther. in all
probability on the gunboat Wheeling.
State Department officials are of the
opinion. which is also held by Minister
Russell. that the assassination of Presi-
dent Caceres has no connection with any
spiracy. It is believed rather that the
two men acted from motives OF personal
animosity. Apparently the assault was
not followed by any other disturbance
and so far as is known at the depart
ment there has been no recent revolu-
tionary activity in the republic.
It is pointed out at the War Depart
ment that this is the first serious trouble
that has occurred in Santo Domingo in
four years. whereas the history of the
country showed. an average Of at least
one revolution per annum.
Secretary Stimson believes this salts
factory condition to be a direct result OF
the assumption by the United States of
the collection Of the Dominican customs.
He declared that the American customs
administration there, after paying all
the expenses of collection. all the inter
est on the foreign debt, making allot-
ments for the sinking fund and in addi-
ton making payments on the principal
Of the debt for three years out Of four,
was now able to turn over a net revenue
/ that is greater than the gross revenue
collected before they took hold. In addi-
( tion the governmental salaries had been
/ increased and were promptly paid. All
/ OF these facts. it is suggested ought 10
make for the maintenance Of tranquility
and the continuance of constitutional
/ government
! Secretary Sumson made the acquaiBt
ance Of President Caceres last summer
/ in connection with a trip to Panama. He
1 sent a cable dispatch Of coincidence 70
/ the widow of the deceased President.
/ As the constitution Of the Republic Of
Santo Domingo makes no provision for
I a Vice President, it was necessary fd
/ the Cabinet TO call an extraordinary ses-
/ sion Of Congress TO provide for a special
election. In the interim the Cabinet will
discharge the duties of the President.
According TO those familiar with Do
minican affairs. it is possible for Con-
/ gress 10 convene, set date for an cleo
tiOn and have q new President in a little
more than TWO weeks