The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1912-09-18

SHIPS TO SAAT0 DOMINGO.
MILITARY INVASION OF BLACK
REPUBLIC MAY FOLLOW.
RevolutiOnists Seize Virtually All Gus
toms Along Border and Endanger
Interests OF Americans.

Washington, Sept. 13.-American
warships probably will be sent at once
to Santo Domingo as the result Of
revolution that has broken out there
and the seizure Of the customs houses
by The rebels. Invasion of the black
republic by American forces also may
be necessary for advices reaching the
State department late today we're to
the effect that the revolutionists had
seized virtually all the custom houses
along the Dominican H aitien frontier.
These are under American supervis-
lon.
The action of the rebels is puzzling
to State department officials. In past
revolutions the leaders have carefully
avoided interfering with the custom
houses, since thus they would invite
action by the United States. Their
high handed methods now, it is fear
ed, indicate that no foreign property
is safe.
Plans for the military expedition
are being guarded with more than
usual secrecy. 1t was acknowledged
today by officials here that the sit
uation was serious. Orders probably
will be issued for the sending Of sew
eral attachments of marines as soon
as the necessary vessels are forthcom-
ing.
The gunboat Wheeling at Guanta-
nanno, the gunboat Tacoma at Blue
fields Nicaragua, and the protected
cruiser Des Moines, at Key West, each
carrying complement of marines
and full crew Of bluejackets are
the most available forces for the
work. None Is more than three days
away from the island The gunboat
Petrol is already in Santo Domingo
waters.
The custom houses of the island,
controlled by the United States by
treaty, must be protected against
seizure by the revolutionists.
Further than that advices this
morning conveyed news Of so serious
a nature that the State department
began preparations for immediate ac-
tivity.
The latest outbreak is believed to
be promoted by the prime movers in
the recent insurrectiOn which culmi-
mated in the battle Of Dajabon August
the revolutionists.
Latest reports to the State depart
ment Indicate that, nOtwithstandi ing
reassuring promises from the DOmini-
has been completely suppressed, but
has smouldered only to break out
afresh and with greater intensity.
Officials here believe the movement
has been fomented by a junta in New
York. Gen. Horatio Vasquez, a prom
inent member of the cabinet of Pres
ident Caceres, who was assassinated
last November and who was a candi-
date for presidency when Gen. Eu-
ladio Victoria was elected, is interest
ed in it. When Victoria assumed the
presidential chair. Vasquez fled to
Haiti and afterward was reported in
New York.
Although the rebellious sentiment is
supposed to be widely disseminated,
the focus is between Puerto Platz on
the northeast and Sanchez on the
Bay OF Samana.
News reached here today of a san
culinary battle within the last 4S hours
at small town in that section. AL
though the Dominican government
claims victory for its army, the rebel
movement is believed 10 have sus-
tained no serious check.
Officials Of the state and navy de-
partments here decided on further OBJ
servatiOns and to await developments
OF the next day or two before dis
patching warships TO the island.
The Petrol is on her way To Guam
tanamo to replenish her coal supply.
She promptly will be dispatched to
the east or north coast OF Santo Do
mi.go when she has filled her bunk
ers, unless il is found that the gun
boat Wheeling is more available for
that service.
sam j. Nichols Declines.