The Washington herald., 1914-01-01
GOOD RESULTS IN
SANT0 DOMINGO
Report Made by American
Observers" at Election
Is Satisfactory.
VICTORY FOR OPPOSITION
Elects Seventeen Out ef Twenty-fsw
Members Of Convention to Re-
wise Constitution.
VICTORY FOR OPPOSITION

Most substantial results rewarded the
efforts of the State Department to bring
about better conditions politically in
santo Domingo. according to the full re-
; port of the American officials sent down
as observers of the recent election, which
was made available yesterday.
The most notable effect of the interest
taken in the elections by the United
States government was the victory Of
the opposition party in the choice of
members of the special convention for
the revision of the constitution. OF the
twenty-four delegates elected to the con-
vention. seven government candidates
were chosen, while the remaining seven
teen are members OF opposition factions.
In addition the representatives of the
United States government were able to
tide the Dominican situation over q real
crisis which arose as the result of dis
satisfaction upon the part Of certain fac
tions of the opposition during the prog
ress Of the elections. The country was
for a time on the verge of another ap-
peal TO arms, it is stated, which was
avoided through the efforts of the spe-
cial commissioners from the State De-
partment and Minister Sullivan.
TroubIe Is Threatened.
The trouble started on the morning Of
the second day of the elections. The
Dominican government authorities ar
rested in Santo Domingo City four prom
inent Dominicans. leaders of the opposi-
tion, on charges OF conspiracy to seize
the barracks in the capital and to as
sassinate President Bordas. This action
served to intimidate many voters Of the
opposition, and such large numbers of
them returned to their homes in the coun-
try without voting that the leaders Of
the party announced the withdrawal Of
their ticket and the cessation OF balloting
for their candidates.
Following their withdrawal from the
polls, the leaders of the opposition made
public protest against the validity of the
elections, alleging intimidation and coer-
cion by the government. Because of the
excitement caused by these events and
the bad feeling on both sides, the situa-
ton. according to the American officials.
was decidedly critical.
In this crises the Dominican Cabinet in
vited the American Minister and the spe
cial representatives of the State Depart
ment to join them in a frank discussion of
all phases of the situation. 1t was agreed,
upon the advice of the American officials.
that prompt measures should be taken
10 afford proper opportunity for the
opposition to present its protest for con-
sideration by some competent authority.
President Bo~Gas thcrcupOn issued
decree calling for 4 special session of the
Congress. 10 meet an January 4. 20 con-
slider the Validit- OF the elections in the
contested instances, and AZ the same time
he issued a proclamation to the people an-
noUncing tho desire OF the government
that all factions should submit their diff
ferences to the Congress and abide by
Its decision
Thanked by Bordns.
The State Department finds a special
cause for qualification over the results
of the Dominican experiment in the fact
that public opinion and the attitude of
the government toward the special COM
missioners underwent a marked change
during their stay in the republic. Before
their departure the State Department
representatives, consisting of Hugh L.
Gibson, Frederick A. Sterling. and II. ].
Stabler. were thanked officially for their
services by President Bordas. The presi-
dent informed them that they had clear
ly proven themselves true friends both
of the government and the opposition
party.
1t is also reported that a public meet
ing was held in the city of San Domingo
at which enthusiastic Endorsement was
given the purpose of the American mis-
SIGN.
On January ID the constitutional con-
vention will meet TO make certain
changes in the constitution, particularly
elections. AS soon as Congress has en-
acted the necessary legislation following
these changes in the constitution new
presidential elections will he held