The Sentinel=record., 1914-07-09
SlLENCES FIRE WHICH ENDAN- GERS SAILORS OF U. S. VES-
 sELS AT PUERTA PLATA.
VESSEL STRUCK BY BULLETS
Broadsides Returned, Which Causes Reckless Firing to Cease-Gunboat Also Silences Federal Batteries Bombarding the City.

Washington, D. C., July S.-By reckless firing Dominican rebels sent American gunboat Machias in Puerta Plata harbor late last night and drew upon themselves warning volley from the Machias' threepounders and automatic rifles. The shooting from shore stopped immediately.
 A few days ago the gunboat used her main battery of four-inch guns to silence President Bordas batteries, which were bombarding the rebel garrison holding the city, in viola tion of the agreement that the laws of foreigners and other non-combat- ants would not be endangered by artillery fire.
 Reporting the latest incident to the navy department tonight, Captain Russell of the battleship South Caro- lima said considerable scattering rifle fire from the rebels passed over the Mashias and some shots struck her Later the dispatch says, the "junta commission of legaIistas" represent ing the revolutionists, boarded the Machias and gave assurances of their desire to avoid endangering the safety of Americans.
 Captain Russell informed the de- partment that he had a cable report that Santo Domingo City still was besie2ed by rebels and that other towns had joined the '1egalista" cause. Late today force of about sixty rebels was defeated at Cafemba.
 With four separate revolutions raging and the American minister re- turning home after several months of fruitless efforts to restore peace. the little republic of San Domingo is causing the Washington government grave anxiety. The United States IS morally bound to maintain order there under the semi-protectorat created by treaty.
 Today's reports showed no i'm proyement. For many months Presi- dent Bordas, obliged to maintain ais office by eXtra-official decreos and partial elections, has been leading his troops unsuccessfully against re- bellious generals in the north. Mean while revolutions have broken out in other sections-at Asua, where the government navy found it necessary to destroy the customs house. along the line of railway between Sanchez and Samanabey, at Monte Christa and La Romano in the southeast. In this last neighborhood there are ex- tensive American plantations, agents Tor which appeared at the state de- partment today looking for protection Of their property.
 A conviction is growing here that only through powerful outside repre- sentations and probably that of the United States, can chaotic conditions be terminated. The revolutionists appear unable to overcome the Bor- das government, but Bordas has not been able to defeat his enemies. Mr. Wick, the American collector of GUS toms, has resigned and now Minister Sullivan is returning, leaving Secre- tary White in charge and without any definite assurances that he will ever resume his official duties.
 The state department is reluctant to intervene for Mir. vicks and it is. expected an effort will be made to send some strong man to the repub-. lie who will bring all elements to- gether Meanwhile, the navy is maintaining considerable fleet in Dominican waters, including the South Carolina and Machias at Puerta Plata, the Marietta at San. chez, nd the Castine at Azua. Other vessels are on the Haitian end of the island.
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