Evening star., 1914-07-23
DECISIVE FIGHTING
ATPUERT0PLATA
Increased HostiIities Forecast
in Dispatch From Capt.
EberIe.
Intervention CONTINUES
TO APPEAR PROBABLE
Situation in RevolutioH-Torn Re-
publics of Haiti and Santo Do.
mingo Unimproved.

| More decisive fighting at Puerto Plata
on the northern coast Of the Dominican
! Republic was forecast in a dispatch today
from Capt. Eberle of the cruiser Wash
ington, saying that the federal gunboa'
Independencia had anchored six miles
east of the town. Gen. Vasquez also had
arrived with a small body Of fresh federal
| troops.
| Capt Eberie reported only desuitory
firing had been in progress during the
past few days.
| Possibility of American intervention in
continued today to be an absorbing topic
Of discussion in administration circles.
Late official dispatches regarding the sit
uation in the revolution-torH republics
gave but little hope that the contendins
elements in the two countries would be
able to restore order.
Patience Of United States Exhausted.
Under European pressure the American
governments patience practically has
been exhausted with the various elements
In Haiti and San Domingo. The gravity
Of the situation was increased by refusal
of the warning factions in Haiti to cease
| fighting. despite the American govern-
ment's warning. and failure to settle the
Dominican revolution by diplomacy.
The question of a possible movement OF
marines into Haiti WAS up for discussion
| at today's conference between Secretaries
| Bryan and Daniels. Advices from Cape
| Haitfer Of further fighting. with increas-
| ed danger to foreigners, were believed
to forecast prompt action by marines now
being concentrated at Guantanamo.
With the 400 marines who are to sail
| from Norfolk. Va. for Guantanamo Sat
urday the number Of marines now there
| OF m American warships in Haitian and
| DoIai nican waters would be increased to
more than 0OO. If necessary. reinforce
| ments could be drawn from the nearly
1900 marines now In Vera Cruz and
Mexican gulf waters.
Firing Damages Lighthouse.
Capt. Eberse Of the cruiser Washing
ton. at Puerta Plata. Santo Domingo. in q
dispatch to the Navy Department early
today. reported that the lighthouse there
had been damaged by rifle firing between
the revolutionary factions. 1t could not
he added, be repaired until receipt Of new
supplies. He also reported that food con-
ditions. which threatened to drive the
rebels from their stronghold at Puerta
Plata, had improved by the arrival of
fresh supplies.
Many Haitian rebels were summarily
executed at Cape Haitien yesterday after
the government forces had won herce
two-hour battle In the streets with oOl
revolutionists who had gained entrance
into the town early in the morning betore
the garrison was awake
Corps Resources Exhausted.
with hve fun regiments of marines now
engaged in special expeditionary work.
in addition to the many men Of the same
service scattered throughout the Philip
pines and Guam, the Marine Corps is
having dificulty in meeting the demands
made upon 1t to carry out the policies Of
the administration In regard to Haiti and
Santo Domingo. The demand for COM
plement Of marines for the Hancock, due
In Hampton roads within day or two
for Haitian service. has practically ex-
hausted the resources Of the corps. now
recruited UP to the last man. II this
naval auxiliary Is to continue in Its pres
ent high state OF efficiency 1t Is said to
be necessary for Congress to authorize
the addition Of at least full battalion
to the present 1O,9O0 marines.
In addition to the shortage OF enlisted
men, the Marine Corps is at present re-
perted to be greatly under-ofhcered-in
fact. with less than half the number OF
offcers to a regiment that the regular
army demands. Consequently. many OF
ficers are doing double duty.