New-York tribune., 1920-12-25
L. s. to Abandon
Military Aid ill
Santo Domingo
Coy. Snowden Issues Proc.
lamasion at Wilson's Di-
rection Declaring Object
of Control Accomplished
Republic ON Sound Basis
Commission of Dominican
Citizens Will Be Named
TO Revise All the Laws

rrcr, The Tr;bune'S Washington BureGa
WASHINGTON, Dec. 24.-Plans for
The withdrawal of American military
control from Santo Domingo were an
nounced to-day in the West Indian
republic by Rear Admiral Thomas
Snowden, military governor, in &
proclamation issued at the direction of
President Wilson and made public here
stimuli taneously Admiral Snowden de-
clared that the objects for which Amer
lean occupation was undertaken four
wears ago had been substantially ac
complished. American troops were
landed to end revolutionary outbreaks
and experts were called in to clear up
The chaotic conditions in the country S
finances.
The proclamation announces that the
government of the United States be
iieves the time has arrived when it
nav iuaugurate the simple processes
of its rapid withdrawal from the re-
snonsibilities assumed in copnectlon
With Dominican affairs The procla-
Whereas. the friendly purposes Of
me United States in the employment,
nrrsuant TO rights derived from the
treaty of 1907. of its military forces
within the Dominican Republic for the
restoration OF public order and the
protection of life and property have
been substantially achieved, and
Time Here to Withdraw Aid
Whereas, it has always been the de-
sire and intention OF the government
Of the United States to withdraw its
aid as soon as it could do so con-
sistently with the said purposes and as
soon as the improved conditions in
Santo Domingo. to which the United
States has -ght to contribute, should
give promise OF permanance.
Now. therefore, |, Thomas Snowden,
Rear Admiral L. S. ~, military
Governor of the Dominican Republic,
acting under the authority and by di-
rection of the government of the
United States, declare and announce to
all concerned that the government of
the United States believes the time
has arrived when it may with a due
sense of its responsibilities to the peo-
ple Of the Dominican Republic
naugurate the simple processes of its
rapid withdrawal from the responsible
ties assumed in connection with
Dominican affairs.
Announcement is therefore made
that commission of representative
Dominican citizens will be appointed,
lho personnel Of which will shortly be
announced, to which it Is my purpose
20 attach a technical adviser. This
commission will be intrusted with the
formulation OF amendments to the con-
stitution and a general revision of
the laws OF the republic, including the
.rs FT'ne OF a new election law. Such
amendments to the constitution and
lry1 of -+
lng laws, as may be recommended by
the commission. upon approval by the
military government in occupation, will
b. submitted to u constitutional con-
fention and TO the National Congre SIS
~ the Dominican Republic respec-
.vely."
Finances on Stable Basis
Complete tranquility has existed
1or some time throughout the Repub-
llc. said statement issued by the
state Department. "dnd the people for
ne Irst time in many years have been
enabled TO devote themselves 10 peace
=. occupations without fear Of dis
tGrbance.
The finances Of the country have
been placed on q stable basis; great
improvements have been brought about
% pubic works; particular attention
has been devoted TO sanitation and
public health; the educational system
nas been completely reorganizcd, with
tae result that whereas there was q
scnool attendance of about $4,000
pupils before the occupation there are
TOW 100000 pupils attending school.
As result Of the American admin
tration the gross revenues Of the re-
plb-Ic nave increased from a total OF
some four millions Of dollars in 1915
y total Of over seven millions and Z
half in 1872