Evening star., 1922-07-28
Restoration of Haiti Should Fol
low That of Santo Domingo.

low That of Santo Domingo.
That the promises made of restora-
tion of the Santo Dominican govern
ment to the Santo Dominican people
should be followed by similar prom
Use in the case Of Haiti is the view
of most of the newspapers which
comment on the plan. They declare
that this action would have a very
beneficial result on the Latin Ameri-
can relations Of the United States.
After all. in the opinion of the New
naturally favor self-determination.
and 1.-The whole case is now referred
back to the Dominicans themselves.
II they have the earnest intention
and ability to set up stable govern
ment of their own, complete evacua-
forces will surely follow. The good
will and unselfsh purpose of our own
government are clearly established
by the terms Of the program for Santo
Domingo which Secretary Hughes has
successfully negotiated There is
plan. the New York Post is convinced.
because competent observers said
that the most intelligent Dominicans
had no real objection to the American
stipulations. The Dominicans should
see that acQuiesence is the shortest
way of getting the marines out of
their country. a result which both
nations desire. 1t is to be hoped that
the modified program will be SO rapid
ly executed that our flag can be
hauled down within a few months.
But when can we similarly cut the
leading strings in which we hold
Haiti? The recent Senate report on
Haiti. called for a gradual reduction
in the American forces, but said moth
ing whatever about termination of
Haiti the Same conditional offer of
evacuation we gave the Dominican
republio?" The Buffalo News also
points out that I'VE have been in
there too long to step out uncon-
ditionally The terms will not be
who are ready to criticize any act of
the administration on partisan
grounds. Certainly they mark an i'm
provement over the Wilson admin
istration's neglect or refusal to de-
wise ways and means of taking our
Gradual reduction Of our forces in
Haiti was called for in the recent
Senate report. That sounds well, but
does 1t mean anything? A more
drawal from Haiti is desirable and
might we'll follow the announcement
concerning Santo Domingo"
The object of the occupation" ex-
plains the Indianapolis News, was to
create peaceful conditions in which
the natives could erect and maintain
. stable government. The United
States has at no time had any other
object in mind. The more intelligent
of the Dominican leaders have seen
the wisdom Of the American policy.
and have striven to qualify for the
responsibilities contemplated in it.
In effect. the American government
now says to the Dominicans: Show
that you are capable of self-goyerN
ment.' The burden Of proof rests
with the Dominicans and the method
of proof Is such as to help them to
gain strength as they make progress.
For years they have had before them
an example of law and order, and
they will merely have to demonstrate
that they have been properly con-
for the benefit of the majority. The
plan is far better than turning the
Dominicans loose, for the United
States can intervene at any point and
save the country from the penalties
Of serious revolution" And the New
York World considers that "ln form
and substance this is procedure
that might we'll be adopted in Haiti
and elsewhere in the Caribbean. 1t
is q model because, instead of vague
promises the agreement sets forth
the precise steps which are to be
taken in order to insure our with
drawal. The conditions may be Diff
ferent for Haiti, but whatever, they
are they should follow this precedent
in naming the specific acts which the
Haitians must perform If they wish
US to withdraw"
Entire freedom may be slow. but
1t will be certain, the Philadelphia
Public Ledger argues. because Com
siderable time must elapse before
there can be any final withdrawal of
the American marines. These forces,
however, are to be concentrated at
certain points and the maintenance
of peace and order delegated to the
Dominican police. In q word, the
whole agreement can be regarded as
looking to a practical test Of the
ability and disposition of the Do
minican people to govern themselves
and to form an administration cap
able Of discharEing the just obliga-
tions Of self-governed people. II
they meet that test the United States
ID pledged to get out and to leave
the country to the Dominicans" In
ths view OF the New York Globe I'VE
poliesd Santo Domingo as we might
mining district of Illinois. with the
difference that in Santo Domingo we
did not respect any individual or
constitutional right that we found
inconvenient. Our forces there were
extra.legal, and they acted as extra
legal forces always act. They con-
ferred numerous benefits. including
roads, schools, modern hygiene and
hscai respactabiiity. but they con-