Mr. Powell to Mr. Hay.
Port au Prince, May 12, 1903.
Sir: I have the honor to state to the Department that the steamer from Santo Domingo arrived after the mail had closed for the States. I was therefore compelled to wait until the departure of this steamer to convey to the Department information I had through private but trustworthy sources. I am able through this medium to inform the Department of the political situation, which I was not able to do when my last dispatch on this subject was written. By letters received it is stated that General Vasquez had the city closely besieged on all sides except its sea front. The revolutionists, on their part, were strongly intrenched, and, besides, strong barricades had been erected in many of the streets leading from the gates into the city. These barricades were well supplied with rapid-firing guns. General Vasquez’s force numbered about 2,000 men; the revolutionists one-half this number. General Vasquez established his headquarters at a village known as San Carlos, a place of about 800 houses and a short distance from Santo Domingo. This place is entirely destroyed, not a house standing. General Vasquez made several attempts to take the city by assault, but was repulsed each time with heavy loss. His last attempt was partly successful, as his troops had made a breach in the works of the revolutionists; but the assaulting party not being supported at a critical moment by General Vasquez, the revolutionists rallied and drove Vasquez’s force out of their intrenchments, killing the general (Cordew) who led the assault. Vasquez failed to grasp the situation in time. The sudden attack and the failure to receive reinforcements caused a panic in his forces, which eventually ended in a rout, his force scattering and fleeing in all directions, and Vasquez himself had to seek safety in flight. At the time of his defeat the whole Republic was in his favor, with the exception of the city of Santo Domingo. After his defeat he attempted to establish his capital at Santiago. The revolutionists quickly realized their victory, and followed closely after Vasquez to prevent him gathering another force. Vasquez, finding it useless to continue the struggle, and also learning that several provinces he had depended upon had espoused the cause of the revolutionists, left with a chosen few (150) for Puerto Plata, and there embarked on the Presidente for Santiago, Cuba.
Mr. Jimenez arrived at Puerto Plata three days after General Vasquez’s departure, and at the time the mail left was at Santiago. [Page 393] General Deschamps, the former governor of Puerto Plata, on the day the steamer departed had arrived in Santo Domingo, and General Rodrigues was expected the following week. During the time the city was shelled several shells struck our consulate, but no damage occurred. Several were killed in the streets from flying or falling bullets, and one or two sailors from the vessels of war in the harbor were injured. It is estimated the revolutionists lost in killed and wounded about 400; Vasquez’s loss was very much greater. Great praise is given by both sides for the active aid rendered by the medical corps from the Atlanta. The damage sustained will be another heavy expense added to those that this country will have to pay. * * *
The elections are supposed to take place in about two months, if there is not another revolution. The leading candidates are Generals Gill, Deschamps, Rodrigues, Richards, and Mr. Jimenez. There are others named, the principal being ex-President Ignacio Gonzales, the present Dominican minister to this country. While the revolution is over, the political situation is very grave. It is stated Mr. Jimenez will make every effort to secure the Presidency, * * * The other candidates fear that if he should succeed the friends of Gill and Vasquez will unite to prevent it. This foreshadows another revolution.
The financial condition of the Government is worse than bad, if such can be accepted to express the present monetary condition of the Republic. It is impossible for them to secure a loan, as they have nothing to guarantee it.
* * * * * * *
At the time the mail closed the San Francisco was in the harbor.
I have, etc.,