File No. 839.00/640.]
[Untitled]
Santo Domingo, August 14, 1912.
Sir: I have the honor to report that since last mail the most important event that has taken place in connection with the present revolutionary movement has been the taking of Dajabon, and which was reported to you by cable. The revolutionary chiefs in this action were: Desiderio Arias, Zarzuela, and Dorsilien [sic]. The reports are that there was a bloody conflict of thirty-six hours, and the losses on both sides were considerable. The Government is making preparations to recapture Dajabon, and has sent a reenforcement of 300 men from here with 60,000 rounds of ammunition. The country is still in a most disturbed condition, and attacks on Monte Cristi [Page 365] and Puerto Plata are feared. From a financial point of view I do not see how this Government can last much longer, with the enormous outlays for military operations. On the southwest frontier the Government has a force of 1,000 men, but nothing decisive takes place. The troops cannot be patriotic, as the chiefs are pocketing their pay, and desertions are frequent. The most serious problem for the Government at present would be the continued success of the revolutionists in the north, who are now in possession of Dajabon, the key to the Cibao.
I have [etc.].