File No. 839.00/664.]
The American Minister to the Dominican Republic to the Secretary of State.
Santo Domingo, September 16, 1912.
Sir: I have the honor to inform you that the revolution is apparently no nearer an end than it was when it started eleven months ago. Since last mail the capital of the Province of Seybo was captured by the rebels, but was retaken by the Government a few days later. Dajabon is still in possession of the Government, and there has been no attack on Puerto Plata or Monte Cristi. If the money holds out this state of affairs may continue for some time. The Government military chiefs are enriching themselves, and naturally there is no great activity displayed in the persecution of the revolutionists. The Government holds the towns and remains inside on the defensive; the revolutionists are in bands all over the country and come in and attack the towns at will. The fight at La Vega last week was a fierce one, with a loss of life of nearly 200 on both sides. The revolutionists were compelled to retire, and the Government held the town. As reported by cable, the revolution has nearly all the small towns on the southwest frontier.
The Government seems to think the new President of Haiti will adopt a firmer and more friendly attitude as regards frontier neutrality, and I have been shown correspondence to the effect that Dorsilien has had a rupture with Desiderio Arias, and has left the field. [Page 366] It looks as if the situation here is rather hopeless. The present administration certainly cannot appease the country, and the triumph of the group now financing the revolution would be disastrous. The name and prestige of Horacio Vásquez are being used to give a show of respectability to the revolutionary movement, but in case of his triumph the men who are supposed to be aiding him would have to be recognized. Reform would certainly not come with the triumph of the revolution.
I have [etc.],