File No. 839.00/740.]
The American Minister to the Dominican Republic to the Secretary of State.
Santo Domingo, December 4, 1912.
The Archbishop is in full possession but is facing a difficult situation although everything is quiet at present. The followers of Horacio Vásquez are importunately endeavoring to force the President to recognize them, in making appointments to office, as the only ones to be considered. Many are not willing to help reorganize the Government and the formation of the Cabinet is giving trouble.
On December 6 Congress will convene to authorize a temporary local loan of $300,000 and the sale of bonds now on deposit with the Guaranty Trust Company; the latter funds are to be replaced with interest by sequestrating from the Government share of customs receipts an amount not less than $30,000 monthly. The President says it is absolutely impossible to secure assent of Congress to another foreign loan, and that at present such a loan would be disastrous to the Government.
[Page 378]Referring to the Legation’s cablegram of November 13 and the Department’s reply of the 25th, I should like to be instructed as to how far I am authorized to go in carrying out the recommendations of the Commissioners in regard to the action to be taken by our Government in case of the election of the Archbishop. I strongly urge immediate announcement that during the life of the Convention our Government will recognize no government formed by any successful revolution.
It seems probable that Arias and Vidal will cease armed opposition to the Government. But I believe that although there will be quiet here for a few months the Archbishop will either resign in disgust or be forced out long before the expiration of the term.