that if the powers already given their representative at Washing ton are bit fubcect, the Haitian Goverment is willing and anxiols to add to them at the suggestion of the Department of State. I bave, etc.. H. W. FURNISS ASSAULT ON AN AMERICAN INSPECTOR OF CUSTOMS BY A DOMINICAN CUSTOMS OFFICIAL File No. 5.9 51 743 The American Minister to the Secretary of State. ¡Telegram-Extract.] AMERICAN LEGATION, Santo Domingo, July 9, 1911. Reports that an American inspector of customs at Puerta Plata, while performing his duties, was assaulted by a Dominican customs official: that he made representations to the Dominican foreign office and demanded suspension from office and punishment of this official and a guaranty for the future protection of the receivership employees. He has been assured by the minister for foreign affairs that proper measures have been taken; that the offender has been suspended from duty and will be tried for the offense. File No. 839.51 747. RUSSELL The Secretary of State to the American Minister. [Telegram-Paraphrase.] DEPARTMENT OF STATE, Instructs him to renew, if necessary, his demands for the punishment and dismissal of the Dominican official and for the future protection of the American customs officials. Further instructs him to point out to the Dominican Government its obligation under the treaty to afford full protection. File No. 839.51/754. No. 71.] The American Minister to the Secretary of State. KNOX. AMERICAN LEGATION, Santo Domingo, July 19, 1911. SIR Referring to my cable on the subject, I have the honor to report that the Dominican Government has, I think, given entire satisfaction in the case of the assault by a Dominican official of the customhouse at Puerto Plata on an American inspector in the employment of the general receivership of customs. The offender, after suspension from office, was arrested and tried, and has been sentenced to six days' imprisonment, a fine of $10, and to pay the costs of the trial. I have, etc., WILLIAM W. RUSSELL. ASSAULT ON THE COMMANDING OFFICER OF U. S. S. “CHESTER " BY A DOMINICAN OFFICER. File No. 339.112C42/5. No. 51.] The American Minister to the Secretary of State. [Extract.] AMERICAN LEGATION, Santo Domingo, May 5, 1911. Referring to the cables on the subject,' I now have the honor to inclose you herewith copies and translations of all the correspondence relating to the incident that took place on the 16th of April between the guard of the barracks in this city and the commanding officer of the U. S. S. Chester. The Spanish word "amonestados" employed in the note from the minister for foreign affairs means "reprimanded" or "warned of doing something wrong and intimation not to repeat.” WILLIAM W. RUSSELL. [Inclosure 1.] The Commanding Officer of U. S. S. “Chester" to the American Minister. U. S. S. "CHESTER," Santo Domingo City, April 17, 1911. Sir: The following facts regarding an insult to my uniform are brought to your attention with the request that, as our diplomatic representative to the Republic of Santo Domingo, you take steps to secure apologies from the officials concerned. 1. On the evening of April 16, 1911, about 8.30 p. m., while returning to my ship, I passed a barracks near the water front. Seeing a guard and officer, I inquired as to the name of the building. The lieutenant grasped my arm and forced me toward the street, indicating that I was, to leave. I pointed to my uniform and shoulder straps, and stated my position to be that of the captain of the American man-of-war. This produced no effect and he ordered the guard to send me away. The guard grabbed me by the arms and hustled me down the street until, by persistently demanding to see the commandante, I was permitted to do so. I found him to be in civilian's clothes, and that he had been quietly sitting and watching the spectacle at the entrance to the building. I was accused of trying to enter the building, which was not true. The conduct of the men that were handling me indicated that they were amused at the chance they had, and that they were acting under an approving superior. There was light enough, as the moon was up, to distinguish my uniform, as I distinguished theirs. 2. Upon appealing to the commandante I obtained no redress whatever. The commandante and the lieutenant should apologize to me in the presence of the guard that was on duty, which guard should present arms during the cere mony. The men that put their hands on me should be put in irons for 10 days. The commandante, in addition to the apology in front of the barracks where the affair took place, should be required to call on board my ship, should be relieved of his command, and the entire command reviewed by me and my officers. 3. There were some civilian spectators to my affair. One lad that spoke English followed me half way to my boat. 4. I have been told that the soldiers are insulting my men. It is needless to invite your attention to the dangers of such a condition of affairs to the peace of this community, and the Government should use most stringent measures to see that the United States uniform is respected. Very respectfully, BENTON C. DECKER, Commander, U. S. Navy, Commanding. 1 Not printed. [Inclosure 2.] The Minister for Foreign Affairs to the American Minister, [Translation.] OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS. Book B. No. 116. I send you herewith, to be returned, the communication which the military commandant of the fortress here addressed to this ministry in regard to the incident that took place at the entrance to the fortress, between soldiers of the watch on duty at the said fortress, and the commander of the American man-of-war Chester. As may be seen from the satisfactory explanations given in this matter by the military commandant, it is clear that our military officers conld not have had the remotest idea of provoking any friction which might belie the good and cordial relations which exist between the two Governments. In the hope that the explanations given by the military commandant of the fortress here will definitely put an end to the displeasure on the part of Commander B. C. Decker, to which, under other circumstances, the unforeseen incident that took place at the entrance to the fortress on the night of the 16th instant might have given rise, this ministry expresses to you its highest consideration. The official letter from the military commandant of this fortress, to which the above-quoted communication refers, states, among other things, as essential points, that neither he nor his officers were acquainted with the commander of the American cruiser Chester; that although the above-mentioned commander made known his rank, it was thought he was some stranger, who, making use of a military uniform, was trying to enter the said fortress for some unknown purpose; all the more so as the commander of the Chester persisted in his intention of entering. The military commandant of this fortress concludes his report with a statement to the effect that he would be very glad to have the commander of the Chester informed that, during those hours when entrance to the fortress is not forbidden, he would take especial pleasure in showing it to him, as well as in giving him in person the preceding explanations. I take, etc., [Inclosure 3.] FEDCO VELÁZQUEZ. No. 41.] The American Minister to the Minister for Foreign Affairs. AMERICAN LEGATION, Santo Domingo, April 25, 1911. Mr. MINISTER: I have the honor to refer to a communication from your excellency's predecessor, No. 116 of April 19, in regard to the incident at the military barracks on the night of the 16th instant between the guard of said barracks and the commanding officer of the United States cruiser Chester. My Government has been made acquainted with all of the facts in the case, and of the contents of the communication of his excellency the minister of war, and feels that the harsh and violent treatment of an officer of the high rank of Commander Decker, who was in the harbor with his ship on such a friendly mission, was entirely unnecessary and uncalled for. The commandant of the barracks admits that Capt. Decker made him understand who he was, but takes the rather strange position that he did not believe him, but thought he was some stranger disguised in the uniform of a naval officer of the United States who was attempting to enter the barracks. In view of all the circumstances in the case, and of the absolute absence, on the part of Capt. Decker, of any evil intent, my Government expects an assurance from the Dominican Government that the commissioned officers directly connected with this assault be punished. I take this occasion to renew to your excellency the assurance of my most distinguished consideration. WILLIAM W. RUSSELL [Inclosure 4.] The Minister for Foreign Affairs to the American Minister. [Translation.] OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS, Book B. No. 132. Mr. MINISTER: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your excellency's courteous communication No. 41 of April 25, last. As my colleague of the department of war and marine was informed of the contents of your excellency's courteous note above referred to, I quote as follows to your excellency from said minister's answer to me: He says: Referring to the particulars in your communication of the 29th of last month, Book A, No. 584, I take the occasion to inform you that the officers directly concerned with the disagreeable incident at the entrance to the fortress on the night of the 16th of last month have been reprimanded. I hope that the foregoing will sufficiently satisfy your excellency, and I am pleased to embrace this opportunity etc., J. M. CABRAL y Báez. File No. 339 112C42/5. The Secretary of State to the Secretary of the Navy. DEPARTMENT OF STATE, Washington, May 26, 1911. SIR: Referring to previous correspondence, I have the honor to inclose for your information a copy of a dispatch from the American minister to the Dominican Republic, forwarding copies of all the correspondence relating to the incident that took place on April 26 [sic] between the commanding officer of the U. S. S. Chester and the guard of the barracks in the city of Santo Domingo. This Department thinks that the incident may now be considered as closed. SIR: Referring to previous correspondence on the subject, I inclose for your information and guidance a copy of a letter from the Secretary of the Navy1 in which he states that his Department concurs in the opinion of this Department that the incident growing out of the rude behavior of the guard of the barracks in the city of Santo Domingo to the commanding officer of the U. S. S. Chester may now be considered as closed. I am, etc., Ρ. Ο. ΚΚΟΣ. 1 Not printed. File No. 839.00/3260 REVOLUTIONARY MOVEMENTS. The Acting Secretary of State to the American Minister. [Telegram-Paraphrase.] DEPARTMENT Of State, Washington, February 16, 1911. Instructs the legation to inform the Dominican Government that the Department has reasons to believe that ex-President Morales and about 70 other Dominican exiles are about to institute a revolutionary movement against the Dominican Republic, and to ask that Government to take appropriate measures. The Dominican Government should be informed by the legation that in view of the interests of the creditors of the Dominican Republic, no interference with the present system of customs administration nor any attempt to set aside or change the present plan of adjustment can be sanctioned or permitted by the Government of the United States. The Dominican Government is expected to take all necessary steps for the prevention of any interference or changes of this nature. File No. 839.00/327. WILSON. The American Minister to the Secretary of State. [Telegram-Paraphrase.] AMERICAN LEGATION, Santo Domingo, February 19, 1911. Communicates confidential information received from the Dominican Government which states that Carlos Morales has obtained probably not more than thirty thousand dollars, having been assisted by some sugar interests in Porto Rico; that Morales has been to Cuba for a conference with Gumersindo Rivas, one of the adherents of Castro, ex-President of Venezuela, and that Morales has been negotiating for arms and munitions, having offered to Rivas, in exchange for his assistance, a base of operation in Santo Domingo. Morales relies upon obtaining a ship formerly of the British navy. He plans to sail from Bermuda or Trinidad for the east coast of the Dominican Republic. Morales is reported to be in New York at present on this revolutionary scheme. He has no prestige in the country and no confidence is placed in him by the most important people inside and outside the Republic. File No. 839.00/357a. RUSSELL. The Acting Secretary of State to the American Minister. [Telegram-Paraphrase.] DEPARTMENT OF STATE, Washington, March 21, 1911. Informs him that Morales left New York on the S. S. Parima, March 19, 1911, for West Indian ports via St. Thomas, and that instructions have been sent to the consul at St. Thomas to keep the legation informed. WILSON, |