Cuba and Santo Domingo

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 20, 1913

Cuba and Santo Domingo

WITHIN the last few weeks affairs have been developing in Cuba which are quite unsatisfactory to the American government. A personal attack upon the American consul-general by a Cuban was followed by a bitter newspaper attack upon the American minister to Cuba. The Cuban government took no steps toward punishing the responsible parties, even after strong urging by the State Department at Washington. Later an amnesty bill was passed by the Cuban congress, whose provisions made it very objectionable to the American State Department. Both former Secretary Knox and Secretary Bryan protested to the Cuban government against this legislation. President Gomez signified at first his intention to sign the bill, but has not yet done so, and it is reported that a new bill will be put through the Cuban congress as a substitute, in which the objectionable features will be eliminated. In Santo Domingo a peculiar situation now exists. A Roman Catholic archbishop was made temporary president, and was virtually kept in office by President Taft, who despatched a war-vessel to Santo Domingo to back up the policy of the United States. The archbishop did not desire to continue the office, and signified to President Taft his desire to resign. The President strongly discouraged the archbishop’s intention, and promised to stand by him with whatever force was necessary. The archbishop left the capital a few days ago on a visit to another city in line with his ecclesiastical duties, and it is reported that he will not return to take up the duties of president of Santo Domingo.