“In this negotiation the President has guarantied to the Dominican Republic protection from all foreign interposition during the time specified in the treaties for submitting the same to the people of the Dominican Republic.”
Of the absolute futility and nullity of this Presidential guaranty until after the ratification of the treaties I shall speak hereafter. Meanwhile we behold the missionary changed to plenipotentiary:—
“For this purpose the honorable Secretary of the Navy was directed to place three armed vessels in this harbor, subject to my instruction.”
Why three armed vessels? For what purpose? How unlike the boast of Old Spain! What follows reveals the menace of war:—
“I shall raise the United States flag on shore, and shall leave a small guard with it.”
Here is nothing less than military occupation. Besides war-ships in the waters, the flag is to be raised on shore, and soldiers of the United States are to be left with it. Again the contrast with Old Spain, boasting not only that there was not a single Spanish “bottom” on the coast, but not a single Spanish soldier on the land. Then follows an order to make war:—
“Should you find any foreign intervention intended, you will use all your force to carry out to the letter the guaranties given in the treaties.”
Nothing could be stronger. Here is war. Then comes a direct menace by the young plenipotentiary, launched at the neighboring Black Republic:—
“The Dominican Republic fears trouble from the Haytian border, about Jacmel. You will please inform the people, in case you are satisfied there is an intended intervention, that such intervention, direct or indirect, will be regarded as an unfriendly act toward the United States, and take such steps as you think necessary.”[49]