those of our sister republics, which need such help, upward toward peace
and order."
The immediate cause for this statement by President Roosevelt was the
problem confronting our government on account of the bankrupt condition
of the Republic of Santo Domingo. Debts had accumulated for over thirty
years until by the beginning of 1905 they amounted to more than
$32,000,000. Each successive ruler became a more reckless borrower and
new loans were secured upon harsher terms.
Finally affairs were brought to a crisis on account of the pressure on
the part of the French and Italian governments for the payment of the