Jasper County Democrat, Volume 19, Number 71, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 2 December 1916 — MARTIAL LAW IS DECLARED BY U. S. IN SANTO DOMINGO [ARTICLE]

MARTIAL LAW IS DECLARED BY U. S. IN SANTO DOMINGO

Washington Acts Because of Deplorable Conditions. MARINES TO RESTORE ORDER No Additional Troops Neecbsd—Capt. F. Knapp of Cruiser Squadron Empowered to Establish Military Government. Washington, Doc. 4. —The United States has proclaimed martial law over the republic of Santo lVtminno, Secretary of the Navy Daniels announced. Capt. Harry F. Knapp, commander of the cruiser squadron now in Dominican waters, has been empowered to establish a military government o'er the i/.-public. Cites Deplorable Conditions. Secretary Daniels explained that action was necessary because of "de-. plorable conditions” throughout Santo Domingo. The United States has exercised a fiscal protectorate over the liotniniean government for some years but has proved inadequate to meet the increasingly had economic and political Conditions there. The navy department made the following announcement: “Capt. H. S. Knapp, in command of the United States forces in San' Domingo, reports that*in compliance with Instructions received military government was proclaimed bv him in Santo Domingo 4 p. m.. November 29. “An order regarding carrying arms or having them in possession has been in effect. Payment of salaries of goynient officials will he resumed immediately. I “The proclamation was well received. Conditions are normal and the majority of the people regard proclamation with favor.? It was declared at the navy department that there is no inore significance in the proclamation than appeared in the department’s formal statement. No More Marines Needed. No more marines will be sent to the Island. It was said, as the force there is sufficient to effect the establishment of permanent good government. The American marines already there will not be withdrawn until order is restored and the country is in as good condition as Haiti, where United States marines have practically completed their job. Denial was made of a report that Santo Domingo’s indebtedness and that country’s relations with European powers, notably France, have influenced the Apieriean pnlicy.