Office of the Historian

Mr. Hay to Mr. Powell (now in the United States).

Department of State,
Washington, October 19, 1899.
No. 91.]

Sir: I inclose, for your information, copy of dispatch No. 53 from Mr. C. L. Maxwell, consul at Santo Domingo City, communicating the official notification received by him of the formation of a provisional government of the Republic of Santo Domingo.

It will be one of your earliest duties upon your return to your post to inquire into the political situation in Santo Domingo as it may then exist with a view to entering into effective relations with the de facto [Page 249] government when it shall have been fully established with the general consent of the people. It is the practice of this Government to enter into such relations upon ascertainment of the fact. The communication made to Consul Maxwell by Señor Domingo Ferreras indicates the provisional character and composition of the Dominican Government.

Upon your being satisfied that the new government of Santo Domingo is in possession of the executive forces of the nation and administering the public affairs with due regard for the obligations of international law and treaties, you will enter into full relations with it. This is done by your addressing a note to the Dominican minister of foreign relations.

The Department having been informed by the chargé d’affaires of the Dominican Government on the 16th instant that his resignation had been accepted and the legation would be closed, there is no representative of that government in this country with whom this Government now maintains relations.

A communication has been addressed to me by Señor Domingo Ferreras, the minister of foreign relations of the provisional government, dated September 29, and inclosing a commission signed by Horacio Vasquez as president of the provisional government of the Dominican Republic, appointing Señor Emilio C. Joubert, consul-general and chargé d’affaires in place of Señor Wos y Gil. Action upon this is necessarily deferred until the initial step of recognition is decided in accordance with the foregoing instructions, and Señor Joubert will be so advised if he should arrive in Washington and seek an audience before the receipt of your report.

I am, etc.,

John Hay.
[Inclosure in No. 91.]

Mr. Maxwell to Mr. Hill.

Consulate-General of the United States,
Santo Domingo, September 26, 1899.
No. 53.]

Sir: I have to inform you that by an official communication dated September 6, 1899, and signed Domingo Ferreras, this office is advised of the following provisional government of this republic:

  • President: Horacio Vasquez.
  • Secretary of state, of the interior, and police: José Brache.
  • Secretary of foreign relations: Licenciado Domingo Ferreras.
  • Secretary of justice and public instruction: Licenciado José Ma. Nouel.
  • Secretary of public works, etc.: Arturo Zeno.
  • Secretary of the treasury and commerce: Samuel Moya.
  • Secretary of war and navy: Ramon Caceras.
  • Secretary of post-office and telegraph: José Franco Guzman.

The communication closes with the following:

“It is hoped that the United States will recognize this government as legally constituted for the effects (purposes) of the good relations that happily exists between this Republic and the United States Government, which you so honorably and acceptably represent. I approve this opportunity to salute you with sentiments of distinguished consideration.”

I have further to inform you that the secretary of war and navy, Ramon Caceres, is the same individual who killed the late President Heureaux. Mr. Caceres resigned some days ago and Mr. Aristides Partino has been appointed as his successor.

I am, etc.,

C. L. Maxwell, Consul-General.