File No. 839.00/379.
The Secretary of State to the American Minister.
Washington, December 4, 1913.
Your December 2, 10 p.m., is partially answered by Department’s December 2, but in addition you will say to the Government that wide publication and circulation of proclamations cautioning all orators and voters to moderation and avoidance of inflammatory and seditious utterances should be tried and the interest of all factions engaged by a call to register or the adoption of such other inoffensive measures as may divert and dispel tendencies to violence. While recognizing the difficulties confronting the Dominican Government, this Government believes recourse to coercive measures will raise suspicion of possible unfairness of election, which might precipitate a new revolution.
Endeavor to secure certified lists of registered voters and have them approved by the various factions or so modified as to be acceptable, pointing out to party leaders and to the President that this step constitutes the basis of all orderly elections and are in accordance with chapter III, article 12, of the election law of the Republic. Secure also a list of important polling-places and decide where scrutinizers should be stationed.
It is of course expected that the Government will place the telegraph system at the disposal of the electoral boards, commissioners [Page 440] and agents and will facilitate free communication in all ways. The hearty cooperation of the Government and all contending factions in support of the electoral boards and the commissioners and agents of this Government is naturally expected by the President of the United States.