File No. 839.00/1892
Minister Russell to
the Secretary of State
No. 107
American Legation,
Santo Domingo,
June 26, 1916.
Sir: I have the honor to enclose herewith
English and Spanish text of the proclamation issued by Rear Admiral
Caperton in regard to the advance of our forces on Santiago.
The 4th Regiment of Marines, Colonel J. H. Pendleton, arrived here on the
18th instant, and left on the evening of the 19th for Monte Cristi, and
are now on the march to Santiago, where they will arrive in three or
four days.
I have [etc.]
[Inclosure]
by the commander-in-chief of the forces of the
united states of america in santo domingo
A PROCLAMATION
Whereas, the forces of the United States of America have entered the
Dominican Republic for the purpose of supporting the constituted
authorities and of putting a stop to revolutions and consequent
disorders, impeding the progress and prosperity of the country;
Now, therefore, I, William B. Caperton, Rear-Admiral United States
Navy, Commander Cruiser Squadron and Commanding United States Forces
in Santo
[Page 232]
Domingo and
Dominican Waters, hereby make it known that it is my purpose to
occupy immediately the towns of Santiago, Moca and La Vega, with the
above purpose in view, as these towns are now in the possession of,
or menaced by, a considerable force of revolutionists against the
constituted government.
It is not the intention of the United States Government to acquire by
conquest any territory in the Dominican Republic nor to attack its
sovereignty, but our troops will remain here until all revolutionary
movements have been stamped out and until such reforms as are deemed
necessary to insure the future welfare of the country have been
initiated and are in effective operation.
It is hoped that all this may be accomplished peacefully and without
bloodshed, and I call upon all true Dominican patriots both in
public and private life, to cooperate with me to the fullest
extent.
