File No. 839.00/1899
Minister Russell to the Secretary of State
Santo Domingo, July 13, 1916.
Sir: I have the honor to report that there has been no change in the political conditions here for some time.* * * The struggle is between the followers of Horacio Vasquez, Desiderio Arias and Federico Velasquez.* * * The partisans of ex-President Jiménez are all in reality friends of Desiderio Arias, although elected as Jimenistas.
On the 27th of this month the regular session of Congress terminates, and there will be no other regular session until February 27, 1917. After the 27th of this month, if there is no election of President, the Council of Ministers, now reduced to three, will continue as representatives of the Executive Power, and, in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution, will have to call Congress for the election of a President. This will mean the repetition of the present farce, as the same Congress will be called.
[Page 233]Since the occupation of Santiago by our forces, conditions have remained quiet, but no permanent good can result until a definite disposition is made of Desiderio Arias and his board of advisers. * * *
I have [etc.]