tion of a respectable sum of money destined to the payment of said. debts, might be taken for a definite solution of our economical situation. But these parties do not bear in mind the fact that the situation created by the modus vivendi is based only on an administrative disposition made without regard to the disposition and consent of the creditors, who have accepted the dilatory terms imposed upon them for the payment of their claims in the hope of a solution of the problem by means of the convention signed on the 7th of February, 1905; for which reason they are demanding that we define at an early date a situation which it is now impossible to delay longer. The modus vivendi, taken under its proper aspect-that of a transitory measure with which the Government alleviated for the moment its compromising situation, imposing upon the creditors a delay in order to provide a means to make provisions for the fulfillment of its obligations can never be considered a solution of the problem; it lacks the consent of all the interested parties; it does not provide a concrete form in which the distribution is to be made among the creditors of the sum destined as reserve payment. This measure, which certainly has been advantageous for the country as a respite, with which it has attained and under the provisions of which it has been able to plan its course in a decorous and satisfactory manner, that we may arise from the chaos in which we have been living up to the moment that such resolution was taken, on the other hand, would continue to be a great prejudice if we did not know how to solve the problem at hand. To the penetration of men of clear intelligence and to those who may study this question without political passion or bias from the standpoint of patriotism and general good, this truth can not escape. It is not with sentimentality more or less childish, nor with more or less vain bragging, nor with words more or less empty, nor with sentences more or less pompous, with which the grave questions of state can be solved. Anyone understands how to make an impression upon the patriotic sentiments of the ignorant masses, or upon those who have a vulgar political interest; that is very easy. But that is not what honesty and patriotism at this moment require. The hour is solemn; it is the hour for profound meditation, of conscientious and honest reflection. The most transcendental problems of the country are about to be solved, and neither political charlatanism. nor personal interest should resolve them, but wisdom, tact, and patriotism. On the 8th of the present month the new treaty with the United States, as a complement of the loan, was signed through the representative of the United States, Mr. T. C. Dawson, and at the same time signed, in accordance with new authority from the executive power, by me, together with my honorable colleague the minister of foreign affairs. I know that the negotiation in its entirety has found opposers, who are speaking at random, endeavoring to discredit it and awake against the contract public opinion, which they present as mentors; but the fact most worthy of attention is that the greater part of the opposition is composed of those who would be considered the least authorized to take such initiative, since if they were to question their consciences they would be told that they have assumed a great deal of responsibility in the state of ruin which compels the Republic to make such negotiations, and would deny them the right to advance obstacles to the work of a few men who, at the head of the present Government, have given only proofs of patriotism and honesty, being able to present themselves before history with high forehead and clean conscience, when they accept with grief the unavoidable imposition of the conditions brought about by the shameless action of those who for such a long time, and with a view only to personal lust and gain, compromised the economic autonomy of the Republic. POLITICAL AFFAIRS IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC. File No. 27/203-204. No. 33.] Minister McCreery to the Secretary of State. AMERICAN LEGATION, Santo Domingo, August 21, 1907. a SIR: I have the honor to inclose copy and translation of the reply of the President of the Dominican Congress to the message of the President of the Dominican Republic. The President's message was sent to the Congress at the opening of the session, February 27 last. The reply, following the established custom, was made on June 26 last, the day of adjournment. The reply states that Congress heartily supports the Executive in the efforts to bring about the proper organization of the public administration and urges stringent measures against disturbers of the peace. It also advocates assistance by the Government to the districts which have suffered most from civil disorder, and mentions the appropriation made for irrigation works in the district of Monte Cristi. It refers to the provision made for the Guardia Republicana, formerly called the Rural Guard. The Republic has of late taken part in a number of international expositions and congresses. Mention is made of The Hague Conference. Reference is made to the treaties signed at the Pan-American Congress at Rio Janeiro in July, 1906, as follows: Regarding the treaties signed by the States taking part in the Second PanAmerican Conference held at Rio de Janeiro in July last, and which treaties were signed by our delegate, Emilio C. Joubert, excepting the treaty providing for a change of nationality of the citizens who return to reside within the national territory, it being contrary to our political constitution, the committee on foreign relations has reported favorably, and Congress has approved the treaty relative to the compilation of a code of international law to regulate relations among the American republics, and the congress regrets that a bulk of urgent matters have not permitted the discussion and approval of the said treaties in this session. It is recommended that all the good will and patriotism of the Government be exerted to effect a settlement of the boundary question with Haiti. The approval of the Dominican-American Convention by the Congress is mentioned, and it is stated that there remains only the formality of the exchange of ratifications to make the convention effective. The amendment of the bankers contracts by the Congress is referred to. a Not printed. Revision of the codes is favored, as well as more stringent treatment of the irregularities of officials. Certain changes were made in the department of education, and reforms pointed out which should be considered by the next Congress. The misuse in former years of funds voted for "public works" is pointed out and a more rigid accounting recommended. The successful work of the several executive departments is referred to. The president of the Congress, while mentioning that constitutional reforms can be enacted only by a constitutional convention or congress called for that special purpose, states that the present Congress enacted the following amendment to the constitution: ARTICLE 112. The present electoral colleges will continue in operation until the 1st of November, 1908, the date upon which the next general elections will be proceeded with. The present constitutional period will end on the 27th of February, 1909. From this date henceforth the usual periods will be counted as of four years, beginning and ending with the 27th of February. In case of extraordinary elections, no matter what date of same may be, the constitutional period will be reckoned from the 27th of February nearest to the election. President Morales was elected in June, 1904, for a period of four years. He was succeeded by the Vice-President, Caceres, in December, 1905. The amendment passed by Congress extends the term of office of the Executive and deputies to February 27, 1909. The reason given is that the present Congress desires to cooperate with the Executive in carrying out the terms of the convention and giving impetus to the development of the country, and the desire to make February 27 the beginning of the constitutional period. This amendment has not yet been approved by the President and published in the Official Gazette. The minister for foreign affairs tells me the amendment is not in force. I have, etc., FENTON R. MCCREERY. CONSTITUENT CONVENTION OF 1907 AND CONSTITUTION PROMULGATED ON SEPTEMBER 9, 1907. File No. 27/207-209. No. 46.] Minister McCreery to the Secretary of State. AMERICAN LEGATION, Santo Domingo, October 5, 1907. SIR: I have the honor to inform you that a constituent convention has been convoked by the Congress to meet at Santiago de los Caballeros on the 20th proximo, and to amend the political constitution of the Dominican Republic in its articles 6 to 104, inclusive, and 107 to the last article. I inclose copies and translations of the decree declaring the necessity for amending the constitution and the decree convoking the convention. The constitution of 1896, as changed and amended by the Congress in regular session, on June 14, 1907, was signed by the executive power on September 9, 1907, and published in the Official Gazette on September 11, 1907. Among the changes appearing in the constitution of 1907, which is now in force, are: A new political division into provinces, communes, and districts; the abolition of the death penalty; obligatory and free primary instruction; a new judicial organization; simplified amendment of the laws; and the temporary solution of the electoral problem in article 112, as follows: The present electoral colleges shall continue in office until November 1, 1908, upon which date the next general elections shall be proceeded with. The present constitutional term shall end February 27, 1909. From that date the regular terms of four years shall be reckoned, beginning and ending on February 27. In case of special elections, whatever their date, the constitutional term shall be reckoned from the 27th of February nearest the election. This article extended for several months the term of the President and deputies now in office. An amendment fixing February 27, 1908, instead of the same day in 1909, for the beginning of the next constitutional term will be considered by the convention. In case of its adoption, the elections will be held late in 1907 or early in 1908. Under the constitution of 1896 the Congress had power to amend the constitution. Under the constitution of 1907 amendment can be effected only by a constituent convention convoked by the Congress. I have, etc., FENTON R. MCCREERY. [Inclosure 1.-Translation.] Decree declaring the necessity for amending the political constitution of the State. [From the Gaceta Oficial, September 21, 1907.] The National Congress of the Republic, urgency declared and in accordance with article 105 of the constitution, decrees: To hereby declare the necessity for the amendment of the political constitution of the State in the following points: The articles 6 and following to the 104th, inclusive; the articles 107 and following to the last article. Given in the Palace of the National Congress on the 20th day of September, 1907; sixty-fourth year of independence and forty-fifth of the restoration. The president: The secretaries: RAMON O. LOVATON. Let this be executed and communicated by the corresponding department, published throughout the territory of the Republic for its compliance. Given in the National Palace of Santo Domingo, capital of the Republic, on the 20th day of September, 1907; sixty-fourth year of independence and forty-fifth of the restoration. The President of the Republic: Countersigned: The minister of the interior and police, R. CACERES. ML. LAMARCHE GARCIA. [Inclosure 2.-Translation.] Decree convoking a constituent assembly. [From the Gaceta Oficial, September 21, 1907.] The National Congress in the name of the Republic, urgency declared, decrees: First. To hereby convoke extraordinarily the electoral colleges to assemble in accordance with articles 80 and 107 of the constitution, in the capitals of the provinces, on the 20th day of October of this year, and to proceed to the election of the constituent assembly, which latter shall amend the political constitution of the State in its articles 6 and following to the 104th, inclusive; 107th and following to the last article. Second. The constituent assembly shall meet on the 20th of November in the city of Santiago de los Cabelleros. Third. In case any province is without representation in the constituent assembly, this latter shall fill the vacancy in accordance with the paragraph of article 18 of the constitution. The qualifications required of a member of the constituent assembly are the same as those required of a deputy. Fourth. The members of the constituent assembly during the sessions shall have the same salary as the Deputies to Congress and shall receive traveling expenses, as provided in the decree of the executive power of the 4th of June, 1904. Fifth. The salaries and expenses of the constituent assembly shall be paid by the treasury department from the general revenue of the exchequer. Let this be transmitted to the executive power for constitutional purposes. Given in the Palace of the National Congress on the 20th day of September, 1907; sixty-fourth year of independence and forty-fifth of the restoration. The president: The secretaries: RAMON O. LOVATION. Let this be executed and communicated by the corresponding department, published throughout the territory of the Republic for its compliance. Given in the National Palace of Santo Domingo, capital of the Republic, on the 20th day of September, 1907; sixty-fourth year of Independence and fortyfifth of the Restoration. The President of the Republic: Countersigned: The minister of the interior and police. R. CACERES. ML. LAMARCHE GARCIA. File No. 27/214-215. No. 61] Minister McCreery to the Secretary of State. AMERICAN LEGATION, Santo Domingo, November 23, 1907. SIR Referring to my No. 46, of the 5th ultimo, relative to the constitution of the Dominican Republic promulgated on September 9, 1907, I have the honor to inclose for the files of the department a copy of the said constitution from the Official Gazette and a translation. The constituent convention convoked by the Congress assembled at Santiago de los Cabelleros on the 20th instant for the reform of this constitution. FENTON R. MCCREERY. I have, etc., |