William Jennings Bryan to Woodrow Wilson
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A situation has arisen in Santo Domingo upon which I desire your advice before acting. You will remember that Minister Sullivan asked for the appointment of several inspectors for the election which was is to be held over there on the 15th instant, and I informed him that we would send some men from here and take others from Porto Rico. As soon as President Bordas was informed of this contemplated act he sent a protest through the Dominican Minister here. President Bordas says that he will guarantee a fair election and expresses the belief that the presence of Americans at the polls would arouse hostile criticism and excite unnecessary fear. I am afraid that acquiesence in President Bordas’s suggestion may be resented by those opposing the President on the ground that we are not living up to the promise which we made to the insurrectionists upon the restoration of peace, and yet I think it would be unwise to do anything that would arouse sentiment against Americans there. I, therefore, submit for your inspection and criticism a telegram I have prepared to Minister Sullivan on the subject.
With assurances of respect, etc.,I am,
my dear Mr. President,
WJ Bryan
The President,
The White House.
Enclosure: Translation of Memorandum by Dominican Minister, Francisco J. Peynado, confirming protest referred to above.
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