159 / 540
THE ITALIAN LEGACY IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
158
As he announced his resignation, his replacement, Alejandro Woss y Gil—a competent man, but by then
already subordinate to Heureaux—praised Billini’s patriotism and non-violent transfer of power as if nothing
extraordinary had occurred.
Promises Fulfilled
When Billini became president, he had a plethora of projects for change that were unprecedented even in Ulis-
es Francisco Espaillat’s brief term. Both rulers certainly had similarities in their intentions, despite belonging
to different generations. Among this small class of intellectuals, perceptions about fundamental pursuits had
been evolving and were adopted as programs by both presidents.
However, the institution of any program meant overcoming the obstacle of instability. Espaillat had not
been offered a truce by insurgent parties, and although Billini did not face the same circumstances, he had to
concentrate his efforts on preventing the eruption of violence. In his resignation speech, he recalled: “It was
my most ardent aspiration from the beginning to avoid a material struggle, because I always wanted to remain
at the head of a government of conciliation without ever seeing the hour of combat.” He had to admit that he
was able to achieve almost nothing in the preceding months.
At the heart of their worldviews on good governance, Billini and Espaillat shared belief in the criterion that
the primary duty of the state was to provide the means for private citizens to generate wealth. Both expected
the formation of a social sector capable of connecting the country with the advances of industrialism. As was
the case in all of Latin America, the panacea was identified as the advancement of immigration. Those coming
from other lands would contribute desirable qualities, such as work ethic, educational qualifications, and avail-
ability of capital. Ultimately, Billini’s texts appear to indicate that immigration policy was the crux of proper
government action, even much more important than any support device for capital investment.
For Billini, however, the advancement of the
campesinos
2
was an indispensable mechanism for integrating
the majority of the population into modern life. Faced with the impossibility of a massive migratory influx, it
was necessary to address feasible ways to improve the circumstances of the people. He found that the key was
to increase the level of education of the population as a whole, specifically of the poor. Concentrating on this
purpose, he focused on what little he could do in his presidential term.
Despite the backdrop mentioned above, Billini benefited from better conditions than Espaillat. In the pre-
ceding years, his three predecessors from the Blue Party had bended to the
caudillos
—military strongmen—
and there had been a dynamic growth of exports, especially sugar. This resulted in an increase in wealth and
tax revenues, but it did not mean that conditions were comfortable. In reality, only meager amounts were
available for the implementation of any type of government plan, thus minimizing the allowances for the
deployment of public policies. A procedure for the operation of government finances, which consisted in
taking loans from major trade merchants, had been in effect for the previous decade. The interest accruing
from these advances to the state was exorbitant, ranging from 24–36 percent annually. The country worked to
increase the fortunes of this small mercantile class, from which—by no coincidence—a portion of the modern
bourgeoisie came.
In the absence of resources, the president exemplified a principle that would compensate for this situa-
tion: integrity. It was becoming evident that some leaders of the ruling party were abusing their privilege to
increase their own wealth, and Heureaux’s nefarious influence, which was seen as the embodiment of cor-
ruption, continued to extend. Motivated not only by principle, Billini chose to defend integrity, because it was
an essential element of a rational administration that would enable investment in pivotal programs. He had
to overcome his penchant for humility. “I have not gone to seek inspiration for my government in dens of
corruption. My politics have always been on the straight and narrow.”
Although there was very little he could do, some of the president’s measures demonstrate his foresight.
This was the case when export duties were suspended as a way to boost farming production and capital in-