In July 1889, there was a small scale rebellion, and Minister Merrill landed Marines to protect Americans; the State Department explicitly approved his action. Merrill's replacement, minister John L. Stevens, read those official instructions, and followed them in his controversial actions of 1893.
In July 1889, a small-scale rebellion occurred, and Minister Merrill dispatched Marines to protect Americans; the State Department explicitly authorized his action.  Minister Stevens, replacing Merrill, read those official instructions and followed them in his controversial actions of 1893.