The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1859-01-27

willingly and only because it was needful for
immediate organization of the party. He would
| hold the. office until a better man could be
found, and should at present only hold the of
| fee Professionally.
% The late Governor, Count Bartholemy,
! then had his submission spoken for him, his
| own voice being too feeble to be heard in the
crowd, and in this new surrender he again
/ spoke his opinion that the movement might be
for the best good of the people. A grand church
service was then solemnized, after which the
new Constitution was presented to the principal
citizens and the late authorities, and was sign
ed By them. The views of the new authorities
were then in part made known, and all the men
| of the town capable of bearing arms were call
ed out, armed and enrolled for immediate ac-
| ton. Their first step was towards the fortified
town of st. Mares, which they entered without
opposition, and took possession.
Here it was said that Gen. Geffrard would
remain, and recruit his forces until strong
enough to. meet the forces of the Emperor in
the field, or assail him in his Capital at Port
au-Prince. The inhabitants all over the south
part of the island were said to be rising for the
Republic when the North Wind sailed and
northward the spirit of instruction was equal
ly catching.
This is all that is known of the progress of
the affair at present, but Captain Higgins, of the
North Wind, reports that, on the night of JAN
uary l. as he sailed by St. Mares, he saw the
place in flames, and infers that the insurgents
had met with some opposition from the ad-
herents of Soulouque, and that one of the parties
had fired the town.
"The spirit of the revolt thus inaugurated at
Gonaives, Immediately spread to the adjoining
towns, and the whole country Whereabouts was
soon in state of commotion. The people OF
Aux Cages and Jacmel, two important towns
welcomed the new order of things, and declared
for the Republic and General Geffrard. 1t is
stated that all the southern part of the island
are in favor of the change, and in some places
/ the people rose en- masse to receive the Leaders
of the revolt.
when Captain Higgins left, no news had
been received from Port.au- Prince, the Capital
and residence of the Emperor. The body OF
his army is at that place, and it remains to be
seen whether the revolution will extend to the
Capital, and, if so, whether the soldiers will
fraternize with the revolters, and turn against
there old master"
From the 30. ton Traveller.
The Governor Of Gonaives at first refused
to giveNup his command, but the position as
sumed by the inhabitants soon brought him to
terms. A committee of citizens was at once
formed, who issued DEGREES establishing the Re
public and converting the National Legislature
before whom General Soulouque (the Emperor
is cited to appear"
The Revolutionary Committee issued a proc
lamation, setting forth the grievances which had
impelled them to the desperate measure of rev
! olution.
General Geffrard was hailed President oil
the Republic by the people of the North, but
imperatively declined the station. He, however
consented to act as Provisional President until
the will of the people is known. He is now on
his march to Port au Prince which is the strong.
hold of Soulouque, but where the Republic has
many friends. The Emperor has a large stand
ing army, but it is doubtful if it adheres to him
in opposition to the strong expression of the
| popular will.
General Geffrard is about fifty years of age
native of Jacmel, and of irreproachable pri
vate character. He is said to be man peculiar
| ly suited to the present emergency, and is high
| ly spoken of by all who are in any way acquaint
ed with affairs upon the island.
Several DEGREES had been issued bv the
| Revolutionary Assembly in session at Gonaives
| One OF these DEGREES orders the destruction OF
the dungeons Of the fort at Gonaives
"Another decree revokes the DEGREES of ban.
ishment Of those who have been convicted OF
political offences.
"Another decree orders the release of all
| prisoners who are detained in the prisons of the
| Republic for political offences
"Another decree increases the rations of the
! soldiers Of the army