The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1874-06-04


People and the Army-EKis Retirement
from the Chief Power OF State and His
Reasons for the Act.
WASHINGTON, June 2, 1874.
The subjoined proclamation, which was printed
in French, has been received at the Haytian Lega-
ton in this city to-day and was translated. 1t Is
an able document, OF high moral tone. displaying
o republican craftsmanship and patriotism which
are not often exceed, II indeed equalled. IN more
enlightened countries. From an educational
STANDPOINT say nothing OF Its rhetoric it Will be
found entitled to respectful consideration and
commentator.
Observation-Disclosures OF
NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS..
MASSAGE SAGET, PRESIDENT HAYTI, THE PE0s
PIE AND TO THE ARMY
fact without precedent In the parliamentary
annals OF Hayti has Just been produced. The
Chamber OF Representatives finds Itself powerless
to unite with the senate III order to constitute the
National Assembly charged according to the terms
OF our fundamental agreement with. nominating a
chief who ought TO succeed me in the Presidency
OF the Republic Alarmed at tins state OF things
tue representatives now IN the capital anu the
Senate have stopped the resolutions which tnia
last named Dody mas sent Forward to me by which
OF executive poweruntil the time vigorously liked
by the constitution. ana until tho nomination or
| the President OF Hayti.
However praseworthy may have appeared the
motives ut first which have caused these resolu.
tons 10 be taken, lar from removing the embar-
easements OF the situation, they can only TO
cause new difficulties 10 be added. therefore do
lractlOn no matter how considerable, OF the Rep
resentatfve Chamber has not the power to de-
u constitutional character. Such acts ought noe
to be considered Us the expression OF preferences
or oil feelings which every citizen has the right TO
address either TO the executive power to either
OF the two Legislative Chambers. No more can the
Senate take to Itself decision or that Importance
ana bestow powers which 1t has not. Tue National
Assembly Itself Will be without character TO pro-
lace OF the formal terms OF the constitution.
Haytans, alter four years or Presidency, during
which - nave done on everything IN my power
across numberless dangers which nave by the force
OF circumstances been spread along its course,
God has blessed my Efforts | have arrived al the
close OF my Presidential career with the satslac-
tion OF Chief who has neglected nothing which
would establish peace ana the tranquility OF the
/ pubic on solid basis. My whole lie bears wit
ness OF my respect for the laws and institutions Of
my country. | shall not bette the past On the
point OF retiring now to private lie l shall never
dlsnonor my whltened hairs by any act which my
political conscience would finally reprOve.
Hay tians, the constitution which has created tho
present situation does not offer US the means Of
extricatlng ourselves IRON IT, II it IS true that,
observing our fundamental agreement it is only IN
the case OF resignation, death or impeachment
that the executive power can be condded to the
Council vi the secretaries Ol State 1t Is evident
that, no one Of these circumstances prevails
ing, II Is by clear Interpretation Of ITS
| tutional reason OF things alone. that We
! can ind a mode OF egress out OF THIS difficulty.
But whine the constitution provides, In clear ana
precise manner, winch does not permit, even IN
spirit, OF any doubt nor matter Tor Interpretation,
/
tive power 1t would therefore, be Illegal to try by
more or less ingenious means 70 go beyond that
! date IN finding some purely imaginary pretext IN
! the constitution to the contrary.
Therefore. citizens, the 10Th OF May is the ir-
revocaDle date at which must surrender the
powers with winch nave been entrusted. shall
not go beyond 1t; but, awaiting myself OF the
declare ny my present act that resign the Presl.
dency OF Hayti. The Council OF the Secretaries or
constitution. Haytlans, the National Assembly
cannot reconvene itself IN order proceed with
the election Of President OF Hayti. Those who
have gwen command are now found pOweress
to iunl their own command; the Senate mas
formally recognized THIS In this critical pass II
IL, therefore, only lcit to those commanding to
recover now the power which they have caused to
be entrusted only to the Chamber OF Representa-
denDe body III the STATE can now execute.
The sovereign people III this case Will not exper-
ence what II Is to be accused OF violating the con-
sutution. Exceptional means must be employed
IN exceptional situations IN order re-establish
the freedom OF insi utlons. Consequently sur
render all power TO the Council OF the Secretaries
manner when viii be deemed most wise to ex.
press themselves upon the nomination OF MIN who
shall DC called " the CHIEF exercise Of executive
power.
Haytans my fellow citizens, in acting as do
now, CONFORM myself to the principles Of pubic
right and TO the Will manifested by deputation
oil wel known citizens from the capital. put the
integrity oil the state pes ond the reproach or hav-
ing violated the constitution, even having
attempted 10 violate u. have, moreover, taken
every proper measure to secure peace and 10
kudTautee SAFETY 10 persons ana properly oi Vic
term during which vacancy snail exist IN
the PRESIDENTIAL. Office by investing as COM
mander-in-Cniei OF the Haytian Army General
Michel Dominique, who IS known by the emlnent
services winch ne has rendered 70 ms country ~
ms PATRIOTISM, and Uy the TACT that ne Is Already
entrenched ia the pre- lerences and SURFACES or y
majority OF his fellow citizens have wished.
,elow citizens to give you ~ .hls a9 auu,ti9nai
shan be both happy ana proud Il ! carry WIN me
IN INV retirement the conviction o. having justified
towards me- and winch nave ever ambltiously
sought to obtain.
| lie order Ioreverl Our INSTITUTIONS iorevert
| Gwen al the National Palace, at Port au Prince,
May IA 1874, IN the sevenry-nrst year Of indepens
dencc. -
| By the President. MESSAGE SA0ET.
Secretary OF War, &C., 8. LIANTAUD.
secretary oil the Interior, &c., IN. LAxoRR1.