Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-08-26
THE TROUBLES OF HAYTI.
Revolutions and Counter Revolutions
That Have Harassed That Republic.


Whether Hippolyte's triumph will put an end
TO bloodshed in HAyti is not known. During
more than year past the republic of Havti
has been the theater Of a revolution in which
all the horrors OF barbaric warfare have made
IL anything but pleasant home for its dusky
citizens. In October. 1879, Louis Etenne Salo-
mon, who had heretofore led a life of almost
unequaltd vicissitude, was chosen president,
receiving 50 out Of the 81 votes cast in the con-
stitutional election by the national assembly.
From that date till Angus. Of last year he was
Virtually 9 dictator under the forms OF republi-
can government. Revolution did not wholly
disappear for any Considerable period, but Sal
ONION kept 1t In cho,& with more or less dis
plays OF violence. In 1888 quite a formidable
revolt was suppressed. the leaders being put to
death by order of the president. In Novem-
Der, 1884. he issued a general amnesty, and for
lew months peace reigned in the isand He
was reelected president in June, 1886, by the
unanimous vote of the assembly.
Early in July terrible confagrations made
terrible havoc in the Haytian capital, and
seemed to be the signal for concerted insur-
rection. A few days later the flag OF revolt
was unfurled at Port au Prince. Gen. Tele-
maque, supported by eight ACCOMPLISHMENTS,
proclaimed against Solomon, arraigning him
for peculation and violation Of the constitution
by the arbitrary Imprisonment of innocent cit
liens and other acts, which rendered him unfit
to rule. The insurgents advanced from the
north upon the capital with such vigor that on
the 10th of August Solomon fed to Cuba. He
came to this city, went to France and died in
Paris, October 19.
A PROVISIONAL EXECUTIVE.
When Solomon retired from the presidency
his successor was named in the person of Sena-
tor Legitime, who was the choice of the Catho-
lie clergy. whose influence had largely contrib
uted 10 the successful rising against the dicta-
tor. Legitime established his administration
at Port al Prince and the election of deputies
to revise the constitution having resulted in
his interest. Telemaque, who had been a rival
candidate, attacked the new capitol unsuccess-
fully on the 2sth of September. He was killed
IN the battle with many of his followers and the
remainder were disbanded. On October IT,
Legitime received the vote of the national as
sembly naming him constitutional president.
This action was taken by only twenty-seven
members OF the body, with fifty-nine absentees.
Meanwhile the whole country burst into revolt
Early IN November large army, headed by
General Hippolyte, threatened Port au Prince.
All the ports were declared biockaded by the
provisional government France only of all
the foreign powers formally recognized the
government OF Legitime. After a short and
bloody battle December 5, Hippolyte captured
the town of Mirebalais, the forces of Legitime
being compelled to flee in disorder
On the 18th of January, 1888, the troops of
Hippolyte captured the seaport town of Grand
seine and butchcred 800 of the army of Legi-
time. In several encounters the utmost bar
barlty of cruelty was displayed on both Sides
the forces OF the government usually being de-
feated On March 10 Legitime sent to the in
surgent general a committee accompanied by
NJ. de Sesmaisons. the French minister. bearing
proposals Tor peace. They were disdainfully
refused. LegitiIne took his revenge when on
the 18th of April, at the head of 1000 men, he
surprised the town OF Petite Riyiere, captured
1t and burned its 600 houses. England Joined
France IN the recognition OF Legitme while
Germany instructed her ships to respect his
blockade of the Haytian ports. Our own gov
eminent refused to recognize either party as a
legitimate power.
LEGITIME HEM8lED IN.
Hippolyte captured the towns of Marchand.
Marmalade and st. Michael in the first week of
May. opening communication between st. Marc
and Gonaives. week later two of Legitime's
generals fed before the insurgents and Hip
poiyte rapidly advanced toward Port au Prince,
while the army o; Legitime was fast being re-
duced by panic and desertion. His best support
came from the intrigues of N. de Sesmaisons
the representative of France who was a few
months before a broken down man of affairs in
Paris but who during the Haytian turmoil had
become the compiacent owner Of large estates
IN the unhappy island and posed as the pro-
tector OF the government of Legitime. Our
minister, Mr.. Thompson, though acting as a
neutral, was well known as a sympathizer with
the efforts Of Hippolyte. who closely invested
Port au Prince. constantly forcing the ap-
proaches, while the troops of his adversary.
hungry and unpaid. retired toward the doomed
capital. Headed by our minister. with the adj
vice OF Admiral GheraTdi. the foreign powers
generally declared Legitime's blockade in
effective. and the downfall OF his power became
from that date only question Of time as to his
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