The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1891-06-15
A Little Revolution Results In n jail De-
livory-Mnrtinl Law In Force In
Port Au Prince.


Times reporter graphic description of the
thrilling scenes which he witnessed in the
landwhere laws do not protect the life of the
individual. The country. he says,
has been in quite an unset
tied state for long time. "The
scum which rises to the surface when q
nation boils' stopped over on the morning
of May 90. For several days there had been
rumors of an uprising against the govern
ment. These came to the ears of the presi-
dent, who caused the arrest of about eighty
suspected instigators of disorder. Gen.
Sully Guerrien, an ex-cabinet minister. was
reputed to be the leader OF the insurrec-
tionists, anda diligent search was made
for him, but he succeeded in making his
escape. Unable to effect the capture of the
reputed leader, Hippolyte's soldiers did
what they thought was the next best
thing, and dragged Gen. Guerrien's wife to
prison. The ill-advised act incensed the
populace, and the report that Hippolyte
would celebrate. the feast of Corpus Christi
by executing all the prisoners did not tend
to allay its anger.
The morning of the festal day was full of
rumors of impending bloodshed and revo-
luton. Groups of men gathered about the
streets discussing the situation. BY nine
O'Clock they had amalgamated into a mob
which only required leader to start the
wheel of revolution. The leader came in
the person Of Gen. Guerrien, and the mob
marched to the prison, overpowered the
terrified guards and set at liberty every
prisoner in the building.
At the time of the occurrence the presi-
dent was attending mass in tho cathedral.
An aide rushed up the crowded aisle and
whispered message to the chief executive
without displaying any perturbation. A
few minutes later another aide told his
chief that the mob was marching on the
cathedral with the intention Of killing him.
The message was overheard by those stand
ing near the president, and a panic took
place. All rushed for the doors except the
president and few members of his staff.
Under escort of these he made his way in
safety to the palace, and messengers were
sent in hot haste to the different bodies Of
soldiery stationed In Port au Prince. Plac-
ing himself at their head, Hippolyte
marched through the city. after issuing a
proclamation commanding every house to
be thrown open for his inspection. All
who disobeyed the mandate or failed to
hail him as president were shot down on
the spot. Passing the house of Ernest Re-
gand, an old and respected merchant of the
city, Hippolyte observed that the proprietor,
who was sitting on the versnda, did not
make any demonstration in acknowledge
ment of his presence. Turning to an officer
who rode beside him he quietly said: Exc
cute that man." The officer wheeled file
of soldiers out of the column and rode up
in front of Regand's house.
'The president wants you." said the Off
Ger. rs he reached the door.
Unsuspicious of any harm, Regand rose
to get his hat, and, according to the Gus
low. .<NEt 1nv, 0fvtIlI
in the house to have drink of rum with
him. After the glasses had been emptied
the party proceeded in the direction the
president had taken. AS they reached
vacant lot the soldiers were halted, and Re-
gand, accompanied by the officer. walked a
few PAGES further. The officer then stepped
inside from his companion, gave a signal to
his men, and a moment later the inotfen-
sive victim had fallen, pierced by dozen
bullets.
Not less tragic was the death of Regand's
nephew. The young man was in the house
when the soldiers came for his uuole. He
had no thought of danger. and did not once
suspect the real cause of the visit. His aunt
was also present, and with keener in
stinot OWNED that something was wrong.
When her brother did not return she urge
the young man to 90 in search of him.
back to the house and met the woman hur-
rying toward him.
Too Late he easped, "he has been as
Eassinated."
The words were heard by one of Hippo
lyte's spies. The next day the youth was
dragged before the president.
"Did you say that your uncle was assas-
Blnatedv' the inQulsitor sternly asked.
"Mr. President, / never bore arms against
you" the young man replied.
Answer my question, was the harsh re-
Rponse; "did you or notp'
The ref)lv Thar, furp-
ing to an aide, the president said: "Shoot
him.
Ten minutes later the order had been
obeyed.
Alexis Bossignol, prominent merchant
of the city and noted for his inotfenslve
character, WAS shot to death near the
cathedral. Seventeen men wero executed
i'll one batch.
Such are few of the instances OF cruelty
displayed during the five days the reign Of
terror lasted: IL is difficult to tel! how
many people lost their lives in that time.
Some estimate the number at 200; others
more conservative place the number as low
ns CITY. MIR. Walker, who tells tho story,
thinks that the next news TINT will come
from Hayti will be that a general insurrec
tion has broken out. When the ship that
brought him sailed tho city was under mar
tial law. which, strictly speaking, is the
suspension of all law.
Immediately following the uprising the
president issued Il proclamation To the citi-
zens of the republic. After reminding
them of n promise made by him to main
tain peace, he asserts that he will keep it at
the peril of his life. II says: "Fellow-cit-
izens: Have confidence in the wisdom of
the government" and grimiy adds, but
also be persuaded that 1t will not halt Mt
any sacrifice to give you peace"
In n subsequent proclamation addressed
ito the people and the army" tho presi.
dent speaks OF "the briaHnda who dis
turbed public order" and incidentally
mentions that they paid the penalty with
their lives. The insurgents who are men
Aje0ed In the procla nation aH having been