Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-12-01
SHIPS ON THE WATCH
Cruiser Des Moines Joins Ia
coma at Port au Prince.
REBELS NEARING CITY
Gen. Simon's Army of 5000 Elk
petted Thursday.
ALEXIS MAY BACK DOWN
Belief That He Will Resign Presi-
dency and Name Gen. Giles
His Successor.
ALEXIS MAY BACK DOWN

PORT AU PRINCE, Haiti, December /.
into port this morning. Her presence aug
ments the force Of foreign sailors and
marines that could be landed for the pro-
lection of Port au Prince, and particular
ly the foreigners. in case the engagement
between the rebels and the troops Of the
government. which apparently is bound to
occur in a very short space OF time. re-
suits in turning loose on the city disor-
ganized and undisciplined soldiers. The
arrival Of the Des Moines was preceded
by that of the French cruiser Duguay
Trouin and the American cruiser Tacoma.
The British cruiser Scy,la and the italian
cruiser Fferamosca are expected shortly.
With their arrival the foreign element
will feel much more secure.
The night passed without any serious
outbreak, but the government showed by
it's precautions that it expected an at
tack at any moment. For the people Of
the city the night was one Of alarm and
fear Occasionally rife shots were heard
evidently. some sentry firing at night
prowlers-but each shot was taken to be
the beginning of the expected fight. All
night long patrols Of Infantry and cav
airy marched or rode through the streets
and the people kept carefully within
doors.
Rebels Have Artillery.
It Is reported this morning that Gen.
Simon, the leader OF the revolutionary
movement. was at Petit Goave, about
thirty miles to the west Of Port au Prince.
Monday morning. He has with him an
army of 5000 men. we'll armed with good
rifles and we'll provisioned. He has also
several pieces of mountain artillery and
some machine guns. He is expected to
reach Port ALL Prince Thursday, or FRI
day at the latest. and it is reported that
he undoubtedly will make an attempt to
lombard the city If the government forces
put up a fight,
The government sunbeat Nerd Alexis
was at Petit GeavA when Gen. Simon en-
tered that town. Her captain was all
for resisting the advance of the enemy,
nut the government commander on shore
persuaded. him that such resistance
would be futile and would accomplish no
good, The captain finally decided to let
the rebels come in uneppesed The
French consular agent at Petit Gaave, NJ
Cheriez, acted as an intermediary in these
negotiations.
Expect Alexis to Resign.
II Ia felt hero that the eenvecatien Of
tho chamber Of deputies, II this step il
carried out. may precipitate the threat
ened encounter, or even make the situa-
ton much more serious than 1t is. 1t ia
impossible to tell what the deputies will
do, and they may declare their opposition
To the president: There is q strong belief
among the people of the city that Prssi-
dent Alexis is on The point of retiring
from Office and naming Gen. Turenne Jean
Giles as his SUCCESSOR. Gen. GILES is a
fayor1te of Gen, Alexis and represents his
policies, which he probably would carry
out
The Haitian minister has received dis
patch from President Nord Alexis saying
that despite the defeat of the government
troops at Anse Veau the government is
still very strong. The president cabled
that four divisions of troops are march
ing against the insurgents and that he Is
full Of hone