The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1908-12-05
REBELS WIN
IN HAYTI
Government IS Overthrow and
Alexis DepOsed.
SAFE ON FRENCH WARSHIP

Surrounded BY a Mob curslng and
Threatening Him, the Aged Presi-
dent, Wrapped In French Flag, Was
Escorted to the Vessel-Mob Fears
Landing of United States Blue
Jackets.
Port Au Prince, Dec s.-President
Nord Alexis has been deposed and is
now safe on board the French training
ship Duguay Trouin, and Port Au
Prince Is in the hands OF the revolu-
tionists. General Antoine Simon, the
leader of the insurgents, Is marching
up the peninsula with an army OF 5000
men. and new president. General
Legitime. has been proclaimed.
At the last moment President Alexis
yielded to the urging of those about
him and decided TO take refuge aboard
the French warship. A salute OF
twenty-one guns announced his depar-
turs from the palace. Thousands had
gathered there, threatening 10 tear
down the walls to drive out the presl-
dent and his loyal followers. The mob
was armed, and men and women. be-
side themselves with rage, heaped
curses on the head OF the aged man,
who had been deposed from the presi-
dency, but who had fiercely expressed
his determination 70 fight TO the last.
So serious was the situation that the
French minister. M. Carteron, and tie
other foreign representatives. together
with members Of specially appointed
committee, forced themselves upon the
president. who finally consented to
withdraw. Shouts greeted him as he
stepped from the precincts Of the pal
ace and into a carriage which had been
provided. NJ. Carteron. carrying the
French tri-color, sat beside him, and
the minister threw the folds Of the
flag over the shoulders Of the deposed
president TO protect him.
All along the route the people who
lined the streets jeered and cursed at
the fallen president. but when the
landing stage was reached the mob
lost all restraint. They tried TO hurl
themselves upon Alexis and fought
with hands and feet against the sol
diers. who found difficulty in forcing
them back. In order TO disengage him
the troops discharged their guns, sew
eral shots being fred. During this
time a space was cleared, and Nord
Alexis. with the French colors draped
about him, was hurried aboard skin
in tow OF a steam launch. his suite
tumblng into the skiff after him. AS
the launch drew away three Haitien
gunboats and the French and Ameri-
can warships In the harbor fired
salute to the fallen president
The unrest which ended in the open
revolt of the residents Of Port Au
Prince had been noticeable for some
days, and II reached its eliminating
point when regularly organized bands
Of citizens moved quietly about the
town and took possession Of various
points of vantage. No shots were
fired and the only resistance found
was that of the president who barred
himself within the palace. One Of the
leaders in this movement charged that
the American minister. II. w. Furniss.
was the chief one OF those encouraging
the president to resist.
The flags of the nations are flying
over the doors and from the windows
OF the homes Of the foreign residents,
for notwithstanding their exhibitions
OF hostility against their fallen presi-
dent. the Haitiens are in dread Of the
landing Of forces from the warships.
They especially fear the men of the
United States cruisers Tacoma and
Des Moines, whose reputation for put
ting down riot and disorder have gone
before them. General Canal is doing
everything possible to maintain order.
Infantry and cavalry patrol the streets,
and although a panioky feeling re-
mains, there is little danger to the for
eigners. If there is an engagement at
all, it will be among the various fac
tons striving for the leadership.