Daily Kennebec journal., 1908-12-02
Clash at Port Au Prince
Has Been Postponed.
Gen. Simon Will Capture Jack
mel Before Attacking Capital.
naytien Situation Looks Hopeless
For the Government.

Port Au Prince, Dec. 1.-The expect
ed battle between the revolutionists
and the troops of the government,
which are entrenched few miles out
side the city. is likely to be deferred
Tor several days Gen. Antoin Simon,
tho colnlnanderin-c chief OF the revolu-
tlonary forces. has decided to attack
Jartmel which lie. 80 miles to the
southwest Of Port Au Prince, and
which is the only town that has re-
maned loyal in the department of the
south, before rcsuming his march on
Port Au Prince
1t is believed, however. that the Sit
nation. 50 far as the government is
conr.,rcd. is lost. Louis Borne, the
minister of state, has handed in his
resignation and has taken refuge in the
German legation and there now re-
main in office only shree of the high
governmental officials Sen. Leconte,
minister nf the interior; Gen. Laleau,
minister of Justice ana public instruc-
tion, and Gen. Marcelin, minister OF f.
nance and commerce. All the other
ministers have resigned, with the ex-
ception Of Gen. Celestin Cyraque. who.
after his recent defeat at the hands
of the insurgents, is believed to have
found asylum in one of the foreign
consulates.
1t was Louis Borne who took UP the
portfolio of state relinauished by Gen.
Sannon when he sought refuge in the
French legation last March. after 're-
signing" He was credited with induc-
ing President Alexis to permit the de-
parturc in safety of Gen. Firman and
nl,,tin ol a
had fed to the legations and consul
lates at Port Au Prince and Gonafves
at the time ofsthe last uprising. 1t is
believed that the intentions of the
President in calling an extraordinary
session of the Chambers is to have
them name his successor President
Alexis favors either of two candidates
for the office. Gen. Turennc Jean GILES
and Sulon Menos, a distinguished law
YER But there is doubt that a quorum
could bc secured, because of the alb
seEce o; the great Majority of the dep
utes and senators Of 'he department
of the south. General Gilles has been a
favorite of General Alexis and is
strong supporter of his policies.
The three divisions Of government
troops cntrenched ut the cross roads
outside the city are being depleted by
numerous descrtions. While every CT
fort has been made to hold the troops
together and there have been few out
ward signs of dissatisfaction, the gov
ernment soldiers have taken the hfst
opportunity to slip away. Some OF
these undoubtedly will join the insur-
gent army Gen. simon Will enter Port
All Prince, probably without striking
a. btow, and, it may be. without caus-
ing disturbance in the order of things,
If President Nord Alexis takes his de-
Dartur, from the city before the ar
rival Of the enemy. The situation Will
he critical If the President elects t.
remain.
The arrival of the American cruiser
Des Moines this morning has given
added assurance to the foreign resi-
dents. The Des MoineS and the Tacoma
renresent the United States here. while
tine French training snip Duguy Trou-
in is Watching French interests along
the coast The British cruiser Scyllh
and the Italian cruiser Fieramosca are
expected to arrive in port before the
advancing army reaches the gates or
the city
The President has angrily resisted
the counSels of his ministers ana tne
diplomatic representations when nave
been made to him to give up the strug-
gle. He accuses War Minister Celstln
Cyriauui with treachcry and threatens,
If the revolutionists attack the city. 10
blow no the palace. 1t is believed that
there will be an uprising against the
government in Port Au Prince just as
son as Gen. simon reaches the cross
roads with his army. Hitherto the peo-
ple have been held in subjection, ana
almost terrorized by the reputation OF
Con I.econte for violent deeds. Tney
have feared that he would summary
execute anyone showing the shghtest
leaning towards the revolutionary
mcvement. but the proximity OF Gen
Simon's army and the abandon1heht
of Nord Alexis by the majority of the
cabinet has moved the balance IN Ia
yor of the insurgents. and the people
are simply awaiting the opportunity
to go with the stronger side.
The advance guard of the revolution
lists has occupied Leogone. 20 miles
west of Port Au Prince on the Gonalve
channel. without the slightest disor-
dr. These men are we'll disciplined
and are we'll supplied with arms and
munitions. The insurgent army now
numbers thousands and it has spread
itself out across the southern penlh-
su!a.
Advices received here from Port De
! PiaN are the most alarming In several
days. \ great deal of excitement pre-
walls there. and it is believed that IN
case of an uprising the authorities
would not be able to control the pco-
Pile