The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1914-01-28
PRESIDENT OF HAITI
FLEES FOR HIS LIFE
Leaves Capital Under Escort and
Takes Refuge on Ger
man Cruiser.
U. S. BLUEJACKETS LAND
Will Safeguard Lives and Prop
erty OF Americans and
Other Foreigners.
U. S. BLUEJAcKETs LAND

Port au Prince. January 27-The
President of Haiti. Michel Oreste, fed
from the capital to-day. and took
refuge aboard tho German cruiser
Vineta. He was accompanied by his
wife.
Fighting began in the city at /
o'clock this afternoon. An hour later,
the President left the palace under es-
cort. and was conveyed in n launch TO
the warship. Almost immediately de-
tachnents of bluejackets were land ed
from tho United States armored cruiser
Montana and the Vineta
Firing continued throughout tho af-
ternoon and 1t was evident the revo-
lutionary movement, which began in
the North and spread to Southern
towns had gained sufficient strength In
the capital to threaten not only the
power. but the life OF President Oreste.
II had been conceded for long time
that the position OF the executive was
weak, Opposed TO him were Senat tor
pevilnar Theodore, In command OF
rebel troops mt Cape Haiticn, and Cen
eral Beliard. Each has strong fol-
lt>wing. 1t was the intention of oreste
TO abdicate several days ago, but la ter
he declined to Go so. hoping with the
AID of Congress to prevent the over
thrown OF his administration.
The arrival OF tho Montana and Vim
eta has relieved the situation here, so
far as foreign residents are concern cd.
The legations are under guard
Government Prepared.
Washington, January 27.-warning
from American Minister Smith Of the
purpose OF President Oreste to abandon
MS office had In n measure prepar ed
the United States government for the
flight OF the Haitien executive 1t is
understood the commander OF Montana
acted under the general principles Of
international law In landing blue
Jackets at Port au Prince, and other
wise acting for tho protection of for
eign life and property. It Is also as
sumed that he Will prevent hghting
within the limits OF the city, il neces-
sary. to prevent the destruction Of the
town and the killing OF noRcombatants.
The Montana's crew Of ESQ men in
cludes one company of marines, and Il
Is believed that force Is sufficient to
maintain order In the Haitien capital
The little gunboat Petrol is at San
Domingo City, ut II any considera Bile
reinforcement from the Montanas crew
is needed, recourse must be had to the
Atlantic Fleet battleships at Guantan-
anio. Cuba.
Ing the. South Carolina, has orders to
join tho armored cruiser Montana,
which already has landed bluejack c IS
at the Haitien capital. and to take
guard the lives and property OF Am err
leans and other foreigners. The bat
tleship should reach the scene lato to-
morrow.
The first official news of to-day's de-
velopmcnts ut Port MI Prince came 10
Washington tonight in report from
Admiral Badger, commanding tho At
lantic fleet at Guantanamo, who had
been in communication with the cruiser
Montana. The dispatch said: THE
President Of Haiti has abdicate leav-
ing no government. The Montana has
landed $50 men. her deck force. in ordor
TO safeguard the lives aud property OF
Americans and other Foreigners.
German cruiser at Port nu Prince also
was landing a force at the same time
The South Carolina Is leaving for Port
an Prince Captain Russell will act In
his discretion for the protection Of
lives and property assisting tho force
already landed IL 1t becomes neces-
sary."
AS senior naval officer on tho scene.
Captain Russell will direct tho ope-
rations OF the international forco
No. specific instructions will be sent
to him from Washington. The captain
was Judge a advocate- general OF the
navy until he recently was detailed for