Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1915-09-05
Foreign Influence on Assembly
Forces United States to
Take Over Government.
CARRIES OUT POLICY
OF STATE Department
Checkmates Schemes, of Alien
Agents, Who Are Delaying
Fiscal Plans.

Foreign influences in Haiti, working
to block plans of the United States to
pacify the republic and rehabilitate Its
finances under American supervision,
have made It necessary to declare
martial law in Port au Prince. the
capital, and practically all but two Of
the country's open ports.
Rear Admiral Caperton, acting with
in his general Instructions, declared
martial law yesterday. and explained
that his action was taken because of a
situation which was beyond the control
of the local government.
For reasons Of international policy
the State Department will not disclose
any of the information 1t has received
bearing on this subject. There have
been persistent reports recently of the
activity of foreign agents. and SO
marked has been the effect of their
activities upon members Of the Haitian
congress and government that the
State Department found 1t necessary to
hurry its policy of educating the peo-
pie of Haiti to an appreciation of the
benefits of American financial control
with it's protection against insistent
foreign creditors.
France Largest Creditor.
France is among the largest of Haitis
creditors. her citizens being said to have
about $2O,OO0,O8O in Haitian national
bonds besides large mercantile and bank
ing interests in the republic. France has
not only refrained from opposing the de-
velopment of the American policy, but
Ambassador Jusserand yesterday assured
the State Department Of French approval
of any plans which would result in the
establishment of stable and responsible
government in Haiti, willing to discharge
all proper obligations toward foreign ma
tions.
The State Department did not attempt
to initiate execution of its Haitian policy
until it had received assurances that
President d'Artiguenave would be able to
carry it through successfully and COM
mand the support Of the majority of the
Haitian congress. It was regarded as
desirable that the principle of majority
control and the retention of power in
the people themselves should be preserved.
Foreign Opposition Develops.
However, after the movement was under
way and the proposed treaty by which
the United States was to act as a pro-
tector for Haiti against foreign creditors
and set the republic in order was ready
for submission to the Haitian congress
signs of opposition developed in unex-
pected quarters These are said to have
been traced to foreign influences, which
were rapidly extended.
Admiral Caperton had been fully ad-
vised of the State Departments plans
and had received authority for their
execution. and 1t was unnecessary to
issue any order to him on the declara-
tion Of martial law. 1t Is assumed that
he felt the best way to check the anti
American agitation and insure accept
ance of the treaty would be to take
measures to prevent disorder and men,
acing expressions against those favor
ing the American policies.
1t is said by officials that under mar
tial law the navy's functions will be
limited to maintenance of order and
collections Of customs. for the present
at least. There will be no displace-
(Continued on Fourth PaRe)