New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-09-05
FOREIGN PLOTS
FORCE MARTIAL
LAW In HAYTI
Caperton Takes Action in
Capital and Other
Open Ports.
SECRET INFLUENCES
OPPOSE u. S. RULE
Blocked Signing of Treaty and
Efforts to Take Over
Finances.

Washington. Sept. 4-Foreign inhu-
ences in Hayti, working to block plans
of the United States to pacify the re-
public and rehabilitate its finances un-
der American supervision. have made
il necessary to declare martial law In
Port-au-P Prince, the capital. and prac-
tically all but two of the country's
open ports.
Rear Admiral Caperton. acting with
in his general instructions, declared
martial law to-day, and explained that
his action was taken because of a
situation beyond the control of the
local government.
For reasons of international policy
the State Department will not disclose
any of the information it has received.
There have recently been persistent re
ports OF the activity of foreign agents,
and so marked has been the effect on
members Of the Haytian Congress and
government that the State Depa -ment
found it necessary to take quick &C
ton. Protection against insstent for
eign creditors is involved.
France Will Back Move.
France is among the largest of
Hayti's creditors. Her citizens are
said to have about S2O,OOO,O0O N Hay
tian national bonds. besides large ner-
camille and banking interests in the re-
public. France has refrained from op'
posinc the development of the Amer-
can policy. and Ambassador Jusserand
Yesterday assured the State Depart
ment OF French approval of any plans
which would result in the establish
ment OF a stable and responsible gov
crnment in Hayth
The State Department did not AZ
tempt to initiate execution OF us HAY
tian policy until it had received assur-
ances that President D'Artiguenave
would be able to carry it through sue
cessfully and command the supper. o.
the majority Of the Haytian Congress.
IL was regarded as desirable that me
principle Of majority control and OF
the retention of power in the people
should be preserved.
After the movement was under way
and the proposed treaty by which ne
United States was to act as pro-
tector for Hayti against foreign cred
itors and set the republic in order was
ready for submission 70 the Haytian
Congress, signs of opposition devel'
oped in unexpected quarters: These
are said TO have been traced to for
eign influences.
Caperton Had Full Power.
Admiral Caperton bad been fully ad-
vised of the State Departments plans,
had received authority for their execu-
ton. and il was unnecessary TO issue
any orders to him on the declaration
of martial law. 1t is assumed that ne
felt the best way to check the anti
American agitation and insure the ac-
ceptance of the treaty would be to take
sure measures.
Officials say that under martial 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 interference with the
civil government unless Haytlan poll
ticans make an issue.
On the other hand it is expected
there will be no further delay in con
rideration by the Haytian Congress oil
the treaty, which still is in the hands
If the Haytian Minister of Foreign Al
fairs As soon as favorable action has
been taken modus vivendl will be
arranged whereby the United States
will be empowered to organize a native
constabulary under American officers
and 10 regulate the republics finances.
Oficials believe that if this can soon
he done. BY the time Congress meets
in Washington the advantages OF the
arrangement will be so manifest IN
Havti and in the United States that