Mr. Douglass to Mr. Blaine.

No. 14.]

Sir: As indicating his confidence in the good disposition and loyalty of the people of Hayti, and the power of his government to maintain its authority and to guarantee peace to his country, I have the honor to transmit a copy of the proclamation of amnesty to all political offenders, issued on the 15th instant by His Excellency the President of the Republic of Hayti. I also inclose a translation of the same.

I am, etc.,

Frederick Douglass.
[Page 503]
[Inclosure in No. 14.—Translation.]

Proclamation of Amnesty.

decree.

Hyppolite, President of Hayti: Considering that the true strength of governments is in the popular consent; that the Government instituted the 9th October, 1889, by the unanimous vote of national constituent assembly has been acclaimed in all parts of the Republic; that it can, without danger to its stability and to the peace of the state, make for the benefit of those whom political passions have recently led astray a new act of clemency conformable in other respects to the spirit of generosity which contributed so much to the success of the revolution inaugurated the 2d of October, 1888.

On the report of the secretary of state for justice, and on the advice of the cabinet; in view of article 103 of the constitution, and articles 6 and 7 of the law of September 26, 1860, decrees:

  • Article 1. Full and complete amnesty is accorded to all persons who are detained in the prisons of the Republic, or who have gone into exile by reason of the political events of September 28, 1888, up to this date.
  • Article 2. In the present decree are not comprised the individuals accused of murder, of incendiarism, or of other non-political offenses, who will answer before competent tribunals.
  • Article 3. The present decree shall be published and executed under the diligence of the secretary of state for justice.


Hyppolite.

By the President:

  • St. Martin Dupuy,
    Secretary of the Interior.
  • Léger Cauwin,
    Secretary of State for Justice and Worship.