Mr. Terres to Mr. Hay.
Port au Prince, Haiti, December 22, 1902.
Sir: I have the honor to report that on the 14th instant Gen. Nord Alexis entered the capital with his army, consisting of about 5,000, men. He immediately distributed his troops at the different important posts and forts of the city.
On the 16th there was considerable excitement in the city. It was rumored that one of the factions, Fouchard’s party, intended to make an attack on the office of the arrondissement, commanded by Gen. St. Fort Colin, who was also secretary of the interior, but had sent in his resignation of that office in the morning. At 11 o’clock Gen. St. Fort Colin took refuge at the consulate-general, together with General Kébreau, chief of the police. They were followed a little later by General Chrisphonte, the commandant of the place.
Gen. St. Fort Colin gave as his reasons for seeking refuge at the consulate that he was convinced that the party above mentioned intended to make an attack on his troops during the morning, and while he could defend himself, having sufficient men to resist the attack, he was satisfied that such a movement would result in the burning and pillaging of the city, besides great loss of life; that during seven months he had maintained perfect order in the city, therefore he preferred to retire rather than bring on such a calamity.
During the day there was some disorder; some 15 persons were killed; later, however, all quieted down.
On the evening of the 17th there was a salute fired about 8 p.m., and the army acclaimed General Nord as the President of Haiti. The next day General Nord, escorted by his cavalry, passed through the principal streets of the city, and then entered and took up his residence in the palace, which, since the departure of ex-President Sam, had been closed and guarded by Gen. Darius Hyppolite.
A proclamation was issued by General Nord accepting the acclimation, subject to the sanction of the National Assembly. It was thought by some that the Legislature would be dissolved. However, it was finally decided not to do so, but that they should elect General Nord as President of the Republic. For this purpose the National Assembly, composed of the Senate and the House of Deputies, was convoked for Sunday the 21st, at which General Nord received 100 out of the 115 votes cast, the 15 others being blank ballots.
* * * To-morrow is fixed for his taking the oath of office before the National Assembly. The new cabinet is composed as follows:
- War and marine, General Cyriague Célestin.
- Interior and general police, Mr. Léger Cauvin.
- Foreign relations and public instruction, Mr. Jérémie.
- Finances and commerce, Mr. D. Delinois.
- Justice and public worship, Mr. U. St. Arman.
- Public works and agriculture, Mr. Paulius Paulin.
- General Nord is about 85 years old and has often been spoken of as a candidate for the Presidency in the past.
It is said that a general amnesty will be proclaimed. The refugees we have in the consulate-general will no doubt be permitted in a few days to return to their homes.
I am, etc.,