No. 275.
Mr. Langston to Mr. Evarts
.
Legation of
the United States,
Port au Prince,
Hayti
,
July 24, 1878.
(Received August 8.)
No. 74.]
Sir: In my dispatch numbered 69, of the 11th
instant, I advised you of the resignation of the several members of the
cabinet of President Canal. I have now the honor to inform you that a new
cabinet has been organized, composed of Messrs. Ernest Roumain, secretary of
state of finances, commerce, and foreign relations; St. Ilmont Louis Firmin
Blot, secretary of state of the interior and agriculture; C. Archin,
secretary of state of justice, public instruction, and worship; and T.
Carrié, secretary of state of war and marine. Mr. Blot, a resident of Cape
Haitien, has not yet arrived at the capital and entered upon the discharge
of the duties of his office; but during the interim of his absence the
performance of such duties is devolved upon his colleague, Mr. Archin, of
the department of justice.
In announcing officially, on the 16th instant, the reorganization of the
cabinet, Mr. Roumain, the minister of foreign affairs, addressed me a
dispatch of such kindly temper and feeling, such generous and noble purpose,
with regard to the friendly relations of our respective governments, that I
have deemed it proper to transmit for your perusal, herewith inclosed, a
copy thereof, with translation. Of course, in my reply, these kindly
sentiments were heartily reciprocated.
The arret of the government, by which the appointment of the new members of
the cabinet is announced and the resignation of the retiring members
accepted and published, is interesting, in view of the fact that it briefly
indicates the professional and military standing of the several members of
the present cabinet, and, as an official document, to the stranger is
curious and novel. I transmit, therefore, herewith inclosed, this document
in its original form and language, with translation.
[Page 455]
With regard to the action of the President had in the matter of reorganizing
his cabinet, there seems to be general popular acquiescence, if not
approval. Whether the political leaders of the National Assembly and others,
who are said to have had large influence with the outgoing cabinet, will
quietly acquiesce, remains to be seen. But no revolutionary outbreak is to
be apprehended now in connection with this subject. The President seems to
be strong and his administration firm.
I have, &c.,
[Inclosure in No.
74.—Translation.]
Mr. Roumain to Mr.
Langston
.
Office
of the Secretary of State for Foreign
Relations,
Port au
Prince
,
July 16,
1878.
Mr. Minister: I have the honor to inform you
that the President of the republic, by an order dated the 14th instant,
two copies of which I transmit to you herewith inclosed, has called me
to take charge of the department of finance, commerce, and foreign
relations.
In bringing this action to your notice, I am happy to express to you the
very great satisfaction I experience in entering into official relations
with you.
Convinced of the ardent desire of my government to maintain the good
relations which subsist between Hayti and the United States of America,
I give you the assurance that I shall not neglect any effort with a view
to contribute to the attainment of this happy result. I love to persuade
myself that in this purpose I shall meet always the kindly dispositions
which have constantly animated you towards my government.
Please accept, Mr. Minister, the assurance of my very high
consideration.
The secretary of state for foreign affairs, &c.,
- ERNEST ROUMAIN.
- Mr. J. M. Langston,
Minister Resident and Consul-General of
the United States of America, Port au
Prince.
[Inclosure to inclosure No.
74.—Translation, &c.]
Order of President Canal.
Liberty! Equality! Fraternity!
republic of hayti.
Order.
Boisrond Canal, President of the Republic of Hayti.
In view of the necessity of constituting a new council of secretaries of
state, and article 113 of the constitution—
Ordered:
Art. 1. The general of division, T. Carrié,
formerly secretary of state, has been named secretary of state of war
and of marine, in place of General Auguste Montas, whose resignation has
been accepted.
The general of division, St. Ilmont Firmin Blot, has been named secretary
of state of the interior and agriculture in place of General Em. M. A.
Gutierrez, whose resignation has been accepted.
The general of division, Ernest Roumain, has been named secretary of
state of finance, commerce, and foreign relations in place of citizen
Félix Carrié, whose resignation has been accepted.
Citizen C. Archin, lawyer, has been named secretary of state of justice,
public instruction, and worship in place of citizen Dr. Jn. Joseph,
whose resignation has been accepted.
Art. 2. The secretary of state of justice,
public instruction and worship is charged during the interim with the
portfolio of the interior and of agriculture, until the arrival of the
one named thereto.
Given at the national palace, at
Port au Prince, 14th of July, 1878,
seventy-fifth year of the independence.
BOISROND CANAL.