No. 275.
Mr. Langston to Mr. Evarts .

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.,

JOHN M. LANGSTON.
[Inclosure in No. 74.—Translation.]

Mr. Roumain to Mr. Langston .

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.


BOISROND CANAL.