Mr. Douglass to Mr. Blaine.
Port au Prince, Hayti, October 26, 1889. (Received Nov. 11.)
Sir: I have the honor to inform you that the presidential oath of office was administered at Gonaïves to General Hyppolite on the 17th instant, in presence of a large concourse of people. According to reports given by many and trustworthy persons who were present, the occasion was singularly imposing, and marked by many demonstrations of popular confidence in the new President of the Republic. On his return trip from Gonaïves toward Port au Prince, he is now wisely visiting several of the largest centers of population, and is doubtless making many friends by his gracious bearing towards the people.
Great preparations are now being made to give the President a royal welcome to the capital when he shall arrive from the North, a few days hence. Already the streets are extensively decorated with flags, and arrangements are being made on a large scale to make his reception one of joy.
The soldiers, of whom many of the sixteen thousand recently quartered here still remain, are now receiving new uniforms and are evidently much elated by the thought of exchanging their old and tattered raiments of war for the new and better habiliments of peace.
There is now no visible serious opposition to the newly organized government under General Louis Mondestin Florvil Hyppolite. Every one with whom I talk expresses the conviction that Hayti has had enough of war and is willing now to acquiesce in a condition of peace.
I am, etc.,