Office of the Historian

File No. 2126/44 9–451.

Minister Furniss to the Secretary of State.

American Legation,
Port au Prince, December 24, 1908.
No. 478.]

Sir: I have the honor to inclose herewith copy and translation of a decree of the Haitian Congress declaring Gen. Antoine Simon duly elected President of Haiti.

I also inclose the presidential decree declaring the appointments to the new cabinet,

I have, etc.,

H. W. Furniss.

[Inclosure.—Translation.]

Liberty.

Equality.

Fraternity.

Republic of Haiti.

Decree.

Considering that the National Assembly assembled by virtue of the decree of the chief of executive power, dated December 9, 1908, has proceeded to the election of President of the Republic, and that Gen. F. C. Antoine Simon has obtained a unanimous vote: Decrees:

  • Article 1. Gen. Antoine Simon is elected President of the Republic for a period of seven years, in conformity with articles 90 and 93 of the constitution.
  • Art. 2. He will enter into office immediately and his functions will cease May 15, 1915.
  • Art. 3. The present decree will be published and executed throughout the Republic under the supervision of the secretary of the interior and general police.

Done at the palace of the National Assembly at Port au Prince December 17, 1908, one hundred and fifth year of the independence.

(Signed) By the President of the National Assembly.
By the Vice President of the National Assembly.
By the Secretaries of the National Assembly.

[Untitled]

National House, Port au Prince, December 17, 1908, 105th year of the Independence,

No. 8.]

National Assembly.

message.

To the President of the Republic:

Mr. President: The National Assembly has the honor to address you under cover herewith the decree verifying your election to the first magistrate of the Republic.

[Page 447]

The National Assembly takes this occasion to renew to you, Mr. President, the assurance of its very high consideration.

The President:

F. P. Paulin.

[Untitled]

Liberty.

Equality.

Fraternity.

Republic of Haiti.

No. 1. National House, Port au Prince, December 17, 1908, 105th year of the independence.

National Assembly.

message.

To His Excellency the President of the Republic of Haiti:

Mr. President: The National Assembly informs you by the present message that they, by a unanimous vote, elected you President of the Republic for a period of seven years.

Your functions will end May 15, 1915.

The assembly congratulates you for having been the choice of its vote. Your tried patriotism has quite naturally designated you for its high attention, as well also as the solemn promise that during your seven-year term of office you will raise the country from its ruins. The National Assembly is happy to take this occasion to send you, Mr. President, the assurances of its high consideration.

The President:

F. P. Paulin.
[Inclosure 2.—Translation.]

Francois Antoine Simon, President of the Republic.

Considering that it is necessary to constitute the cabinet;

Using the prerogatives that articles 98 and 113 of the constitution accords him: Decision:

  • Article 1. Gen. Septimus Marius is named secretary of state for war and marine.
  • Art. 2. Gen. Rénaud Hyppolite is named secretary of state for interior and general police.
  • Art. 3. Mr. Edmond Héraux, judge of the supreme court (cassation), is named secretary of state for finance and commerce.
  • Art. 4. Mr. Murat Claude is named secretary of state for foreign relations and public instructions.
  • Art. 5. Mr. J. J. F. Magny is named secretary of state for justice and worship.
  • Art. 6. Mr. Boisrond Canal, senator of the Republic, is named secretary of state for public works and agriculture.
  • Art. 7. The present decree will be printed, published, and executed.

Done at the National Palace at Port au Prince, December 19, 1908, one hundred and fifth year of the independence.

A. T. Simon.