File No. 838.00/1276.
Admiral Caperton to the Secretary of the Navy.
23302. Large number Haitian revolutions largely due existing professional soldiers called Cacos, organized in bands under lawless and irresponsible chiefs who fight on side offering greatest inducement, and but nominally recognize the Government. Cacos are feared by all Haitians and practically control politics. About fifteen hundred Cacos now in Port au Prince, ostensibly disarmed but retain organization and believed to have arms and ammunition hidden. They have demanded election Bobo President, and Congress, terrorized by mere demand, is on point complying but restrained by my request. Present condition no other man can be elected account fear of Cacos. Believe can control Congress. Can prevent any Cacos outbreak in Port au Prince after arrival regiment of marines U. S. S. Connecticut. Stable government not possible in Haiti until Cacos are disbanded and power broken. Such action now imperative Port au Prince if United States desires to negotiate treaty for financial control Haiti. To accomplish this must have regiment of marines in addition that on Connecticut. Majority populace well disposed and submissive will welcome disbanding Cacos and stopping revolutions, Should agreement with Haiti be desired recommend Captain U. S. N. Beach be appointed single commissioner for United States with full instructions and authority. He has conducted my negotiations on shore and I believe has confidence generally of Haitians. As future relations between United States and Haiti depend [Page 478] largely on course of action taken at this time earnestly request to be fully informed of policy of United States.