File No. 838.00/1288.
[Untitled]
Following proclamation published to people of Port au Prince:
Information having been received from the most reliable sources that the present Government of Haiti is confronted with conditions which they are unable to control, although loyally attempting to discharge the duties of their respective offices; and the facts having created a condition which requires the adoption of different measures from those heretofore applied; and in order to afford the inhabitants of Port au Prince, and other territory hereinafter described, the privileges of government, exercising all the functions necessary for the establishment and maintenance of the fundamental rights of man—I hereby, under my authority as Commanding Officer of the Forces of the United States of America in Haiti and Haitian waters, proclaim that martial law exists in the City of Port au Prince and the immediate territory now occupied by the forces now under my command.
I further proclaim, in accordance with the law of nations and the usages, customs and functions of my own and other Governments, that I am invested with the power and responsibility of government in all its functions and branches throughout the territory above described; and the proper administration of such Government by martial law will be provided for in regulations to be issued from time to time, by the Commanding Officer of the Forces of the United States of America in Haiti and Haitian waters.
The martial law herein proclaimed, and the things in that respect so ordered, will not be deemed or taken to interfere with the proceedings of the Constitutional Government and Congress of Haiti, or with the administration of justice in the courts of law existing therein, which do not affect the military operations or the authorities of the Government of the United States of America.
All the municipal and other civil employees are, therefore, requested to continue in their present vocations without change; and the military authorities will not interfere in the functions of the civil administration and the courts, except in so far as relates to persons violating military orders or regulations, or otherwise interfering with the exercise of military authority. All peaceful citizens can confidently pursue their usual occupations, feeling that they will be protected in their personal rights and property, as well as in their proper social relations.
The Commanding Officer of the United States expeditionary forces, Colonel Littleton W. T. Waller, United States Marine Corps, is empowered to issue the necessary regulations and appoint the necessary officers to make this martial law effective.
[Page 485]Done at the City of Port an Prince, Haiti, this third day of September, A. D. 1915.
W. B. Caperton,
Rear Admiral, United Sates Navy,
Commanding the Forces of the United States of
America in Haiti and Haitian Waters.