File No. 838.00/1103.
Consul Livingston to the Secretary of State.
Cape Haitien, January 27, 1915.
Sir: I have the honor to report that the extraordinary revolution in the northern part of Haiti, which, indeed, was only the continuation in arms of the leading federals of the old Zamor party, joined by an almost unanimous defection from the ranks of the Theodore party, is now nearing its close. The unusual feature is that there has been practically no fighting at all. Not a single shot has been fired at Cape Haitien or anywhere in the neighborhood. The fusion of the two parties mentioned, reinforced by practically all the neutral elements, is so close and intimate that no opposition to the movement has so far been made or is expected to be made anywhere throughout the three departments of the North, the Northwest and the Artibonite.
The reasons for this singular state of affairs are not far to seek. The old Zamor party held many of the important strongholds, which [Page 463] they refused to surrender to the new Government of Davilmar Theodore, and this chief was in such haste to have himself installed as president that he hesitated to risk a further effort to continue the work of subjugation. The generals of this party in other parts remained under arms to cooperate with those holding the forts.
When President Theodore was elected, his followers flocked to Port au Prince expecting to reap the rewards of ten months of struggle and hardships. The President found himself in a position where he was unable to satisfy the demands of his friends and had to suffer the consequences. As the revolution, like most of its predecessors, was made for money and nothing but money, the ignorant followers of the President became much incensed, refusing to believe that the head of a government was unable to find the means of meeting obligations toward those who had put him in power. His failure to supply their demands was attributed to his cupidity and lack of good faith, and he immediately became the most unpopular man in Haiti.
The opposition centered around General Vilbrun Guillaume Sam, and up to the present date all the generals commanding troops in the three departments mentioned have communicated with him by letter or by delegation declaring their adhesion to the revolution and acceptance of his candidacy for the presidency.
General Metellus, the famous Caco general, who has been often referred to in despatches from this Consulate, came into Cape Haitien on Saturday morning the 16th instant with a thousand men and has remained here since that date to accompany General Guillaume to Port au Prince. Although he has heretofore been considered a savage and the terror of the surrounding country, not a single act of disorder has been committed here by him or his troops since his arrival, and the general conduct has been such that the situation has more the appearance of a great holiday than of a revolution. There is the utmost order, tranquility and respect both of foreign and native interests.
General Guillaume was awaiting the arrival of General Constantin Vieux from Fort Liberté in order to set out on his march in the direction of Port au Prince. General Vieux arrived yesterday morning and the departure has been fixed for to-morrow, 28th.
Vilbrun Guillaume Sam is now considered as the future President of Haiti. In fact, it is believed here that he will march to Port au Prince without any opposition and that the Government of Theodore will fall without the firing of a single shot.
I am [etc.]