Page:Haiti- Her History and Her Detractors.djvu/170

 154 "In the name of the people of Haiti:

"We, Generals and Chiefs of the army of the island of Haiti, thankful for the benefits received from the Commander-in-Chief Jean-Jacques Dessalines, the protector of the liberty which we are enjoying;

"In the name of Liberty, Independence and of the people he has made happy,

"Proclaim him Governor-General of Haiti for life. We swear entire obedience to the laws he shall deem fit to make, his authority being the only one we acknowledge. We authorize him to make peace and war, and to appoint his successor.

"Done at the headquarters of Gonaives this 1st of January, 1804, and the first day of the Independence of Haiti."
 * "(Signed) Gabart, P. Romain, J. J. Herne, Capois, Christophe, Geffrard, E. Gérin, Vernet, Pétion, Clervaux, Jean-Louis François, Cangé, Férou, Yayou, Toussaint-Brave, Magloire-Ambroise, L. Bazelais, Daut."

The dictatorial power intrusted to Dessalines was the natural sequel of events. The generals who had just led the people to victory considered themselves to be the legitimate representatives of the country. According to their views, their most pressing duty was the immediate organization of a government capable of defending their newly acquired conquest. At the head of such a strong government they naturally placed their Commander-in-Chief. Not all the elation at their success, great though it was, could make them forget that they were to be prepared for all contingencies should France choose to renew the struggle. The Spanish portion of the island was still in her possession; she had thus a convenient basis for her military operation. In consequence the Haitians clung to their military organization. Instead of a Commander-in-Chief they had at their head a Governor-General, merely a change of title.

Pétion, Christophe, and Geffrard were respectively appointed Commandants of the Western, Northern, and