Page:Haiti- Her History and Her Detractors.djvu/214

 of January, 1844, a few days after the new President had taken the oath of office. The inhabitants of the former Spanish portion seceded from the Haitian Government and, on the 27th of February, 1844, established an independent State which they called the Dominican Republic.

Whilst the territorial unity was being destroyed, grave complications were threatening the Republic of Haiti. In August, 1843, disturbances had already taken place in the South. The revolutionists, elated by their success, had completely forgotten the promises made to the peasants. The latter therefore gathered together in the plain of Cayes, with a view of obtaining what was due to them. But they were speedily dispersed, and their leaders, the Salomons, were sent in exile to Azua, an the former Spanish territory.

Haiti had still many great difficulties to overcome; but these were not insuperable. With earnest efforts and good will it was still possible to restore security by obtaining the confidence of the people. Unfortunately, Charles Hérard ainé deemed his sword all-sufficient in settling the delicate questions which were agitating the country. By openly avowing his antipathy to the Constitution, which had put a check on his authority, he had incurred the distrust of the liberals, to whom he owed his high dignity, and disturbed the peaceful security of those who believed that henceforth the laws would be faithfully obeyed by all. The President had also lost the sympathy of the peasants of the Southern Department by not keeping the promises made to them. In consequence, both classes of inhabitants, those of the country as well as those of the towns, were equally displeased. This situation, already fraught with danger, was still more aggravated by continual conflict between the civil and military authorities.