REVOLT IN HAITI

Otago Daily Times, Issue 15986, 31 January 1914, Page 9

REVOLT IN HAITI

FLIGHT OF MINISTERS.

REBELS MARCHING ON CAPITAL.:

Preia Association —By Telegraph—Copyright

PORT AU PRINCE, January 30. (Received Jan. 30, at 10.15 p.m.) The Haitian Ministers have fled to Kingston (Jamaica). German and American bluejackets have landed, and are guarding the foreign legations. The rebels are inarching on the capital in strong force.

Haiti, called Ilispaniola by Columbus, and afterwards San Domingo, is tho second largest island of tho Antilles, lying between Cuba and Puerto Rico. Its population, is about 3,000,000. There are two States in tins island. Tho larger is the Republic of San Domingo. Tho Republio of Haiti occupies the western portion of the island, and lias a population estimated at 2,500,000 (95 per cent, negroes, and the remainder mulattoes). It was originally a French colony, but was proclaimed indepecdoht in 1804-, and is governed under a. constitution drawn up in 1889. Tho executive power is in tiii hands of a President, who receives a salary of £4800. Tho Chamber of 95 members la elected directly by all male citizens, and tho Senate is elected indirectly. The former's term of ofiico io threo years and the latter 1 a six years, and members of the two Houses elect a President for seven years. In August, 1912, General Tancred© Ait gusto was elected President. The official religion of the island is Reman Catholic, and elementary education is free.