XI.
Generals Christophe, Dessalines, and Moyse, his nephew, were appointed to the command of the troops (in three departments), and to the superintendence of the labors of agriculture. The mulatto Clervaux commanded in the Spanish portion. The whites were invited to resume their estates, allowing a proportion of the proceeds to the laborers; and, where the owners had disappeared, the estates were worked by the State, the same proportion, one-fourth or one-third, being allowed the cultivators—industry was everywhere encouraged, idleness rigorously suppressed. In so fruitful a land the results were like enchantment. The hoe replaced the sword—prosperity smiled upon the neglected fields—the songs of labor were heard on every hand—contented and hopeful negroes thronged the path of Toussaint.[47]Vessels under the flag of the United States crowded the ports—the whites looked to him as their deliverer and protector—whites, blacks and mulattoes were appointed to offices of trust—the duties of morality and religion were enforced—the decencies and refinements and arts of life were cultivated—the drama revived—men of science and learning were encouraged.[48]There is abundant evidence,from friends and enemies, to prove that, under a system of justly paid labor, the island was rapidly advancing to a degree of prosperity which it had never reached.[49]Time and a just, firm hand, like that of Toussaint, only were necessary to steady the new State, and to solve the problem of the capability of the blacks. So far the white race has degenerated in the enervating and seductive air of the tropics. The capacity of the blacks to develop there is an interesting question, not yet settled.
Toussaint is now proud of his color. He says:—“I value myself for being black.”[50]He has reason. His public levees are marked by the strictest propriety, and his private parties are not stupider than those of white men. In the midst of luxury this “old negro” practices his simple tastes, only indulging in splendor upon state occasions. Unlike most men, he does not, with success in his hand, deserve to forfeit it. Luxury and sloth do not beguile him, for he knows that stability alone is success. His activity is untiring—his correspondence exhausts five secretaries—he trusts to the eye of the master and his vigilance is everywhere. He works! for his soul is steel and his body iron. Relays of fast-pacing horses are stationed at proper points; on these he rides, outstripping all but his two trumpeters. Fifty leagues, without stopping, it is said he rode.[51]The whole energies of his life are devoted to the realizing of a great idea—the liberty and elevation of the blacks. Neitherhe nor any sagacious man doubts that he is the chief to secure these, if they are yet to be. He says:—“I have taken my flight in the region of eagles; when I alight it must be on a rock, and that rock must be a constitutional government, of which I shall be the head so long as I shall be among men.”[52]
This is clearly the next step: government must be firmly established and order consolidated.
France had decreed the liberty of all its subjects, whites, blacks, and mulattoes. It had authorized the election and action of the colonial Assemblies; the island was, therefore, legally capable of self-government: the only question was, how far it was dependent upon France?
Toussaint calls together a council, for the consideration of the question of a constitution. It was headed by Borgella, once mayor of Port au Prince, and composed of eight whites and one mulatto, and no blacks, not even Louverture himself.
In May (1800) they presented him a carefully-prepared draft, which he approved.[53]Assuming that slavery was abolished and could never more exist in St. Domingo, it made no distinction in the political rights of citizens—it established the Roman Catholic religion as that of the State—it required that agriculture should be especially encouraged—it declaredcommerce free(this was in 1800)—it entrusted the executive to a governor appointed for five years.
“In consideration of the important services rendered the colony by General Toussaint Louverture, he isappointed Governor for life, with power to choose his successor.”
This constitution was provisionally established, and a copy forwarded to “Citizen Buonaparte, First Consul of the French Republic,” by General Vincent, July 16th, 1800. Toussaint wrote:—“I hasten to lay it before you for your approbation and for the sanction of the government I serve.” On the island it was made public and accepted with solemn formalities and universal joy. The blacks were not only ready but enthusiastic in their obedience to Toussaint Louverture.
The “old negro” had proved his commission to be from heaven, and Lacroix’s phrase had become a fact.
FOOTNOTES:[47]Biog. Universelle.T. L. Rainsford, p. 240.Lacroix, vol. i., pp. 324, 397.[48]Rainsford, p. 222.Lacroix,Brown,Beard,Quarterly Rev., No. 42.[49]Lacroixsaid:—“Under his system ten blacks would do more than twenty slaves.”[50]Lacroix, vol. i., p. 404.[51]Ib., vol. i, p. 407.[52]Beard, p. 141.[53]Lacroix, vol. ii., p. 22.
[47]Biog. Universelle.T. L. Rainsford, p. 240.Lacroix, vol. i., pp. 324, 397.
[47]Biog. Universelle.T. L. Rainsford, p. 240.Lacroix, vol. i., pp. 324, 397.
[48]Rainsford, p. 222.Lacroix,Brown,Beard,Quarterly Rev., No. 42.
[48]Rainsford, p. 222.Lacroix,Brown,Beard,Quarterly Rev., No. 42.
[49]Lacroixsaid:—“Under his system ten blacks would do more than twenty slaves.”
[49]Lacroixsaid:—“Under his system ten blacks would do more than twenty slaves.”
[50]Lacroix, vol. i., p. 404.
[50]Lacroix, vol. i., p. 404.
[51]Ib., vol. i, p. 407.
[51]Ib., vol. i, p. 407.
[52]Beard, p. 141.
[52]Beard, p. 141.
[53]Lacroix, vol. ii., p. 22.
[53]Lacroix, vol. ii., p. 22.