Boisrond Canal to Deputy Paul, August 11, 1877

President Canal to Deputy Paul.

To the Deputy Edmond Paul, Port au Prince:

Monsieur le Député: The vote in the chamber at its sitting of yesterday, and the criticisms which accompany and comment upon it, have as their logical consequence brought on a ministerial crisis.

According to parliamentary principles adopted everywhere, it belongs to those whose proposition has rallied the majority, and put the ministry in the necessity of retiring, to form a new cabinet. I think, therefore, that I am within the true constitutional limit to act conformably to the theory which you yourself invoked at the time of my first call, and to render to the decisions of the chamber as well as to your own talent a merited homage, in offering to you for the second time a ministerial charge, and praying you to be pleased to aid me in composing a new cabinet.

The gravity of the actual condition of things, to which the vote of yesterday adds a new complication, does not permit me to doubt that you will respond to this appeal addressed to your patriotism and your intelligence. You will feel, I am sure, as profoundly as I do, the importance which the decision of the chamber attaches to your assistance, and you will not think of refusing an undertaking for which a capacity everywhere recognized, and a manifest influence in the Parliament, have long designated you.

Accept, Mr. Deputy, the assurance of my high consideration.