HAYTI—THE REPUBLIC DECLARED AN EMPIRE. CORONATION OF SOLOUQUE AND HIS WIFE AS EMPEROR AND EMPRESS.

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume VI, Issue 485, 27 March 1850, Page 4

HAYTI— THE REPUBLIC DECLARED AN EMPIRE. CORONATION OF SOLOUQUE AND HIS WIFE AS EMPEROR AND EMPRESS.

By the arrival of the Julia Jl. Muster \ at New York yesterday, from Miragoarie, St. | Domingo, with date's to August 28tb, tiigbly important" intelligence has been received- 11 — tfothing less than the creation of an empire in H»yti ! The particulars are furnished us by the gentlemanly superintendent of the Philadelphia Exchange. 41 Port-au-Prince, August 26. "It will astonish all to learn that in the midst of the revolutions that hare been changing monarchies into republics, the Republic of Haytihafr become an empire. On Thursday last, the 23rd4"stant, a rumour was circulated that Faustin Solouque, the President, was to receive the title of Emperor. In spite of the strange events that hav^ occurred of late in this country, the story wassc^^cely credited, and excited astonishment amongN<h© whole population. On Friday and Saturofly petitions were carried around for the signatures

of a few citizens, praying that' the Chamber and Senate then convened would confer the title of Emperor on Solouque. This petition was an empty formula, for' the' deed would have been done with or without' their 'consent, as the crown was already made, c and" thVimperial jewels purchased on Saturday" night, and the consent of the Sen*te'was not* given^ until Sunday morning, at seven o'clock'. "At that time a delegation Waited on Solouque to inform him of their decision. The troops, as is usual on Sunday morning, were under arms for review, and it was supposed thatthe new made Emperor would appear on the parade ground, and be proclaimed Emperor by the troops, but this waa not the case. " Tbe ceremony took place in the Catholic Church. Thither the new Emperor and Empress repaired. Previous' to 'their departure for the church, the guns of the different forts were got ready, and at about ten a. m., commenced firing, continuing to fire till the close of the ceremony. In the church an attempt was made to get up a very imposing spectacle, with what success you may judged when you are told that the Emperor and the whole Imperial family are very black, and this race are not usually very successful in getting up magnificent spectacles. On arriving at the church Solouque took his seat in a chair prepared for him, having a small crown suspended above if. The Imperial crown, which had been carried before him by one of his exministers, was then handed to him. By the' way some surprise was felt that the office of carrying the crown did not devolve upon the' miuister of state. Upon receiving the crown, Solouque rose, and placed it upon his own head, the Empress and their little daughter kneeling by his side. The Emperor was dressed in his u«ual blue dress, but wore a very large star for the first time. The Empress and Princess were dressed in lilac silks, richly embroidered, and covered with jewels. Her Majesty had also a head dress of green cypress branches. " The downing having been completed in this Napoleonic style, a well known and not very reputable Jesuit, created a bishop for the occasion-,? went through the ceremony of consecration, after which their Majesties recei- . v'ed the homage of the crowd assembled. After r the ceremony of the coronation was over, a deputation of senators appeared on the piazza of the palace, in front of which the 'troops were assembled, and gave three cheers for the Emperor. These were but feebly reSponded to by the troops. Indeed, all seemed atmazed at the proceedings, and scarcely knew in what way to 'receive them. Whtt the issue will be no one can possibly divine. With the exception of the Imperial family and those who expect titles and dignities from them, none are satisfied. The people dread the name of Emperor ever since the cruel days of tbe Emperor Desseline. " I have given you briefly' an account of this great event, which looks like a burlesque got up by some of your Ethiopian serenaders j of the crowning of Napoleon and Josephine. Ridiculous as it may seem, however, it is ' every word of it true ; and it is a matter of very serious consequence to this unhappy island."