1811 (Address to the Haytian People): The Council of State issued a proclamation to the citizens of Hayti, justifying the transition to a monarchy as a neces…
1811 (Address to the Haytian People): The Council of State issued a proclamation to the citizens of Hayti, justifying the transition to a monarchy as a necessary step for national survival. They reminded the people that they had matured their plans in the “silence of the cabinet” to create a form of government truly adapted to the country of their birth. The Council confessed that the previous 1807 code was an incomplete work, intended only as a temporary shield during the “storms of civil contention.” They argued that the “tempest being allayed,” it was now time to perfect the laws to better reflect Haytian customs, manners, and the “martial ardour” of the people. This address was a calculated effort to gain popular legitimacy for the new hereditary system under Christophe.