1915, August 6: (The Redheaded Mulatto on the Quarterdeck: Bobo’s Arrival, the Painted Suitcases, and Beach’s Crushing Reply): Coffey had radioed the admiral…

1915, August 6: (The Redheaded Mulatto on the Quarterdeck: Bobo’s Arrival, the Painted Suitcases, and Beach’s Crushing Reply): Coffey had radioed the admiral to expect a demonstration when Bobo arrived, and it was with lively anticipation that the Jason was greeted when she stood into Port-au-Prince on August 6. Caperton sent over a launch to bring Dr. Bobo, accompanied by four of his ministers, on board the flagship. Caperton watched with interest as the famous redheaded mulatto, attired in a frock coat and high hat, arose and assumed a commanding attitude with one hand Napoleon-like stuck in his coat, tall and erect, facing the Washington and gazing in a lofty manner — and when they mounted the ladder it was observed that Bobo and his four frock-coated followers all carried dress suitcases upon which had been painted their titles: “Rosalvo Bobo, Chief of Executive Power,” “Dr. So-and-so, Minister of Interior,” and so on. Beach, waiting at the head of the ladder, watched as Dr. Bobo mounted the gangway with a rather slow stride intended perhaps to be stately and majestic — on reaching the quarterdeck, with a grand air he removed his silk hat and held it extended after the manner of potentates, awaiting the salute of guns and beating of drums, the blowing of bugles, the presenting of arms — courtesies always accorded a visiting head of state. It was not to be: the only honor Dr. Bobo got was a handshake. Seated in the flag cabin while Caperton observed unseen from behind the green curtain of his stateroom, Bobo — asked if he was a candidate for the presidency — rejoined that he was more than a candidate, that he was Chief of the Executive Power, that he commanded an army in the North which was now unopposed, that the presidency was already his and the election a mere formality. Captain Beach’s reply was crushing: you are not a candidate, because the United States forbids — you do not propose that the Haitian Congress have a free election but with the menace of your troops in the North you propose to force your election — there is to be no more revolution, ever, in Haiti, no more presidents made by force. Livid with rage, Caperton recalled, Bobo nevertheless resigned as chef du pouvoir exécutif, signed telegrams to his men in the North, and went ashore a private citizen.