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 declared commerce 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 is appointed 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] Lacroix said:—“Under his system ten blacks would do more than twenty slaves.”