Several moves serve to lay the groundwork…

Several moves serve to lay the groundwork for Heureaux's dictatorship.

Constitutional amendments requested by the president and effected by the Congress extend the presidential term from two to four years and eliminate direct elections in favor of the formerly employed electoral college system.

To expand his informal power base, Heureaux (who becomes popularly known as General Lilis, thanks to a common mispronunciation of his first name) incorporates both Reds and Blues into his government.

The president also establishes an extensive network of secret police and informants in order to avert incipient rebellions.

The press, previously unhampered, comes under new restrictions.