Strike Is Peaceful Despite Threats

A general strike closed schools and hobbled business in Haiti, but police claimed victory in keeping the peace despite threats of violence by militant organizers. The call by government opponents for a general strike was heeded as street merchants stayed home, car and pedestrian traffic was sparse and businesses closed. But despite a warning that the streets would “run with red, red, red” if the strike call was ignored, government offices were open and some businesses reopened when it became apparent that calm prevailed.