According to the constitution of Haiti, Sam was elected as the new Haitian President, a week after his predecessor Hyppolite died.

Despite humiliation and pressure from foreign authorities, especially the United States and Germany, Haiti remained calm during the reign of Sam.

Whereas the National Assembly had declared that Sam was to remain in office until 15 May 1903 this was contrary to the Haitian constitution.

Sam wrote a letter of resignation to the Haitian National Assembly on 12 May 1902, three days before the constitutional expiry of his presidential term.

After Sam's resignation, Haiti was left in the hands of an interim government that was led by General Boisrond Canal, a former head of state of the country.

This provisional government was responsible for maintaining law and order before an election of a legal president.