The native American., 1839-01-19
From the Madisonian.
HAYTI.

HAYTI.
The subject Of opening negotiations and esta-
blishing international intercourse with the repub-
lie Of Hayti, having been introduced into Con-
prcss, by the presentation and reference of me-
morials on the subject, and the discussion arising
out Of il being likely to interest the people, more
or less We have thought that short notice of the
history and condition Of the country, would be ac-
ceptabe to all parties. We have compiled the
facts without any reference to the merits or de-
merits Of the objects of the memorialists.
Hayti or Haiti, (the mountainous is the original
Indian name Of large and fertile island Of the W.
Indies, discovered by Columbus, in l492, and by
him named Espanola, (Hispanola.) The English
and French called it st. Domingo, after it's cap-
tai CITY. This island lies about 60 miles Sc. OF
Cuba, and two degrees east of Jamaica, betwee
latitude II 43 and 10 So N. and longitude GO "a
and ~ IS w. Greatest length 900 miles {;
breadth from 60 to $50; containing 10000 square
miles. The face Of the country is generally
mountainous interspersed with deep valleys. The
highest SUBMITS of the Cibao mountains, which
cross the Island from east to West are 5000 feet
above the level of the sea. There are numerous
rivers which water the island, and the soil is very
fertile, producing great variety OF tropical fruits
and many Of the necessaries OF life. The climate
varies according the location OF different places
being fatal to people from northern countries in
some of the towns, while the mountainous parts
are healthy. Sugar-cane, coffee, cocoa and cotton,
grow luxurianty, and form the principal ex-
ports Indigo is not as much cultivated as for
merly. Mahogany, satin wood, iron wood, and
oak. are found in the forests, some Of which are
exported
The commerce Of this island is very considera-
BILE, and gradually increasing. 1t was most -four
ishing when part Of the island was subject to the
French. In 1901, over SO millions Of pounds Of
coffee, and l63 millions of sugar were exported {;
whereas, in 1924, under the present government,
81, 700, 900 lbs. Of coffee, 725O00 lbs. of sugar.
only were exported.
A notice of the history Of Hayt is deemed i'm
portant, before giving view of the present gov
ernment and state Of the country. The first En-
ropean Colony wns established there ny Coium-
bus, on his first voyage in l492, at the Bay of
ST. Nicholas, being the first European settlement
made IN America. He formed second town at
Isabella. in 1893. In 1893, his brother Bartholo-
new removed the colony to the south side of the
island, and founded the city of ST. Domingo. The
Spaniards compelled the natives to labor at the
mines and on the plantations; but these miserable
Indians soon dwindled away under an accumula-
ton Of hardships. and became nearly extinct IN
less than century. During the 18th century,
the French obtained possession Of the west end
of the island. African slaves were introduced and
the cultivation Of the sugar cane renewed. From
The middle to the close of the 18th century, the
French colony was very prosperous and the COM
merce hourishing. But an insurrection of the
blacks broke out in the French colony, IN 1871,
which finally assumed the character OF an organ
lied revolution, and the white inhabitants were
either slaughtered indiscrmna.ely, or compelled
to escape from the island. The most celebrated
negro chiefs, during the sanguinary contest from
1891 to 1898, were Macaya, Touissant, Lower
ture. and Ripaud. The English made an attempt
TO take the island, but we're compelled to abandon
i. after great losses Of men, in 1898. Hayt was
declared independent, in 1901. Bonaparte. First
Consul Of France, sent an army Of 10000 men to
the island in 1901. Toussant was taken prisoner,
and carried to France, where he died, III 1901.
Dessalines, black chief, then took command
of the Haytian forces. The remnant OF the
French army having been reduced by disease and
the sword, surrendered to an English squadron,
in 1903 In 1904 the chiefs renounced all de-
pentance on France, and appointed Dessalines
governor for life, who afterward assumed the title
Of Jaques T., Emperor Of Hayt After short
reign he fell victim to conspiracy, in 1906
One of his chiefs, Christophe, assumed the admin
istration Immediately after his death; but his au-
thority was disputed by Petion, another chief, and
a war commenced DeLWecH uc tWo CoiupCtipoio'
Finally, the latter was defeated, in 1907. and
Christophc was appointed chief magistrate for
life. In 1911 he took the title Of king. under the
name Of Henry l., establishing an hereditary
monarchy. The French part Of the island re-
NAMED from 1910 to 1920, under the two rival
Governments Of Christophe and Petion. The
former held the north part, and the latter esta-
bished republic in the South. Petion was a
mulatto and wise and virtuous chief. He was
elected President for life, which office he con-
tinued to hold until his DEATH in 1918, when he
was succeeded by Boyer as President. Chrsi-
tonhe was black of considerable talent, and was
horn slave. in 1867, in either the island of Gre
NADIA or ST. Christopher, (it is not certain which
He distinguished himself in the early part of the
Uavtan revolution by his boldness, decision, and
activity. in the cause of the blacks His govern
ment was military despotism. and his name
stands conspicuous in the annals OF avance and
cruelty. He reigned with great pomp Initiating
the style Of European sovereigns in many respects
taking Napoleon for his principal model. II
1920, an insurrection broke out among part
his troops, who, being assisted by Boyer, declared
the abolition of royalty, and Chrstophe shot him
self 10 avoid falling into their hands, October