The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1891-11-05

OF the arms used in the late revolution were Of
American make, aud they have even purchased
some of their war vessels in this country.
The government of the whole Island shows
an extraordinary union OF Church and State.
Catholicism prevails throughout San Domingo
as we'll, and on both sides of the Island the
men aud women arc very devout Catholics.
The constitutions Of both countries are mod
eled on that Of tho United States. but there Is
a COncOrdat established by the Church under
which are the clergy and teachers of the vari-
Gus parishes. The Government pays all the ex-
penses connected with this ConcOrdat, and the
clergy is white. The Bishop and the Arch
bishop are ordinarily invited to attend the Ma
tiOnal Assembly, aud they aid i'm all the great
gatherings Of State, but they take no part in the
administration Of the affairs ofthe Government.
In contradisiinction TO this is the curious
strength OF the Masonic Order in Haiti which
is very powerful. The men seem 10 be all Ma
sons aud the women are all Catholics. If a
man Of distinction is buried, the Masonic Order
renders the last eulogies at his tomb, and Ma
sonry nuns throughout every branch OF society.
The Church has been 50 strong at times that il
has attempted 10 dictate 20 the Government,
aud this was the case when ] first went TO
Haiti.
Bairond- Canal was President Of the Republic,
and he had nearly closed his term Of four years
when, through a revolutionary movement. Sal
Omon came into power. in the past IL had
been customary. when a man was made Prcsi-
dent, for the Masonic Order TO wait upon hin
and 10 advise him that the Order would he glad
10 install him as its Proiector-General. 10 was
given ont that President Solomon had been
waited on by such committee, and the Church
COncOrdat feeling that the Masons were grow
ing very strong with the Government, sent the
Archbishop TO see Solomon aud 10 protest
against his acceptance The Archbishop said f:
Mr.. President, it is reported that COM
mittee from the Masonic Order has waited upon
you and has offered 10 make you Protector
General Of the Order j here deem IL my duty
90 advise you that the Church may have TO con-
slider the matter in case you accept. and your
accommodation may be the result"
There was nothing cowardly about Solomon.
and he replied Ia significant tones: " Mr.. Arch
bishop. what would you think IL the Govern
ment should take up your case and excommu-
nicate you2"
The Archbishop appreciated the disasters
which might arise between Church and State.
He left the palace aud no more was ever said
about the matter. Solomon was one of the
ablest men that ever presided over Haiti. lie
had remarkable executive ability, aud he was
man Of great natural talents. ] acquired a
great regard for him while was Minister, and
though we sometimes had some differences as
30 diplomatic matters a was generally able "a
gain my point shall not soon forget my part
ing with him at the termination Of my ministry.
When came away he put his arms around my
neck and kissed me on either cheek, and said /:
Well, Mr., Langston, you have been the
most severe man in behalf Of the interests OF
your country that your Government has ever
sent 10 u.s. but your demands have been Just,
and We are sorry TO have you leave US"