The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-09-11

Among the most amusing portions Of that
interesting and valuable book, Sir Spencer st.
Johns BLACK Republic" are the comments
Of the author on the extraordinary taste Of
the Haytian negro for every form of display,
military, civil and social. The number of
officers in the Republic is said to be phenom-
email and the eaudiness of their uniforms is
quite indescribable There is the same sort
of haring righteousness in the general social
life of tho Haytsn communities, while in
matters of civil life there is as much pomp
and circumstance in action and as lively
grandiloquence of speech as if the admins
tration of the national affairs was as formal
and on as vast scale as the Government of
France under Napoleon.
To the people of the world at large. nothing
could be more unimportant than change IN
the so-called ministry of the Haytian Repub-
lie. 1t is simply the substitution as a rule of
one set of cannibastic barbarians for another
set. For such men, totally devoid as they are
Of every instinct of refinement, and so deeply
marked by every Characteristic of sayagery. to
be considered as constituting an intelligent
and patriotic ministry is one of the most
ludicrous farces that can well be imagined.
Only the negro race, after passing through
certain number of civilizing influences. could
furnish mankind with scene resembling the
one enacted at Port-au-Prnce on August 18th.
an account of which has just reached this
country The object of this scene was the
announcement by the new cabinet Of Hyp-
polite Of the policy which they would here
after pursue. In the address delivered on
this occasion by the so-called Minister Of For
eisn Affairs, there was an imitation Of sentl-
ment and language which transcribes the
limits OF absurdity. Grandiioquent reference
was made TO the respect which that energetic
barbarian, Hyppolite. entertsinedfor the con-
stitution. He was euogized for his noble
conduct and for the honesty of his personal
character =" ard his example was accepted as
the guiding principle Of those who would con-
troll the public affairs.
THE present cabinet" the Minister OF For
eign Affairs announced to the Chamber Of
Representatives of the Commons, has decided,
first. to prove itself distinctly opposed to
every practice open 10 criticism by the senti-
ment of honesty. Secondly. acting in har-
mony with the fundamental characteristic Of
the chief Of tho State. which is straightfor-
wardness. the ministry Will establish the
legitimate exercise of power. not on petty
manifestations Of cunning and sbfewdness,
looked upon as more OF less clever but upon
Justice This course ii will pursue frankly
and steadily and will as consequence lie
found always on tho side Of truth. In other
IL x.,fn ,.roatson thu ,,oltffau - h.v.rfv
and its acts viii always accord with its words
Thirdly, in the choice of persons to fiji the
public offices it will look only to aptitude
integrity and good will. Fourthly, it Will in
all cases be subject to the mandates Of tho
law"
TO this exalted proclamation of intentions
the president Of the House Of Representatives
of the Commons replied that nothing could
break down the consolidation Of the cordial
understanding between the Chamber and the
President of the republic from the moment
when true patriotism animates and dominates
mems spirits from the moment when neces-
sary tact in public affairs does not fail. and
when impartislity and exquisite loyalty. guar
an;eeing profound discussion OF ali questions,
shall everywhere hold sway"
Having delivered themselves of these in
flated sentiments, the Cabinet and Chamber
separated. the Cabinet hereafter to illustrate
the truth OF the common saving in Hayti that
the only object of holding Office is to enrich
ones self, and the Chamber to indulge in
endless discussions, as useless as they are
Enthusiastically grandiloquent and bonn
bastic.