Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1894-10-18
Minister Smythe Talks Interestingly
About Haiti.
ITS TRADE AND TIE TARIFF
The Wilson Bill viii Give an I'm
petus to Commerce.
RELATIONS WITH AMERICA

Mr.. H. NJ Smy:he, United States min
lister resident and consul general 10 Haiti.
and charge daffaires to San.o Domingo. Is
in the city, en- route to New York. from
whence he sails by the Atlas line. in a
few days, for Port-au-Pnnce.
Mr.. Smythe received leave of absence for
sixty days. to visit his home at Tazcwell,
Va
His wife and daughter accompanied linn
on his previous voyage to Haiti. During
his late visit to Virginia his wife, who had
returned with him from Port-au-Prlnce,
became sick and died. His daughter re-
mains in this country, and the minister goes
back to Haiti alone. He was at the State
Department today to receive Instructions.
He was interviewed by a Star reporter.
ard asked for a view of the condition Of
affairs in the tropical republic. He Is in re-
ceipt of a recent letter from the consul gen.
eral, DIR. Ferris, at the Haitian capital who
reports political matters quiet and the
future outlook promising.
Effects of the Tariff Bill.
THE new tariff has, and will continue to
have, a most beneficial influence on bust
ness in Haiti" said Minister Smythe. 1T
will stimulate the production of various
&C mmodities, increase the volume of exports
to America, and In return largely add to the
imports from our markets. 1t has, and
L,
on the people of HAITI and create a spirit
Of friendship and interest among them for
this republic, direct their trade hither, and
produce an exchange of commerce.
Our relations with the Haitian govern
ment are new of the most cordial char
acter. The Haitian government has assum-
ed established form and has PASSED through
its revolutionary state, taken settled char
actei and is gaining the confidence and re-
gard of foreign governments, and develop
irg closer and more friendly spirit with
other countries.
characteristics Of the Government.
THE govern of Haiti differs in its
form from that of our republic" continued
Mr.. Smythe. 1.-THE Haitians have universal
suffrage for the election of their congress
and senate, hut their presiden is not eject
ed by the people, he is elected by the SEN
ate and congress Congress the lower
hcuse-is called the house of deputies.
"Hyppoiite. VINO seized the reins of gov
ernmeIt some years since, and held them
in the face of ali opposition and contest
was regularly elected, four years ago, presi-
dent. He has made credtaDle executive
restored his government to tranquility, and
given an administration satisfactory to the
presidents-elected for seven years."
Mr.. Smythe stated that while sugar cane
Is one of the principal products of the is
land, but little of it is cultivated. 1t grows
wild, without cultiva ton, like the bananas
II has not beer for some years manufac-
turei into sugar, produced in large quantity
but Is made into rum. The Haitians man
ufacture superior rum, and the foreign de-
mand has always been greater than the
supply.
The tariff previously existing on sugar."
SAID MI. Smythe, made the production of
rum more profitable in Haiti The recent
reduction in American duties, however, will
probably result in the diversion of a part
of the cane into the manufacture of sugar
and the introduction and establishment of
sugar mills on the island. The development
of "A sugar trade with this country would
create an enlarged return trade of Ameri-
can exports into Haiti"
Coffee and Hides.
president Harrison's proclamation, by
| virtue of clause in the Mckinley tariff
| law, revoked reciprocity with the Haitian
| republic and fixed a duty of cents per
pound on coffee and heavy tariff on both
sugar and hides. Stree that time Haitian
coffee, hides and the body of other products
have been diverted from America to Europe
The Haitian coffee is recognized among
the best of fine-grade coffees grown in the
world, and 1t is a favOrite brand in the
/ United States. Ii is one of the chief pro-
ducts of the island and is grown in con-
siderable quantity. But like the sugar
cane, it is not cultivated, but grows in it's
wild state. The Wilson bill reducing the
tariff on coffee will add to the profits on
its trade, increase coffee production and at
tract large cargoes to the United States.
Advantageous to This Country.
I'VE have a closer and more convenient
market than the European ports, and the
diversion of the Haitian coffee trade to
this country from Europe means the ship
ment of a greater supply of American man.
ufectures to the Haitian market.
THE island republic has as yet but few
manufactures, and is dependent on foreign
| mills for it's supply of goods. The reduction
of American duty on hides-by the Wilson
bill-W.ll attract another large feature of
| Haitian trade to the United States The
island grows a large number of cattle, pro-
duces its own meat supply. and exports
many hides. The goatskin trade is quite
extensive, as the republic furnishes skins
for half the glove trade OF the world. The
skins have heretofore gone to France and
been used in the glove factories of Paris.
Means of Communication.
| Port au- Prince is only six days sail from
Sandy Hook" said Mr.. Smythe land four
lines Of steamers now ply between New
| York and the Haitian ports-the Atlas,
| Clyde, Dutch and Ward lines. There is no
| reason why, on account of our proximity
| to Haitian markets, that We may not cap
ture its trade from Europe and monopollze
it's commerce. Only fair trade and reel
result The present American tariff reforms
| will. and are, rapidly effecting the work."
The minister states he has been, and is
exerting, through his consuls. the utmost
attention and activity to building up the
| commerce between the two republics, and
eniarging American trade in Haitian
markets. He finds the merchants not adj
| verse to giving American dealers their
| patronage, and is confident that few
years effort will see large increase in our
| exports to and imports from Haiti. The
| largest features of trade with the island
| now consists of cotton goods and flour. The
exports of both have steadily grown re-
| Gently. Many other American commodities
and manufactures can be added
Mr. Smythe expects to sail for his post
en- the 10Th instant
Finally Cared For.
There is no hospital in this city for con-