Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-11-30
GERMANY AND HAITI.
TROUBLE BETWEEN THEM CALLED
TO UNCLE SANS ATTENTION.
INSTRUCTIONS TO MINISTER WHITE.
He Is to Keep His Eyes Open and Re-
port Proceedings of German Gov
ernment-Haitiens Look to Us for
support.

WASHINGTON, November 2.-The at
tention Of the Department Of State has
at length been formally directed TO the
| friction that has arisen between Ger
many and Haiti, as a result Of the ar
rest by the officials OF the latter coun-
| try OF a half-blood named Lueders.
| While the department has been unofi-
| cially watching the matter for some
| time past it was not until to-day that
the case came formally before It,
through the appearance there of Mr..
Leger, the Minister from Haiti to Wash
ington. The Minister came to consult
notwithstanding Day, and the atti-
tude Of Germany in the Lueders case
was discussed.
The intimation was given out at the
State Department that our government
SO far has gone only to the length OF
instructing Ambassador White at Ber-
lin 10 watch developments and keep his
government informed. He will lodge a
protest only in the event OF the per-
Torrance by Germany of some act that
is not consistent with justice and inter-
national law-something that is not an
ticipated here. In other words, the State
Department does not feel that il has
right 10 interpose, so long as the de-
maDds Of Germany for redress are kept
within the bounds Of sound practice in
international disputes. following I'm this
the precedent set by the last admins
tration, when IL permitted the landing
of British troops al Corinto. Nicaragua
10 secure indemnity for the ill-treatment
of British consular officers. 1t does not
follow from this. however, that the adj
ministration will look with unconcern
upon any harsh and unjust measures
that may be sought to be put In force
OF Germany towards the little island
republic.
The department has been informed
that the statement of facts that has
been made in the case OF Lueders is
somewhat misleading. I'm that il makes
some important omissions.
LUEDERS HALF HAITIEN.
For instance, the foundation Of the
claim Of Haiti that II has the right 20
punish the man as It did lies IN an as
sertion that he was citizen Of Haiti.
Lueders was born in Haiti OF a German
father and native Haitien woman, and
according to the laws OF the republic.
that made the child a fuil-hedged citi-
zen Of Haiti.
Again, as an explanation Of the appa-
rently severe treatment OF Lueders. the |
Haitien Government is prepared to show
that he had been twice arrested and con- ,
victed OF the same offence-namely, re-
sisting and assaulting an officer. The |
nrst offence was committed q little over
year ago, and the Haitien law, like that /
in our country In some cases, provides for
much more severe penalty In the case
OF second conviction.
Also, as an indication that there was No |
discrimination practiced toward L.ueders |
on the score that he was a German sub
ject. IL can be shown by the Haltien Gov I
eminent that the person arrested with
him at the same time for the same
onence-a native, full-blood Haltien-was /
subjected 10 exactly the same penalty I
$500 fine and a years imprisonment I
that was melted out TO Lueders
Altogether. the case is regarded at the /
State Department as enc that might pro- /
perly be adjusted through the regular ]
channels or diplomatic negotiation, with /
out the strong means OF demonstrations /
In force, particularly In view OF the fact
that Lueders is now at liberty and I'm !
Germany. and the acute phase OF the case
has been passed.
The Haitlen Minister states that the
republic is preparing for any eventually /
that it's honor is involved In
the present trouble, and that Il cannot
yield TO demonstrations OF force by a
powerful nation.
HAITI WILL RESIST.
The Minister says that Haisien forts
are unfortined. and that the country has
no navy. but has an army OF fair pro-
portions. Naturally, II could not expect
70 contend against one OF the most