Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-12-01
HAITI SENDS A REPLY
Ready to Discuss With Germany the Merits
Of the Controversy.
willing to Negotiate n Settlement of
the Case mt Berlin-Indem-
nifty Demand.

Haiti has sent q reply to Germanys de-
mands which is somewhat remarkable for
its hrmness, in view of the difference Ill
size between the two powers. The Haitian
note makes 1t clear that the republic is
ready to discuss the merits of the contro-
versy, but does not desire to have Germany
pass judgment in the first place, demand
indemnity and thereafter discuss the
merits. Moreover, Haiti gives notice to
&c rmany that the German charge daft
fairies to Haiti who made the recent de-
mands is persona non grata, and that it is
impossible for Haiti to conduct further ne
gotiations with him. 1t is stated that he
offended against all rules of propriety and
official etiquette. by going directly before
the President of Haiti, and, in loud and an
cry tones and insulting manner, threatened
dire consequences unless immediate repard-
ton was made to Germany. This personal
affront to Haitis chief executive is regard
ed as touching the honor and self-respect
of the country, and Is felt to call for an
apology. Under such circumstances. the
Haitian government has expressed will
entire case at Berlin, thus removing it
from the hands of the objectionable Ger
man official now in Haiti.
The Ambassadors Statement.
Dr. Won Holeben, the new German am
bassador was seen at the German embassy
today, and for the first time since his ar
rival consented to speak concerning some
of the questions of mutual interest be-
tween the United States and Germany AS
to the Haitian controversy, DR.. ven Hole
ben said:
Il have received no official instructions
from my government on the subject, yet,
speaking unofficially, the case has assumed
in the press proportions far greater than
IT deserves II iS Simn!V question OF COL
lectng an indemnity for an offense agalnsi
a German citizen residing in Haiti Be
yOnd this all Is conjecture and there is no
basis of fact whatsoever for the reports
as to what might ultimately occur The
demand is similar. l am told, to many
in which the United States has demanded
indemnity from South American republics.
AS this right of demanding and enforcing
the payment of an indemnity is univer-
sally recognized, l do not doubt the case
will be settled in the usual way between
the immediate parties in interest, Germany
and Haiti. But in any event the case is
of too little Importance to attract serious
consideration, and it is needless to con-
lecture on future probabilities or possibili-
ties"
The ambassador was asked as to tho
tariff, but he did not care to discuss that
matter. On the general feeling in Germany
he said:
There is, I am glad to say. the most
kindly sentiment throughout Germany to-
ward the American people and their gov
eminent"
When DIR. Won Hollcben was asked as
to the meaning of Germanys steps toward
increasing her navy he smilingly replied !:
Germany is peaceful nation, and l
am glad to say that, like President Nc
Kinley the Emperor of Germany is one OF
the most pacific rulers in the world. Nat
urally Germany wants an adequate navy,
just as the United States desires a strong
naval force. not as means of aggression,
but to maintain her interests the world
over. A navy is one of the surest means
CT securing peace, as it commands respect
and a recognition of just rights. More
ing very great-in Australia, South Africa
and elsewhere-and the German citizenship
abroad is spreading to the utmost limits,
even in China and eastern Asia, where we
have extensive German communities. 1t is
but natural, therefore, that Germany de-
SlreS to adopt every means for caring for
her own people the world over