The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-05-12
SECRET TREATY.
Agreement Between the Twin Repub-
lies to Part with No Territory.


Copyright $685. by the Associated Presso
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti, May 5.-Aside
from the traditional policy of the Haitien
nation dating from 1916, excluding aliens
from the holding of real property, and the
strong. sentiment which still exists in sup
port of it among the ignorant majority or
the population, there is a practical obstacle
of no small importance to the acquisition
by the United States of a title in fee simple
to a coaling station anywhere on the shores
of the islands, This is the secret treaty be-
tween Haiti and San Domingo, in which
each republic pledges itself never to cede
to any extraneous power any portion of its
territory for whatever purpose or use it
may be desired
American ministers to the twin republics
have discovered that this treaty is really
more serious impeachment to the progress of
any negotiations looking to the acquisition
of the Mole st. Nicholas or SANTANA bay
than the sentiment of the people. There is
no doubt that the Haitien government would
have small scruple in getting around the
constitutional prohibition by perpetual lease
or otherwise if it were not for the embar-
RAISING position in which it would then be
placed in relation to San Domingo That
republic, on the other hand, is restrained by
a like reason as concerns it's obligations to
Haiti. A double commission to treat in
both capitals at once with the object of
bringing the two governments to a joint
convention in favor of the requirement Of
the United States might be successful where
separate negotiations would fail.
There is ground for the belief that both
the administrations Of Haiti and San Do
mingo are now more cordially disposed
towards America than for some time past,
and the cause Of this fact is largely to be
found in the decisive step which the United
States has taken to insure the freedom and
self-government of Cuba. Popular SYM
pathy among the Haitiens and the Domini-
cans is almost wholly with the Cubans, and
there has even been some talk of raising a
native battalion to be joined by the Ameri-
can army of invasion,
Friendship for America among the Hal
tlen political class suffered something of a
reimbursement at the crisis of the Lueders
ollnculty, through the negative diplomatic
course of the United States government.
1t is certain that if America had at that
Tune actively interviewed to see that exact
justice was done as between Lueders and
the Haitien municipal authorities, restrain
ing Germany from an act of pure despotic
coercion, President Sam and all the states
men of Haiti who count for anything would
Tor the asking have placed the future of
the country absolutely in American hands
We then could have obtained whatever
GERS; the Haitien chambers would have
voted with alacrity for the repeal of Article
8 OF the Constitution, denying property
rights TO foreigners, and Americans would
nave OBTAINED in preference to ell others
concessions that would have promptly en-
rlched them, If properly exploited.
The great opportunity passed, but it is
due to Mr.. Powell, the American minister
to say within the limitations allowed him
to illustrate practically the sincere sympa-
thy OF Americans for the Haitiens. Short
OF intervention by the United States his
course was the best calculated to soften the
situation for the Haitien government For
time every person of white blood was in
danger of becoming a Scapegoat for the
Germans, who are hated as If they were
very devils. The reality of the peril in
which Americans were placed, especially
COMMUNICATIONS, may be gagged by the
fact that for days there was some S15, 900 900
of money lodged in the safes of the Amer
lean legation and the place was packed
with refugees. Happily, second thought
came quickly, and the blind rage of the
populace lasted only so long as lombard
ment was apprehended.
In diplomatic circles here 1t is perfectly
well known that the Spanish representative
is mainly dependent upon M Theodore
Meyer the French minister to Haiti for
his knowledge of the attitude of the Eu-
ropean governments toward the Hispano-
American war. The Spanish charge daft
flares has been In almost daily consultation
with him, 1t is said in reference to possible
advantages which the United States may
enjoy in Haitian ports and waters through
the clauses and articles of the treaty of
1864, which pledge each of the republics to
reciprocal aid and comfort in case either
of them is allied with another nation II
is suggested that this treaty, If closely con-
strUed and faithfully observed by Haiti
would put her in the attitude of an allv Of
the United States. Article Is permits Amer
lean men-of-war to take refuge in Haitian
ports and to undergo repairs and be pro-
visioned. But the question is naturally
asked whether Spain would not regard the
Observance of this article of Haiti as an act
of hostility and attempt what she might
a I'M q 1tnws
consequence. This might result In disaster
to the Haitian seaDorts unless the United