The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-08-25
HAITI TO BE PUNISHED
SHE CANNOT PLAY IN UNCLE SANS
METEOROLOGICAL BACK YARD.
No Weather Forecasts to Be Fur
Because She Is Too Suspicious.

WASHINGTON, Aug. 24.-It has just de-
veloped that the Haitian government in its
recent refusal to permit the establishment
of a United States weather bureau station
there, based it's action on a suspicion that
the United States intended it as an initiative
in the territorial acquisition of that island.
While almost all of the governments nego-
tiated with cheerfully co-operated in the
movement for extension of our weather
service, Haiti absolutely refused. The re-
suit was instructions of the most positive
character, refusing to allow any word of
our weather warnings in any shape to reacn
that country. The correspondence between
the two governments follows
Legation of United States.
PORT -au-Prince Haiti July 2
hon. BrutuS St Victor, Secretary of State
for Foreign Affairs Port-au-P Prince Haiti
''Sir-My government, in order to more
completely study the atmospheric changes
IN the tropics desires to establish meteor
illogical stations in various ports of the
West Indies, South and Central America
Ny government desires to have your re-
public join in the great benefit that will tie
attained from the meteorological observa-
uons in the study of great hurricane and
storm centers so prevalent at certain sea-
sons of the year in that section, which not
only brings widespread damage to COM
merce, but also lays waste great areas of
territory. In the establishment of such sta
tons the knowledge will be such to give
stations will be equipped with the latest
and best instruments to study all features
OF the atmosphere as they may occur in
those ATTITUDES. Desiring that you shall
share in the great berefit therefron1, 1t
asks of you your cooperation in this adj
vancement in the world of science not by
the expenditure of money on your part, but
that one of these stations be established
within the limits of your republic. My gov
eminent suggests and as l have already
stated, requests your cooperation and con-
sent that such an observatory be located at
Mole st. Nicholas on account of its advan-
tageous position and in connection by cable
with the leading commercial centers. You
will greatly favor me by returning an early
reply. Accept, Mr.. Minister. my high re-
gard and consideration. / have the honor
etc. W. F.. POWELL
Department of State for Foreign Relations
"Port-au-Prnce, July g.
Mr.. Minister-I have the honor to ac-
knowledge the receipt of your dispatch of
the I'd of this month, No. 1885, by which you
inform me of the desire of your government
10 proceed to the establishment of d
mneteorological observatory at Mole st.
Nicholas, and begging me to obtain the as
sent of the Haitian government in favor of
the project. Well approaching the eminent
called to render to navigation in general
the government of the Republic of Haiti
which l FASTENED to inform of that inter
esting question, giving way to considera-
ton of high interior politics, sees itself with
much regret unable to grant favorably your
request | am we'll persuaded, Mr. Minister,
IL
that has expired since your happy arrival
among us, will amply suffice to mind as
perspicacouS and high as yours to appre-
ciate at their value the imperious reasons
that have led the Haitian government to
take this decision. Please accept. etc.
"B. ST. VICTOR
Promptly on the receipt of this Secretary
Wilson gave Chief Moore, of the Weather
Bureau the following Instructions:
II forward you a copy of the Haitian
governments dispatch declining to permit
US to establish meteorological station in
that territory | think it is exceedingly un-
friendly on their part, but of course all
we can do is to make use Of the contiguous
countries that are friendly to us. l desire
that in the conduct of your work in the
Caribbean sea you give no information nor
copies of dispatches to the Haitian govern
ment, and have no correspondence whatever
with 1t along meteorological lines. Evil
on the part of this government and il is our
duty to keep away from them entirely"