New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-05-16
GONAUES FOR NAVAL STATION.
THE ISLAND IS AN ELIGIBLE SITE IN THE
HAYTIAN WATERS.

Copyright: 1895: The Associated Press)
Port-au- Prince. May s-United States MinistO
Powell is much impressed with the idea that tho
island Of Gonaves. in the Gulf Of Leogane. o.
Gonaives. the largest dependency Of Hayti. would
afford the naval station which the United States
has so long desired possess in these waters
The island Was granted under liberal conditions
some years TO three Haytans-Nord Alexis
d Rviere and DR. Aubrey. Only Alexis is now
living and the concession remains unexpected.
Riy+ere was one Of the few really enterprising
native business men that Hayti has produced. He
owned the Haytian line Of coastins steamers
which connects the capital with the principal sea-
ports ard held in high esteem by natives and
forel gners alike. While always keeping clear OF
personal responsibility In connection with the poll
tics OF the country. he always consulted by
the various Presidents and Ministers whose rise
and fall ne witnessed
The island OF Gonaives Is almost intellectually
rich in mahogany. II is mainly composed OF
picturesque upands. which would also yield enor-
rously in coffee II properly cultivated The high
est mountain peak rises about three thousand feet
above the sea. and. With the neighboring submits,
presents a striking appearance, especially
when viewed from the mainland and invested with
the varying glamour OF the sunset A, midsummer
the sun. from the Champ de Mars, Port-au-
Prince descends Immediately behind the island.
The rugged shore. guarded by many hidden reefs
affords but two commodious ports. one the Bale du
4nse A Callers on The Northeastern There are sew
eral promontories cominandingly situated. wnich
would be available for defence.
the interior numerous springs, Wnile the
dark soil IL evenly noistened throughout the year
and has "A fertility that Is proverbia even In Haytit
land possessing the richest natural means OF
production in the world Fine bee! cattle are rated
In the valleys The population Is as yet extremely
small but II Is close and convenient 10 the chief
city OF the republic L..
The men who own the industrial concession for
the island Of G0nalves have been unable 10 raise
capital enough exploit II. AS Is usual. the terms
or the exclude foreigners from any partfcipa
ton in its benefits. but there are able lawyers nero
who believe 4 way could be found 10 elude the pro-
hlbtory provisions In this respect. The conces-
sonaires their heirs very DESTROYS or selling
their rights and. OF course. there is no chance or
doing SO 10 any but foreigners, especially In the
present distressed condition OF the people. The
favora method OF evading the constitutional proht-
btion Of alien ownership of real estate Is hypothe-
cation
II one Of the objects OF an American naval sta
ton In Haytian waters were 10 overawe the cdp.-
tai Of the country, certainly Gonaves would -
eligible II has been suggested by way OF objection
that the northern shore OF the channel Of ST. Marp
Is so near that fortifcations there might command
those on the island The channel. however. Is
nearly fifteen miles wide, and the heights on the
northern side considerably removed from the
shore
J. C. Busselnian. of Port-au-P Prince represents the
concessonaires their heirs and Is ready to enter
into any feasible arrangement with the United
States Government. Minister Powell. understand
has already brought the matter to the attention Of
the State Department.