Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-05-15

PORT AU PRINCE, Haiti, May g.
Haiti is the one place in christendom
where black rules white. Here the negro
has had the opportunity of working out
his own destiny. He has won for him.
self independence, and during long term
of years has been governing himself ac-
cordine to his own notion. Haiti Is a
republic in name and is organized IN
emulation of the United States. 1t won
its independence from the French, mas
sacred all of the French women ana
children in the country, and yet It's IN
situations are French. its language pears
about the same relation to French tnat
cockney English bears to the tongue OIL
Shakespeare and Milton. and Its people
like to read the news from Paris better
than that from any other Of the world
capitals.
The past history Of Haiti is exceedingly
dark. Between assassination, aoolcatl '.n
and suicide, perhaps two-tniros oA its
presidents ended their terms vlolen.iy o
has dawned. They see In Presoent
Comte, who succeeded Nord Alexis, after
his assassination, man VINO WI! s.se
the country a rule Of peace instean VI
reign OF terror It is but just 70 say
that he has started out auspiciouely al
though that might be slightly mieleadins
we're II not added that others before him
have given promise Of wholesome RUE At
the beginning and have 1aiieo sisna1iy
in the end.
When Secretary Knox talked with Presi-
dent Comte he was rather impressed WIN
the showing made by the new ruler. ne
most gratifying information ne gave "
Mr.. Knox was the fact tnat ne hno
from 1900 to 5000, and that he hoped
he would yet be able to cut It down 70
900. He may not have caused ms gen
erals to beat their swords into prov"
shares, but he declares ne mas causeu
dozens of them to lay down their com
missions as military leaders and to take
nm new ones as members Of the street
imnroyement force II now have great
many generals breaking rock on tne
street. said he, land I hope to add
others
Secretary Knox reminded him that
Haiti ia q rich country, and that what Is
needed is long
Long Era Of Peace era OF peace
Need of Republic. inter al, but
peace with Haitrs fellow-inhabitant OF
the island. Santo Domingo. President
Comte quickly comprehended what MIR.
while it was true that most of the guns
found in the hands Of the revolutionlsts
in the Dominican republic were Haitian
guns, they were there in spite OF the
Haitian government and not through any
nrrpose of Haiti to aid or abet the Momin-
lean revolution. He said that In the sue
cession of wars in Haiti it was inevitable
that thousands OF stands OF arms snoulo
fall into the hands of unauthorized per-
&lo4 boo uvar
smuggled across the line into Santo DO
mingo He promised to use every ef1ort
to prevent Haitians from giving aid ana
comfort to either of the contendlne lac
lions in Santo Domingo.
The foreign element in Haiti believes
that President Comte is animated by cor
rect motives and that II he continues as
he has begun Haiti will cease to be revo-
luton swept. One American, who mas
been in business in Haiti Tor tnlrty-six
years, says that Comte Is starting MS
administration better than any of his
predecessors in all that time.
Conditions in Port au Prince are pad
enough, but they are said to be better
than one finds elsewhere In the repuDlc.
The other cities are innocent of sanitation
and the rural districts are undevelopeo.
The people Of the whole island are 100000
worshipers 1t has been said that the
first act of every nation in starting new
colony is typical Spain builds a church,
England opens bank, Germany sets up
a store, France starts cafe and the
United States looks after saHitation. hal
ii is somewhat French and distinctly un-
American. The only reason all Its cltles
are not dead is because men become I'M
mune to germs.
Haiti has q navy Of which its people
are proud The flagship of the fleet is
the old italian