New-York tribune., 1920-09-21
Haytiia1l Salary
Retention Held
Proper by u. S.
Colby Tells Island Govern.
ment Action of Ameri-
can Financial Adviser
Has His Full Support
Refuses to Change Policy
ENJOYS Authorized TO Han.
die Finances as Condi-
lions Warrant, He Says

From The Tribsne's Washington Bureos
WASHINGTON. Sept 2o.-The State
Department has informed the Haytiar
government that it approves of the ac-
ton Of Colonel John McIlhenny, spe-
eia, American financial adviser to
Hayti. in withholding the salaries OF
the President and other officials of the
island government. The Haytian Min
lister Of Foreign Affairs had protested
against McIlhenny's action, which was
taken. it is understood here. to compel
tween Hayti and the United States.
The attitude of the State Depart.
ment, it was indicated to-day, is to
give McIlherny and Arthur Bailly
Blanchard, American Minister, complete
authority to handle the finances of the
island as conditions there warrant. The
American policy will not be changed by
reason of the protest lodged by the
Haytian government, it was indicated
officially
Secretary of State Colby, in discuss
ing the controversy with Hayti, said:
''The position of the United States
with relation to Hayti should not be
misunderstood. and it certainly should
not be misrepresented, even under the
temptations that a political campaign
presents to irresponsible utterance and
conscious unveracity.
Purpose Purely Benevolent
"This country is engaged in a task
which has onlv benevolent purpose.
1t is task which was undertaken for
the benefit of the Haytian people and
With their acquescence. The task was
defined in & treaty entered into by
the two countries. The work is near
ing completion. and upon it's compile
tiou this government hopes to with
draw and leave the administration of
the island to the unaided efforts Of
the Haytian people.
"For many years prior to 1915 the
island Of Hayti was the scene Of many
revolutions and chronic disorders. The
with the murder of President Vilbrun
Guillaume Sam. Fear was generally
entertained that the murder of the
Haytian President would prompt an
aggressive program on the part OF
some European government, which
would not only challenge the Monroe
Doctrine. but arraign the United States
for failure to perform duties which
il had expressly avowed as a part of
the Monroe Doctrine.
SIN the performance OF this duty,
and with n thought but to help the
Haytian people until quiet could be re-
stored on the island, the United States,
therefore. with the full assent of pub
lie opinion n this country and of
Hayt,, occupied tie city of Port au
Prince on September 3, 1915. 1t was
expressly stated that no interference
was contew plated or would be suffered
with the proceedings Of the constitu-
tonal government and congress of
Hsyt, or with the administration of
justice in the courts Of law which did
not affect the military operations or
eminent
American Policy Defined
"a few days thereafter a convention
was signed by the two governments.
The United States obligated itself to
assist Hayti in three specific ways-to
cooperate with the Haytian government
Of Hayti on a stable basis; to help the
Haytian government to maintain tran
quality throughout the republic, and to
contribute in other proper ways to ad-
vance the prosperity of the republic and
welfafe OF ts people.
The United States has confined its
energies entirely to the announced
purposes Of It's occupation, and as a
result thereof complete tranquility ex
lists throughout the republic. The
Haytian revenues are greatly improved
and much progress has been made ir
road construction, por. works, estab.
!ishment Of telegraph, etc.
These results have been brough.
aoout by Americans appointed under
tne provisions of the treaty, and from
eeption Of few centers Of selfish and
interested agitation, credit and graft
sade are freely manifested and ex-
pressed to this government.
Ihe course Of this country has been
moderate. and dictated only by the de-
SIZE to meet its duties and not in anv
desree TO go beyond them. Had less