A LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY OF 







LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY 01 










ITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORN 




ITY OF CALIFORNIA 



LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORN 








GUIDE TO HAYTI. 



EDITED BY 



JAMES REDPATH 




BOSTON: 

HAYTIAN BUREAU OF EMIGRATION, 
221 WASHINGTON STREET. 

[Tenth Thousand.] 1 86 1 . 



Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1861, by 

JAMES RED PATH, 
In the Clerk s Office of the District Court of the District of Massachusetts. 



O. C. BAND & AVERT. 



DEDICATION. 



TO 

JAMES REDPATH, SENIOR, 

OF ALLEGAN, MICHIGAN, 
MY UNCLE, 

AS A TESTIMONY OF GRATITUDE 

FOR HIS 

LONG AND UNWEARYING KINDNESS TO 
MY FATHER S FAMILY, 

I DEDICATE THIS BOOK. 

JAMES REDPATH. 






INVITATION. 



TTAYTI will soon regain her ancient splendor. This marvel- 
A lous soil that our fathers, blefled by God, conquered for 
us, will soon yield to us the wealth now hidden in its bosom. Let 
our black and yellow brethren, scattered through the Antilles, 
and North and South America, hasten to co-operate with us in 
reftoring the glory of the Republic. Hayti is the common coun 
try of the black race. Our anceftors, in taking pofTession of it, 
were careful to announce in the Conilitution that they publifhed, 
that all the descendants of Africans, and of the inhabitants of the 
Weil Indies, belong by right to the Haytian family. The idea 
was grand and generous. 

Liilen, then, all ye negroes and mulattoes who, in the vaft 
Continent of America, suffer from the prejudices of cafte. The 
Republic calls you ; she invites you to bring to her your arms 
and your minds. The regenerating work that she undertakes 
interefts all colored people and their descendants, no matter what 
their origin, or where their place of birth. 

Hayti, regaining her former position, retaking her ancient 
sceptre as Queen of the Antilles, will be a formal denial, most 
eloquent and peremptory, against those detractors of our race 
who contest our desire and ability to attain a high degree of 
civilization. 

GEFFRARD. 



CONTENTS. 



PAGE. 

TITLE 1 

DEDICATION 3 

ADVERTISEMENT 6 

TABLE OF CONTENTS . 7-8 

EDITOR S INTRODUCTION 9-11 

THE PINE AND PALM 12 

BOOK FIRST THE QUEEN OF THE ANTILLES .... 13-60 

BOOK SECOND THE EEPUBLIC AND EMIGRATION . . . 61-126 

BOOK THIRD KOUGH NOTES AND ESSAYS .... 127-175 

INDEX 177-180 

gook <firsi -% (Queen of % gurfilltt. 

L History of Hayti, by Auguste Elie 15-24 

II. Geography of Hayti, by B. Ardouin 25-38 

III. The Animal Kingdom, by the Editor .... 39-42 

IV. The Vegetable Kingdom, by the Editor .... 43-49 
V. The Mineral Kingdom, by Dr. W. G. Smith . . . 50-52 

VI. Soil of Hayti, by W. S. Courtney 53-55 

VII. Climate, Seasons, and Temperature, by Dr. W. G. Smith, 56-59 

ooh JSeconfc ftlje Republic anb Emigration, 

I. Editorial Introduction 63-64 

II. Constitution of the Kepublic of Hayti, with the Legisla 
tive Modifications in full ...... 65-92 

HI. Letter of A.Jean Simon, Secretary of State, to James 

Eedpath 93-96 

IV. Call for Emigration, by F. E. Dubois, Secretary of State, 97-99 
V. Letter of Gen. Fs. Jn. Joseph, Secretary of State, to 

Kev. Wm. P. Newman, 100-103 



8 



Contents. 



VI. Vacant Lands: Report of the Secretary of the Interior 
to His Excellency the President of Hayti, on Emigra 
tion and the Vacant Lands, with the Decree of the 
President in relation thereto 104-120 

VH. Laws on Emigration, with the Legislative Proceedings 

thereon . . lft-125 



I. The People of Hayti, their Character, Origin, Language, 

Industry, and Numbers 129-137 

IT. Religion and Education : Notes on the Catholic Church, 

Protestantism, Religious Toleration, and Education . 138-143 
IH. Notes on Navigation and Commerce .... 144-150 
IV. Political Notes: Territorial Divisions, Revenue and 
Debts, Army, Navy, Laws, Currency, Weights and 
Measures, Rights of Whites, and the Haytian Em 
blems 151-158 

V. Diseases of Hayti and then* Remedies, by Dr. W. G. 

Smith 159-163 

VI. The Seaports of Hayti 164-167 

VTL How to go, and what to take to Hayti .... 168-170 
VHL A Parting Word 171-175 



INTRODUCTION. 



is only one country in the Western World where the Black 
JL and the man of color arc undisputed lords ; where the White is in 
debted for the liberty to live to the race which with us is enslaved ; where 
neither laws, nor prejudices, nor historical memories, press cruelly on 
persons of African descent ; where the people whom America degrades 
and drives from her arc rulers, judges, and generals ;* men of extended 
commercial relations, authors, artists, and legislators ; where the insolent 
question, so often asked with us, "What would become of the Negro 
if Slavery were abolished ? " is answered by the fact of an independent 
Nationality of immovable stability, and a Government inspired with the 
spirit of progress. The name of this country is HATTI. To Americans 
it presents an important and interesting study in whatever light regarded, 
whether viewed, as the publicists of Europe regard the Union, as a new 
political experiment ; or historically, as the home of a coming race, to be 
composed, like the English, by the mingling of various bloods ; or philo 
sophically, for the purpose of learning lessons for our own national 
guidance and instruction from the sanguinary chronicles of its wars of 
Independence. But it is to the friend of the Black, and, above all, to 
the enslaved and persecuted races in America, that Hayti presents the 
most important problem ; to both it has a higher than a merely specula 
tive interest ; for to the philanthropist it suggests the thought of a duty 
to be performed, and to the proscribed it offers a home and a distinctive 
Nationality. 

First interested in Hayti by the rare eloquence of Wendell Phillips, 
I sailed for Cape Ilaytian in January, 1859, for the purpose j 
of describing the country and its people. During my voyage to the 
Island, a Revolution was successfully accomplished; an Emperor was 
banished, and a President installed. A new historical era had opened. 



io Introduction. 



I remained in the Island two months, travelling on foot from Cape Hay- 
tian to Gona ives ; in an open boat from that town to Port-au-Prince, and 
on horseback from the capital to Jacmel. I occupied myself exclusively 
in gathering information, geographical, political, and historical. I re 
turned to Boston in April ; but, finding that my Notes were incomplete, 
and in many instances contradictory, and desirous of correcting my first 
impressions by more extended studies, I again sailed for Hayti in June, 

disembarking at Gona ives ; from which, in July, I made a pedestrian 
tour to the American colored settlement at L Arcahaie. From that fertile 
district, I sailed to Port-au-Prince, where I resided until my departure in 
September. 

My third visit was made in July of this year, for the purpose of explor 
ing Tortuga and the other insular dependencies of Hayti. 

In the mean time, among other patriotic projects of progress, material 
and moral, which the Government of President Geffrard had devised, was 
the plan of inviting an immigration into Hayti of all the enlightened and 
industrious men of African descent, in the States and the Provinces of 
North America. As an Abolitionist and a Republican, I felt a 
double interest in this project, for not only will it be an agency of 
strengthening a colored Nation, by developing its resources, introducing 
new inventions, and bringing to it also moral sources of power, and thus 
demonstrating the capacity of the race for self-government, but it will 
carry out the programme of the ablest intellects of the Republican Party, 

of surrounding the Southern States with a cordon of free labor, within 
which, like a scorpion girded by fire, Slavery must inevitably die. 
There is no country in the world better adapted for the culture of cotton, 
sugar, rice, and other Southern staples, than Hayti. All that it needs is 
laborers, intelligent and industrious, to devote themselves to the work. 
Thus, with the lever of an enlightened immigration in Hayti, the colored 
men of America could greatly aid in overturning the system of chattel 
Slavery in the South. 

Brought into correspondence with the Government of Hayti, I sug 
gested a number of guarantees to immigrants that should~be officially an 
nounced ; all of them, and many others subsequently asked for, (which 
will be found in the following pages) were immediately and publicly 
conceded. It will be found, also, that, in its desire for an enlightened 
immigration, the Government has transcended, not the demands only, 
but the expectations of the friends and representatives of the colored 
people in America. Requested to indicate the measures that should be 
employed to inform the class of immigrants invited of the nature of tho 
country, the offers and intentions of the Government, and all the facts 
which men, seeking a new home, are naturally desirous of learning, I 



Introduction. 1 1 



suggested, among other measures, the publication of a Guide Book, tlio 
establishment of a corresponding office in the States, and the appoint 
ment of Agents to visit the various localities in the Union and Canada 
in which there are settlements of men of African descent. This pro 
gramme was adopted, and I was asked to take charge of its execution. 
I accepted the position, and prepared this book. The experience that I 
gained in the Kansas work had taught me that it is neither possible 
nor desirable to put into a Guide Book for I once attempted to do so 
all that intending emigrants will ask. Hence, in this volume, the 
reader will find the essential facts only ; for further information, he must 
apply, personally or by letter, to the office in Boston, where certified 
copies of the Governmental guarantees, the journals of Hayti, books of 
reference, maps, specimens of the ores, and of the staple cultures of the 
Island, will be found. 

All that section of this volume entitled " Official Part," is authorized 
by the Government of Hayti, having been submitted to the Minister of 
Exterior Relations, and other members of the Cabinet of President 
Geffrard. The original Documents bear the Seals of the respective De 
partments from which they emanated, or to which they were submitted 
for confirmation. For the rest, I have given my authorities, or write from 
my personal knowledge. 

The Island of Hayti, originally divided between the French and 
Spanish, but reunited under President Boyer, in 1822, returned to its 
colonial political divisions in 1843, from causes which it would be entering 
into the domain of politics to enumerate. Since that time the Domini 
can Republic has held a large portion of the ancient Eastern or Spanish 
Part, and the Governments of Hayti the Western, or old French Part, 
with considerable annexations. As both Parts are nearly similar in 
their natural features, while writing in detail respecting Hayti, I have, at 
the same time, inserted a general geographical view of both of these 
Divisions. 

The translations are by various hands ; all of them are extremely 
literal. The Map accompanying the Geffrard Edition is the most ac 
curate hitherto published. 

JAMES REDPATII. 

HAYTIAN BUREAU OP EMIGRATION, ) 

No. 8 Washington Building, Boston. V 

December 3, I860. N 



THE PINE AND PALM. 



FANCY. 
I. 



On a bald peak Northern 
Stands the Pine-tree lonely: 

Sleeping, his white mantle 
Ice and snow-flakes only. 

ii. 

Dreaming that a Palm-tree, 
Morning land adorning, 

Lonely, on heights sultry, 
Silently is mourning. 

H. HEINE. 



FACT. 
I. 



On the hills of Hayti, 

Wave the Palm-trees gladly: 

Never in their slumbers 
Sigh the Pine-trees sadly. 

ii. 

Verdant are their branches, 
Never winter-blighted ; 

Married, see the loving 
Pines and Palms united. 

JAS. REDPATH. 



THE QUEEN OF THE ANTILLES. 



HISTOEY, GEOGRAPHY, NATURAL WEALTH. 



I. 

f)i0tor of 

IT was the 6th of December, 1492, that Christopher Colum 
bus discovered the Island of Hayti. For this Caribbee 
name, the great navigator substituted that of Hispaniola, in 
honor of Spain, his adopted country. 

It was the first land in America on which Europeans were to*"~~ 
settle, and it was the first where the peaceful aborigines who 
inhabited it were to fall beneath the devouring activity of their * 
new masters. The five caciques, who divided the authority, 
were subdued, some by the flattering manners of the Spaniards, 
arid the rest by the force of their arms. 

The brevity of this sketch forbids us to relate the many 
changes of the long drama which transformed this happy and 
populous island into a blood-stained desert. We refer those 
who are curious to learn this lamentable story, to the Life of 
Columbus, by Washington Irving. Suffice it to say, that the 
conquerors, having found quantities 6^ gold in the country, 
abandoned themselves with eagerness to the research of this 
metal ; and the aborigines, men little accustomed to labor, 
forced by their masters to the fatiguing work of the mines, quickly 
succumbed. 

The discovery of the richer mines of Mexico caused those of 

* Translated from the original sketch of Mr. Auguste Elie, of Port-au- 
Prince, which was written expressly for this volume. 



16 History of Hayti. 

Hayti to be abandoned, their working having become difficult 
on account of an insufficient population. 

Another cause of decay was being developed at the same 
time. This was the war sustained by the Dutch, English, and 
French against the Spanish navigators, who designed to exclude 
every othej flag from these new seas. These adventurers, who 
sailed in light vessels, and who afterwards became celebrated 
under the name of Buccaneers, settled at several points, and 
especially at Tortuga, a small island situated on the northern 
coast of Hayti. From thence, they spread by degrees over the 
main land, where they founded, under the protection of Cardi 
nal Richelieu, the French colony of St. Domingo. 

The Spaniards, from the commencement of their settlement, 
introduced slaves of African origin into Santo Domingo, the 
name of the capital, which, instead of Hispaniola, was soon ap 
plied to the whole island. The two oppressed races lived in the 
same tortures ; but when, three centuries later, came the hour 
of deliverance, the public law of the new nationality recognized 
their common right to the exclusive property of the soil. 

Under the Spanish dominion, the colony remained stationary. 
Three hundred years of possession had only produced a popula 
tion varying from 100,000 to 150,000 souls. 

The French had much greater success. In 178ft, the por 
tion which they possessed numbered a population of about 
600,000, and five sixths of this population, compelled to labor 
in merciless bondage, had brought the property of the masters 
to the highest degree of prosperity. 

The French Revolution now added another danger to that 
which had already shown itself in partial revolts amongst the 
slaves. The white colonists, and the free men of color* formed 
antagonistic parties, who discussed their privileges in presence 
of the trembling slave. The logical conclusion of such a state 

* In Ilayti, the phrase " men of color is u?ed exclusively to designate 
persona of mixed blood, black being applied and confined to those of%ure 
Alrican descent. 



History of Hayti. 17 

of things was necessarily the asseftion of more general rights ; 
and the insurrection of the slaves soon swept away all the insti 
tutions of the past. Slavery disappeared forever from the face 
of the country, and a decree of the National Convention legalized 
that universal liberty which had already become triumphant. 

The colonists, from the commencement of the crisis, had par 
tially pronounced in favor of deserting the cause of the Mother 
Country. 

A few of the principal insurgent chiefs, especially Toussaint 
Louverturc, soon began to think of independence. Their hatred 
of a past which they held in abhorrence prevented their alliance 
with any of the new parties. They passed from one flag to 
the very opposite one. Others, like lligaud, devoted them 
selves to republican France ; but the majority of them fought 
vigorously against the English, at that time the supporters of 
the slaveholders. In vain did Spain and England maintain 
the cause of the old regime. The newly freed, seconded by the 
energy of Sonthonax, member of the Convention, triumphed in 
the cause of liberty. In order to baffle the designs of 
independence entertained by Toussaint Louverturc, and to 
establish the former state of things, Napoleon, First Consul, 
sent to St. Domingo an army composed of the soldiers of the 
Pyramids, Marengo, and Hohenlinden. One hundred and fifty 
millions of francs, and twenty thousand men of his best troops 
were swallowed up in this expedition, one of the most terri 
ble lessons ever read to this great man. The only gain accruing 
to him from this enterprise was the capture of Toussaint Louver- 
turc, (who was taken by treachery,) and the shame of the death 
of this celebrated chief, who perished of misery and cold in the 
Castle of Joux. 

At the head of tjie valiant soldiers who had been fighting for 
ten years for their liberty, the most distinguished chiefs were 
Dessalines, Petion, and Christophe. This time, it was no longer 
against servitude only that they unfurled their banner, it wag 



i8 History of Hayti. 

in the name of a higher principle, that of National Indepen 
dence. 

The capitulation of the Cape, signed on the 28th of Novem 
ber, 1803, by General Rochambeau, was followed shortly after 
by the proclamation of independence. This act, which is the 
starting-point of Haytian nationality, was signed at Gonaives on 
the 1st of January, 1804. 

By the treaty of Bale, Spain had abandoned to France the 
Spanish part of St. Domingo. Toussaint Louverture, in his 
capacity of governor-general, had gone to take possession of 
the country, and was there even at the time of the arrival of 
the French expedition. In the name of this right, in 1804, the 
Empire of Hayti was created, comprising the entire mainland, 
and the adjacent islands. Dessalines, named Emperor, sought 
to occupy Santo Domingo ; but in this enterprise he failed, being 
baffled by the resistance of the inhabitants of the Eastern Part, 
who were supported by General Ferrand, commanding, in the 
name of France, a small remnant of the expedition of Napo 
leon. 

The Constitution of 1804 was liberal. Its decrees have no 
longer any other than an historical interest. Nevertheless, 
one of its articles has survived its wreck, that, namely, on which 
is based the exceptional nationality of Hayti. It recognizes the 
right of property in the country to belong exclusively to men 
of the African or Indian races, and has been maintained in 
every subsequent Constitution. 

Dessalines, on his accession as Emperor, was placed in a very 
embarrassing position, in a country entirely disorganized, and in 
which compulsory labor had always existed, even under Tous 
saint. In order to continue the traditions received from the 
past, he believed that, armed with dictatoriaj, power, it was his 
duty to crush every obstacle that opposed his course. His 
cruelty arrayed against him his ancient companions in arms. 
Powerful enmities arose against him on all sides, and he was 
assassinated near Port-au-Prince, on his return from a journey 



History of Hayti. 19 

to the Capo. This time a more liberal compact was adopted, in 
imitation of the Constitution of the United States. Christophe 
was called to the presidency of the Republic of Hayti, but 
the form of the new government being contrary to his wishes, 
he refused to accept its conditions, and began a fratricidal war, 
which lasted till his death. 

Having failed in his attempt to seize Port-au-Prince, he with 
drew to the Cape, which became the capital of the State of 
Hayti, and on the 2d of June, 1811, he caused himself to be 
crowned King. Endowed with talent for organization, but of a 
nature both despotic and cruel, he was unsuccessful in founding 
anything durable, for his artificial creations were unsupported 
by the aspirations of a free people. His attempts against the 
Republic, less powerful than his own State, failed on account of 
the secret support that Petion found amongst the subjects of the 
King. At length, being unable, in consequence of an attack 
of paralysis, to mount his horse, when on the point of starting 
to repress a sedition, he blew out his brains on the 8th of Octo 
ber, 1820, in his palace of Sans Souci. 

After the refusal of the presidency by Christophe in 1806. 
Petion was named in his stead. An able statesman and a 
sincere republican, he had, during the whole course of his life, 
to struggle against men infinitely inferior to him in talent. 
Betrayed by his companions in arms, little understood even by 
men of note, he overcame by his address all the obstacles which 
appeared ready to crush him. His war against Christophe was 
his principal difficulty, but the secession of the Department of 
the South, which was, for a time, erected into an independent 
State under Rigaud, added, also, greatly to his embarrassments. 
This famous chief of the first wars of the Revolution, compro 
mised his past glory in lending himself, at Cayes, to a division 
which might have proved fatal to the Republic. 

After having reannexed the South, at the death of Rigaud, 
and repulsed an attack he sustained from Christophe, Petion 
put into execution an idea which he had long before conceived. 



2o History of Hayti. 



He had understood, with his great sagacity, that, in order to 
settle the new society, it was necessary to attach to the soil, by 
ties of a nature agreeable to the existing institutions, those men 
who, for twenty years, as soldiers and civil officers, had served 
their country with devotion. He gave them, gratuitously, large 
quantities of land, and nearly all the territorial grants are dated 
from his time. 

One of the objects of Petion s attention, was the Revision of 
the Constitution. In Hayti, the same fault had been committed 
as at Philadelphia ; in presence of the Executive there had been 
created a Senate, invested with all the legislative power, as well 
as with some executive privileges. But with men less enlight 
ened and less disciplined, the inconveniences of the system 
were still more disastrous. Profiting by acquired experience, 
Petion demanded the Revision of the Constitution of 1806, 
and this was done at Grand Goave, with all the legal forms, in 
the year 1816. This act, in its principal outline, was the result 
of an amalgamation of the American Constitution with the 
Constitution of the Year 3 of the French Republic. 

Petion died shortly after, worn out by twenty-five years 
of continual struggles. Posterity has been more just towards 
him than his contemporaries, and has placed him with reason at 
the head of the statesmen of his country. 

General Boyer succeeded to the Presidency. He had the 
glory of repressing in the South the insurrection of a partisan 
chief, whom Petion had never succeeded in subduing ; of unit 
ing, at the death of Christophe, the north of the Island to the 
Republic, and of effecting the annexation of the old Spanish 
Part to his dominions. Under his government of twenty-five 
years, the administration was put upon a better footing in all 
its branches, and the independence of the country recognized 
by the principal European Powers. But from the date of his 
treaty with France, in 1825, his vigor and activity were seen to 
diminish.* A kind of general languor spread over the Govern- 

* Mr. Elie here refers to the Treaty, by which President Boyer agreed to pay 



History of Hayti. 21 

ment and the country, and this long peace was in no way 
utilized to the interest of the future. Boyer introduced 
paper money into the country. If he did not mal^e a wrong 
use of this financial expedient, he was none the less its inventor ; 
and the rate of the Spanish dollar fell sixty per cent, during 
his administration. 

He was overthrown by a revolution set on foot by men of 
abilities much inferior to his own. He fell, struck down by a 
reaction of public opinion against him, provoked by an excess 
of vanity which blinded him to the fact that, though a man be 
superior in intellect to others, such superiority must be mani 
fested in his actions. He believed that the power at his com 
mand would be sufficient to crush the pretensions of the oppo 
sition ; but he was deceived. 

He died in exile, which he bore with dignity, avoiding every 
step that might have been productive of agitation in his country. 
And the comparisons which have been made between his gov 
ernment and those that have succeeded it, have been wholly to 
his advantage. 

Under the Provisional Government that succeeded him, a 
Constitution, resembling still more those of the United States 
than the preceding ones, was voted in due form. Only one of 
its articles was put into execution, viz : that which treated of 
the nomination of the President. General Herard Rivere, the 
leader of the last revolution, and a man of no note, sank, after 
a few months, overwhelmed by the reprobation of the public. 
This period is signalized by two important facts : the separation 
of the old Spanish Part from the Republic, and the insurrection 
of the mountaineers of the South. Fortunately the nomination 
of Guericr to the Presidency happened in time to extricate the 
country from the perilous position in which it was placed. Be 
fore this respected name, all parties laid down their arms. He 

France one hundred and fifty millions of francs, for the recognition of II ay- 
tian Independence, and as an indemnity for the losses of the colonial proprie 
tors. This treaty first created a national debt, and was very unpopular with 
the people. ED. 



22 History of Hayti. 

took no further steps towards regaining possession of the old 
Spanish Part than the placing a corps of observation on the 
frontier, and the rest of the country was pacified. 

Guerier died at the expiration of a year, after having restored 
to the country that tranquillity which had been disturbed during 
the last two years. His name is always mentioned, to this day, 
with expressions- of national gratitude. 

He was succeeded in power by General Pierrot, the brother- 
in-law of Christophe, a man utterly insignificant, and under 
whom the whole of the administration fell into great disorder. 
A military insurrection overthrew him, and called to the Presi 
dency General Riche, a distinguished soldier. 

The administration of Riche was short, but active and vigor 
ous. A reform in several branches of the general administra 
tion was undertaken, and it is probable that if his early death 
had not arrested his progress he would have completely re 
organized the public service. Having been ofte of Christophe s 
generals, he introduced into his government a severity which 
sometimes bordered on tyranny, but which was always in con 
formity with the principles of a strict discipline. Jealous of his 
power, like all the men of his school, he was pitiless towards 
the insurgents of the South, who reappeared at his accession. 

The Constitution of 1844 had fallen during the events which 
separated the Spanish Part from the Republic, and threw, for a 
moment, (May, 1844,) the country into a state of complete 
anarchy. Guerier, possessing Dictatorial power, created a 
council of state invested with legislative powers and intrusted 
with the nomination of the President in case of vacancy. Pierrot 
governed the Republic in the same forms. On his accession to 
power, Riche adopted the Constitution of 1816, and instituted a 
senate which was to draw up a new fundamental pact. This 
was the origin of the constitutional law, which, with the excep 
tion of a few modifications introduced in 1859, still rules the 
country. It bears date the 15th November, 1846. 

Riche died at the expiration of a year. General Faustin 



History of Hayti. 23 

Soulouqiie was elected by the Senate in his stead. He suc 
ceeded to power with the reputation of being a virtuous man, 
straightforward and well-disposed; but all parties soon dis 
covered how greatly they had been deceived in him. Egotism 
and superstition were the springs of his actions, and the pro 
longation of his power tended to a complete disorganization of 
all administrative and social order. The revenue was publicly 
and unblushingly plundered, and the country was considered 
by the whole world as fast receding toward barbarism. Under 
the name of Faustin I., he caused himself to be crowned Em 
peror of Hayti ; he had a court, a nobility, and all the ridiculous 
pageantry of the old monarchies. His cruelty rendered him 
odious, and his disrespect of individual rights made him utterly 
regardless of the feelings of persons of every class. The con 
suls of foreign Powers took toward his government a contemptu 
ous attitude, which aided greatly in bringing it into disrepute. 

This despotic power, which seemed so solid, fell at length, 
without resistance, by the breath of a man of courage, the Pres 
ident of to-day. Accumulated hatred and ardent revenge 
clamored for the death of the Emperor, but the Government 
had the merit of protecting his embarkation. He withdrew to 
Jamaica, to fall again into the obscurity from which, for the 
happiness of mankind, he should never have issued. 

The present Government, which has held for nearly two 
years the reins of administration, has above all applied itself 
to the healing of the wounds inflicted on the country by ten 
years of a fatal reign. It has touched on all questions of 
general interest, has succeeded in solving some, and is engaged 
in studying others. It understands that industry and agricul 
ture are the first wants of a people settled on one of the 
richest soils in the world, and it goes forward with moderation, 
but with firmness, in the road of continuous improvement. 

It has granted to the inhabitants of the Eastern Part a truce 
of five years, resolved to avoid a war which it is not for its in- 



24 History of Hayti. 

tcrest to recommence ; for it lias enough to do to reorganize the 
interior and develop the resources it possesses. By persevering 
in these wise designs, it already occupies an honorable position 
among the Republics of the New World. 



II. 



of 



mHE Island of Hayti, situated between 17 55 and 20 
*- North latitude, and between the 68th and 75th degrees of 
West longitude from the meridian of Greenwich, is about 338 
miles in length from East to West, whilst its breadth, from North 
to South, varies from 145 miles to 17; and its circumference, 
without including the bays, measures 848 miles. Its surface, 
exclusive of the adjacent islands, is estimated at 30,528 square 
miles. t 

The Island is situated at the entrance to the Gulf of Mexico, 
in the Atlantic Ocean. Itself one of the four great Antilles, it 
holds the next rank after Cuba, which is situated at a distance 
of 53 miles to the North-West. To the West South-West, is 
situated Jamaica, at a distance of 109 miles ; and 48 miles 
East South-East is the Island of Porto Rico. To the North, 
stretch Turk s Island and other headlands. To the South, 
Columbia is found at about 605 miles, and at a less distance 
are situated the Windward Islands. It may be said, therefore, 
that, of all the West India Islands, Hayti is the most advan 
tageously situated with reference to the intercourse she may 
maintain with the surrounding isles and with Columbia, besides 



* Translated from " La Geographic cle 1 Isle d Haiti, par B. Ardouin: Tort- 
i par T/Bouchereau, 1856." This ia the Volume in use in 
the schools ofthe KepuhJic. 



au-l i ince, reimprim/-e pai 



t That is to say : Hayti is about the size of Ireland. ED. 
3 



26 Geography of Hayti. 

winch, her communications with Europe and the United States 
only enhance this geographical position. 

The adjacent islands belonging to Hayti are Conave, 
Cai mites, Ile-a-Vaches, Beate, Alta Vela, Saone, St. Catha 
rine, Mona, Monica, and La Tortue or Tortuga. We shall 
treat of each separately. 

Hayti presents the appearance of a vast territory composed of 
mountains and plains. 

" From the conformation of the surface of the Island," says 
M. de St. Mery, "which alternates in mountains and plains, 
arises a great variation in its climate and temperature. This is 
specially produced by the situation of the Island in the region 
of the trade winds, since the prevailing East wind, to the 
influence of which St. Domingo offers the whole of its length, 
makes for itself between the mountain chains many currents 
of air which refresh and temper these same mountains, an 
advantage of which the plains do not partake, inasmuch as the 
mountains sometimes arrest the course of the wind, or change 
its direction. Moreover, a host of local circumstances, such as 
the elevation of the land, the quantity, more or less consider 
able, of water which irrigates the plains, the scarcity or abund 
ance of forests, have a sensible influence on the character of the 
climate. 

" If a powerful cause did not counterbalance the action of a 
scorching sun under the torrid zone, a sun which darts down its 
rays almost perpendicularly, during about three months of the 
year, upon St. Domingo, the temperature of this Island would 
be insupportable for man, or at least for such as were not 
designed by nature expressly as inhabitants of this climate. 
But this cause does exist in the wind of which we have just 
spoken, and whose salutary effects weaken those of the sun. 

To the protecting influence of the wind must be added the 
nearly equal length of the days and nights, and the abundant 
rains which produce constantly in the air a humidity at all times 
desirable, and which, bathing profusely the surface of the 



Geography of Hayti. 27 

Island, occasion, through the evaporation caused by the heat 
itself, a kind of cooling effect. ^, 

" Thus, by an immutable order, the contemplation of which 
enraptures the philosopher, nature has ordained that everything 
should aid in maintaining a sort of equilibrium in the climate of 
St. Doming ). 

" The two seasons (summer and winter) are more marked 
in the mountains than in the plains, and in general the atmos 
pheric changes are more frequent in the former. Here it is 
that the temperature is mildest, and here are never felt cither 
the sultry heat or those winds which, when they become violent, 
are more apt to dry the air than to refresh and renew it. 

" In fact, residence in the mountains is more pleasant than 
in the plains. Country life seems here to have a more simple 
character, and to be more independent of all those restraints 
which etiquette imposes as a law upon the towns, and even 
upon the neighboring country. It is seldom that the thermome 
ter rises above 18 or 20 degrees,* Whilst in the plains it reaches 
the mean rate of the towns, and consequently marks as high as 
80 degrees. t The nights here are sometimes so cool that the 
use of a blanket is almost a necessity. There are even some 
mountains in St. Domingo where, at certain seasons, fire is a 
real enjoyment in the evening. This is not on account of any 
extreme cold, since the thermometer never sinks lower than 
about 12 or 14 degrees; j but the contrast of this temperature to 
that of the day is so acutely felt that the words cold and heat 
are not to be understood in the same sense as in a cokUelimate." 

Like the ether West India Islands, Hayti is subject to the 
tempests which happen so often in this part of America, and 
which still bear the name given to them by the Indians. But 
it is the South part of the Island, including the country lying 
between Cape England and Iron Point, which suffers more 

* Reaumur, equal to 72i or 77 degrees, Fahrenheit. 

t Equal to 99} decrees, Fahrenheit. 

t Equal to 59 or 63i degrees, Fahrenheit. 



28 Geography of Hayti. 

frequently than any other place from this destructive scourge. 
Nevcrth^ss, M. de St. Mery has said, upon this subject: 
"-The man who refers everything to himself, and who is 
exposed to the numberless evils which hurricanes may occasion, 
cannot easily discern their utility. But the philosopher, whom 
observation has convinced of the admirable order that governs 
the universe, takes for granted that they are useful, though he 
may not understand how, and rather than blaspheme against a 
cause so disastrous in appearance, he is willing to believe that 
these extraordinary movements of nature are necessary crises, 
in harmony with the principles whose workings secure the pre 
servation of the globe, and that without them, perhaps, the 
Antilles would have been uninhabitable, on account of the 
incredible number of insects which cover the earth or flutter in 
the air." 

"Whatever may be the dangers of hurricanes, they cannot be 
compared in this respect to the earthquake. This dreadful 
phenomenon destroyed, in 1564, the town of Conception de la 
Vega, and has been felt more recently at Port-au-Prince, which 
was overthrown in 1770. Since this last epoch, shocks have 
taken place every year, but with much less intenseness. They 
are generally preceded by a deep noise, called in Hayti goufre, 
which is often heard without the shock being felt, and which is 
produced by a cause unknown as yet, but which appears to 
exist in the neighborhood of the lakes of Xaragua and Azuei, 
between Neybe and Port-au-Prince. 
MOUNTAINS. 

Several of these reach to a considerable elevation above the 
level of the sea. The principal range is that of Oibao, which 
forms a considerable group, almost in the centre of the Island, 
and from which diverge several chains in different directions. 
It rises to at least 7,673 feet perpendicular height, and is 
situated in the department of the North-East. 

The Sttte, the Mcxique, and the Bahoruco or Mantel form 
the same chain which, after stretching from West to East, 



Geography of Hayti. 29 

terminates in the South at the Point of Beate. The Selle, rising 
to the same height as the range of the Cibao, is situated about 
South East from Port-au-Prince, in the department of the West. 

The Hotte comprises the chain which commences at the 
Platons, in the arrondissement of C ayes, crosses that of Grando 
Ansc in the direction of East and West, and ends at Cap-a 
Foux, near Tiburon. Its height is also 7,673 English feet 
above the level of the sea. 

The Monte Christi forms a chain "which commences at 
Grange Point and ends at the Peninsula of Samana. 

The mountains Noire and of Cahos begin near Marmelade, 
and terminate in the arrondissement of St. Jean. 

Los Muertos form the chain which terminates at Cape 
Engaiio, in the department of the South-East. 

These last-named mountains, together with others less con 
siderable, rise to an average height of about 2,400 feet. 

"The number of mountains," says M. de St. Mery, "and 
their height, notwithstanding the vast extent of the several 
plains, give to the Island, when seen at a distance, a moun 
tainous appearance, and is the reason why it is far from giving 
the favorable opinion it deserves. But the observer who con 
templates the mountain chains with all their branches, which 
stretch their sinuous ramifications over the entire surface of the 
Island, sees in this the cause of its fertility, the immense 
reservoir where are accumulated the waters which numberless 
rivers afterwards distribute on all sides ; a means destined by 
nature to temper the effects of a burning sun, to arrest the fury 
of the winds, to vary the temperature, and even to multiply the 
resources and combinations of human industry ; in short, the 
soil destined to bear for centuries the bounteous forests which, 
since the creation, perhaps, received the fertilizing waters which 
the clouds secrete within their bosom, and which, by their pro 
tective position, are saved from the touch of man, whose genius 
is not always conservative." 



* 

30 Geography of Hayti. 

To these philosophic considerations, we may add the equally 
important observation which is naturally impressed upon the 
mind on viewing the mountains of Hayti, that these wild soli 
tudes have been, and will ever be, the bulwarks of liberty and 
national independence. 

PLAINS. 

The most extensive plain in the Island, according to the 
same author, is that of Veya Heal, situated in the depart 
ment of the North-East. It extends over the arrondissements 
of Vega, San Yago, and Monte Christo. Its length is about 
194 miles. It is remarkable for its fertility, and is watered by 
numerous rivers. Its principal production consists in tobacco, 
which is of excellent quality. Sugarcanes, cocoa, etc. , are cul 
tivated, and cattle are raised there, but its small population, 
scattered over so vast an extent of territory, is able to draw 
from this fruitful land only a small portion of these valued 
products. The river Grand Taque, which discharges itself 
into the bays of Monte Christi, Mancenilla, and the Youna, 
which empties itself into the beautiful bay of Samana, will 
greatly facilitate the raising of these products, and will give to 
this superb plain a real importance when it possesses a larger 
and more active population. 

From the left hand of the Ozama to the Cape Engaiio, there 
stretches an extent of land about 145 miles long, measuring 
4096 square miles, of which more than 3, 500 are plains; this is 
also watered by several rivers. The produce raised comprises 
sugar, coffee, tobacco, mahogany, horned cattle, and other 
animals. Its soil is very fertile. 

The plain of Azua, which includes the space between the 
river Neybe and the bay of Caldera, covers a surface of 879 
square miles. It has a soil of astonishing fertility, notwith 
standing the drought which usually prevails. Here very fine 
sugar is made, and the rearing of cattle and the cutting of 
mahogany form also branches of industry, as throughout the 
whole of the Eastern part of the Island, 



Geography of Hayti. 



The plain of Neybe measures 4G9 square miles, and yields 
the same kind of produce as that of Azua. 

The lowlands, situated at the foot of the Jlahoruco, to the 
East and West, comprise an extent of surface measuring 820 
square miles. They would offer the same advantages if 
cultivated. 

The plains of St. Jean, of Banica, and of ffinche, called 
the valleys of St. Thomas and Goave, cover a surface of 1172 
square miles. The cattle raised in these rich pasture lands 
form the principal branch of industry for the inhabitants of 
these parts, who have much increased since 1822. All the 
other products of the country are also easily obtained. 

The plains of the North, starting from the river of Massacre 
as far as the limits of Port Margot, may be estimated as covering, 
all together, a superficies of 1055 square miles. The sugar 
cane is here advantageously cultivated. 

The plain of Cul de Sac, near Port-au-Prince, measures 20 
miles from East to West, while its breadth, from North to 
South, varies from 6 miles to 10. It was not until 1724 
that the sugarcane was here planted. The usual aridity of this 
plain forced the inhabitants to resort to the irrigation of this 
precious plant in 1730 ; and the effects of this powerful natural 
agent were such that before the Revolution, about fifty million 
pounds of this article were produced. This immense result is 
no longer obtained. 

The plain of Gona ives may be estimated at 141 square 
miles in extent. It yields principally a cotton which is highly 
valued. 

That of the Artibonite, which is watered by the river of this 
name, and by many other smaller ones, appears to have been 
formed by deposits from these rivers, since, at a depth of 80 
feet, there have been found different beds, in which have been 
discovered leaves and branches of trees. Sugar and cotton are 
grown here. Its surface is supposed to cover about 2G3 square 
miles. 



32 Geography of Hayti. 

That of Arcahaie, situated like an amphitheatre along the 
seaboard, extends about 12 miles from East to West, by about 
1800 feet in its greatest breadth, from North to South. The 
sugar here produced is of excellent quality, though the 
quantity is small. 

The plain of Leogane measures about 17 miles in its great 
est length from East to West, and scarcely 7 miles in breadth 
from North to South. It yields sugar of great beauty. 

Finally, that of Cayes offers a surface of about 117 square 
miles. Here, as in the plain of Cul de Sac, the different 
streams are usefully employed in watering the sugarcane, 
a production which offers such considerable reward to the 
laborious workmen. 

RIVERS. 

Few countries are as well watered as Hayti. This advan 
tage is owing, as we have already seen, to the mountains 
which feed the numerous rivers that nature has spread over 
all this fortunate Island. But the departments of the East 
are much more favored, in this respect, than the others, and 
other rivers are also much more considerable. 

The longest river is the Artibonite, which the Indians called 
Haiibonico. Its entire length is 145 miles. It flows in a 
straight line from the Cibao, where it rises. Before it reaches 
this sea, its volume is increased by a multitude of other 
rivers, such as the Guayamuco, the Rio Canas, the Fcr-a- 
C/teval, etc. It frequently inundates the plain which bears 
its name, and by this means produces the same effect as the 
Nile in Egypt. 

The other principal rivers are the Tuna and the great 
Yaque, in the department of the North-East ; the Ozama, the 
Isabela, the Macoris, the Soco, the Quiabon, the ltomana } 
the Jayna, the little Taque, and the N<yla, in the depart 
ment of tty) South-East; the rivers of Cayes, Cavaillon, 
Jtiremie, and Nippes, in the department of the South ; those 
of Jacmel, Leogane, and Cul de Sac, in the department of 



Geography of Hayti. 33 

the West; and the Massacre, the Grande Riviere, and the 
TroiS Hivieres, in the department of the North. 

MINERAL WATERS. 

The number of mineral springs which exist over all the 
surface of Hayti is another of its many riches. 

The principal one is that of Port-a-Piment, in the department 
of the Artibonite, formerly called Eaux de Boynes, (waters of 
Boynes,) but which at present might be more properly styled 
Eaux de Capoix, (waters of Capoix,) in order to make 
amends for the injustice committed towards the^r discoverer, 
an injustice against which M. de St. Mery has so loudly 
exclaimed, attributing to flattery the denomination these waters 
obtained. Before the Revolution, considerable establishments 
were here made, but they do not now exist. It would be 
highly desirable to see them again established, and under the 
direction of a skilful physician, who might superintend the 
treatment of the sick persons who have often recourse to these 
springs. Many diseases which the faculty have pronounced 
incurable, have here met with a complete cure. Seven springs 
are here grouped together in the same spot. 

The same properties have been discovered in the springs of 
Banica, situated five miles distant from the town, and in the 
same department. There are four in this place, which is 
equally deprived of suitable establishments. 

Other minor springs exist in the communes of Dalmarie, 
Irois, Tiburon, Jacmel, Mirebalais, etc. 
LAKES. 

The largest is the Etang Sale, (salt lake,) called, also, 
the lake of Xaragua and Henriquille, because the Cacique 
Henri, with his followers, took refuge here upon a small island 
situated in the centre of the lake, and measuring 5 miles in 
length by 2J in breadth. This Island is peopled with wild 
goats. The Etang Sale, situated in the department of the 
West, is about 22 miles long and 8J broad ; and is about 53 
miles in circumference. It is deep, and swarms with alliga- 



34- . Geography of Hayti. 

tors. The water is clear, but bitter salt, and has a disagreeable 
odor, and ebbs and flows like the sea. 

About five miles North-West from this lake is found 
another, running in the same direction, but measuring only 12 
miles long, and in breadth, varying from 2J to 7 miles. It 
is called the Etang Saumatre, on account of the acrid taste of 
its waters, or Laguna de Azuei. This lake also has its tides. 

To the South of the Etang Sale, at 2J miles distance, 
lies {hQ Etang Doux, (sweet lake,) named also Laguna Icotea, 
(the lake of turtles,) which is nearly 5 miles long by 1 
miles broad. This lake has no communication with the 
otifccr two, and its extent depends upon the rains and the floods 
which maintain it. It abounds in turtle, good fish, and sea- 
fowl. 

The lake of Miragoane, in the department of the South, is 7 
miles long by 12,000 feet broad. Its circuit, counting 
the indentations, is supposed to measure 17 miles. Its depth 
averages 180 feet. Its waters flow into the sea at the ^.cul 
du Carenage, near the town of Miragoane, and are used by the 
inhabitants. This lake is crossed by a wooden bridge, with 
stone abutments, on the road from Petit-Goave to Miragoane. 
The intention was formerly entertained of constructing a canal 
between the Acul du Petit- Goave and this lake for the 
transport of provisions a*d produce. 

The project was also formed of digging a canal between the 
Etang Saumatre and the embarcadere du fosse, near the town 
of Port-au-Prince. This canal would thus have traversed the 
plain of Cul de Sac in all its length, and would have served tj 
convey the immense quantity of sugar here made. In 1822, 
government caused to be built upon this lake, and upon the 
EtaBg Sale, a barge and lights, in order to facilitate the com 
munications of the capital with the department of the South- 
East, and to spare travellers a painful journey by a road cut 
through the rocks on the north bank of the Etang Saumatre. 
But the force of habit prevents people profiting by these 



Geography of Hayti. 35 

facilities. It is truo that the service of these boats is much 
neglected "by the sailors appointed to them, and that a great 
and often insurmountable difficulty prevails almost always in 
these lakes ; this is the violence with which the East and West 
winds blow between the mountains that surround the lakes. 

This difficulty might be removed by the establishment of 
steamboats, which would possess the twofold advantage of 
facilitating intercourse and of helping in the conveyance 
of cattle from Neybe and Azua to the plain of the Cul-de- 
Sac. But these ameliorations can only be the work of time ; 
they will no doubt come with the increase of the population, 
which serves in all countries to develop industry. 

BAYS. 

The largest and the most beautiful bay of Hayti is that 
of Samana. It is situated between capes Samana and 
Raphael. Christopher Columbus called it Baie dcs Fleches, (bay 
of arrows,) because he found on its shores large numbers of 
Indians armed with arrows. The distance between its two 
extreme capes is 17 miles. It has an average breadth of 12 
miles, and is about 50 miles in depth. The most powerful 
squadrons could find in it a sure asylum ; but the channel by 
which it is entered is difficult and narrow. A vessel must 
pass under the cannon of the fort Cacao, built since 1822. 
The extent of this magnificent bay, its position on the windward 
side of the Island, together with the immense quantity of wood 
found in the peninsula, fit for naval purposes, and the mines 
of iron and copper concealed within its bosom, all these 
advantages tend to make the point the most important of all in a 
maritime point of view. Whale-fishery might here be carried on. 

The other bays, whose importance and extent differ more or 
less, are those of Mole St. Nicolas, Ocoa, Higucy, Neybe ? 
Jacmel, Bainct, Flamands, Metle, St. Louis, Ca imitcs, 
Baradercs, Miragoane, Petit- Goave, Port-au-Prince, St. 
Marc,Gona ives, Henne, Acul duNord, Caracol, Fort Liberte, 
Mancenille, Monte Christi, and the Baie Ecossaise. 



36 Geography of Hayti. 

CAPES. 

The coasts of the Island present the following promontories, 
namely : 

The former Cape Francois, Cape Cabron, Cape Samana, in 
the department of the North-East ; the capes Raphael, Engauo, 
Espada, in the department of the South-East ; the Faux Cape, 
Capes Mongon, Jacmel, Bainet, and St. Marc, in the depart 
ment of the West; Cape Tiburon, Cap-a-Foux, and Cape 
Dalmarie, in the department of the South; and Cap-a-Foux and 
Cape St. Nicolas in the department of the Artibonite. 

PENINSULAS. 

Hayti contains three : that of Samana, which is the most 
important ; that of Mole St. Nicolas, and that of Bara- 
deres. The first is 36 miles long from East to West, with a 
breadth which varies from 12 miles to 5. It is covered 
almost entirely with mountains, and is watered by more than 
twenty rivers. The second extends, in a straight line, a dis 
tance of 19,200 feet by 7,800 in breadth. That of Bara- 
deres, called more frequently J3cc du ]\Iarsouin, is 5 miles 
long South- West and North-East, by a breadth which varies 
from 2,250 to 9,000 feet. It abounds in fine wood, suitable 
for building, and, at the commencement of the year, fishermen 
here assemble for the great fisheries, which supply salted fish 
for home consumption, similar to that found on the shores of 
Gonave. The Bee du Marsouin is 18 33 49" latitude 
North, and 73 35 5" longitude West, at the eastern point. 

ADJACENT ISLANDS. 

Gonave. This Island, situated at the entrance of the 
small gulf which fills up the space between Cape St. 
Nicolas and Cape Dalmarie, is 35 miles in length, and 
8} in its greatest breadth. It is the largest of all the islands 
which border on Hayti and are under its dependence. There 
is at the centre of the Gonave a lake of considerable size, 
and the springs found here appear to be infiltrations. The 
air is healthy. It contains wood fit for building purposes. 



Geography of Hayti. 37 

At the time of the murder of tke court of the Queen 
Anacoana, many Indians took refuge here. They named it 
Gnanabo or Guanavaux, which has been corrupted to Gonave. 
The eastern point of this Island is 18 42 30" North latitude, 
and 72 53 11" West longitude ; the western point, 18 52 
40" latitude, and 73 24 11" longitude. 

La Tortue, [ Tortuga,~] situated at a short distance from the 
Northern coast, opposite Port do Paix, is 22 miles long and 
18,000 feet in average breadth. Its superficies is of 11,734 
carreaux, (3 acres make a carreau.) This is the spot where 
the Buccaneers first settled in 1G30 ; and in 1694, it was 
abandoned for the establishments which had been made on the 
main land. This Island also abounds in very fine timber ; here 
is found a kind of red crab, highly prized by amateurs, who do 
not appear to dread its effects, although the manchineel tree is 
known to grow at La Tortue. The centre of this Island is in 
latitude 20 4 . 

La Saone. This Island, situated to the windward of Santo 
Domingo, quite near the Bay of Higuey, is about 19 miles 
long from East to West, and 5 broad from North to South, and 
nearly 62 miles in circumference. It is very fertile ; the In 
dians called it Adamanoy. A cacique lived here, who was 
sovereign of the Island, and independent of those wno reigned 
in Hayti. The Spaniards had this cacique devoured by a dog ; 
this atrocious act brought on a war between them and the In 
dians, in which the latter were all sacrificed. After the perpe 
tration of these cruelties, sugarcane was grown there by the 
Africans, whom the Spaniards hkd introduced ; but from a 
remote period, it has not been inhabited. 

St. Catharine. This Island, so called after the name of its 
proprietor, (a lady,) is situated to the leeward of the Saone, 
opposite the River Romana. Its extent is small, but it is 
covered with abundance of game ; it was formerly cultivated. 

La Beate is situated at a distance of about 18,000 feet to 



38 Geography of Hayti. 

the S. TV. of the point of Beate or Bahoruco. It is 6 miles 
in length from East to West, and scarcely 5 miles in average 
breadth. Formerly it contained plantations and cattle pens ; it 
abounds in game. Christopher Columbus landed here in 1504. 
A few years ago it was used as a place of refuge by the pirates 
who infested that Caribbean Sea. Its centre is in latitude 17 
51 and longitude 71 40 38". 

Alta- Vela, thus named by Columbus in 1494, is 5 miles 
S. S. TV. of La Beate. It is 90,000 feet in its greatest 
length, and as much in its broadest part. It contains excellent 
timber. 

L ile-a~Vaches. This Island is situated about 7 miles 
S. S. E. of the town of Cayes, and measures 10 miles in 
length, and rather more than 2J in breadth. It derives its 
name, which it received from the Buccaneers, from the large 
number of cows found there. It has often been used by pirates 
as a harbor of refuge. The East Point is 18 3 latitude, and 
73 29 58" longitude, and the Northwesterly Point 18 6 ? 
10" latitude, and 73 47 43" longitude. 

The Ca imites. These are small islands, the largest of 
which covers a surface of about two square leagues ; they are 
situated to the N. TV. of the Peninsula of Baraderes, opposite 
Corail and Pestel. They yield very fine timber. 

Mona and Monica are two small islands, situated to the East 
of Saone, between Hayti and Porto Rico. Mona is fully two 
leagues from East to TVest, and rather more from North to 
South. It has two harbors capable of holding moderate-sized ves 
sels, and everything necessary to cultivation and cattle rearing. 
In 1512 it was given to Bartholomew Columbus by the king of 
Spain. It was then highly cultivated and yielded a large 
revenue to its proprietors. But it appears to have been de 
serted long ago. 

Monica is smaller than the preceding island. 

Navazo, a small guano island, situated between Hayti and 
Jamaica, is the only other dependency. 



III. 

Slje Animal i\iiujiram. 



HAYTI, when discovered, contained very few animals, and 
of these one species only remains, the agouti, a rare and 
inoffensive creature about the size of a rabbit. 

DOMESTIC ANIMALS. 

All of our domestic animals are abundant. The horses are 
small, but of great enchirance ; resembling, in both of these 
respects, our Indian ponies. They are never shod. They are 
of the Andalusian breed, spirited, swift, require little care, and 
have a fine gait. Those belonging to the lower class are lean, 
shaggy, and never groomed. From $700 to $1,000, Haytian, 
is the average price for a good horse in the country ; but in 
the towns they ask much higher ; sometimes, but rarely, very 
fine horses sell at from $4,000 to $5,000. Emigrants should 
bring out their own harness, as the Ilaytians generally use 
ropes only, made out of the bark of the cocoa-tree and other 
vegetables substances. If the emigrant buys saddles, he should 
remember that they must be fit for ponies, not large horses. 
Asses and mules, which are the chief carriers in the country, are 
very common and cheap. Asses, from $100 to $400, Haytian; 
mules from $500 to $2,000, Haytian. Hogs are lean, and 
active ; their flesh is said to be good ; it is never cured, but 
sometimes dried in the sun ; the race requires to be crossed with 
fatter breeds. Wild hogs abound in certain districts. Oxen, 
also, arc small, and lean ; they are much used in the interior 



40 The Animal Kingdom. 

for drawing ; their flesh, in consequence of poor feed and bad 
slaughtering, is often dry and tough, as compared with Ameri 
can beef. Emigrants should bring yokes with them ; as the 
"habitans" of Hayti use ropes, tied to the horns or to a 
siralght stick, the usual method of the West Indies, which 
requires ten oxen to do what one could easily perform. The 
cows give good milk ; but very little cheese and butter is made. 
These are imported from the States. Emigrants should stop this 
trade by bringing churns with them. Calves are rarely killed. 
It requires an order from the police officers to kill beef-cattle, 
sheep, or hogs. This law prevents theft. Sheep nourish, and 
their flesh is delicious when properly slaughtered. They are 
never sheared, although their wool, when they are young, is of 
fine quality. In consequence of this negligence a lucrative 
commerce is lost ; the creature suffers ; and the fine wool gives 
place to a long, coarse hair, as soon as the animal attains its full 
growth. Goats prosper, and their milk is generally used, and 
their flesh eaten. At Furcy,* about 20 miles from Port-au- 
Prince, where there are forests of pine trees and other woods 
and vegetables of the temperate zones, a friend of the editor 
recently purchased a goat for a Spanish dollar. Dogs and cats 
would socn become extinct, if not kept up by the introduction 
of foreign breeds. Rats and mice are found ; hares and rab 
bits are rare. It is probable that emigrants might profitably 
introduce various breeds of the different domestic animals with 
advantage to themselves and the country. 

BIRDS. 

All kinds of poultry known in the States are common in 
Hayti ; the flesh of the turkey is particularly delicious. As 
it costs nothing in the country to keep poultry, and as they 
nvi only do not injure any of the staples, but destroy the mis 
chievous cockroach and other obnoxious insects, it would be 

* At this place the Government have established a model farm. The ther 
mometer there ranges thus, 58 (Fahrenheit) at early morning; 78 noon; 61 in 
the evening, ju the hot months of July and August. 



The Animal Kingdom. 41 

well for the emigrant to establish, a poultry yard at once. Birds 
are numerous, but singers are rare. Among the more common 
of the feathered creation in Hayti, are green parrots, parroquets, 
nightingales, mocking-birds, humming-birds, tropic-birds, musi 
cians, swallows, turtle doves, woodpeckers, pelicans, king 
fishers, flamingoes, cardinals, partridges, wild geese, wild 
pigeons, wild ducks, ortolans, boobies, snipes, man-of-war birds, 
crab-eaters, bullfinches, aigrets, gris-yris, white owls, brown 
owls, collier, and hawks. 

FISHES. 

Fish abound in the rivers and lakes and along the coasts of 
Hayti. There is a great variety of excellent fish for con 
sumption. Sharks frequent the harbors. Among the more 
common fish are mullets, gray and red sardans, sardines, dol 
phins, carps, bonitoes, pikes, doradoes, gurnets, hammer-heads, 
garfish, porpoises, brills, eels, bull-heads, sea-cows, tunny-fish, 
sword-fish, flying-fish, sun-fish, caranque, vivanneau, becune, 
cayeux, barbarin, tasard, souffleur, pisquet, sea-anemones. 
Common crabs, Moorish crabs, gallo-crabs, lobsters, and 
shrimps are plentiful. Oysters are found in great numbers 
along the coasts, clinging to the mango bushes, that grow in 
large groves in every part of the sea-shore. They are of small 
size, and are said to be of good flavor. There are various varieties 
of shell-fish, including conches, periwinkles, pearl-oysters, bur- 
gan, Iambi, sea-urchins, inurex, helmet-shell, vis, ducal, music, 
soudon, and palourde. There are many reefs where coral of 
exquisite beauty may be gathered, as also polypi and sponges. 
INSECTS. 

Insects are plentiful in all tropical climates, and Hayti 
forms no exception to the rule. We can notice a very few 
only. Among the poisonous insects are the scorpion, centipedes, 
and three kind of spiders. The bite of none of them is mortal, 
or even dangerous, if the ordinary remedy is taken in due time. 
The bite of these insects causes inflammation ; the remedy is 

4* 



42 The Animal Kingdom. 

alkali, in fluid form, applied to the wound, and five drops dis 
solved in water to be drunk. "Wild bees are numerous, and 
their wax and honey are sometimes exported. Before using the 
honey, however, the emigrants should first learn from the natives 
how to distinguish that which is made from the poisonous plants. 
There is a great variety of butterflies. The fireflies are ex 
ceedingly brilliant. Cockroaches, ants, caterpillars, grass, 
hoppers, mosquitoes, wasps, locusts, moths, sand-flies, fleas, 
bugs, lice, weevils, chiques, and ticks, and other members of 
the same family, will also be found in every part of the Island. 
Mosquitoes are as noisy, but not so annoying as their American 
compatriots. Cockroaches and ants are the greatest pests to 
housekeepers ; they eat clothing and books with an extraordinary 
gluttony. 

REPTILES. 

Of the reptiles, the lizard is the most common ; there is every 
variety of them, but all of them are innoxious. Alligators 
and caymans are occasionally seen in the rivers. Frogs and 
toads are numerous. Turtles are counted by the million. The 
serpent family is rarely met with ; there are but very few snakes, 
and they are not venomous. The most beautiful of the native 
snakes is the magdalena. 



IV. 

tkgctabk lungbom. 



AN inhabitant of the temperate zones can hardly conceive 
how rich Hayti is in every species of vegetable wealth. 
She has every tree and fruit and flower of the tropics in her 
plains ; and there is nothing that grows in the States or in 
Canada, that cannot be successfully cultivated on her high 
lands. Land alike of the pine and the palm, of the bread-fruit 
and the strawberry, of the gigantic cactus and the lowly violet, 
for richness of verdure and variety of vegetable products, Hayti 
is not excelled perhaps not equalled by any other country 
in the world. Folio volumes have been written on her flora ; 
but the briefest notes must suffice us here. 

STAPLES. 

Cotton grows with extraordinary facility, requiring no cul 
ture whatever. It is of a fine and silky quality. It does 
not grow on bushes, but trees, which produce two crops an 
nually and last several years. Its culture might be made 
exceedingly profitable, as no country is better adapted for its 
growth. 

Coffee flourishes on the highlands. The principal crop is 
gathered in December and January ; but in May there is a 
second crop called " grapillage." If properly cultivated, 
one plant for every ten feet, or 1,225 bushes percarreau, reck 
oning four pounds from each tree annually, (the minimum 
result,) every carreau would thus produce 4,900 pounds of 



44 The Vegetable Kingdom. 

coffee. This crop, sold at the annual average rate of 125 
gourdes per 100 Ibs., would produce a revenue of 6,125 gourdes, 
or $471 per annum. As the Republic will give five carreaux 
of land to each family of emigrants, the revenue thus placed 
within the reach of every industrious man, of African descent, 
after a residence of two or three years, may easily be estimated 
by them. 

Sugarcane is a native of the plains, where the traveller often 
sees, with astonishment, gigantic specimens of it, varying from 
18 to 24 feet in height. Mr. Devimeux, a planter of Port- 
au-Prince, three years ago, exhibited a cane five inches in 
diameter. Once planted, this staple requires no further care, 
excepting to be cut down when it reaches maturity. As soon 
as cut, it begins to sprout again ; and for at least ten years no 
replanting is necessary. A carreau of land, planted with cane, 
will produce, on an average, 9,000 Ibs. of raw sugar. 

Cocoa grows in the valleys, on trees, and requires little at 
tention. It is a profitable and important article of export. 

Rice, of good quality, is cultivated with success, but hitherto 
on a limited scale. 

Tobacco, with similar advantages of production, is treated 
with a similar neglect. Hayti, in times past, has produced 
tobacco equal in quality to that of Cuba; and it is to be hoped 
that she will soon again enter into competition with her slave- 
holding neighbor in this culture. 

Indian corn grows everywhere, and brings good prices in the 
markets. Emigrants would do well in introducing the seeds of 
the finest varieties. 

Ginger is produced in great abundance, and might be made 
an important export. 

Indigo grows everywhere spontaneously, and was largely ex- 
jjorted in the time of the French. It gives two crops a year. 
No produce, for an equal volume, returns so great a profit. 
Without intrenching on the other staples, the Republic could 
furnish two millions of dollars worth of indigo per annum. 



The Vegetable Kingdom. 



Manioc is exceeding productive ; and, rightly cultivated, 
would yield an immense revenue. It is easily raised, even on 
the mountains, but it flourishes best on the plains. Cassava 
bread is manufactured from its root ; but a more lucrative use 
of it would be to make starch. 

The Palmi-Christi, (from the berries of which castor-oil is 
drawn,) pepper and pimentum, need rather more care to gather 
than to plant ; for immense quantities are annually lost for the 
want of hands to collect their products. 

Oranges, citrons, mangoes, bananas, plantains, pineapples, 
and other fruits must suffer the same fate, until a line of steam 
ships is started between the Republic and the United States, 
a measure which is in contemplation by the Government of 
Ilayti. 

Arrowroot could be cultivated with great profit and success ; 
but at present it is almost entirely neglected. 

VEGETABLES AND FRUITS FOR HOME CONSUMPTION. 

"We have said that everything that grows in the States and 
the Canadas can be raised in Hayti ; but not necessarily in 
every part of it. 

Clover, cabbages, and potatoes, for example, do not flourish 
in the plains, although they are abundantly productive in the 
highlands. The plains bear the fruits and trees of the tropics ; 
while the mountains yield coffee and all the productions of the 
temperate zones. Among the vegetables and fruits that are 
used for home consumption only, are plantains, bananas, cocoa- 
nuts, sweet potatoes, Irish potatoes, yams, artichokes, egg-plants, 
mangoes, oranges, asparagus, bread-fruit, vegetable-butter, 
(laurus persea, in Creole, avocate,) vegetable-soap, (sapin- 
dus sapponaria,) apples, pineapples, strawberries, blackberries, 
mulberries, peaches, grapes, carrots,, cabbages, radishes, pump 
kins, beets, onions, celery, mint, parsley, and turnips. 

FRUIT3 FOR PRESERVES, AND FLOWERS FOR PERFUMES. 

Sugar refineries once more reestablished, a large trade would 
necessarily arise in preserved fruits for exportation. The high 



46 The Vegetable Kingdom. 

price paid for white sugar at present prevents this "branch of 
commerce from flourishing. Oranges, lemons, figs, guavas, 
apricots of the Antilles, (class xlii. Polyandrie monogymie, 
LIN.,) pineapples of every variety, pomegranates, shaddocks, 
mangoes, rose-apples, custard-apples, cachimants, cai mites, 
( Ghrysophyllum ca imit, LIN.,) papaws, sapodillas, dates, 
avocates, and the other luscious fruits of the tropics, all of 
which are to be found in Hayti, would furnish unfailing and 
abundant sources of wealth in this department of industry. 

Another lucrative commerce, awaiting development, is that 
of extracting perfumes from flowers. Thousands of frangy- 
panni, jasmines, vervaines, all the innumerable flowers of the 
tropics, now literally waste their sweet perfumes on the 
desert air, for the want of a proper knowledge of the methods 
of saving them. There are no fine essences and perfumes sold 
in the civilized world that could not be manufactured in Hayti. 

MEDICAL PLANTS. 

It is asserted by scientific men, that the flora of Hayti only 
partly explored by Tussac, Descourtilz, and others contains 
still many secrets which, if known, would render invaluable 
aid to the medical art. For, medicinal plants abound every 
where ; and everything that is brought, for pharmaceutie pur 
poses, from Africa and South America, is to be found on this 
Island. Our space permits only a verbal enumeration of some 
of the principal medicinal plants. There are : 

Aloes, balsam copaiva, wild-cinnamon tree, tannin, mint, 
sage, wild sage, quinquina, all the kinds of acacias, ricinoides, 
cascarillas, vanilla, myrth, absinth, valeriane, melisse, rosemary, 
camphor-tree, cloves, nutmegs, shrub trefoil, quassias, Jesuits- 
powder, gentian centaury, menyanthes, indian arbro-boot, wood- 
sorrel, swallow apple, false sycamore, purstane, Jerusalem oak, 
fern-polypody, cactus grandiflorus, divaricatus, flagelliforniis, 
laurel-tree, cinomorium, coccineum, ipecacuanha, euphorbia myr- 
tifolia, ticassia, tamarin royoc, rhubarb, senna, hop-bryony, jalap, 
marchantia chenopoda, dodder, negro conhaye, costus, indian cane, 



The Vegetable l^ingdom. 47 

long-rooted birthwort, cuete, winter-cherry, yellow-iris, passion 
flower, wall-pellitory, cookia-wampi, sapindus saponaria, sesamum 
orientalo, jujube-tree, sebosten, gerard, pittes, squil, venus-hair, 
peresky lautana camara, black nightshade, vitis labrusca, inga, 
gomphroena globosa, euphoria punicea, monbin, couroupita guya- 
nensis, spanish-plum, begonia litida, theophrasta amoricana 
minat. , laurus camphora, capparis cynophallophora, misseltoe, 
locust-tree, peruvian balsam-tree, lime-tree, croton corylifolium, 
monarda coccinea, passiflora fcetida, pitton, solanum quitoense, 
argemona mexicana, purslane, hibiscus trilobus, semson, loran- 
thus americanus, vervain, lecythis grandiflora, pharus lappula- 
ceus sida americana, isora, elais guineensis, cedrela odorata, 
boar-tree, fagara guianensis, spotted navel estail, cactus fimbri- 
atus, euphorbium, areca, piper aromaticum, piper discolor, 
uvaria arom. zeylanica, cubebs-shrub, mustard, fustic-wood, 
myristica sebifera, urtica baccifera, crotalaria sagittalis, stoechas 
amer. lato serratogne folio, iron wood, epidendrum obtusifol., 
epidendrum candatum, cordia collococca, cassia alata, vateirca 
guian., maple-leaved liquidamber, ballota odorata, sago-tree, 
palma humilis coccifera latifolia mayor, holly, india-rubber tree, 
juglans, fraxinifolia, ferolia variegata, smilax salsaparilla, guy- 
acum, Chinese smilax, sassafras-tree, lobea syphilitica, oviecla 
spinosa, toluifera balsamum, copaiba-tree offic., croton origani- 
fol., cissus sisyoides, heliotropium indicum, hemp agrimony, 
aspalatus ebenus, pistia stratiotes fol. obcord. , cinchona nitida, 
caryota urens, cactus monoliformis, cactus nobilis, cactus coch- 
enillefer, cactus triangul., bread-nuts, artocarpus incisa, indian 
arrowroot, theyreat bean, cinnamon-tree, panax quiquefol., 
tubera Candida, henbane, white water-lily, laurus persea, anagy- 
ris, welted frajeles, common feverfew, hypoxis scorzoncra, 
broad-leaved-egyptian privet, nymphsea lotus, nelumbo indica, 
camomile. 

POISONOUS PLANTS. 

All tropical countries produce poisonous plants; but as they 
are easily recognized they seldom injure. Emigrants should 



48 The Vegetable Kingdom. 

eat no fruits until they know what they are. In Hayti, there 
are three kinds of fruits, all poisonous, of the mancinella-tree, 
which somewhat resemble the citron, and thereby deceive chil 
dren. But, as the tree is always "destroyed as soon as it is dis 
covered, it is extremely rare. The chief poisonous plants of 
Hayti are : 

Poisoned hog-meat, (aristolochia arborescens ; ) snake-nut, 
gouare, cestrum nocturnum, tree arum, (three different kinds.) 
trefoil-leaved dragon, cissus caustica, dolichos obtusifolius, doli- 
chos minimus, thorn-apple, deadly nightshade, goats-rue, 
amaryllis punicea, black nightshade, milky dogsbane, and 
cissampelos. 

WOODS. 

Comparatively considering its extent and fertility un 
peopled, Hayti has vast tracts of forest lands, many of which 
have never been exploited for sixty years, and abound there 
fore in every variety of wood for building, cabinet-making, ship- 
architecture, dyeing, and tanning. The chief woods exploited 
are mahogany and logwood ; and these, too, are taken from the 
most easily accessible places only, and without any aid from the 
appliances of modern art. The coasts, the banks of the Arti- 
bonite and other rivers furnish all the woods at present exported, 
but the exhaustless forests elsewhere, which it would not be 
difficult to work, remain still in their primitive condition. For 
house-building the Island furnishes magnificent pines, and a 
species of an oak (Bignonia guercus) as firm as that of Eu 
rope, and impervious to worms. For frame and joint work, 
anacardium occidentale furnishes a good white wood ; and for 
pile-work, there is the acacia mimom. tenuifolia, which lasts for a 
century. For ship-building, the oak, iron-woods, auzuba fructu 
glutinosa and the acornas, (which furnish masts 60 feet long 
and 18 inches in diameter,) as well as the pines, already men 
tioned, and other hard woods. For cabinet-making, mahogany 
of every variety, (the best in all the world,) ebony, lancewood, 
ferolia variegato, red and yellow satinwood, abound and are 



The Vegetable Kingdom. 49 

capable of receiving a high polish ; as also, are the zanthoxylum 
caribasum, which is likewise a dye-wood, the erithalis fruticosa, 
which preserves its fine odor, orange-wood, rose-wood, guyacum, 
lauras, sassafras, and different kinds of the walnut. Among 
the dye-woods are, logwood, in quantities inexhaustible, fustic, 
and satin-wood, (yellow;) Brazilwood, (carmine;) myrthus 
cotenifolia, (yellow and brown;) laurus sassafras, (yellow;) 
colocoba uvifera, (red ;) Braziliastrum americanum, (brownish 
red;) malphigia urens, (red and black;) mortis tinctoria, 
(yellow ;) and the roots of laurus jasmini folio, a sort of iron- 
wood, which give a violet dye. There are hundreds of others 
which it is impossible to enumerate. For tanning purposes 
there are many trees whose bark is invaluable, such as the 
guava, corossol, anona squamosa, cupana americana, malphigia 
specata, and innumerable hosts of others. For paper manu 
facturing, now that there is so great a demand for materials, 
Hayti might export an inexhaustible supply of aloes, perfoliata, 
and other plants which serve to make good common paper. Of 
resinous woods there is a great variety. 



V. 

JUineral tftngtrom.* 

THE existence of immense mineral riches in the Island of 
Hayti is too well substantiated to require any argument to 
prove it. Its possessions of metallic ores were the first that 
stimulated European cupidity soon after the discovery of the 
"Western World. Several of these mines, in the Eastern sec 
tion of the Island, have been imperfectly worked in times past, 
but the age was not then sufficiently advanced in scientific 
knowledge, to have been acquainted with the means and appli 
ances necessary for their successful exploration. In Hayti, 
proper, the mineral wealth of the country has been yet still 
more neglected. Their exploration has hitherto been discounte 
nanced. Until very recently, these mineral resources, from 
political motives, were little referred to ; or it was imagined by 
all the governments that have preceded the present one, that by 
allowing their exploration, it would tend to prostrate and annul 
the agricultural spirit and industry of the people. We have no 
opinion to offer for or against the soundness of this idea ; we 
only affirm that this is not the principle of the present adminis 
tration of Hayti, which invites laborers of the African race to 
come over and participate in the exploration and the riches to 
be obtained from these mines, which henceforth are no longer 
closed. 

* This chapter is contributed by Dr. Smith, of Port-au-Prince. It is not a 
translation. 



The Mineral Kingdom. 



Few countries are more highly favored in the variety and 
value of metallic ores, and none can boast of so general or 
natural distribution of them, as Hayti. On the present occa 
sion, little more is required than a summary note of certain 
known localities in these parts of the country. In the North 
St. Michel, the parishes of Lemonade, Dondon, Plakai:ee, and 
Port de Paix, are mineral districts; the neighborhood of 
Jacmel ; the Mirebalais, Lascahobas, and Banica, in the West 
and East Northeast, are among the most interesting mineral 
sections of the Republic. The South has also its portion of 
this species of natural wealth. Iron is everywhere profusely 
distributed under the form of the Peroxide, hoematite, the 
carburet, pyrites, or the sulphuret. Detached pieces of mag 
netic iron are often met with. The country abounding every 
where in wood, smelting establishments and founderies would 
quickly realize the hopes of the most sanguine and ambitious. 
Extensive mines of coal (Lignite) are about being utilized by 
the Government ; those already known are located, one at a 
short distance from the town of Aux Cayes, at " Camp-Perm," 
and the other, in the Northeastern section of the Republic, in 
the vicinity of the Artibonite River. There are other natural 
depots of this invaluable mineral, situated in other parts, but 
the above ones, in extent, appear to be inexhaustible, and are 
still more valuable from the facility of transport offered by their 
location. 

Gold quartz and copper, antimony and silver, the jasper and 
marble, talc, jet, and the agate, are among the providential 
dotations that are most abundantly and generally diffused in 
and about the mountain ranges of Hayti. Copper is seen 
under different forms and in different places. The most com 
mon are the blue and green pyrites, mixed often with the sul 
phuret of iron, at other times separate. The red, blue, and 
green oxyd, or malachite, under the blowpipe will yield from 
35 to 45 per cent, of copper, but these are not the richest in 
Hayti. Salines are numerous. Rock, or gem salt, is a 



52 The Mineral Kingdom. 

natural production. Sulphur and saltpetre are to be procured 
by a little manipulation and industry, and, in fact, to terminate, 
it may be said, without fear of contradiction, that Hayti, up to 
this time, has been known only as an agricultural State, and 
remains yet to be known in reference to its great and varied 
mineral advantages. 

W. G. SMITH. 



VI. 

0ml 

WS. COURTNEY, Esq., in a recent volume on " The 
Gold Fields of St. Domingo," written with the object 
of inducing a white emigration to the Dominican Republic, 
a purpose which it is impossible to accomplish peacefully, 
describes accurately the nature of the soil of the Eastern 
part ; and, as what he says of it applies equally to Hayti, I 
herewith transcribe and subjoin it : " The soil of the Island of 
St. Domingo is constituted of the debris of the mountains and 
hills and the decayed vegetation of past ages. When we reflect 
that these prodigious mountains differ remarkably and essentially 
in their geological constituents, and that the contrast is truly 
striking, sometimes between mountains and even hills in jux 
taposition, it will appear how endless would be the task of 
speaking definitely and particularly of all the various kinds of 
soil that are to be found on the Island. The soil of the valleys, 
slopes, and plains, partaking of the characteristics of the hills 
and mountains on, beneath, beside, and betwixt which they are 
found, varies as they vary. In one place we find a rich vege 
table mould ; in another, a mixture of this mould with pebbles 
and sand; in another, alight, loose, spongy loam.; in another, a 
loose marl ; in another, a clayey marl ; in another, a soil formed 
of dissolved or pulverized coral and shells ; and in another, of 
pure clay or sand. It differs, also, in color and depth as much 
as it differs in constitution and quality. Sometimes it is yellow, 

5* 



54 



Soil. 



though still retaining its productive qualities ; sometimes it is 
red, sometimes of a bluish cast, sometimes of a dark, muddy, 
or lava color ; but most generally it is black, and its depth 
varies from ten feet to six inches. In the valleys and slopes, 
in and on the mountains, and on the savannahs and plains, it is 
generally a rich, black loam, varying in depth from three to ten 
feet. In the lowlands, on some of the coasts, it is a salt meadow 
or quagmire, without any solid bottom, except where the roots 
of the mangrove ramify and interlace so as to retain the vege 
table portion of it carried there by the streams, while further 
back it is formed into a solid earth, bearing abundance of 
marine-figs, flags, sea-rushes, and tall grass. The deepest and 
richest soil is found in the valleys, at and near the mouths of 
the principal rivers, and is made up of the alluvial deposits 
brought down by these streams. So variable are the nature 
and characteristics of the soil, that it often radically changes in 
passing from one side of a valley to another, or crossing a stream, 
and sometimes differs essentially on the opposite banks of the 
rivers ; and often, in passing along the road, it will be observed 
to change in the course of a few rods, or even feet. In the 
larger valleys and plains, especially gome distance from the 
mountains, it is more uniform ; and more uniform on the South 
side of the Island than in the interior and on the North side. 
.... On some of the mountains and their elevated slopes the 
soil is good, and the grass and other similar undergrowth grow 
dense and rank to their very tops, while the elevated portions of 
others sustain only broken and ragged forests of pitch pine, in 
terspersed with palm and many hard and durable woods. 
Others of these mountains are again bald and sterile on their 
tops and around their summits, peering up through the green 
and heavy foliage below like naked cones. An analysis of the 
soil, at different places, attests the fact that it is highly impreg 
nated with the minerals peculiar to the mountains, which prob 
ably accounts for its variety in color in different localities. It 
has been found to contain iron, sulphur, copper, antimony, 



Soil. 55 

mercury, gold, cobalt, manganese, salt, and other minerals in 
various combinations and conditions at different points. The 
gold is of course found pure and diffused in the soil almost all 
over the Island, in some places being only very slightly trace 
able, and in others palpably so. In regard to the productive-, 
ness of the soil, suffice it to say that, notwithstanding its 
diversity and variety, it is prolific beyond anything found in 
the Antilles, and not excelled by that of the Italian peninsula 
or Sicily, to which it bears a strong resemblance. The sugar 
cane grows the year round, and so fast and thick, that by the 
time the laborer has cut over and exhausted a ten-acre field, it 
is ready again to cut where he began. The corn, which is cul 
tivated now by simply making a hole in the ground and drop 
ping in the seed, with no further care or labor, grows to the 
height of from eight to fifteen feet, bearing three to five ears to 
the stalk. The tobacco, which is cultivated with as little scien 
tific skill and care, spreads out the broadest and sappiest leaves 
found anywhere in the Antilles. Other crops indigenous to the 
climate grow with equal rapidity and strength. It is said that 
in some districts the melon, the pumpkin, and the squash ripen 
in six weeks from the seed. [At Port-au-Prince radishes ripen 
in three weeks from the time of planting the seed. J. R.] . . . 
Such a thing as a fertilizer, an article of such extended traffic 
and so necessary to the agriculturist here, is not known nor 
thought of there, nor will it, I apprehend, ever be required. 
The fertility and strength of the soil, containing all the ele 
mentary constituents required to produce and mature the various 
vegetable growths, could not be exhausted even without any 
return to it for generations. Besides, the mountains themselves 
are the great fertilizers of St. Domingo, and will remain so 
until they are devoured by the tooth of time and sink away 
in distant ages. The debris of these mountains, together with 
the decaying vegetation on their sides and tops, brought down 
by frequent rains, supply the soil in the valleys, plains, and 
savannahs, with abundant and incessant recruits. Its fecundity 
is a marvel to the husbandman of these latitudes 



VII. 

Climate, Sea0on0, emir temperature. 

FROM the geographical position of Ilayti, and its proximity 
to Cuba and Jamaica, a non-resident might infer that the 
climate and atmospheric range of temperature which prevail in 
either one of the Antilles were common to all, and strictly alike 
and similar in reference to this Island. 

This is not exactly the case. Its peculiar situation in re 
spect to the other Antilles and to the influence of the trade 
winds, and many other natural circumstances besides, operating 
propitiously, have given to Hayti much advantage in these 
respects over her sister isles of the same group. We affirm, 
from experience, that the climate of Hayti is more healthful, 
that the range of temperature is less ardent, than in the neigh 
boring islands ; that the reasons as to why this should be so 
appear too various, too multiplied, to admit our specifying any 
one in particular. The fact, however ; cannot be contested ; so 
that, whether from the altitude of its several chains of moun 
tains, the one out-topping the other, and on the lofty heads of 
which the surcharged clouds are condensed or dissolved into 
rain ; the extent and fertility of its plains and valleys, every 
where most liberally intersected by rivers, streams, mountain 
torrents settled into placid rills, which, under the solar influence, 
undergo constant evaporation, that refreshes and tempers the air ; 
whether these combined, together with its topography, its physi 
cal configuration, and its ever-green, exuberant forests, which 



Climate, Seasons, and Temperature. 57 

are everywhere spread out, and which reach up to the very tops 
of the mountains, the foliaceous undulations of which exercise 
perpetually a cooling influence on the surrounding torrid atmos 
phere ; whether there be other causes or reasons beside these, 
we do not assert ; but we think it rational to conclude that 
all these circumstances, operating incessantly, are the real 
agencies that modify and soften the climate of Hayti, and have 
rendered its temperature milder, less sultry, and more salubrious 
than it is found to be in Cuba or Jamaica during parallel 
seasons. 

A country blessed with all these natural advantages must 
enjoy also great variety of climate and varied degrees of tem 
perature, as regards a residence in the plains and a more or less 
proximity to the seaboard, or a graduated approach to the more 
elevated parts, upwards, towards the higher mountain range. 
Its capacity to produce every kind of vegetable substance that 
jan contribute to the comfort of its inhabitants and to the pros 
perity of the state, must be equal to the fecundity and diversity 
of its soil. 

Hayti, rich in all the variety of tropical productions, is well 
adapted, in its elevated situations, to the growth of most all 
those grains and plants that thrive in other latitudes and cooler 
regions. The peach, the apple, strawberries, the raspberry, 
the cauliflower, potatoes, the carrot, the beetrave, the broccoli, 
parsnip, and the asparagus, and other like legume and esculents, 
have all been long ago naturalized in this country, and they 
Nourish as vigorously as in Europe or America. 

Besides the multitude of floral families, species, and then- 
varieties common to the tropics, the rose, the violet, the pink, 
(TaeiUet,) geraniums, diversify and decorate our alpine valleys, 
which are likewise carpeted spontaneously with the clover and 
the daisy, while the oak, the common fir, and exalted pine-tree, 
(pinus sylvestris,) are multiplied into forests whose extent are 
estimated by the leagues of country they cover, and which are 



58 Climate, Seasons, and Temperature. 

only within a few leagues distance from several points on the 
seacoast. 

Four seasons are distinctly sketched, but three only annually 
can be said to be well marked, persistent, and immutable in 
these parts, that is to say, the Western, the Northern, and the 
Southern Departments or sections of the Island, which all 
who immigrate are destined to inhabit. These comprehend two 
wet or rainy seasons and one dry season, which, in relation to 
each Department and particular localities, vary as to the time 
when they commence, but occur most always about the period of 
the equinoxes and solstices. In the Western Department, 1 
Port-au-Prince, the seat of government, is located. There, the 
rainy season is in February, March, and April. During these 
months more or less rain falls irregularly through the day. The 
latter part of May, June, and July, to about the middle of 
August, with certain rare exceptions, comprehends the dry sea 
son, and is the hottest part of the year. The rainy period 
returns towards the end of August, and continues through 
September to about the middle of October, and is then suc 
ceeded by what is called by the European resident, the cool, 
delicious season. 

Thermometer, hottest season, from 10 A. M. to 4 p. M., in the 
shade, maximum, 98 Fahrenheit; same time, in the sun, 120 
to 121. Out of town, in the plains, several degrees lower. 
At Grand-fond, situated E. S. E., distant but three or four 
hours ride from the capital, in July, the thermometer at 
6 A. M. will mark 59 to 60, and from 12 M, to 2 p. M., 72 to 
78 maximum. From the end of October during the rest of 
the year, and up to the following month of April, the thermo- 
inctrical range, in the shade, from 10 A. M. to 3 p. M., is 85 to 
90 maximum; in the sun, 110 to 115 Fahrenheit. 

The Northern Department, with Cape Haytian as its prin 
cipal town, has two seasons, strictly speaking. December, 
January, March, and April, are rainy months. What is de 
nominated the dry season commences in May and is prolonged 



Climate, Seasons, and Temperature. 59 

through August and September. The highest range of tem 
perature is in August, when the North wind is not dominant. 
Thermometer, in the shade, from 11 A. M. to 2 p. M., 85 to 
92. In the plains it is never so high as in the town at the 
same period of the year. On the more elevated parts, as in 
Lemonade, etc., for example, the thermometrical range is seldom 
over 72 to 85 maximum. 

The Southern Department, principal town Aux-Cayes, is 
usually under the influence of rains during the months of May, 
June, and July. August and September mark the dry season 
in that section of the island. From November to March the 
air is cool and salubrious at Aux-Cayes, and still more so in 
the plains and rural districts, where the temperature is always 
several degrees less than it is in situations near the seacoast. 
The thermometrical range is referred to that of Port-au-Prince 
and the West. 

The reader of this imperfect exposition of the climate, sea 
sons, and temperature of Hayti will be convinced at once of the 
causes of the extraordinary fertility of its soil, and will perceive 
the advantages which must result from industry and agricul 
tural enterprise properly conducted hi such a country. 

"W. G. SMITH, of Port-au-Prince. 



COPPER COINS OF HAYTI, 







THE REPUBLIC AND EMIGRATION. 



OFFICIAL PART. 



I. 

(Rritorial Sntroiruction. 

INSTRUCTED by the Government to publish in full all its 
laws and other documents in relation to emigration, I here 
with subjoin them without abridgment ; although, necessarily, 
there are occasional repetitions of facts and of guarantees in 
them, made in reply to similar questions, or in reviewing the 
action that has been taken with a view of carrying out the 
grand and generous project of the Chief of the Republic and 
his enlightened counsellors, that of making Hayti to the 
black race what England is and has been to the proscribed and 
persecuted classes of Europe, a safe place of refuge, not only, 
but a free and a powerful fatherland. 

I prefix a translation of the Constitution of 1846, which 
Soulouque abolished, but the Republic revived, with certain 
Modifications rendered necessary by the altered circumstances 
of the times. The Modifications, also, are appended. It will 
repay a careful study to the general reader ; to the emigrant it 
will be invaluable for reference. 

The documents are arranged in the order of their dates, and 
it will be observed that the terms become more liberal as these 
advance. 

One word of explanation is rendered necessary in view of 
the editor s appointment as the General Agent of Emigration 
in America, and the passage of the Homestead Bill in Hayti. 
No emigrants will be entitled to a free passage, or have 



64 Editorial Introduction. 

the right of drawing $15.00 from the treasury on their arri 
val in the Island, unless furnished with the certificate of the 
Bureau of Boston. Those, also, who accept a free farm, 
will be expected to pay their passages ; but if unable, for the 
moment, to do so, the necessary means will be provided for 
them, and abundant time be allowed them, after their arrival in 
the Island, to refund the advance. In order to prevent an 
emigration to Hayti of persons who would leave this country 
for the country s good, it will also be demanded from applicants 
for a homestead, that, if from the Northern States or the 
Canadas, they shall produce the certificate of the Bureau of 
Boston. Of course, this rule will not be enforced in the case 
of emigrants from that barbarous and blood-stained section of 
the Union where black men are enslaved, and white men who 
sympathize with them so often suffer death at the hands of the 
mob, even, as recently in Texas, the fearful torture of the 
stake. 

It is not the design of the Bureau of Boston to send emi 
grants, except in peculiar cases, by transient vessels ; but to 
charter ships expressly adapted for the purpose of conveying 
them comfortably and speedily. In these vessels, those who 
desire to pay their own expenses will be accommodated at the 
lowest rates, both as regards board and passage money ; while 
the others will receive equal consideration and attention. All 
emigrants, unless special provision be made for large companies, 
will sail from the port of Boston. 



ir 



Constitution of 



rpHE Haytian people proclaims, in presence of the Supreme 
JL Being, the present Constitution of the Republic of Hayti, 
in order to consecrate for ever its rights, its civil and political 
guarantees, its sovereignty, and its national independence. 

TITLE I. 

OF THE TERRITORY OF THE REPUBLIC 02 HAYTI. 

ARTICLE 1. The Island of Hayti and the adjacent*Islands 
which are dependent thereon, form the territory of the lie- 
public. 

2. The Territory of the Republic is divided into depart 
ments. Their limits will be established by law. 

3. Each department is subdivided into arrondissements, each 
arrondissement into communes. The number and boundaries of 
these subdivisions shall also be defined by law. 

4. The Republic of Hayti is one and indivisible, essentially 
free, sovereign, and independent. 

Its Territory is inviolable, and cannot be alienated by any 
treaty. 

* Commonly called the Constitution of 1846, or the Constitution of Rich<5. 
G* 



66 Constitution of Hayti. 

TITLE II. 

OF THE HAYTIANS AND THEIR RIGHTS. 
SECTION I. 

Of the Haytians. 

5. Are Haytians, all individuals born in Hayti and descended 
from Africans and Indians, and all those Iborn in foreign coun 
tries of Haytian parents. 

Are also Haytians, all tft&se who, up to the present time, 
have been recognized as such. 

G. All Africans or Indians and their descendants, are able 
to become Haytians. 

The law settles the formalities of naturalization. 

7. No white man, whatever be his nationality, shall be per 
mitted to land on the Haytian territory, with the title of master 
or proprietor, nor shall he be able, in future, to acquire there 
either real estate or the rights of a Haytian. 

SECTION II. 
Of Civil and Political Eights. 

8. N<*elave can be held on the Territory of the Republic; 
slavery is forever abolished. 

9. All debts contracted through traffic in men, are annulled 
forever. 

10. The right of asylum is sacred and inviolable in the Re 
public, except in the exceptional cases foreseen by law. 

11. The union of civil with political rights constitutes the 
quality of citizen. 

The exercise of civil rights is independent of the exercise of 
political. 

12. The exercise of civil rights is regulated by law. 

13. Every citizen, above the age of 21 years, exercises 
political rights, if he has, besides, the "other necessary con 
ditions determined by the Constitution. 



Constitution of Hayti. 67 

Nevertheless, naturalized Haytians are not admitted to this 
exercise, till after one year s residence in the Republic. 

14. The exercise of political rights is forfeited ; 
(1.) By naturalization in a foreign country; 

(2.) By forsaking the country in a moment of imminent 
danger ; 

(3.) By accepting, without authorization, public functions or 
pensions conferred by a foreign government ; 

(4.) By serving, without authorization, either in the army or 
the navy of a foreign power ; 

(5.) By all settlement made in a foreign country without 
intention of returning. 

Commercial establishments can never be considered as having 
been made without intention of returning. 

(6.) By peremptory and final condemnation to perpetual 
punishment, at the same time both corporal and ignominious. 

15. The exercise of political rights is suspended. 
(1.) By the condition of hired servants ; 

(2.) By the condition of simple or fraudulent bankrupt ; 

(3.) By the condition of judicial hiterdict, of accusation, or 
of contumacy ; 

(4.) In consequence of a judicial sentence, carrying with it 
the suspension of civil rights ; 

(5.) In consequence of a judgment, decreed for a refusal 
to serve in the National Guard. 

The suspension ceases with the causes which occasioned it. 

16. The exercise of political rights can only be forfeited or 
suspended, in the cases mentioned in the preceding articles. 

17. The law regulates the cases in which political rights may 
be recovered, also the means to be made use of and the condi 
tions to be fulfilled to attain this object. 

SECTION III. 
Of Public Eights. 

18. All Haytians are equal before the law. 



68 Constitution of Hayti. 

They are all equally eligible to the civil and military ser 
vices. 

19. There exist in the State no distinction of orders, no dis 
tinction of birth, no hereditary powers. 

20. Individual liberty is guaranteed. No one can be 
arrested or detained, except in the cases determined by law, 
and according to the manner by it established. 

21. In order to the execution of an act, which decrees the 
arrest of any person, it must, 1st, set forth formally the motive 
of the arrest, and the law in execution of which it is decreed ; 
2d, emanate from a functionary to whom the law has formally 
given this power ; 3d, be notified to the person arrested, and a 
copy left him. 

All arrests that the law has not prescribed, or made without 
the required forms, all violence or rigor employed in the execu 
tion of a mandate, are arbitrary acts which every one has a 
right to resist. 

22. No one can be forced to appear before any other judges 
than those that the Constitution or the law assigns him. 

23. The house of every person, resident on Haytian Terri 
tory, is an inviolable asylum. 

No domiciliary visit, no seizure of papers can take place, ex 
cept by virtue of the law and in the forms prescribed. 

24. No law can have a retroactive effect. 

25. No punishment can be instituted except by law, nor im 
posed, except in the cases determined by law. 

26. The Constitution guarantees the inviolability of property. 

27. The Constitution also guarantees the alienation of the 
national domains^ as also the grants of land made by the 
Government, either as a national gratuity or otherwise. 

28. No one can be deprived of his property, except on 
account of public utility, in the cases and manner established 
by law, and in consideration of a just and previous indemnity. 

29. The punishment of confiscation cannot be established. 

30. Every citizen owes his services to the country for the 



Constitution of Hayti. 69 

maintenance of liberty, equality, and property, whenever the 
laws summon him to defend them. 

31. The punishment of death shall bo confined to certain 
causes which the law shall determine. 

32. Every man has the right of expressing his opinions on 
every subject ; he may write, print, and publish his thoughts. 

No control before publication can be exercised upon any 
writing whatever. 

The abuse of this right is defined and repressed by law, 
without, however, affecting the liberty of the press. 

33. All kinds of worship are equally free. 

Every one has the right of professing his religion and of 
exercising freely his worship, provided he does not disturb the 
public order. 

34. The establishment of a church or chapel, and the public 
exercise of worship, may be regulated by law. 

35. The ministers of the Catholic, Apostolic, and Roman 
religion, professed by the majority of Haytians, will receive a 
stipend fixed by law. They shall be specially protected. 
Government determines the territorial extent of the parishes to 
which they minister. 

36. Instruction is free, and schools will gradually be estab 
lished to meet the wants of the people. 

37. Trial by jury is established in all criminal matters. 
From its decision there is no appeal. 

38. The Haytians have the right of association ; this right 
cannot be submitted to any precautionary measure ; the right 
belonging to, the public authorities, of watching and prosecuting 
any association which may propose ends contrary to public 
order, is nevertheless maintained. 

39. The right of petition is exercised personally, by one or 
several individuals, never in the name of a body. 

Petitions can be addressed either to the executive or to either 
of the two legislative chambers. 

40. The secrecy of letters is inviolable. 



70 Constitution of Hayti. 

The law determines who are the agents responsible for the 
violation of the secrecy of letters confided to the post. 

41. The use of languages used in Hayti, is optional ; it can 
be regulated only by law, and only for the acts of public 
authority, and for judicial IT niters. 

42. Public debts contracted either at home or abroad, are 
guaranteed. The Constitution places them under the safeguard 
and loyalty of the nation. 

TITLE III. 

OP SOVEREIGNTY AND THE EXERCISE OF THE POWERS DERIVED 
TIIEREFROM. 

43. National sovereignty resides in tho total number of 
the citizens. 

44. The exercise of this sovereignty is delegated to three 
powers. 

Those three powers are : the legislative, the executive, and 
the judicial. 

45. Each power is independent of the other two in its 
attributes, which it exercises separately. None of them can 
delegate its authority or overstep the boundaries assigned to it. 
Each of the three powers is responsible for its own acts. 

46. The legislative authority is exercised collectively by the 
chief of the executive and by two representative chambers, the 
chamber of deputies and the senate. 

47. The executive authority is delegated to one citizen, who 
assumes the title of President of Hayti. 

48. The judicial authority is exercised by a court of appeal, 
and other civil tribunals. 

49. Each public functionary is personally responsible for his 
own acts. 

A law will be passed to regulate the mode of proceeding 
against public functionaries for misconduct during their 
administration. 



Constitution of Hayti. 71 



CHAPTER I. 

OP THE LEGISLATIVE POWER. 

SECTION I. 
Of the Chamber of Representatives. 

50. The chamber of deputies is composed of representativea 
from the arrondissements of the Republic. 

The number of the representatives shall be fixed by law. 
Each arrondissement shall have at least two representatives. 

51. Until the law shall have fixed the number of representa 
tives to be elected by the arrondissements, this number is 
settled as follows : 

Five for the arrondissement of Port-au-Prince, three for each 
of the aiTondissements which have chief towns of departments, 
and for those of Jacmel and Jeremie, and two for each of tho 
other arrondissements of the Republic. 

52. The representatives are elected as follows : 

Every five years, from the 10th to 20th January, the 
primary assemblies of the communes meet, in conformity with 
the electoral law, and name each three electors. 

53. From the 1st to 10th February, the electors of the com 
munes of each arrondissement meet in the chief town, and form 
an electoral college. 

The college names, by ballot, and by absolute majority of 
votes, the number of representatives to be supplied by the 
arrondissement. 

It names as many substitutes as representatives. 

54. These substitutes, by order of nomination, succeed the 
representatives of the arrondissement in case of death, resigna 
tion, forfeiture, or in the case provided by the article 60. 

55. The half at least of the representatives and substitutes 
shall be chosen among the citizens who have their political 
domicile in the arrondissement. 



72 Constitution of Hayti. 

56. To be elected representative or substitute, it is necessary 
to be 

(1.) Above the age of 25 years. 

(2.) In the enjoyment of civil and political rights. 

(3.) Possessed of real estate in Hayti. 

57. The naturalized Haytian must, besides the conditions 
prescribed in the preceding article, prove a residence of three 
years in the Republic in order to obtain election as representa 
tive or substitute. 

58. The functions of representative are incompatible with 
those of the administration of the finances. 

A representative who exercises at the same time another 
function paid by the State, cannot draw two salaries during the 
session ; he must choose between the two. 

59. The judges, etc. of the civil courts, and the public 
officers attached to these courts, cannot be elected as representa 
tives within the jurisdiction of the court to which they belong. 

The members of the court of appeal, and the public officers 
attached to this tribunal, cannot be elected representatives with 
in the jurisdiction of the civil court of Port-au-Prince. 

The commanders of arrondissements and their assistants, the 
commanders of communes and their adjutants, cannot be elected 
representatives within the extent of their arrondissement. 

60. Any representative who accepts, during his term of 
service, an office paid by the State, other than that occupied by 
him before his election, ceases thenceforth to be a member of 
the chamber. 

61. The representatives are elected for five years. 
The re-election is general. 

They are indefinitely eligible to re-election. 

62. During the whole time of the legislative session, every 
representative will receive from the public treasury a salary of 
two hundred gourdes a month. 

He is besides allowed one gourde per league, for travelling 
expenses, from his commune to the seat of government. 



Constitution of Hayti. 73 

SECTION II. 
Of the Senate. 

63. The Senate is composed of thirty-six members. They 
are elected for nine years. 

64. The Senators arc elected by the chamber of representa 
tives on the proposition of the President of Ilayti, as follows : 

At the session which precedes the time of the renewal of the 
Senators, the President of Hayti makes a general list of three 
candllates for each Senator to be elected, which he forwards to 
the Chamber. Three candidates are taken from amongst the 
whole of the citizens. 

65. The Chamber of Representatives elects, from the candi 
dates proposed on the general list, a number of Senators equal 
to that of the Senators to be replaced. 

This election is made by ballot, and by absolute majority of 
votes. 

66. The Chamber of Representatives forwards to the Senate 
a report declaring the nomination of the Senators, and at the 
same time informs the President of Hayti of this nomination. 

67. The Senate make known their nomination to the elected 
Senators, and invites them to appear and take the oath. This 
formality finished, the Senate reports it to the President of 
Hayti. 

In case of death, resignation, forfeiture, etc., the Senate like 
wise informs the President of HaJ-ti and the Chamber of Rep 
resentatives of the vacancies to be filled up. 

68. In no case can the sitting representatives be included in 
the lists addressed to the Chamber by the President of Hayti. 

69. In order to be elected Senator, it is necessary to be 
(1.) Above 30 years of age. 

(2.) In the enjoyment of civil and political rights. 

(3.) Possessed of real estate in Hayti. 

TO. The naturalized Haytian must, besides the conditions pre- 



74 Constitution of Hayti. 

scribed in the preceding article, prove a residence of four years 
in the Republic, in order to obtain election as Senator. 

71. The functions of Senator are incompatible with all other 
public functions, except those of Secretary of State, and of 
Agents oT the Republic abroad. 

Nevertheless, a soldier may be appointed Senator ; but if he 
accept the office, he ceases to exercise every military function, 
and must choose between the emolument of Senator and that of 
his rank. 

72. Any Senator who accepts, during his term of Hrvice, 
the office of Secretary of State, ceases thenceforth to be a 
member of the Senate, unless, offered again as candidate by the 
executive, he be re-elected by the Chamber of Representatives. 

73. Every Senator receives from the public treasury a salary 
of two hundred gourdes a month. 

74. The sessions of the Senate are permanent. They may, 
however, be adjourned. at any time except during the legislative 
session. 

75. On the adjournment of the Senate, a permanent com 
mittee shall be left in its place. This committee shall be unable 
to pass any resolution except for the convocation of the Senate. 

SECTION III. 
Of the Exercise of Legislative Power. 

76. The seat of the legislative power is the Capitol of the 
Republic. 

Each Chamber has its own place of meeting. 

77. The Chamber of Representatives meets every year on 
the first Monday in April. 

The opening of its session may be made by the President of 
Hayti in person. 

78. The legislative session lasts three months. In case of 
need, it can be prolonged to four, either by the legislative body 
or by the executive. 

79. In the interval of the sessions, and in case of emergency, 



Constitution of Hayti. 75 

the executive can convoke the Chambers to any extraordinary 



meeting. 



It gives them a reason for this measure by a message. 
It can also, as the case may require, convoke the Senate 
alone, during its adjournment. 

80. The President of Hayti can also prorogue the legislative 
session, provided it takes place at another period, in the same year. 

81. The Chamber of Representatives can be dissolved by the 
President of Hayti ; but, in this case, he is bound to convoke a 
new one within a delay of three months at the utmost ; and then 
the elections must take place according to the requirements of 
Articles 52 and 53. 

82. The Legislative Chambers represent the entire nation. 

83. The Chamber of Representatives verifies the commis 
sions of its members and decides all controversies which may 
arise on the subject. 

The Senate likewise examines and decides whether the elec 
tion of the Senators has taken place in conformity to the Con 
stitution. 

84. The members of each Chamber take individually the 
oath to maintain the rights of the people, and to be faithful to 
the Constitution. 

85. The sittings of the" Chambers are public; nevertheless, 
each forms itself into a secret committee whenever it thinks 
proper. 

The deliberation which arises in a secret committee is made 
public, if the Chamber so decides. 

8G. No one can be at the same tune a member of both 
Chambers. 

87. The Legislature makes laws on all objects of public 
interest. 

The initiative belongs to each of the two Chambers and to 
the Executive. Nevertheless, every law relating to public re 
ceipts and expenses must first be voted by the Chamber of Rep 
resentatives. 



76 Constitution of Hayti. 

88. The authoritative interpretation of the laws is given in 
the ordinary form of laws. 

89. Neither of the two Chambers can pass any resolution, 
unless an absolute majority of its members be assembled. 

90. Every resolution is passed by the absolute majority of 
votes, except in cases denned by the Constitution. 

91. The votes are taken by the Senators rising or remaining 
seated. In case of doubt, the roll is called, and the votes are 
then recorded by Yes or No. 

92. Each Chamber has the right of inquiry into all things 
appertaining to it. 

93. No project of law* can be adopted by one of the Cham 
bers, until each separate article of it has been passed. 

94. Each Chamber has the right to amend and divide the 
articles and amendments proposed. 

An amendment voted by one Chamber can be included in the 
articles of the law, only when it shall have been adopted -by the 
other Chamber. 

The organs of the Executive have the power to propose 
amendments to projects under discussion by virtue of the initia 
tive possessed by the Chambers. 

95. Every law passed by the two Chambers is immediately 
forwarded to the Executive, which has the right to object thereto. 

When objections are made, the law is sent back to the Cham 
ber in which it was first voted, and the objections notified. If 
they are approved, the law is amended by the two Chambers, 
and promulgated by the Executive. 

96. If the Executive makes objections to a law adopted by 
the two Chambers, and if these objections are not approved by 
these Chambers, or by one of them, the Executive has a right to 
refuse its sanction to the law. 

Nevertheless, if a dissolution of the Chamber of Representa 
tives should happen thereon, and if the same law were again 
voted by the two Chambers, the Executive would be bound to 
promulgate it. 



Constitution of Hayti. 77 

97. The approval of objections, and the amendments to which 
they may give rise, are passed by the absolute majority, in 
conformity with the Article 90. 

98. The right of objection must be exercised within the fol 
lowing delay, namely : 

(1.) Within eight days, for laws of emergency, without the 
objection being in any case grounded on the emergency. 

(2.) Within fifteen days for other laws. 

But, if the session be closed before the expiration of this 
latter delay, the law remains adjourned. 

99. If, within the delay prescribed by the preceding article, 
the Executive make no objection, the law must be immediately 
promulgated. 

100. A project of law, rejected by one of the Chambers, or 
by the Executive, cannot be reproduced in the same session. 

101. The laws and other acts of the legislative body are 
rendered official by means of a bulletin printed and numbered, 
entitled bulletin of laws. 

102. The law dates from the day of its promulgation. 

103. The Chambers correspond with the President of Ilayti, 
in all matters concerning the administration of public affairs ; 
but they cannot, in any case, call him to their bar, to account 
for any act of his administration. 

104. The Chambers correspond likewise with the Secretaries of 
State, and with each other in the cases prescribed by the Con 
stitution. 

105. To the Senate alone appertains the right of naming the 
President of Hayti. This nomination is made by election by 
ballot, and by a majority of two thirds of the members present 
in the assembly. 

106. In case the office of President of Hayti should be 
come vacant, during the adjournment of the Senate, its perma 
nent committee shall summon it to meet without delay. 

7* 



78 Constitution of Hayti. 

107. The Senate has the right of approving or rejecting 
treaties of peace, alliance, neutrality, commerce, and other in 
ternational conventions agreed to by the Executive. 

Nevertheless, all treaties stipulating sums chargeable to the 
Republic, must be likewise submitted to the sanction of the 
Chamber of Representatives. 

108. The Senate gives or refuses its approbation to projects 
of declaration of war submitted to it by the Executive. 

It can, under serious circumstances, and upon the proposal 
of the Executive, authorize the momentary removal of the seat 
of government to another place than the capital. 

109. No one can present petitions in person to the Cham 
bers. 

Each Chamber has the right to refer to the Secretaries of 
State the petitions addressed to it. The Secretaries of State 
may be invited to explain their contents, if the Chamber think 
fit, and if the Secretaries of State, being called upon, do not 
consider such publicity likely to compromise the interest of the 
State. 

110. The members of the legislative body cannot be excluded 
from the Chamber to which they belong, or at any time called 
to account, accused, or tried, for opinions or votes pronounced 
by them in the exercise of their functions. 

111. No member of the Chamber of Representatives can be 
arrested, during the session, or within the six weeks which shall 
precede or follow it. 

Within the same delay, no member of the Chamber of Rep 
resentatives can be prosecuted or arrested for matters criminal, 
correctional, or of police, (except in case of notorious criminal 
offence,) until the Chamber shall have permitted his prosecu 
tion. 

112. No Senator is liable to apprehension during his con 
tinuance in office. 

A Senator cannot be prosecuted or arrested for matters crimi 
nal, correctional, or of police, while in office, (except in case 



Constitution of Hayti. 79 

of notorious criminal offence,) until the authorization of the 
Senate be obtained. 

113. If a member of the legislative body be apprehended, 
(in a case of notorious criminal offence,) the opinion of the 
Chamber to which he belongs is taken without delay. 

114. In criminal cases, inducing punishment both corporal 
and ignominious, every member of the legislative body is placed 
under accusation by the Chamber to which he belongs. 

115. The Senate forms itself into a high court of justice to 
decide on accusations made against members of the legislative 
body, against Secretaries of State, or any other great public 
functionaries. 

The form of procedure before the high court of justice, will 
be determined by a law. 

116. Each Chamber, by its by-laws, settles its own disci 
pline, and defines the manner according to which it discharges 
its duties and exercises its privileges. 

CHAPTER II. 

OF THE EXECUTIVE. 

SECTION I. 
Of the President of Hayti. 

117. The President of Hayti is elected for life. 

118. In order to be elected President of Hayti, it is neces 
sary 

(1.) To be born in Hayti. 

(2.) To have attained the age of 35 years. 

(3.) To be possessed of real estate in Hayti. 

119. In case of vacancy through the death, resignation, or 
forfeiture of the President of Ilayti, the Secretaries of State, 
assembled in council, exercise, on their own responsibility, the 
executive power. 

If the President happen to be unable to exercise his funo 



80 Constitution of Hayti. 

tions, the Council of Secretaries of State is charged with the 
executive authority so long as the hindrance shall last. 

120. Before entering on his duties, the President of Hayti 
takes before the Senate the following oath : 

I swear to the nation to discharge faithfully the duties of 
President of Hayti ; to maintain with all my might the Con 
stitution and the laws of the Haytian people ; to enforce the 
respect due to the national independence and the integrity of 
the territory." 

121. The President causes to be attached to the laws and 
other acts of the legislative body, the seal of the Republic, and 
sees that they be promulgated after the delays fixed by Articles 
95, 96, 98, and 99. 

122. The promulgation of the laws, and other acts of the 
legislative body, is in these terms : 

"In the name of the Republic, * 

" The President of Hayti directs that the above (law or act) 

of the legislative body be stamped with the seal of the Repub- 

lie, published, and executed." 

123. The President causes to be enacted the laws or other 
acts of the legislative body promulgated by him. 

He makes all the regulations, decrees, and proclamations 
necessary to this effect. 

124. The President names and dismisses the Secretaries of 
State. 

He names and , dismisses, also, the agents representing the 
Republic to foreign powers and governments. 

125. He names all civil and military functionaries, and fixes 
their places of residence, if not already done so by law. 

He ctismisses removable functionaries. 

126. The President of Hayti commands and directs the 
forces by land and sea, and confers rank in the army, according 
to the law. 

127. He makes treaties of peace, alliance, neutrality, com 
merce, and other international conventions, with the sanction of 



Constitution of Hayti. 81 

the Senate, and that of the Chamber of Representatives in the 
cases fixed "by the Constitution. 

He proposes to the Senate declarations of war when circum 
stances appear to demand it. If the Senate approve these pro 
jects, the President of Hayti declares war. 

128. The President of Hayti provides, according to law, for 
the exterior and interior security of the State. 

Every measure taken by the President is previously discussed 
in the council of Secretaries of State. 

129. The President of Hayti has the right to pardon and to 
commute sentences. The exercise of this right shall be fixed by 
law. 

He can also exercise the right of amnesty, but for political 
offences only. 

130. No act of the President can have effect unless counter 
signed by ono Secretary of State, who, by this alone, makes 
himself responsible. 

131. At the opening of each session, the President, through 
the Secretaries of State, presents to the Senate and the Chamber 
of Representatives the general situation of the Republic, as well 
exterior as interior. 

132. The President of Hayti receives from the publio 
treasury an annual salary of forty thousand gourdes. 

He resides at the national palace of the capital. 

SECTION II. 
Of the Secretaries of State. 

133. There are four Secretaries of State, whose departments 
are fixed by the decree calling them to office. 

The attributes of each department are determined by law. 

134. The Secretaries of State compose a council under the 
presidency of the President of Hayti, or of one of their number 
delegated to that office by the President. 

Every deliberation is recorded on a register, and signed by 
the members of the council. 



8l Constitution of Hayti. 

135. They have right of entrance in both the Chambers to 
support projects of laws and objections from the Executive, or to 
make any other communication from Government. 

136. The Chambers can require the presence of the Secreta 
ries of State, and can summon them to answer for every act of 
their administration. 

The Secretaries of State thus summoned, are bound to enter 
into explanations, unless they consider such a course liable to 
compromise the interest of the State. 

137. The Secretaries of State are respectively responsible, as 
much for the acts of the President which they countersign, as 
for those of their department, as also for the non-execution of 
the laws. 

In no case can the verbal or written order of the President, 
received by a Secretary of State, relieve this latter from respon 
sibility. 

138. The Chamber of Representatives has the right of accus 
ing the Secretaries of State. If the accusation is admitted by 
two thirds of the votes, they are cited before the Senate, which 
then forms itself into a high court of justice. 

139. Each Secretary of State enjoys an annual salary of five 
thousand gourdes. 

Travelling expenses are allowed them by law. 

SECTION III. 
Of the Institutions of Arrondissements and Communes. 

140. A council for each arrondissement, and a council for 
each commune, are hereby established. 

These institutions are regulated by law. 

CHAPTER III. 

OF THE JUDICIAL POWER. 

141. Litigations which have for their object some civil right 
are exclusively within the jurisdiction of the tribunals. 



Constitution of Hayti. 83 

142. Litigations which have for their object political rights 
arc within the jurisdiction of the tribunals, save the exceptions 
established by law. 

143. No tribunal, nor other court for the settlement of dis 
putes, can be established but by virtue of a law. 

No extraordinary commission or tribunal can be created 
under any denomination whatsoever. 

144. There is, for all the Republic, a Court of Appeal, the 
organization and attributes of which are determined by law. 

The Court of Appeal has its sittings in the capital. 

145. The law determines, likewise, the organization and 
attributes of the other tribunals. 

146. The judges cannot be dismissed except for offence of 
bribery legally tried, nor suspended except on account of an 
approved accusation. 

Nevertheless, the justices of the peace are liable to be dis 
missed. 

147. Every judge may be called upon to urge his claims to 
superannuation, if he be in the conditions stipulated by law on 
the matter. 

148. No one can be named judge or judicial officer unless 
4ie have attained the age of thirty years for the Court of Appeal, 

and of twenty-five years for the other tribunals. 

149. The President of Hayti appoints and dismisses the judi 
cial officers attached to the Court of Appeal and the other tri 
bunals. 

150. The functions of judge are incompatible with any other 
public function, except those of representative. 

Incompatibility, by reason of relationship, is settled by law. 

151. The salaries of the members of the judicial body are 
fixed by law. 

152. Tribunals of commerce can be established. The law 
regulates their organization, their attributes, and the time of ser 
vice for their members. 

153. Special laws regulate the organization of the military 



84 Constitution of Hayti. 

tribunals, their attributes, the rights and obligations of the mem 
bers of these tribunals, and their lengt