Hayti by Henry Williams

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 18, 1906

Hayti

By Henry Williams

The twentieth and twenty-sixth days of July are the dates when the pilgrim worshippers of the Catholic Church in this country make their yearly pilgrimages to Limonade and Plain-du-Nord, two districts in this northern part of the republic. The devotees on these two occasions come from other towns, also, to carry out the obligation which, to them, is a sacred duty to be performed at the shrines of the idols of St. Jacques and St. Anne, which are the patron saints of these two places.

On the night after the fête day of St. Jacques, a fire broke out in the house of the Catholic bishop, rapidly consuming it. This was a building of elaborate architecture, costing thirty thousand dollars. It appeared somewhat singular that the destructive element did not extend beyond the precinct of that structure. Such a phenomenal occurrence drew out the thoughts and opinions of many, to the extent that they considered the fire a punishment from God, on account of the criminal acts of the clergy.

The superstitious among the adherents of the Catholic Church declared it was done by St. Jacques, as a revenge, because some years ago the priests had thrown out the old image, which was made in 1762, and had replaced it by a new one. This famous statue was rescued from its oblivion by the present president, to save it from a shameful end. He had it repaired, and restored it to its former position, with processional honors.

Some days after the fire, the iron safe was opened, and it was found that the paper money was burned up. The bishop gathered the ashes, and sent them to the capital by two priests, to the officials.

The present situation of the country is still an intricate tangle, which is a great tax on the administrative ability to clear, although some reform is spoken of. The late ex-president Salomon, in view of the country’s retrogression, was somewhat prophetic when he said, on leaving his country: “I am leaving you with a cigar lighted at both ends.”

In the midst of all these difficulties, the truth is causing many calls to come from different quarters. These can not be attended to effectually, as Brother Isaac is the only handy French worker. Brother Tanner is making advancement in his study of the language. I do not think it would be any inconvenience if one of our French-speaking ministers would come over and help us for a while.

Facing the whole matter, we can assert that the mighty third angel’s message is overstepping the apparent formidable embarrassments as petty obstructions, as it enters into the mountain fastnesses, carrying light and truth to the honest hearted among the hills and valleys. HENRY WILLIAMS. Cape Haytien.