HENRY WILLIAMS by Henry Williams

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · Sep 22, 1904

HENRY WILLIAMS

By Henry Williams

Hayti

This black republic of the Western hemisphere celebrated its centennial Jan. 1, 1904, at Gonaives, the town where the declaration of independence from bondage under French rule was ratified. This anniversary was commemorated at a critical period, when the nation had just passed through the tragedy of a civil war.

It was a time of rejoicing and feasting, and booming of cannons. Congratulatory speeches were delivered amid the flow of champagne, and toasts were drunk to long life of the Black Republic. But while there was festivity and happiness among the victorious party at the central point of merriment, many were shot for conspiracy. Thus there was wailing and crying, with mourning and pain of heart, mingled with hilarity and the display of the coat of arms of the nation, accompanied with music and dancing, which continued for many days. To prevent a revolt at this gala season, additional vigilant guards had to be posted to maintain peace and order in the enjoyment of this peculiar festival.

During the last hundred years nineteen rulers have been at the head of Haytian affairs, under the names of emperor, king, and president. At the present time there are in exile in different countries many of Hayti's sons who ought to have been at home to share in this grand holiday, if the national motto, “Liberty, Equality, Fraternity,” were practised. The prisons are even now crowded with political prisoners whose lives are in the balance.

Blessed as this people have been with perfect freedom, and in the sole possession of a land so rich in natural resources, one would naturally expect continuous progress. Strange to say, the oldest inhabitant to-day declares the country to be worse off than at first. The government to-day is caught in a net of financial difficulty. From this it can not extricate itself, and hence it takes five Haytian dollars to equal one gold dollar. Everything is very expensive. There is hardly any importation just now.

It is said that the apartment assigned to Haytian industry in the St. Louis Exposition is scarcely, if at all, utilized, notwithstanding the fact that there is much talent, educational ability, and mechanical skill here. The heroic chief, Nord, is eighty-two years of age, yet he is firm and courageous, with honest intentions for his country's well-being.

In May, Brother C. N. Moulton, of Jamaica, remained with us six days, while on his way to Porto Rico to join Elder B. E. Connerly. His presence with us was really refreshing, like parents and son reuniting after long separation. He gave a few Bible readings, which were timely and instructive to us, and to all who were present. We regretted much his departure. A natural question arises, When will Hayti get her share of laborers?