No. 348.
Mr. Langston to Mr. Frelinghuysen.
Port-au-Prince, Jan. 19, 1883. (Received Feb. 12.)
Sir: It is perhaps true that there never was a time when general popular interest and immediate governmental necessity in Hayti so entirely required earnest, intelligent and practical consideration and action on the part of the Government as to-day.
While general peace and tranquility prevail, while there seems to be at least a common acceptance if not a cordial indorsement of the present administration of the Government, there is very little, almost no business being done, money is extremely scarce, all kinds of industry, especially agricultural, being neglected; and there appears to be little hope to the country or Government from any transactions which may be had in connection with the coffee crop of the present year, which is very light, and sales thereof are made at very unremunerative prices here and abroad.
In this condition of things it would seem to be appropriate for the Government to give its serious attention to any measures of amelioration which might seem to be judicious and advantageous. This would seem to be the purpose which animates the administration, if we may judge from the tenor of the address of President Salomon made on the 1st instant to the people and army of Hayti
In this address the President, after dwelling upon the inheritance received by the Haytians from their fathers, states that they have not improved, but have made it the occasion of fruitless rivalries, thus losing the benefits of it; that they are to-day in ruinous condition, with their principal product reduced in price, and brought face to face with their real necessities. He exhorts them to have courage, and with fidelity and intelligence attempt the work of improvement, assuring them that his sympathy and efforts shall not be wanting. He then announces the [Page 577] early assembling of the Corps Legislatif, and promises that important projects pertaining to the progress and well-being of the country shall be submitted to such body.
He expresses his confidence in this behalf in closing his address, in the devotion, patriotism and interest of all concerned, and expresses the hope that the efforts of the legislative body as well as his own will be thoroughly supported.
It will prove to be a good day for Hayti should the expectations of the chief of state, as above indicated, be realized in wise action on the part of the Corps Legislatif, supported by the people and the army.
I am, &c.,