838.51/4083: Telegram
The Chargé in Haiti (Sparks) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 13—1:40 p.m.]
181. Department’s telegram 168, October 12, 4 p.m. [1 p.m.] Please see my despatches 1055 and 1058.50 I had a long conversation yesterday with President Vincent who was very concerned as to what the Department’s reaction might be to his reply. He explained in considerable detail the situation of the communes with respect to their employees and works. The picture was indeed black and there appeared to be grounds that a most drastic fiscalization would be required to obtain an appreciable net financial gain to the State.
I was able to make the personal observation that while two points of view existed it did not appear that President Vincent was making a constructive effort to accomplish an amelioration of the present situation which the Department sought through its two suggestions. The President said that he desired to consider this observation and would see me today.
[Page 920]When I saw him this morning I refrained from mentioning Department’s telegram No. 166, October 11 so that I might have the benefit of his reflections. He delivered me a long memorandum in which he suggests several possible measures augmenting Government revenues through the imposition or revision internal taxes and import duties. The Fiscal Representative expresses the opinion that some of these suggestions might be used to advantage. In leaving I informed the President that a telegram was being decoded when I left the Legation and that I would be pleased to arrange to see him in the afternoon if there were any new developments.
I conveyed this afternoon to President Vincent the substance of Department’s telegram No. 166, October 11. He exhibited profound appreciation of the Department’s comprehension of the difficult situation with which he is confronted. We discussed the possible means of promulgating a budget and he agreed with the recommendation contained in my telegram 180, October 12, 7 p.m. He confirmed that the French treaty would be canceled next week and that the expense of Springett and Mackey would be included in the budget.51
An opportunity was afforded me to state that it was my understanding that the enlisted men in the Garde had not raised objection to the existing 5% reduction and that he might find it desirable to confer with Major Armand as to their reactions. I added that if he continued to apply the reduction he would reduce at least in that degree the privileged position that they would enjoy vis-à-vis the officers. The President exhibited a sincere interest in this suggestion and I am hopeful of favorable results.
President Vincent is satisfied that he has the political situation well in hand. Complaints regarding the suspension of salary discounts have been effectively silenced. He renewed his assurances that the drastic reductions would be accepted with grace. October 13, 11 a.m.52