Mr. Powell to Mr.
Hay.
Legation of the United States,
Port au Prince, September 19,
1902.
No. 1167.]
Sir: I have the honor to inform the Department
that the Provisional Government has informed the diplomatic corps that
the ports of Gonaives and St. Marc were in a state of “blockade.” I have
also been informed that the Government has chartered two or three small
Haitian coastwise steamers, placed two or three small cannon upon them,
and will station them at the places named above.
The Department will note that Port de Paix is not mentioned. At the
latter city or port we have large interests. It is the central point of
the logwood industry, and the seat of the large plant of the Compagnie
Haïtienne, and also of the Sharpless Dye Wood Company, both of which are
American companies. To close this port at this time would have been a
great hardship to each of these companies on account of great interests
that would have been affected in the States. At the other places named
we have no interests whatever.
I have, etc.,
[Inclosure
1.—Translation.]
Mr. Canal to
Mr. Powell.
Republic of Haiti, Port au
Prince, September 18,
1902.
Mr. Minister: In referring myself to the
communication of the 10th of this month, by which this department
notified to your legation the closing of the three ports in
rebellion against the legitimate authority, I have the honor to
bring to your knowledge that the provisional government, with the
object of giving all efficacy to the decree of the 8th of September,
has resolved to establish a cruiser before the ports of Gonaives and
of St. Marc.
I would be thankful to you, with the object of preventing all contest
between the American packet boats and those to which have been
confided the mission of assuring the execution of the aforesaid
decree, to kindly notify the companies and in general, all
shipowners whom this measure may interest, of the decision taken by
the Government to render effective the blockade of these two
ports.
Please accept, etc.,
[Page 664]
[Inclosure 2.]
Mr. Powell to
Mr. Canal.
Legation of the United States,
Port au Prince, September 19, 1902.
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the
receipt of your excellency’s communication informing me that the
provisional government had instituted the blockade of the ports of
Gonaives and St. Marc.
In reply to your excellency’s communication, it has received my close
attention. I shall communicate the same to my Government by first
opportunity.
Accept, etc.,
