INTRODUCTION.

predecessors who attempted to grapple with the evil was not encouraging. It was hoped, however, that he would make the attempt, and that, by grasping the nettle A common idiom meaning to confront a difficulty directly and boldly. with resolution, he might suffer no evil results. But many doubted not only his courage to undertake the task, but even his will; and I fear they have judged correctly. Whenever all the documents that exist on this subject are published, my chapter on Cannibalism will be looked upon as nothing more than a pale reflection of the reality.

With regard to the history of the country, materials abound for writing a very full one, but I do not think it would prove interesting to the general reader. It is merely a series of plots and revolutions, followed by barbarous military executions. A destructive and exhausting war with Santo Domingo, and civil strife during the Presidency of General Salnave, did more to ruin the resources of the country than any amount of bad government. The enforced abandonment of work by the people called to arms by the contending parties introduced habits of idleness and plunder which have continued to the present day; and the material losses, caused by the destruction of the best estates and the burning of towns and villages, have never been fully repaired.

From the overthrow of President Geffrard in 1867, the country has been more rapidly going to ruin. The fall was slightly checked during the quiet Presidency of Nissage-Saget, but the Government of General Domingue amply made up for lost time and was one of the worst, if not the worst, that Hayti has ever seen.