XVI 
HAITI 
Much of the history of Haiti is associated 
with its neighbor, Santo Domingo, and need 
not be again told. After the French had es 
tablished their government in this island they 
imported negroes from Africa as slaves. 
These revolted in 1791 and in 1801 declared 
their independence, finally expelling the 
French in 1804. This land has been the scene 
of much bloodshed and lacks stability in its 
government, as it always will until taken under 
the control of some strong power. 
Its geography and climatic conditions are 
the same as those of Santo Domingo, its area 
of 10,200 square miles supporting a popula 
tion estimated at 2,000,000, French or a 
“patois” being the language spoken. Perhaps 
95 per cent, of its inhabitants are negroes, or 
have negro blood. The country is backward. 
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