6

ACK'D JUNE 20 1913 C.L.S.

612

June 19, 1913.

My dear Mr. President:–

When we conferred on the subject of
Haiti a few weeks ago it was agreed, as I remember it,
that we should appoint a white man as Minister, with the
understanding that he would serve only a few months
until affairs there could be straightened out and that
then a colored man could be appointed. You expressed
a doubt as to whether we could find the proper white
man for the place.

I think that I have found the man. It is
ex-Congressman Smith of Missouri. He was endorsed by
the two Senators and Congressmen for a ministerial
position. When I explained to the Congressman, now
representing his District, that I did not think it
possible to appoint any more Ministers from that State,
it occured to me to inquire whether he would take this
position, understanding that it would only last for
a few months, and I have since been informed that he
is willing to accept it.

I believe, therefore, that it would be wise
to appoint him right away. He impressed me as an
excellent man and he was very heartily endorsed by the
Senators and Members from Missouri.

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