In 1899, Pritchard became the first White man to cross the interior of Haiti since 1803, the year before the Blacks declared independence. Initially being very sympathetic, Pritchard describes in detail how the new Black rulers have turned the once-prosperous French colony into Hell in the 100 years they’ve been in control. In the final chapter, Pritchard asks the question “Can the Negro rule himself?” Having had everything handed to them on a plate, from fertile lands to French laws to functioning Plantations, left to themselves the Haitians have returned to voodoo and barbarism. A fascinating read and a vital historical source.
