341
FINANCE.
before and since, as unsuited to the circumstances of the country. On the whole, the balance of arguments was in favour of a metallic currency. Under President Domingue there were no honest financial measures taken. Everything was done to suit the pleasure of Septimus Rameau, and a loan was raised in France, and the largest portion distributed among the friends of the Minister in a manner which astonished even Haytians. It was a disgraceful transaction, that the next Chamber endeavoured to ignore ; but as it was supported by the French agents, the Government of Boisrond-Canal had to yield and acknowledge it. For the years 1876 and 1877 we have the receipts and expenditure stated in detail. The income from duties, &c, was £805,900; the expenditure, £804,737; including £202,876 to the sinking fund. The army and navy figure for only £167,568, and public instruction was increased to £82,245. In Soulouque's budget of 1849, justice, education, and public worship were credited with only £7732. Budget for 1876-77. Finance and commerce .... Foreign relations War and marine Interior and agriculture . . . . Justice ....... Public instruction ..... Public worship District chest (communes) .... Sinking fund
£89,558 46,714 167,568 111,931 36,095 82,245 12,586 75,160 202,876 £824,733