II. 
jNotes on Heltgion artfr (Education. 
THE CATHOLIC CHURCH. 
HE history of the Catholic religion in Hayti is unique and 
J- interesting. Even in the days of the colonists, the power 
that the Pope wields in other Catholic countries, was never 
exercised in Hayti; and, since the dawn of the National Inde¬ 
pendence of the conquering race, that deep-rooted and just 
jealousy of white domination which led, the fathers of the 
Constitution to confine, forever, to men of African and Indian 
descent, the right of holding real estate in the Island, has safely 
guarded the prerogatives that the French formerly enjoyed 
against all the encroachments of ecclesiastical ambition. Hence, 
for many years, the Haytian people, although Catholics, have 
professed no spiritual allegiance to the Pope. The Head of the 
State has also been the Head of the Church — and the anomaly 
has been presented of a democratic Catholic church — a church 
without a bishop or any grade of superior clergy! All, hitherto, 
have been priests only, receiving their appointment from the 
State. This independence, however, has not been of unmixed 
advantage. The necessity of having priests has often com¬ 
pelled the past Governments to appoint any one, qualified to 
perform the Catholic ceremonies, who presented himself as a 
candidate for the office. Hence, the unfrocked priests of 
Europe, and men who left their country for their country’s 
good, have frequently been appointed the spiritual guides of the 
people. Unprincipled, licentious, and mercenary, these men,— 
