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| "THE HAYTIEN BUILDING - Of all the foreign
governments taking part in the World's Fair, the Republic of Hayti
was first to complete its national structure. January 2nd, 1893, on
the nineteenth anniversary of the independence of the island, the
building portrayed in the engraving, which shows its proximity to the
beautiful "German House, was dedicated
in the presence of an audience composed of Exposition officials and
colored citizens of Chicago. Fred Douglas delivered the principal
address. This structure was notable as expressing the civilization
of a race long oppressed and last to receive its freedom. It was
erected in the Southern colonial style, with broad galleries, and its
pediment contained an original decoration. In the main room reclined
a small marble statue called "La Reverie," by Laforestrie, a native
sculptor, and in various parts of this room were mementos of
Toussaint L'Ouverture, the Haytien leader, who was betrayed,
imprisoned, and practically destroyed by Napoleon. A large painting
of President Hippolyte hung on the north wall, and cases filled with
elegant needle work, military dress, and goldsmith's goods were
displayed. A restaurant was kept in the southern part of this
building, at which colored people found it agreeable to refresh
themselves, for notwithstanding the protestations of the colored
people and in defiance of the laws, the race line is still sharply
drawn in the great Northern cities. It may thus be opined that the
Haytien Building was a welcome addition to the group in Jackson
Park." |
