6. Ritchie’s Racism? The Enquirer and Haiti’s 1805 Constitution

This chapter delves into the controversial editorial decisions made by John Ritchie when publishing extracts of Haiti's 1805 Constitution in the Richmond Enquirer. The text explores the significant omissions made by Ritchie, particularly the deletion of crucial sections that abolished slavery and prohibited white settlement, and the potential reasons behind these omissions. The chapter also compares Ritchie's editorial choices with those of other contemporary newspapers, noting that many published the complete text of the Constitution. The analysis suggests that Ritchie's decisions may have been influenced by a desire to avoid alarming Virginia slaveholders and potentially inciting slave revolts. Additionally, the text examines the broader context of U.S. dealings with Haiti, highlighting the increasing role of race in political conduct. The chapter concludes by discussing the complex motivations behind Ritchie's omissions, which remain puzzling despite the detailed analysis.