New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1850-12-04
The Condition nnd Prospects of Liberia,

The Condition and Prospects of Liberia
The following letter from President Rob
erts, of Liberia, to a gentleman in Phlla-
delphia, by whom it has been kindly fuf-
nished US for publication, gives cheering
account of the growth, progress and future
prospects of Liberia:
Government House, MoNRoyIA, Sept II, 1871.
MY DEAR SIR ! thank you for your esteelheo
fayors of the Goth and Goth June l assure you
that fully appreciate all you say with respec'' 10
the energy and enterprise which should chafac-
terize the people of Liberia to insure them CON-
plete success. l am aware that many OF our oess
friends in the United States have long entertainer
and some still entertain, fears that tne sfeS'
work in which we are engaged alter all Inc Won
derfnl success which has hitherto attended our
efforts, and the encouraging prospects no" oeloie
Ms. may possibly, for the want OF industry ana
energy. and & determination on the part OF the
neonle here to succeed, prove tailur c. /, too
have had fears in this respect
But am happy to be able to say that within
the last few years these fears have altogether
subsidized. The time was when the people here
gave too much of their time and attention to
petty trading with the natives, neglecting al
most totally the more certain and safe means Oh
acquiring permanent happiness and independence
j mean the cultivation OF the SOIL. Ihls' now
ever. was an evil which has happily cured ITSELF
and Mt present an altogether different state OF
things prevails. Agriculture everywhere through
ont the Commonwealth is receiving more atten"
ton Really, there is an air of comfort content
ment and happiness among the people settled
along the banks Of the river and in the interior
villages that is truly pleasing to witness Our
prospects were never more flattering aud en-
couraging than they are at present In addition
to the attention which is given to agriculture,
it is gratifying to know that the public are more
than ever concerned about education, and the
means of securing it to their children, and this
feeling is rapidly extending itself among our aoo-
rginal Inhabitants. They daily sending IN
their children "to be taught book and learn Mer-
lea man fash and God pallaver.' All this is ex-
ceedingly gratifying. Liberia is certainly gong
ahead, and if good Providence vii! continue to
guide and direct US, we may reasonably hope that
liberia will attain what you look forward to-a
powerful Republican Government that will in all
that constitutes trae gtory rival the United States
of America-and that both nations, either acting
together on in q generous rivalry OF good works,
NAV be the means of civllizing and outstanding
the world, especially benighted Africa.
| rejoice to notice that Colonization is rapidly
gaining favor in the United States, and that Liberia
IS more and more attracting attention. have,
indeed, been interested in perusing the papers
YOU were good enough to send me. In "1he Neto-
York I19buAe' | notice several articles on the
subject of Colonzaton,t that please me very much.
l am pleased to find that Judge Bryan's scheme
to establish line of steamships between the
United States and Liberia finds favor at Wash
ington; and that the Committee on Naval Ahalrs,
of the House of Representatives have agreed to
report in favor of it. Such line of ste amships
viii unouestionably give new and mighty inn
uulse to colonization, and will greatly increase
the commercial interests OF both countries.
The Liberia educational movement IN Massa-
chusetts consider equally, ii not more, import
ant. l assure you, Sir, am truly delighted at the
prospect of having permanently estaollshe9 Ia
Liberia the means of Education. This subject,
more than any other, has given me deep concern
for many wears | have looked forward to the
time which will surely come when, annually
thousands from the United States Will DE thrown
into Liberia, without education or much expert
ence in matters of government and auch mass
of ignorance flowing in upon u.s. without sum
cient restraining power-which power can only
be created by the education OF the youth OF
Libera-would most assuredly endanger the
Government, and the perpetuity OF our lnsttu,
tons Education is our satety-yalye, ana must
keen pace with migration. thank you very
much for the pictures you were so KIND as to seno
me. The engraving OF both is remarkably line
That of Washington is good likeness MS Pol
trait however, can never be mistaken. The
"Tral of Efie Deans is an interesting picture.
Some British officers called to see me day or
two ago, and admired it very much; one, who
had never been in the United States, thought 1t
too rich for American. | am happy to inform you
they arrived in good order, did also the two
YOU sent by the last packet You have but little
idea of the amusement the pictures sometimes
afford me- Natives come from considerable
distance to see them, and frequently we cannot
get them to approach within six or eight steps OF
Them on the first, or sometimes second, visit 1t
il difficult te make some of them believe that the
figures are not actually flesh and blood or, at any
rate. superhuman beings.
have also to thank you for remembering me In
the way of books and newspapers. You are
bringing me largely indebted to you, without any
means at command to repay 1t. was aware that
Mr. Teago had copy of the "Federaist' |
however mentioned to him your wish that he
would accept the copy you sent, and the volume
| Of F." Arnods Sermons He accepted the latter,
and resigned the "Federast' to me, as | was
without copy The other books have not dis
tributed but shall do SO soon think of present
ing, in your name, TO the Ladies Literary In,
stitute' ali but one or two of them, which shall
read, and then hand them over, in like manner, to
either the Liberia or Young Mems Lyceum
Books are much more priced and sought after now
than in former times and will be taken care OF.
Yours. very re specially, J, J. ROBERTS,