The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1851-01-18

seT The sasl ton OF the present constitution. au-
on1d and Instructed the secretary OF the tIea-
sury ~ import leaf tobacco, powder, salt, muskots
and other tlrr- arms. with earthern and cF0ckory
ware, (arucles in great demand for the African
trsoe and 10 dispose OF these articles at certain
specified advance on the first cost. But II s said
this monopoly BY the government has not met
the pubic expectation, and that il will be greatly
modified If not wholly abandoned. On all goods
imported into The republic is imposed duty Of six
per cent, with certain exceptions specified, where
in the duty ia still higher The President, without
stating the exact amount of the present revenue,
expressed the opinion that il would hereafter meet
for some years. fall far short Of what might be
desirabiy expended for many objects OF public
utility.
MILITARY AND NAVAL FORCE.
In regard 40 the military and naval force of the
oIc," TO the honor Ut the people of Liberia
,hsnld il be recorded, that, from their earliest
settlement upon the African coast, they have. BY
courage and discipline, defended themselves against
the Vaccinations of slave traders, and the CON-
bined forces of many barbarous tribes, and in no
instance suffered defeat With the exception OF
such are exempted In virtue Of religious or civil
offices, all the males in the republic, from the age
OF sixteen TO fifty are subject to military duty; may
be called at any moment by the Executive into
actual service, and, in time of peace, muster, on
stated days, and in obedience to uniform law, in
the several settlements for examination, exercise,
and discipline. This force, well armed and dscl-
pinned, may he, IN number, from one thousand to
fifteen hundred men, while much larger native
force might, doubtless, be brought into more or
ess eiectual service. in case of an invasion OF
naval iorce, the republic has nothing, with the ex-
cepon of small but beautiful vessel, armed
with four guns, present from the British govern
ment. Since foreign vessels are, without excep-
lion, subject to cenain commercial regulations,
| aud duties imposed on all merchandise brought
within the republic, wherever landed, and whether
| consigned 10 the American settlers or native Afri
cans this vessel will prove of great utility In guard
ing from violation the revenue laws, and in enforc-
| ing their provisions This vessel also affords an
| q m q
OF the government 10 different points of the coast,
| will enable the public authorities to observe any
movements Tor the renewal OF the slave trade, and
/ to adopt measures 10 counterfeit them, and COM
municate intelligence between the settlements In
ANY dangerous emergency.
| ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE.
.sOf The admins, ration OF justice, the system OF
| laws lon which At is based, and, most especially,
whether il is enurely impartial towards the inhabi-
tants of Ae republic" | am grathed to express
the opinion that the judicial system OF the rcpub-
lie is wisely constituted, and that justice is admin
isered to all classes impartially, and without un-
necessary expense or delay. BY the constitution,
the judicial power OF the republic Is vested IN one
supreme court and such other subordinate courts
as the legislature may from time to time establish.
The supreme court has original jurisdiction in all
cases affecting ambassadors or other public minis
ters or cOnsuiS, and those to which the republic
shall be party. All judges of courts are to hold
| Office during good behavior, but may be removed
by the president, at the request of two-thirds OF
both houses of the legislature, or when impeached
| ana convicted. BY authority of the legislature,
qualified justices of the peace may arrest offenders
against the laws of public peace, commit them to
| prIson, or take security for their appearance for
| tnal and may determine actions Tor debt, where
the amount in question does not exceed thirty del
lars though the parties have the right of appeal TO
| the ensuing monthly court In each of the coun-
Ties OF the republic is held monthly court, COM
| posed of not more than five nor less than three
| justices OF the peace, which court is to examine
and decide on all cases OF commitment by justices,
| ana has power TO summon jurors, TO determine &C.
tts...l Ixhf nInua rh.rfu md
original jurisdiction in all cases not intrusted to
! justices OF the peace, causes in admiralty, and
those constitutionay vested IN the supreme court.
To this court also belong the care and manage
ment Of the estates OF orphans, and the record and
| probate of wills.
BY the same authority is constituted in each
county of the republic court of quarter sessions,
! with one Judge, which court has power to empan-
mel both grand and petit jury; and TO try prisoners
cent from the monthly court, and all presentments
or indictments found by the grand jury; has origi-
nal jurisdiction in cases OF admiralty, and APPELLATE
jurisdiction in cases coming from the monthly
/ court Appeal may be taken'from the decisions of
\ this court TO the supreme court.
The supreme court is required 10 sit annually,
and pntl all causes submitted 10 its jurisdiction
disposed OF, 10 the town of Monrovia, and consists
of Lhe chief justice and three associates the judges
OF the court OF quarter sessons-two only OF these
associates sitting at one time, the right Of absence
being exercised in regular rotation. Provision is
made 10 exempt judges IN this court and that OF
quarter from official duty in cases wherein
they are Interested; and the decisions OF the SUI
pIs me court are lnal.
Some few directions and principles OF civil 60.
/ yeinment and jurisprudence were supplied to the
hrst settlers IN Liberia by the American Colonial
| ZION Society. In 1921, brief but comprehensive
consuuton was submitted TO them, and received
| Their assent. Subsequently, the lamented Ashmun
/ guided and Instructed them IN public affairs. In
/ less, constitution and clear but concise body Of
avs were transmitted TO the governor and council
Of the then colony, TO which they gave their sane
1 ton 90 that the present laws OF the republic are
10 be traced 10 the past history OF the people,
4 The growth from their peculiar circumstances and
i embrace the acts OF the Legislature before and
since the declaration Of their independence; while,
IN Their courts, the common law, with few modifi-
cations, az existing in Great Britain and the UaIted
States, constitutes the ground OF judicial arguments
i end decisions.
| copy Of the laws, for which am indebted to
\ Prrsldcnt Roberts, accompanies this report; and
among all th, acts of the Llberian republic, none
merit more earnest and entire commentator than
| thOee IVf the suppression of the slave trade, by
which, even rom their hTst day upon that shore,
her people have demonstrated their purpose to con-
taue UnsteiDed and uncOnIaminated by that re-
proach-t TO wage an unmitig lted and eternal war
upon the arts, conirvances, agencies, conductors,
and abettoIs Of this most cruel and detestable COM
mefCe.
GOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS.
" The relations OF Liberia to other governments,
and to tbe contiguous African nations or tribes"
are smicahie, and becoming every year more ad-
The independence Of The republic has be acknow-
LEGGED by both England and France; and between
he former and the republic treaty Of peace,
ifisn0EhIp, and commerce, was ratified on the LIST
y AugusI last; and hardly a week passes during
which etmed ships from these or other civilized
nations are not seen visiting the ports, and exehang.
inR civil ties with the hospItable inhabitants of LII
benI By eates with many African tribes, the
republic has rot merely enlarged its territory, but
secured their consent to the abolition OF the slave
fsdes end 10 the exercise OF It's political and judi.
cial authority over them; aud to it's wisdom aud
justice are these trfes accustomed TO look for the
adjustment Of their differences, aEd the protection
81 taelr hOnce, liberty, property, a7d Ises IN some
Instances, ulbes from the interior have fastened
Uf safety before the fury OF mercess foes, to the
soii q the rerubltc, and found peace and repose
urrtr the shadow 81 - wings. Even since the
trst American free people Of color arrived In Afri-
81, lie distinct ~ county that now bears the name
81 LIbgua has been scene Of treachery, rapue,
End Nlde-vFstirg wArs; suddenly have towns and
A-ltles heaa nAde Dc sol tta-not 4 solitary wnman