The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1868-01-27

NEWS FROM Observation-Disclosures Rose, the
body servant Of General Maxcy Gregg, who
went to Liberia on the Golconda with Miss
Gregg, has lately returned to his native State,
and has furnished us with some interesting
facts connected with that country. He repre-
sents Liberia as being capable Of producing
everything that is used by man, but the ener-
waiting climate has prevented the colonists
from improving these natural advantages. To-
bacco, lumber, meat, &C., are imported ex-
tensively, though the forests abound in the
most valuable woods, and the country is capa-
BILE Of producing the finest description Of TO-
bacco, while cattle could be raised with
ease when once scolimated.. At Monrovis,
the capital OF Liberia, the colored merchants
are doing well, their trade extending through
Africa. They barter with the natives for palm
oil, which is sold to the vessels at from twen-
ty-seven and half to forty cents per gallon.
About two thousand bags Of coffee are export
ed yearly to England, where, indeed, most Of
the products are sent. Rice, cotton, coffee
and vegetables are grown to limited extent,
but are used mostly for home consumption,
the natives and colonists gaining living with
such ease that they do not exert themselves.
The palm oil is produced from the nuts of the
palm tree, which grows lu1uriantly, and, as it
is easily manufactured, little care is taken to
develop the agricultural resources Of the coun-
try. The climate is not warmer than sum-
mer in South Carolina, but there is no winter,
and watermelons, Irish potatoes and other
vegetables ripen In January. Irish potatoes
are frat planted from the cut eye, as in this
country, but this growth produces only
small seed about the size Of a marble, and the
potato is raised from the vines, much as sweet
.potatoes and "sips" here.
The Colonization Society furnishes each new
conner with 10 acres of land, a house and ra-
tions for six months, with doctor and nurse
while sick during that time. Labor can be OBJ
tanned for from 40 to 20 cents per day, and me-
ehanics' wages are from 81 OO 81 so per day in
Iberian currency. This currency "copper" and
paper) passes tfrom ospe Pslmas to Monrovia,
and is very much deprecated, being worth
about so cents on the dollar. 1t is made in
England. --r,ra
The natives have been greatly improved by
contact with the colonists, and the efforts Of
the missionaries to instl the doctrines Of
Christianity have met with some success. Sew
eral of the natives have ''professsd religion"
and two Of them are ministers, one belonging
to the Baptist and the other to the Presbyte-
rian denomination. Miss Gregg is teaching
the natives at Monrovia, where there is large
mission station. Our informant states that
the great drawback to immigration is the
African fever, which invariably attacks all
strangers, and few recover unless the greatest
care is taken. Once acclmated the climate
has no terrors to the colonist, and If he uses
only moderate degree Of energy he can Sc
cure comfortable support. Many of the
older colonists have acquired Considerable
wealth by trading with the natives and the
vessels that visit the different ports. Most Of
those who went from South Carolina are doing
well, though they generally yield to the infiu-
enoes of the hot climate and become as lazy as
the natives.
One of the most singular features Of the
country is the absence Of cattle Of every de-
scription. Horses are extremely rare, the
riding being done in palaquins borne by men.
There are also very few persons who raise
horned cattle, though frequent attempts have
been made to introduce them from abroad,
but they are seldom acclimated. Corned beef
and picked pork imported from New York
which, with the rice raised on the spot, con-
stitutes the food OF the majority Of the set
lers.
VIM. Rose was the body servant Of General
Gregg, and was with him when killed at the
battle of Fredericksburg. he wears the Gem
erals gold watch, which Was presented to him
as testimonial Of esteem by Miss Gregg. The
inner case Of the watch bears an inscription
stating this fact. Rose went to Liberia with
Hiss Gregg, but was taken with the African
fever, and determined to come back to Soush
Carolina, where he expects to remain. While
he does not discourage emigration, he feels
confident that only those possessing strong
constitutions and tempente habits can sue
ceed. Nature has been lavish Of her treasures,
but they are for the most part neglected, and
though the country produces the finest woods,
gold, ivory, &C., they will never be exported 10
any large extent. In the language Of Bishop
Heber-it is there
-" Every prospect plsasss.