The democrat. [volume] (Weston, W. Va.) 1868-1874, 1871-06-26
Liberia not Prospering.

| 4NGN IOIht
whose official position has given him the
opportunity for exact knowledge of the
present condition OF Liberia, has fur
nished the data, chiefly in the form OF
recent correspondence, from which the
following facts are compiled:
Two years ago the government of
Liberia had trouble with Mamma, a noted
chief on the coast OF Liberia. A force
of soldiers was sent against him, but
they failed to accomplish anything.
Letters just received from Liberia an
nounce that 400 troops were drafted last
March, and, under instructions from
President Roye, the attempt to chastise
the chief was renewed. After months
work, they returned to Monrovia, hav-
ing destroyed several native towns, driven
Mamma into the interior, and killed
several hundred OF his subjects. -Four
Liberians were killed and 80 wounded.
AS Mamma is in treaty negotiations with
the British Government, and consider
able British merchandise was destroyed
together with the towns, there is danger
that complications may arise in the re-
lations between the Liberian and British
Governments. Upon the adoption OF
the Liberian Constitution, the Presi-
dental term of Office was limited to two
years, but at the last Presidential elec-
ton an amendment was proposed by
which the term was to be doubled.
Neither candidate, however, interested
himself in the amendment, and the re-
suit was that the vote EAST for it was
merely nominal. President Roye, the
successful candidate, present incumbent,
took charge of the ballots for and against
the amendment and declared himself
elected for four years. The Legislature
denied his right to count the votes,
alleging that it was a Legislative function
which he had usurped; ; and on the I'd Of
April an election was held for a
President to enter upon the duties OF
his office in next December, despite the
protest of President Roye, who claimed
that his term would not expire until
1878. The opposition, however, we're
successful, their candidate, ex-Presldent
J. J. Roberts, receiving an almost unan-
imous vote. Both Roye and Roberts
insist upon being President, and there
is every danger Of conflict. The peo-
pie are in rebellion against the Admin
istration. Prominent men declare that
Liberian independence was declared %
years too soon, as the bulk Of the people
do not know how to appreciate their in
dependence. The question Of color has
been raised by q. W. Dennis, agent OF
the American Colonization Society, DR..
McGill, President-elect Roberts, and
other mulattoes, who do not like to see
full-blooded negro at the head OF the
Government. At the village OF Arthing-
ton. on the st. Paurs River, % miles
from Monrovia, thereis aSabbath-school
OF about 80 pupils who are all Americans,
and appear to be satisfied with their
home in Africa. They are very indus
trious, and very anxious to learn to
read and write, but there is no daily
school, as the money OF the Government
is so deprecated that they are not able
to pay teacher. All the available
funds are employed in paying large
salaries to indolent officials, Educa-
tional facilities are sadly wanting all over
the country. The coffee crop this year
is unusually large. Prof. Edward W.
Blyden, of Liberia College, has resigned
his position, and is travelling in Europe
for the benefit of his health.