New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1895-05-12
EUROPEAN AGGREssIoNs IN LIBERIA
THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT CONDEMNED
FOR SUFFERING FRANCE AND ENGLAND TO
ENcRoAcH UPON THE TERRITORY OF


ENcRoAcH UPON THE TERRITORY OF
THE REPUBLIC.
To the Editor OF The Tribune.
Sir: At the last meeting OF the Universal Peace
Union Of Pennsylvania, at which I was present. the
question OF Alsace- Lorraine. which is now In the
possession OF Germany. was discussed The result
was the drawing up Of resolution requesting that
Government TO return the territory TO France, az
said action would prevent any future disturbance
which might lead to another war; The equity OK
the request so impressed itself upon me. that ao-
vocated the adoption OF the resolution
Now, a parallel case Is that Of Liberia In It's re-
iation to both England and France. This republic
from Its foundation included all the land which
lies between the San Pedro and Sherbro rivers ana
was recognized by all civilized nations including
the English and French, which first had the mag
nanimity to acknowledge the little republic as
sovereign power. Notwithstanding this recognition.
England through her agents took possession OF the
Gallinas terri. ory from the Sherbro to the Manah'
against the most earnest protest OF the Liberian
Government, whose lack OF power prevented other
form OF resistance. France. being known rival
OF England. sent out her emissaries TO survey tho
land OF Liberia. and demanded the territory, win
q threat OF ACKNOWLEDGMENT of the republic In case
OF noncompliance. Thus was the weaker nation
forced 10 submit to the powerful and her ivory
coast between the San Pedro and Cavala rivers,
passed into the hands OF the French protest here
again availing nothing.
When Liberia becomes sufficiently powerful u
contend for her rights. could she be condemned
for striving TO reclaim that Territory OF which she
has boon thus unjustly depriyed' May not the dis
satisfaction with this injustice from both England
and France result In open conhicty Already tho
aborignes OF those tracts are not only protesting
against the injustice. but have taken up arms 10
throw on this foreign yoke, prcferrns 10 continue
to be Liberlan citizens rather than subjects OK
European powers
10 t,s-
ce must be meted out, for the ,ove OF liberty can
not DO crushed. II would DO well for both England
and France to practise this In their dealings with
natives OF Africa, and with the Republic OF Ii
beria In particular.
OF course the United States Government. 70
which we appealed, could have helped us. mas
much as we are her offspring. but 1t positively re-
opportunity to outrage her daughter republic Y
have taken up our caase but being LSsrian Amer
cans OF African descent! we were not R
public prominent citizens OF the United states
Liberia has already. accomplished work Of
Christian civilization for the negro which ought
meed MANHOOD Had it not been for her influence
on the West Coast the combined powers OF Eng.
so Ss successfully swept away the slave trade from
that region. As an instrument In Gods hands
for by. and Of the negro. an agency for the adj
vancement OF the African race especially and hu-
mainly at large, should she be retarded? No ma
ton is better lifted to stretch out a helping hand
to the advancement OF such state of progress
for the negro in Africa than the United States of
America, II her present statesmen should consider
the development OF the human species within and
beyond the confines Of her own territory as did her
statesmen of 1919
May we not hope that what the United states
is In the Occident, Liberia may be in the Orient
Nay may even do more in preaching and living
peace and goodwill toward all mankind" max
ing that part OF the world which she exer-
cises any influence haven Of rest not alone
to her own citizens. but to al who may seek
shelter at her doors? l believe Liberia was
founded by Gods inspiration and has been sus-
tanned by His providence. and am confident that
He will direct and protect her to fulfil the mission
for which she was established. insist. therefore,
upon the non-interference OF foreign nations with
| future stand among the nations the fulflment OF
Gods vindicaton OF the negro race
PAULCS MORT, NJ. D..
Rector OF Trinity Church. Monrovia. Liberia.
Washington April 8, 1896