Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-08-31

he has to become accltmated there. But by
exercising a little care and little obedi-
ence to the laws of health, one can very
easily pass through the process of accli-
nation. 1 have been attacked by the fever
here, and also by the fever in America, and
can truthfully say that have had much
more severe attacks in Florida than have
had in Liberia. After passing the acclima-
ton period, one has only to be careful with
himself, and he is perfectly safe. 1 have
not had to call for the services of a doctor
since my arrival il Since County. For the
length of time L have been in Liberia
never in my life enjoyed better health.
The climate is very seldom too hot but
sometimes. about this season Of the year,
it becomes rather chilly for me-. 1t is the
rainy season and our rnidwinter Some
times an overcoat is serviceabie.
Good and Pure Water.
I was reared in the Appalachian region
of Virginia and remained there until had
attained the age of manhood. in 1856 Until
then l had known other than the purest
water for drinking, and other necessary
purposes. In fact, 1 could not stay in any
country in which the water was not good
Chief among the many attractions Of this
country Is its good and pure water 1t is
fresh and pure within a few feet of the
sea beach, and, as the nights are very cool
the water remains sufficiently cool during
the day. 1t is much colder than the water
is in Florida during the summer.
Schools and Churches.
Our schools are open from January until
December, and as general thing they are
well attended. They, however have been
too much neglected by the legislature.
AS to churches, Liberia is we'll supplied.
The leading denominations are all fairly
represented, but the most prominent are
the Methodist, the Baptist and the Protes-
tant Episcopal. Liberia has a superabun-
dance of preachers, SO called. 1t is not so
mi IL Of opar- rod Yrin try
1t is preacher-importing enc. This to
some extent arises from the fact that the
majority of the immigrants begin preach
ing before they start for Africa. We who
are not used to water prepare ourselves for
fear of accidents before attempting to cross
the ocean. Many after protesting religion
discover that they are called to the min
istry: hence it is that so many immigrants
coming to Liberia are preachers and eX
horters.
In conclusion shall only say that I am
perfectly Satisfied with Liberia. 1t is true
she has not advanced along the lines OF
material development as / could wish TO
see her, but she has accomplished quite as
much In that direction as the first English
settlers. in Virginia did in the same length
of time. making a reasonable allowance for
the difference in the People CT the two coun-
tries.
Advancing the Country.
The founde tions have been laid for the
future prosperity of the country and
the only thing required of those of
our race who will come here in the
future is to build upon these foundations
Here the opportunities are present for any
and every one of African descent to do and
to be something both for himself and his
race. No avenues are closed against him.
There is no unjust discrimination on ac-
count of his color or race. He is a man in
the true sense of the word
Would l return to America to reside? No,
l would not. 1t is true. l admire the spirit
and progress of the American people, and
the phenomenal advance they have made
but America, notwithsta nding, belongs to
the white man, and there is way to
change it.
The Negroes Opportunity. =,
In that country the Afro-American is too
circumScribed. His chances to reach the
top of the ladder are slim, to say the least
He has to spend too much of his time in
getting out of the white mans way; and
the whole road belongs to the white man.
In short, the Afro-American has to be en-
gagged too much in trying to solve the negro
problem and endeavoring to prove to his
Caucasian brethren that he does not be-
long to the family of the anthropod ape
do not like this troublesome kind of
business; 1t Is too worrying, both mentally
and physically. 1 like to breathe the pure
air of freedom and equal opportunity and
that we do in my adopted country, Liberia.