The Washington herald., 1908-06-11
HEARLIBERIA'S PLEA
President and Secretary Taft
Receive Delegates.
ROOT PRESENT AT MEETING
Booker Washington Presents En-
vOys of Black Republic at White
DOssen, I'm Statement, Admits Plan
10 Protect Liberian boundary.

An absorbing subject in administration
circles yesterday was the petition of the
government of Liberia that the United
States intervene in future disputes be-
tween that country and England and
France.
On Tuesday Secretary of Agriculture
Wilson showed that there was one MEM
Der of the administration who was not
overwhelmed with plans for the Chicago
convention TO the exclusion of all else
by talking about the prospect of bount-
ful crops. Yesterday President Roosevelt
and two members OF his Cabinet devoted
much time TO the troubles Of Liberia.
Booker r. Washington. the negro leader
and the principal OF the Tuskegee Nor
nal Institute. called at the White House
in the afternoon and the President was
so much interested in what he had 90
say about Liberia that he made an ap-
pointment for Washington and several
citizens Of the Liberian republic TO meet
him al $3.50 o'clock last night. He asked
Secretary OF state Root TO join the con
ference and Mr.. Root did so.
Then it was arranged that Secretary
Taft, although there is no prospect that
United States troops will be sent 10 Ii
IBERIA or 10 England or France, should
meet Washington and the visiting for
eign delegation.
President Il Interested.
The delegation consisted. besides Wash
Ington. Of J. J. Dossen, Vice President
Of Liberia; G. a Gibson. a former Presi-
dent Of the republic. and James Dunbar.
a lawyer Of that country. President
Roosevelt gave his visitors no definite
assurance that this government will in
tervene in the dispute, but he assured
Washington and the others Of his great
Interest in their cause and strove to
make them feel that he is alive to the
welfare Of the colored race in Liberia as
well as In this country. Ii Is presumed
that Mr.. Taft did the same. although no
official announcement OF what took place
at the two interviews has been given out.
The White House interview took place
first. and then the delegation went over
10 Secretary Tafts house by appoint
ment
WRnt Their Country Protected.
After their visit TO the President and
Secretary Taft. the following statement
was given out by J. J. Dossen. one of the
delegation, and vice president Of Liberia:
In view Of the frequent occurrences OF
boundary questions between Liberia and
her more powerful neighbors, resulting en-
a loss Of territory TO Liberia we are seek
ing an arrangement with the American
government whereby the present terri
tOrial status quo OF Liberia, which is rec
ognized by existing treaties. may he as
suTCd. You Will al once see the impor-
tance Of such an arrangement to the fu-
turc welfare and stability OF the black re-
public.
There are no outstanding boundary dis
putes % be adjusted between us and our
neighbors. and IL seems 90 us a propitious
moment for the American government 20
make permanent the handiwork OF some
OF her noblest and large-heartcd citizens
who were responsible for the founding Of
Liberia.
Home for American Blacks.
There are reasons more than mere sem
timent why America should manifest a
deep interest In us. We form a large and
rapidly increasing negro citizenship Of
this country and hold Liberia as trustees
for them and their descendants This is
the original idea. and though negroes I'm
this country may not now feel the i'm
pulse to emigrate to Liberia i'm large num-
bers, we think the country should be kept
intact for all negroes who might I'm future
desire % return 10 the fathcrllnd.
"Our formal reception at the White
House and Department Of State was ex-
ceedngly friendly and pleasant. and
though we cannot say now what suc-
cess will attend our efforts. yet the we'll
known large-heartcdness and sympathy
Of President Roosevelt toward weaker
races and governments inspires I'm us
the hope that he will not turn a deaf
ear 70 the entreaties Of the feeble re-
public
I'VE are glad that the prospects are
that he is going 10 be succeeded i'm the
Presidency by Mr.. Taft, who has been
the Presidents right arm I'm carrying out
reforms and instituting stable govern
ment both in the Philippines and in
Cuba"
Negroes 10 Meet Tonight.
\ public reception will be rendered the
ENJOYS this evening by the colored people
Of the District OF Columbia, I'm connection
with a special meeting Of the Washington
branch OF the National Negro Business
League. at Lincoln Temple Memorial Con-
gregational Church, Eleventh and r
streets northwest, and elaborate prepara-
tions have been made for the event. The
affair will be open to the public without
admission fee or card
Addresses will be delivered by the en-
voys touching the commercial resources
Of their country, !ts present moral. edu-
cational and industrial status. and the
future they hope FOR IL. with the assist
ance Of their American brethren. Booker
T. Washington will also be present and
speak