The sun., 1908-06-11
LIBERIA SEEKS OUR HELP.
ENJOYS FROM THE BLACK RE-
PUBLIC IN WASHINGTON.
They Can on the President at the whitc
House With Booker It. washington
Seeking an Arrangement by which to
Preserve Their Territorial Status Quo.

Seeking an Arrangement ny which to
Preserve Their Territorial Status Quo.
WASHINGTON, June 10.-An absorbing
subject In Administration circles to-day
was the petition Of the Government Of
Liberia that the United States intervene
In the dispute between that country and
England and France. Yesterday Score
tary Of Agriculture Wilson allowed that
there ls one 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
bountiful crops. To-day President Roose-
welt and two members of his Cabinet de-
voted much time to the troubles Of Liberia.
Booker T. Washington. the negro leader
and principal of the Tuskegee Normal
Institute, called at the White House early
this afternoon. and the President was 30
much interested in what he had to say about
Liberia that he made an appointment for
Mr. Washington and several citizens OF
the Liberian Republic to meet him at $50
o'clock tonight. He asked Secretary Of
State Root to join the conference. and Mr..
Root did 30. Then it was arranged that
Secretary Taft, although there is no pros
pect that United States troops will be sent
TO Liberia or to England or France, should
meet Mr.. Washington and the visiting for
eign delegation.
The delegation consisted, besides Booker
T. Washington, of j. j. Dossen, Vice-Presi-
dent Of LIBERIA G. A. Gibson, a former
President of the republic, and James Dun
bar. lawyer Of that country. President
Roosevelt gave his visitors no definite as
surance that this Government will inter-
vene in the dispute, but he assured Mr..
Washington and the others of his great
interest in their cause and strived to make
them feel that he is alive to the welfare Of
the colored race of Liberia as we'll as In
this country. II is presumed that Mr.. Taft
did the same. although no official announce
ment OF what took place at the two inter
views has been given out The White
House interview took place first, and then
the delegation went over to Secretary Taft's
house by appointment.
After their visit to the President and
Secretary Taft the following statement was
given out by j. j. Dosson, one Of the dele
ain view Of the frequent occurrences of
boundary questions between Liberia and
her more powerful neighbors. resulting
in the loss of territory to Liberia, we are
seeking an arrangement with the American
Government whereby the present territorial
status quo Of Liberia as recognized by exist
ing treaties may be assured. You will at
once see the Importance OF such an arrange
ment to the future welfare and stability
of the black republic. There are no out
standing boundary disputes to be adjudged
between US and our neighbors, and It seems
to us proptious moment for the American
Government to make permanent the handi-
work Of some Of her noble and large hearted
citizens who we're responsible for the found
ing Of Liberia. .,-....,
"There are reasons more than mere senti-
ment why America should manifest a deep
interest in us. We form part Of the 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 in this
country may not now feel the impulse to
emigrate to Liberia in large numbers, we
think the country should be kept intact
for all negroes who might in future desire
to return to the fatherland.
@Our formal reception at the White House
and Department OF State was exceedingly
friendly and pleasant, and though we cam
efforts yet the well known largehearted-
ness and sympathy Of President Roosevelt
toward weaker races and governments in
spires in us the hope that he will not turn q
deaf ear to the entreaties OF the feeble
republic. We are glad that the prospects
are that he is going to be succeeded in the
Presidency by Mr.. Taft, who has been the
Presidents right arm in carving out re-
forms and in instituting stable government
both in the Philippines and Cuba
President Roosevelt received the en-
voys, accompanied by DR.. Booker T. WASH
ington, who Is taking a very deep interest In
our mission, this evening, and Immediately
after leaving the White House we called
on Mr.. Taft at his private residence to pay
him our respects