The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1909-12-08

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of Africa and urging the extension of
the benefits of civilization, education, and
fruitful open commerce to that vast do
main, and Is a party to treaty engage
ments of all the Interested powers de-
signed to carry out that great duty to
humanity. The way to better the original
and adventitious conditions. so burden
some to the natives and SO destructive to
their development, has been pointed out,
by observation and experience not alone
of American representatives, but by cum
ulative evidence from all quarters and by
the Investigations of Belgian agents. The
announced programmes of reforms while
striking at many of the evils known to
exists, are an augury of better things
The attitude OF the United States is one
of benevolent encouragement. coupled
with hopeful trust that the good work,
responsibly undertaken and zealously per-
fected to the accomplishment Of the re-
suits SO ardently desired, will soon justi-
fly the wisdom that inspires them and sat
isfy the demands of humane sentiment
throughout the world
A convention between the United States
and Germany, under which the nonwork-
ing provisions of the German patent law
are made inapplicable to the patents OF
American citizens. was concluded on
February g. 1909. and is now In force.
Negotiations for similar conventions look
ing to the placing of American inventors
on the same footing as nationals have re-
Gently been initiated with other European
governments whose laws require the local
working Of foreign patents.
Under an appropriation made at the
last session of the Congress. commits
sion was sent on American cruisers to
Monrovia to Investigate the interests of
the United States and its citizens in LII
IBERIA. Upon it's arrival at Monrovia the
commission was enthusiastically received.
and during its stay in Liberia was every
where met with the heartiest expressions
of good will for the American govern
ment and people and the hope was re-
peatedly expressed on all sides that thls
government might see its way clear TO 90
something to relieve the critical posltloh
of the republic arising in a measure from
eternal as we'll as internal ana nhahcisai
embarrassments.
The Liberian government afforded every
facility to the commission for ascertain
ing the true state of affairs. The COM
mission also had conferences with repre-
sentative citizens, interested foreigners
and the representatives of foreign gov
ernments in Monrovia. Visits were MADE
to various parts of the republic and to
the neighboring British colony of Sierra
Leone, where the commission was receiv-
ed by and conferred with the governor.
IT will be remembered that the interest
nj the United States in the Republic Of
liberia Springs from the historical fact
OF the foundation of the republic by the
colonization of American citizens OF the
African race. In an early treaty with LII
IBERIA there is provision under which the
United States may be called upon for adj
vice or assistance. Pursuant to this pro-
vision and in the spirit of the moral rela-
tionship of the United States to Liberia,
that republic last year asked this gov
eminent to lend assistance in the solution
of certain of their national problems and
hence the commission was sent.
The report of our commissioners has
inst been, completed and Is now under ex-
animation by the department OF state.
1t is hoped that there may result some
helnful measures, in which case 1t may
be my duty again to invite your attention
to this subject.
The Norwegian government. by note
addressed on January 26 1909. to the de-
partment of state, conveyed an lnVta-
ton to the government of the United
states to take part in conference which
q Is understood will be held in February
or March. 1870 for the purpose of devils
inr means to remedy existing conditions
in the Spitxbergen Islands
This invitation was conveyed under the
reservation that the question Of altering
the status of the islands as countries be-
longing to no particular state, and as
equally open to the citizens and subjects
of all states, should not be raised.
The European powers invited to this
conference by the government of Norway
x.ara RaIgjurn Denmark France Ger