New-York tribune., 1909-06-14
LIBERIA NOT PLEASED
DEMANDS ON AMERICA.
Natires Disappointed IN the United
States Commission.

Monrovia. Liberia Nav 15.-For months prior
to tho coming Of the American commissioners who
are TO investigate and report conditions in the
republic all Liberia keyed up with great an
ticpations. Especially welcome the news that
the American government proposed TO make ma
val demonstration that would compel Europe 70
take notice for Liberia believes that if II
parent that America her firm friend wellnish
half her troubles would vanish.
On the morning Of Nav the welcome signal de-
noting the approach OF American vessel was dis
played, and the city became alive with enthusiasm
and keen antcipaticns that were, however. only
too be turned 70 disappointment Only one
American warshp. and that cruiser, came
in while three vessels OF them battleship,
had been expected
The first disappointment that there was to be no
naval demonstration worthy of the name. fol-
lowed quickly by another. An officer from che
Chester impaired the names OF the commissioners
Booker T. Washington not among them and
with the exception f. J. Scott DR.. Washington's
secretary. the personnel of the commission
practically unknown to the people Of Monrova- Il
had been hoped that the commissioners would be
so we'll known that their word on Liberian condi-
tions would impeI general attention and acceptance
However learned and CAPABLE the commissioners
might be. Liberia felt disappointed because not one
of them widely known.
But the people rallied quickly from their chagrtn
and took consolation in the statement that the
Chester the fastest vessel in the American
navy. that the Birmingham would be along IN Il
few days, and that the members of the commission
and the aids attached thereto of high
standing in the United States.
OF course. The Liberians expected too much from
the commissioners. was shown in their addresses
OF welcome. but loss conservatism and caution
the part Of the visitors would have done a great
deal allay the first feelings dissa tisfaction
with the outcome the much heralded visit
The address Of the Mayor emphasized the desire
OF Liberia for closer connection with the mother
country and he based his appeal on the parental
relation rather than those of language govern
mont and religion. Referring 20 the present period
the most critical in history the Mayor
voiced the expectations of the people in these words:
We have come already TO the parting of the
menaccd But we have no doubts about surmount.
ing every difficulty II only the hand Of truly
Of the Republic Of Liberia expect the Unted states
Of America 70 give. and we can say with every
should do something for her; that she should be
enrolled OF the minor states which you will
allow no one TO absorb or destroy.
The ceremonies Of welcome were elaborate and
sincere. Nothing like them have been wit
messed here before. Arches Of welcome had been
erected at various points in the city and under
these the commissioners marched. At each one
they stopped listen other addresses. The
representative Of Montserrado County. the most
populous in the republic. said:
No circumstance. however glorious in itself, or
ho"eXer pregnant with sood can give to the people
nary visit Of your government 10 the Republic OF
Liberia The whole country, regardless OF
class difference Of opinion. retoices this
preston OF deep interest which: your government
manifests in little republic by the appointment
and dispatc ch of this distin Euished commission
Now. whether In the eyes OF tho progressive
world We have done anything which may entitls
US to some respect know not. but In ourselves
pe are conscious Of the fact that. although ~
are in sense Isolated from the civilized world
and without means and education. yet We have
mained here independent state for sixty
years-a beacon light 10 native citizens. and a
else and expansion OF his phvscai, mental and
moral faculties
But f.nd IN this departure IN the admin
tstrarton OF government ;iat there a great need
OF money and efficient With such aid this
We have not the least doubt that Liberia
tain place In the family of nations. Our great
est danger. however lies in The source from which
entering into details do not hesitate 20 express
the fas that Liberia expects This aid from the
United States OF America direct
Liberia. whole. feels that America ought 20
help her. that America IS under moral obligation 20
spend her money here lend her officials support.
10 strengthen her weak arms, that America ought
TO equpoise the scale Of Justice when outsiders
would force her 70 improper measures. she fee'-
that America should throw her territory
safeguard when others attempt 10 rob her II H.
In this welcome .hriuE 10 whole soul
and the God whom both adore touch 10 I'm
purpose the heart Of America 10 come firmly ana
steadfastlv 20 relief In this perilous hour.
At tho close Of the first week Monrovis had
tied down to q quiet state of waiting. Whether the
enthusiasm and exuberance will return not do
pends on what encoura cement the commission al
lows TO leak out before il leaves.