The Washington bee., 1909-11-27

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that country had the ability to offer
some inducements in the way of en-
ployment. With the advent Of capi-
tai would come this ability.
In reference to myself, if I were
to consult my own preferences,
should prefer to remain in the United
States, where the struggle is fierce
and the competition keen, than tc
return to Liberia. To return is tC
disobey the suggestions of my own
mind, as we'll as to sacrifice my own
interest in certain directions; but
since the brethren are unwilling to
make the sacrifice, destiny seems to
point in the direction of my return,
and, of course, | would prefer to re-
turn rather than see the post suffer
from the brethren's lack of official
zeal.
I want to see Liberia saved, not
merely for the Liberians as such,
but for the whole Negro race. It is
sad to think that out of twelve mil
hon square miles of territory which
constitute the area of the continent
of Africa, only about forty thousand
square miles remain in the hands of
black people. Eleven million, ~ nine
hundred and sixty thousand square
miles have been parceled out among
the European nations. You feel
with me that this little spot, known
as Liberia, ought to be saved and
held as an experiment station on the
West Coast of Africa for the prac-
-ice and development of Negro self
\ knowledge of the struggles of
the people of this Republic to main
ain themselves on the West Coast oil
Africa would invite admiration rath-
sr than criticism. The first fifty
years was a death struggle for ex-
stence against the ravages of an I'M
healthy climate, and the attempt OF
a savage population to exterminate
hem. Notwithstanding these OBJ
5tacles, however, they have succeed
ed in maintaining government
which IS recognized by the sister
hood of nations, and is also extend
ing its rule to the tribunal regions
within the influence of the Republic.
No more heroic spectacle is present
ed by this effort of the Liberians to
maintain themselves against the in-l
fuence of paganism and Mohan-
Two millions of abort
ginees pitted against forty thousand
of the descendants of American Ne
groes. The former representing
heathenism, paganism, and Moham-
the latter representing civil
lzation and Christianity.
The comparison is appalling, ney-I
the Liberians have succeed
I'd in spite of these opposing forces
to maintain the Christian religion,
and to conform to the habits and
customs of a civilized people. The
world today recognizes Liberia as a |
Christian nation. The Christian
Sabbath is strictly observed, and its
Bible is the standard of faith andI
The home is the unit of
heir society, and polygamy among
he civilized population is forbidden
~ law. A similar example of hero-l
c struggle l do not think can be
found anywhere else.
But you ask, What can the col
pred people in the United States do
o assist in saving Liberia?' Much II
answer. If Liberia is saved, the
colored people of the United Safes
must take the initiative, If salvation
comes, it must come through the
people of the United States. Un-I
der the circumstances. Liberia can
look for aid from no other direction,
and the colored people of the United
States must be the medium through
which that aid must come, until you
have become strong and powerful, III
spite of a thousand obstacles, in Or
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