The Salt Lake herald-Republican. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1909-1918, 1910-04-03
LITTLE REPUBLIC
IN DIRE DISTRESS
United States Again Called Up
on to Extend Aid to
Liberia.
COMMISSION HAS A PLAN
COUNTRY MAY FALL INTO
CLUTCHES OF ENGLAND.
COMMISSION HAS A PLAN

Washington. April Liberia, found
ed by American phflanthropists with the
object of forming a nation Of former
American slaves and their offspring, in
Africa, rs in dire distress. For nearly
d century this black republic in Africa
has existed. Time and again 1t has APP
pealed 10 the United States, its foster
father, for assistance.
Congress is now considering an elab-
orate plan to give financial aid TO this
bankrupt little country, covering $1,000
square miles. The LibeTians, descend
ants of American slaves, who control
the government. are only $4,000 IN num-
Der, not one for each square mile of
territory. Combating their authority
and constantly menacing the stability
of the frail government, are a million
and half blacks, natives of the cOun
try. These savages-fOr repeated ef-
forts to educate them have proved tu-
tile-are divided into twelve tribes. Each
tribe has a distinct language and re-
ligion. The tribes are constantly at war
with one another and often in insur-
TectiOn against the government
The English, as well as French, es-
peciaily the former. have played an inn
portant part in the affairs of Liberia,
for constant neglect on the part OF the
United States has caused the Liberians
to believe the greatest nation of free
men had forsaken them-they have
turned TO the English for aid several
times. In one OF the greatest insurrec-
tons of the hostile tribes the Liberians
were only able to retain control of the
government and crush the rebellion by
the material aid of the English.
Have Strong Neighbors.
English territory bounds one side of
the Liberian republic This fact is rea-
son enough for the British To show a
friendly feeling toward a weak and
struggling country. French territory
bounds two sides of the country, and the
Atlantic ocean the fourth.
1t is the coast line of Liberia that
gives the government so much concern.
Monrovia, the capital, with its pOpula-
tion of 10000, is on the coast. The little
republic has no navy. Just now the
United States cruiser Birmingham is
ON the way there to patrol the coast.
She is soon to be relieved by the crus-
er Des MONIES. which viii stay indef-
nitely on the Liberian coast. The send
ing of q United States Warship was an
action taken recently at the request of
the Liberian government. The presence
of warship, SO the Liberians say, will
have a strong moral effect in holding
the rebellious tribes in check; win en-
courage tire Liberians to renewed gov
eTnmental vigOr, as il will be a living
demonstration of the fact that the
United States government has not for
saker the black republic.
Recently a government commission
returned from Liberia. 1t went there by
order of Congress. which was moved by
a direct appeal of the Liberian govern
ment. The commission has framed a
plan for the United States to give mon
eyed assistance to Liberia. This plan
has been endorsed by the state depart
ment, and President Tart submitted it
to Congress with d strong recommended
ton that Congress awaken to its moral
responsibility 10 the black republic OF
Africa, and enact into law the sugges-
ton of the commission, thereby reha
bilitating the webbing government.
Annexation Feared.
Liberia, should the United States fail