Daily capital journal. (Salem, Oregon) 1903-1919, 1912-12-04

dIIlC lblduu Vi OplJADSi bNNt "H'
always been regarded politically as
mo mans land" impels this Govern
ment to a continued and lively inter-
est In the international dispositions
to be made for the political gov
ernance and administration OF that
region. The conflict Of certain claims
of American citizens and others Is
in a fair way to adjustment while
the settlement Of matters of admin
istration, whether by international
conference of the interested powers
or otherwise, continues to be the sub
ject of exchange OF views between the
Governments concerned,
Liberia.
As a result Of the efforts Of this gov
ernment to place that Of Liberia In
position to pay Its outstanding in
debtedness and to maintain a stable
and efficient government negotiations
for loan of $1,7OO,Oo0 have been sue
cessfully concluded, and 1t is antici-
pated that the payment Of the old loan
and the issuance OF the bonds Of the
1912 loan for the rehabilitation of the
finances Of Liberia will follow at an
early date, when the new receiyership
will go into active operation. The
new receivership vii, consist OF a
general receiver Of customs desig-
mated by the Government Of the
United States and three receivers Of
customs designated by the Govern
ments of Germany France, and Great
Britain, which countries have COM
mercial interests in the Republic Of
Liberia.
In carrying out the understanding
between the Government Of Liberia
and that of the United States, and in
fulfilling the terms Of the agreement
between the former Government and
the American bankers, three compet-
ent ex-army officers are now effec-
lively employed by the Liberian Gov
ernment in recognizing the police
force of the Republic not only to keep
in order 4he native tribes in the him
terland, but to serve as a necessary
police force along the frontier 1t
Is hoped that these measures will as
sure not only the continued existence
but the prosperity and welfare Of the
Republic Of Liberia. Liberia pos
sesses fertility 0f soil and natural re-
sources, which should insure to its
people a reasonable prosperity 1t
was the duty Of the United States to
assist the Republic Of Liberia in ac-
cordance with our historical interest
and moral guardianship Of a commun-
ity founded by American citizens, as
it was also the duty of the American
Government to attempt to assure per-
manence Of a country of much SEN
timental and perhaps future real in
terest to large body of our citizens,
Morocco.
The legation at Tangier is now in
charge Of our consul general, who is
acting as charge d'affaires, as well
as caring for our commercial inter-
ests in that country In view of the
fact that many Of the foreign powers
are now represented by charges
d'affaires 1t has not been deemed nee
essary to appoint at the present time
minister to fill a vacancy occurring
at that post.
The political disturbances in China
in the autumn and winter of 1911-12
resulted in the abdication of the Man
chu rulers on February 12, followed
by the foundation of a provisional re-
publican government empowered to
conduct the affairs of the national un-
til a permanent government might be
regularly established, The natural
sympathy of the American people
with the assumption of republican
principles by the Chinese people was
appropriately expressed in concur
rent resolution of congress on April
H. 1912. A constituent assembly,
composed of representatives duly
chosen by the people of China in the
elections that are now being held has
been called to meet in January next
10 adopt a permanent constitution and
organize the government Of the
nascent republic, During the forma-
tive constitutional stage and pending
definite action by the assembly, as
expressive Of the popular will, and the
hoped-for establishment of stable
republican form of government, ca
pahle Of fulfilling its international OBJ
legations the United States is, accord
ing to precedent, maintaining full and
friendly de facto relations with the
provisional government
The new condition of affairs thus
created has presented many serious
and complicated problems, both of in
ternal rehabilitation and of internal
relations, whose solution it was re-
allied would necessarily require much
time and patience. From the begin
ming Of the upheaval last autumn it
was felt by the United States, in com