Franklin's paper the statesman., 1912-03-23


Rev. d. E. over. Denver. Colo.
Dear Brother over: Through the
mercy of God am again on the needy
field. In company with Mr.. l.. Lyles.
Chicago, Ill, | arrived in Monrovia
Jan. 18th, safe and sound. Ny trip
was filed with many interesting
events. shall call to your attention
only the most important
We left Liverpool on the 3rd OF
January. We were the first to book
for the steamer. which was crowded
with passengers. every one of which
was bound for Africa. Among ninety
four passengers. my friend and
were the only men OF color. Yet the
American Negro says II is not time
yet TO 30 to Africa. Nearly every one
OF the passengers was either a pros
pector or trader. Most of the talk
gold and other products Of the coun-
try. Nearly everyone spoke of the
bright prospects OF the God-given
country OF black men. Liberia.
People are pleased to see me again
ON the ground My soul simply cries
out for thfs little spot Which can
easily support ten millions OF people.
Liberia is rated as being the richest
spot ON the West Coast. Gold and
iron are found almost everywhere.
The possibilities are brighter than
ever before. The only thing We need
Is men: men with means. o, the
golden opportunities that are passing.
The Africans are actually begging
the American Negro TO come and
teach them what to do. or how to de-
velop the resources OF the country.
The white man Is here as never
before and the talk OF the hour Is
gold iron. rubber, coffee, ivory. palm
oil and the other products of the
country. oh, God. for some men OF
means Now Is the time. Send some
body now, for the possibilities are be-
yond conception. The fever is not to
be considered, but grasping and max
Ing good the opportunity Is the thing.
The public Is begging for drug
store-have asked me to open one.
but am bound for the country. Can
You not send some one out right
away?
God knows II will be shame IL we
Negroes sit still and wait for some
white man to open drug store here.
The American African Trading Co.
opened up and the first day they took
In 5000 in cash. They were compelled
to fairly push the people out OF the
store at p. m. The store is now
practically, empty waiting for an
other shipment from America. Two
good American stores here would
soon run the Europeans out of the
business. American everything Is
needed and desired here.
Mr.. Faulkner wants someone to
Join nim in the ice business here. He
now makes about ESQ tons and the
demand is about 500. The people are
forced to buy ice from the steamers.
II you know of anyone who desires to
90 into this business have him write
Mr.. NHJ. r. Faulkner. Monrovia. Ii
beria kveay honest walk OF life is
II kded here.
I expect to start back into the
country next week and start my plans
for farm, at least seventy miles
from the coast. | find that l can
build nice hospital In the interior
for about $4,000 hope to get 1t up
in eighteen months II the money Is
sent. But what must do first Is to
get up living buildings and farm land
cleared.
Tell all the friends who have been
promised personal letters that as
soon as get the time will write.
expect to write you every two weeks.
and will keep you posted as to condi-
tions as ! go forward. Love to all
and pray for our success. l am
Yours for Africa,