The Dallas express. [volume] (Dallas, Tex.) 1893-1970, 1921-11-12
WILLIAM II. YORK, GIVES OUT
STATEMENT OF FACTS WITH
RESPECT TO THE CRUISE TO
LIBERIA, WEST AFRICA =
MANY ENDORSEMENTS OF Ma
TIONALLY KNOWN CHARAC-
TIERS RECEIVED,

Philadelphia, Pa, Oct. 81, 1921.
The Dallas Express,
Dallas, Texas.
Gentlemen:
Because of the responsible po-
sition held by the promoters of the
African Cruise, purposed to carry
body of church, professional, and
business people to Liberia. West
Africa, in December, we feel that
the public generally is due a state
ment. Especially is this true
since there has been much doubt as
to the possibility of such cruise,
and even a hint that it is another
skin game to get the peoples money.
AS business manager therefore, the
undersigned wants to make this
statement of facts.
The cruise was organized first,
to carry a group of people to West
Africa who want to know the facts
and possibilities of that section of
the world. That the greatest pos
sible benefits may be derived His
Excellency, President King, agreed
to hold a "Convocation of Chiefs"
in close contact with leading ma
tives of the Interior. Secondly, to
convince the lesser informed public
that Africa, like was America 400
years ago. is inhabited by people
who are unable to maintain respon-
sible Government and, therefore,
like America, belongs to the people
capable of organizing and harmon
izing in a way which will convert
that Continent from a virgin stretch
of plain and forest, into one of po-
tential energy, actually contributing
its share toward the resources nee
cessary to maintain a high state Of
civilization. Thirdly, to actually car
ry to Liberia-the only place in
Africa where American Negroes are
permitted to emigrate, except Abys-
sinia-such families as are able, and
want to move there. In other words,
much action and little talk.
At first, the public interest seems
ed such that we decided to charter
a steamer for the cruise. Accord
ingly. the rs. S. Tunisian" of the
Canadian Pacific Ocean Service Ltd,
was contracted for. This boat re-
quired minimum of $50 passen-
gers. Later, out of more than 1000
applicants, less than 200 actually
deposited on their passages. We were
forced therefore, to cancel our Ca
madam Pacific contract and, cast
about for another method of trans
portation, or break faith with those
who paid and who are expecting
M
We have been successful in re-
arranging in such way as will add
to rather than detract from the trip.
We have contracted to have our
party carried by a regular line, on
first class North Atlantic passen-
ger steamer to Liberia, touch Eu-
rope and trans-shipping either in
England, France, or Spain, thus
making the scheduled ports of call
we originally advertised, giving a
three week visit in Liberia, and re-
turning the party to New York at
about the same figure quoted to our
party-$495.00 up for the round
trip. Prospectus passengers there
terests have been guarded, and that
they may spend the holiday season
in West Africa as they originally
planned. Tie African Tour is GER
tain, and over the strongest and
most reliable lines now maintaining
passenger service on the Atlantic.
We have the Endorsement Of many
nationally known characters, who
are joining the party if their ardu-
Gus duties will permit their b.
sence from the Country for such
a length Of time. 1 quote alphabe-
tically in an inclosure, together with
the names of the better known of
the passengers.
Trusting that you will assure the
public through your valuable
columns that the African Cruise
will go on as scheduled, anG that
those who have bought tickets will
get to use them, believe us Sirs,
Yours with great respect,