The Omaha guide., 1935-07-06
NEW DAY DAWNS FOR LIBERIA

ONCE again the United States has accorded diplo-
matte recognition to Liberia and the two countries
have resumed the cordial relations that existed prior
TO 1880. Furthermore, Washington is to give its
moral support to President Barclays plan to reform
labor and health evils, and will be seen in the ia
miliar role Of best friends and protector.
To colored Americans who for five years have
viewed Liberals desperate plight with grave con-
Germ, announcement Of reapproachment is a most
cheering piece Of news in more ways than one. But
what occasions widespread citation Is the knowledge
that, thanks to the sympathetic interest OF Uncle
Sam, the Republic Of Liberia will continue to be a
free and sovereign state. For Liberia to have been
deprived Of its political independence and territorial
integrity would have been a sad blow to Negroes
everywhere.
President Edwin Barclay, who in the past, has
borne the blunt Of the none too favorable reactions
growing out of the Liberian crisis, energies today
as the little republics strong man. He has over
come opposition both from within and without. De-
spite warning from the League of Nations that un-
less Liberia accepted the plan formulated at Geneva
the black nation in all likelihood would lose its SOW
ereignity and autonomy President Barclay fatty
turned it down. He commended powers delegated
to the Chief Adviser were too dictatorial, and that
as Chief Executive Of the nation he intended to be
the court of last resort and no outsider.
In May, 1894, Great Britain, reaching the con-
clusion that Liberia did not intend to accept the
League plan, appealed to Che American Government
to take the initiative in giving Liberia a suitable
reconstruction program. Secretary Hull evinced adj
mirable judgment in sending to Liberia his assist
ant, Harry A. Mcbride, who had served as financial
adviser to the Liberian Government with distinc-
ton, and who enjoys the confidence of the Liberian
people from the President down. The adjustment
conferences between President Barclay and Mr..
Mcbride formed the foundation for subsequent
developments and final recognition. The Depart
ment of State next sent to Monrovia as Charge d.
Affairs, Frederick P. Hibbard who had been keep
ing in daily touch with the Liberian situation. His
intelligent and cOnciliatory approach helped to
smooth the way in the Liberian capital.
Aside from the health and labor reforms urged
upon Liberia, its finances had become badly tangled
arising from its financial default since 1892 of pay
ments to the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company,
which has lease Of a million acres in Liberia for
the growing of rubber. The American concern had
lent Liberia $5,OOO,OOO. In recent months President
Barclay and Harvey S. Firestone, Jr., made new
agreements. Firestone is to receive from the gov
eminent five instead Of seven per cent interest and
payments are to be resumed. 1t was directly after
the Liberian Legislature had ratified these agree
ments that Washington accorded Monrovia recogni-
ton.
President Barclays plan to reform is said to
embrace many of the important points included in
the Leagues plan. However, the chief adviser will
be responsible to him instead Of to the League or
anyone else as originally provided. Backed by the
American government, and with diplomatic rela-
tons renewed, Liberals future appears particularly
bright.