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the management of the said society, there were sometimes dissatisfied persons, who were anxious to return to the land whence they had come. But the percentage of such was never as great as at present, though it is owing, perhaps, to the financial condition of the immigrants, those who were not able to pay their way back having had to content themselves and remain. But aside from this consideration, it is a known fact that there has been much suffering among the people of recent expeditions, caused by a lack of previous arrangements for their well-being, and those of them who have returned to America must have carried a very unfavorable report of the country. It is a mistake; there is nothing the matter with the country. Why should it be blamed because people will not exercise a little judgment? Let them go to any other country in the same silly manner and they will find suffering awaiting them likewise. In cases where individuals or families come to Liberia on their own responsibility-i. e., unconnected with any regularly organized company, it seems to me there should be an immigration bureau under Government appointment, with whom all such persons should correspond before coming in order that information might be had and the necessary arrangements made for them.

Dr. A. P. Camphor, president of the College of West Africa, pubJished in the college paper a set of resolutions adopted by the Methodist Episcopal Conference at one of its recent sessions, and containing the following paragraphs:

Resolved, That we do encourage the immigration of such persons as have means enough to establish themselves comfortably and enough to support themselves for at least six months in this country; also that we do encourage men and women who have trades and professions in preference to those who have not, and those who have at least a common school education.

Resolved, That we invite our brethern to come over in small parties; but we discourage wholesale immigration, as we feel that it works injury to the country and to the few who might make a success.

Doctor Camphor, commenting on the resolutions aforesaid, at the time of publication, said: "A great many people abroad are of the opinion that wholesale and indiscriminate immigration is desirable in Liberia. But they do not express the views of the people here, as far as we have been able to observe. The sentiments expressed in the foregoing come from one of the oldest and most representative Christian bodies in the country. What it says is worthy of respect and consideration by those who are interested to know the thought of the people in Liberia on this question."

The Hon. T. W. Haynes, retiring attorney-general of Liberia, after stating his position and supporting it with the clearest reasoning and abundance of facts, uses the following language: "Long before this time I have come to the conclusion, from observation of the class of people coming to this country from America, especially within the last four or five years, and the results which have followed, that in spite of what the most learned advocates of a wholesale immigration to Liberia of an indiscriminate class of negroes have said and may still say, I maintain that it is not just the best thing for Liberia at present.'

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The Hon. Robert Sherman, secretary of war and navy, and regarded as one of the best informed men in Liberia, thus describes the class of negroes wanted in Liberia: "It is the spirit of every

intelligent Liberian to encourage immigration, especially that class of negroes that would be a blessing to the country and race. In my opinion Liberia stands much in need of that kind that will forget that they were Americans and consider themselves Liberians in spirit and in truth. A class that will come here with push, energy, and a self-sacrificing and an industrious spirit in them, that class that will laugh at impossibilities, hardships, privation, and the African fever; then all things would become possible unto them, and in a few years by patiently toiling they would not regret their coming here, for they would become wealthy and independent citizens on their own soil.

The Hon. Daniel E. Howard, secretary of the treasury, expressed himself in these fitting words: "The people of Liberia are ready and willing to welcome all worthy and thrifty negroes who have a right idea of manhood and freedom, and who are willing to endure hardships and are really persuaded in their own minds that they can live in Liberia. If those who desire to emigrate have really gotten enough of all they can get out of America, the good and the bad, then, and not till then, let them come. They must be willing to leave the fleshpots as well as the lynching. Of course, every sane person will agree that an indiscriminate, heterogeneous, wholesale influx of negroes or anybody else would be undesirable here or anywhere else." The Hon. S. T. Prout, postmaster-general of the Republic, couched his views in this appropriate paragraph: "Too many should not come at one time. They should be able to support themselves for at least six months, and prepared to build their houses, and open farms, etc. The kind of immigration wanted: First. Men and women who are not ignorant, worn-out, or needy. They will only be a burden to our Government. They should, therefore, be skilled laborers, and possess a certain amount of capital to give them a start. Second. They should bring their books, if professional men; or their tools and implements, if mechanics or farmers. Doctors should come supplied and prepared for work. Third. Men and women are wanted who are patriotic lovers of freedom; self-reliant men, men of push, men who can originate ideas and execute them, responsible men, men who come determined to stand by the Republic of Liberia and succeed as she succeeds, or fail as the Republic fails. Moral, industrious, Christian men. These are the men and women wanted to emigrate from America to Liberia. Anything short of this had better remain where they are."

The Hon. Thomas W. Howard, postmaster of Monrovia, in delivering the oration on the fifty-sixth anniversary of the Republic, and after depicting the horrors which have attended the coming of immigrants in recent years, continues: "Some of them sicken and die, while the greater portion of the rest long to return to the fleshpots of Egypt. Will you then say, my fellow-citizens, that more of this kind are needed to assist in the development of Liberia? I say, no! We want men of honor, men of tact and talent, men of skill, ability, and purpose, free from any other motives saving to assist in the upbuilding of this our negro nationality."

His Excellency the Hon. Arthur Barclay, President of Liberia, speaking in his inaugural address on the subject of immigration, employed these words: "This question profoundly interests us.

Placed in the middle of a large semicivilized population there is great desire that we have more centers of civilization. The Liberian has been wont to regard the country as held in trust for his relatives in the United States. The colored American, or, rather, the class that would be a valuable acquisition to the country-the men of some culture, the small capitalist, and the man of initiative and push, are not inclined at present to come to Liberia. The leaders of the colored people are opposed to emigration to Liberia. They are in the fight for social and political equality with the white American. The success of the struggle is for them very doubtful, if not entirely hopeless. The negro masses are being lifted gradually and slowly, learning self-reliance, thrift, and initiative. It is important that the intending immigrant possess these qualities, and it can not be denied that the country is not prepared for the movement. While preparing a home the immigrant must have facilities for procuring work. At present these do not exist. There is a class of men slowly coming into the country who will likely prove a most useful acquisition. They are rather above the average. As the country develops and opportunities offer they will encourage their friends to come over. This class should zealously be encouraged. About the masses our policy should be Hasten slowly.' * I regret the glowing account so often published with respect to Liberia. It attracts an undesirable class of persons who are as useless here as in America."

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The foregoing contains every expression of opinion possible to be obtained from the communications sent out on the subject of immigration. They are submitted without comment. In submitting them, however, it is hoped that the position of the legation of impartially giving the facts will not be misunderstood by the American public, to whom some previous dispatches have been given. This information is for the class of negroes who are not prepared to come to Liberia, and whose coming in the future as in the past will be attended with suffering and death and a few possible returns to the United States. The legation does not oppose the right kind of immigration. The effort is to prevent the coming of that class which is a tax upon the legation and the limited resources of the community.

I have, etc.,

Mr. Lyon to Mr. Hay.

ERNEST LYON.

No. 53.]

AMERICAN LEGATION,
Monrovia, June 14, 1904.

SIR: I have the honor to inclose an editorial which appeared in one of the newspapers published in Monrovia, Liberia. This is one of many editorial expressions in approval of the position we have taken upon the subject of emigration."

I have, etc.,

ERNEST LYON.

[Inclosure.]

LIBERIA AND WEST AFRICA.

The attention of the people has been naturally drawn to Liberia, since this country was founded by American philanthropy as an asylum for the oppressed of the negro race.

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We seriously question some methods employed by radical American negroes to obtain recruits for Liberia. They will not benefit Liberia if they do not prove disastrous to the immigrants themselves. We are not opposed to immigration if the right sort can be had. For one or two families to come at a time with sufficient means to be independent until a foothold can be secured, is the course we would advise. There are avenues open here where, with a little money and common sense, one can make an independent living. Prospective immigrants need not be led astray by being told what the old settlers have done with almost nothing. The conditions have changed. The old settlers who accumulated small fortunes did so in trading and at a time when conscience was not considered in trading with natives. Those were times when traders were few, and returns on investments were expressed in three figures and sometimes four. Fortunes must be made in other ways now.

We think President Barclay understands what he is talking about, and the sentiments expressed in his inaugural address are well worth considering. Referring to the question of immigration on a large scale, he said: "It can not be denied that the country is not prepared for the movement. While preparing a home the immigrant must have facilities for procuring work. At present these do not exist."

MEXICO.

IMPRISONMENT OF H. C. HARDING AND H. E. DUGAT IN MEXICO.

Mr. Hay to Mr. Clayton.

[Telegram.-Paraphrase.]

DEPARTMENT OF STATE, Washington, January 28, 1904.

(Mr. Hay instructs Mr. Clayton to inquire into the circumstances connected with the imprisonment of Harding and Dugat, which took place at Matamoros, for a technical but insignificant infraction of local laws, and if the facts in the case seem to warrant it to use his good offices to effect their release.)

No. 2128.]

Mr. Clayton to Mr. Hay.

AMERICAN EMBASSY,

Mexico, January 29, 1904.

SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your telegram of yesterday.

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This matter had already received attention at my hands, having been brought to my knowledge by the consul at Matamoros, by telegram, copy herewith.

On the 14th instant I addressed a note to the foreign office, copy inclosed, requesting that such prompt action be taken by telegraph as would lead to a proper disposition of the case. I inclose copy and translation of Mr. Mariscal's reply stating that the matter was referred to the treasury department for as early a report as posible.

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On the 21st instant I telegraphed the consul, asking the status of the case and to keep me advised. To which he replied, by telegraph, on the 25th instant, stating that the men had not then been released. Thereupon, on the 26th instant, I, by note, brought the matter to Mr. Mariscal's attention, copy inclosed, reiterating my request for prompt action.

If the matter proves to be, as reported in the consul's first-mentioned telegram, I hope soon to be able to report the release of the accused. POWELL CLAYTON.

I have, etc.,

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