at a great distance from ports of entry, their industrial pursuits are paralyzed, and they are made to suffer the want of necessaries and comforts of life, and the government, the loss of a large amount of revenue.

Now, unless we change our policy and give greater latitude to trade and the interchange of commerce, as well as afford encouragement to a division of labor, we must be content to suffer the charge of indiscretion and want of political sagacity, to say nothing of great lack of economy which such a course indicates.

course.

*

The time has fully come in the history of the republic when we should adopt more liberal laws for the admission of foreign capital. We have applications from various quarters urging the opening of our coast more extensively to foreign interAnd I am persuaded that under certain restrictions we may with safety and advantage accord larger privileges to foreigners, admitting them not only to more numerous points of our coast, but to our various rivers, where they may be permitted to lease lands for a term of years for carrying on their operations with some degree of responsibility to the local chiefs, conforming at the same time to the revenue laws of the republic, and being solely responsible for any disorder arising from their conduct. Attention is next called to the Barline, Pessa, Mar, Sorake, and Mandingo peoples--all interior nations. After speaking of the wealth of the country occupied by them, the designation of a commission to consist of Dr. Blyden, Dr. Priest, and the Hon. B. J. K. Anderson, the enforcement of a law creating an interior department by an appropriation for the same, the discussion of the interior question is concluded by a correct appreciation of the course to be pursued by Liberia, if a stable Christian Negro state is to exist here:

For I beg to assure you that this division of national concern, always important, is to us now, more than ever, a matter of absolute necessity, in view of the leading policy of the government at this time, viz, interior developments, and the incorporation of native tribes into the Liberian body-politic.

The consolidation of the public debt is recommended by calling in all evidences of the government's indebtedness, and the issuance to creditors of bonds paying an annual interest of 6 per cent. in gold and silver. Should the citizen creditors and foreign creditors assent to such course it might be the means of relieving the government of its financial embarrassment.

A renewed interest is asked to be taken by the legislature in the subject of education, and attention is directed to Liberian colleges and to the public schools. Should wise legislation follow these recommendations, should the Liberians fraternize with the native inhabitants, and should the laws be faithfully enforced, I am persuaded that the success of the republic would be assured.

The message closes with the following recommendation:

*

the passage of a resolution thanking the United States Government for having so generously sent Commodore Shufeldt in the flag-ship Ticonderoga to aid in the adjustment of the northwest boundary question. The remarkable patience with which the commodore and his gallant officers waited upon the movements of the commission to its adjournment cannot soon be forgotten by the government and people of the republic.

The earnestness of tone and correctness of conclusions which characterize this message must commend it to Liberians and foreigners.

The message was read to Congress by the secretary of state, the President being present in the hall of the house of representatives, at twelve o'clock, December 10, 1879, the senate and lower house having met in convention for the purpose of hearing the message.

With regrets for unavoidable delay,

I am, &c.,

JOHN H. SMYTH.

[Inclosure in No. 58.]

Message of the President of the Republic of Liberia to the first session of the nineteenth legislature.

MONROVIA, December 10, 1879.

Fellow-citizens of the Senate and House of Representatives of the Republic of Liberia: GENTLEMEN: In keeping with the constitution, and through the blessings of a kind and beneficent Providence, we have, after the lapse of another twelve months, met again for the purpose of enacting such laws as will, I trust, enhance the highest interest of our common country.

We have abundant reasons to be thankful to the Great Arbiter of all human events for the privileges and for the blessings of the past year, in that our several communities have enjoyed a reasonable portion of good health, and prosperity has attended our labors. Notwithstanding the abundance of rain, the farming season has been generally good, and coffee-planting largely increased throughout the republic. And it is to be hoped that our citizens will see the propriety of continuing to plant this important article of produce, as the most reliable source of revenue to the country, and of individual wealth to the nation. Owing to the unusually low prices of palm oil and camwood in foreign markets the trade in these articles with Liberian merchants is somewhat discouraging, and no less so to the government, as the revenue is derived chiefly from this source. And unless some other avenue be opened which will supply the deficiency growing out of this cause, the current expenses of the fiscal year cannot be met.

And just here I would remark that it is neither the depreciation nor the burning of the currency that has brought about our financial depression. The cause in my opin1on is to be sought for in another direction, viz, the inadequacy of the revenue to meet the demands of the government.

If the expenses can be curtailed, or in any way brought within the receipts at the custom-house, matters and things will work easily, and no doubt satisfactorily to the laboring class. Otherwise we must expect to endure hardships and privations, as well as the inconvenience growing out of a gradual increase of the public debt.

And I would further remark that the very slow and uncertain process by which the revenue is obtained, owing to the want of a large and inviting commerce, is another cause of our present monetary difficulties. Our commerce to a good extent is locked up, impeded, and rendered inaccessible to the great commercial world by restrictions the most detrimental to free trade and suicidal to the well-being and happiness of the nation.

It is fully evident that we have not the capital to develop and utilize the vast resources of the country, and yet we appear unwilling to allow others to do so, or even to assist us in an enterprise so very desirable and upbuilding to a nation favored with a domain of such unbounded wealth.

We have an extent of sea-coast of about 600 miles, teeming with hundreds of thousands of aborigines who might by their commercial operations pay hundreds of thousands of dollars into the public treasury. But owing to a circumscribed trade, and living at too great a distance from the ports of entry, their industrial pursuits are paralyzed, and they are made to suffer the want of the necessaries and comforts of life, and the government a loss of a large amount of revenue.

Now, unless we change our policy and give a greater latitude to trade and the interchange of commerce, as well as afford encouragement to a division of labor, we must be content to suffer the charge of indiscretion and the want of political sagacity, to say nothing of the great lack of economy which such a course indicates. We have not only failed to utilize and enlarge the coast trade as we ought, but have also neglected to give encouragement to our interior traffic, which is far more advantageous in every respect than that on the sea-board and should claim the fostering care of the Government and people of Liberia, which care should be demonstrated in the full protection given to its development, even though it may possibly at times render the resort to an armed force necessary. These of course should always only be adopted when all other methods prove unavailing and when it becomes an absolute necessity. I am glad to be able to inform your honorable body that the chiefs and head men of the Barline country have made an application through Mr. Rose to the government for assistance to enable them to bring down their trade to the sea-board and also to protect them on the road against the intermediate tribes who are accustomed to rob and maltreat them with impunity. They allege that when thus treated by marauders from the border tribes, they get no redress except by resorting to predatory wars, in which, to use the language of the chiefs, both parties suffer most seriously and without reparation. But they allege that if the government, which commands the respect and fear of all the tribes, will interpose, the highway to the interior will be rendered free and safe to all who may travel to and fro with their articles of trade. The King of

Barline, through his son, represents the country as abounding in cattle, rice, cotton, country cloths, palm oil, palm kernels, and camwood. He also assures the govern ment that laborers can be supplied in large numbers from this populous section of country.

The Passas are said to be a hardy and industrious tribe, capable of enduring great fatigue and labor like the Kroomen. And what is especially gratifying is their great inclination to civilization and Christianity-more so perhaps than any other tribe about us. Such a people, then, should have special encouragement, not only by the government, but also by the bold and enterprising merchants, in offering every inducement to bring them and their trade among us. I have also to state further in this connection, that I have had the pleasure of receiving recently a messenger from Ibrahima Sissi, sovereign ruler and commander of the faithful of the Kingdom of Medina, requesting the Liberian Government to assist in opening the roads for trade from this wealthy commercial emporium to Monrovia. He represents the road to be infested with robbers, which he advises must be removed in order to secure a free egress and ingress to trade. Ibrahima Sissi is of the opinion, however, that the chiefs residing on the road may be conciliated and easily controlled by the payment of a yearly stipend; but adds, in case of the failure of this method, he is prepared to join the government in a military force of horsemen and foot soldiers, to co-operate with the Liberian troops in removing the obstructions. He states that he sent a thousand horsemen to Musardu to escort the government commissioner, Hon. B. J. K. Anderson, to Medina, in the year 1868, but Mr. Anderson, for some reason unknown to him, declined the invitation. Medina is represented as abounding in cattle, hides, goats, sheep, horses, asses, rice, pease, corn, ground-nuts, cotton country cloths, butter, rock salt, and gold in great abundance. All he wants is free and uninterrupted intercourse between Medina and Monrovia, in order that the wealth of this interior region may pour down into our markets.

In reply to this message I have dispatched a communication to him in the Arabic language, prepared by Dr. Blyden, with the view of arriving at a full and definite understanding with him. This letter was sent by his messenger, Vumbah Sissi, who left here on the seventh day of October, hoping to return by the middle of January or the first of February next. Should he return at the time mentioned, I purpose with your permission to send three commissioners, viz, Dr. Blyden, Dr. Priest, and Hon. B. J. K. Anderson, to have an interview with the King, and arrange the preliminaries for opening up the roads for trade and other important interests of the government. Vumbah Sissi, the King's messenger, having read my letter and noted in his book some impertant points therein contained, is of the opinion that it will be cordially received and entertained by the King and people of Medina.

And permit me to remark to you, gentlemen, constituting this honorable body, our duty to our brethren of the interior is providentially plain before us. Let us heed the Macedonian call now, lest we have cause when too late to regret it. God in his overruling providence has inclined and predisposed the hearts of our aboriginal brethren toward us for good. Let me urge upon you the importance of heeding the divine monition and of engaging in the work of enlarging our borders and making strong our bands, by uniting with this intelligent people, who, like ourselves, can read and write (though in a different language) and who occupy no mean rank in mathematical and classical literature-a people who for many generations have been free from the destructive effects of intoxicating drinks, and are therefore in the happy enjoyment of an unimpaired body and mind, an undwarfed manhood, and a soul that delights in the free worship and adoration of the great God, the merciful and the compassionate. I have also to state that the honorable superintendent of Grand Bassa County has received a deputation from the "Mar" people, asking the intervention of the govern ment to protect them and their property in their passage to and from that place to Buchanan. And shall we, gentlemen, be indifferent to the interest of these people, so intimately connected with our own? Surely not.

The "Mar" Country, lying in the northeastern part of Grand Bassa County, and about twelve days' journey from Buchanan, was ceded to this republic in 1874, under the administration of President Roberts, and is entitled to the protection for which the chiefs ask. I have directed Superintendent Smith to assure the King's messenger that the government will do all within its power to protect person and property on the highway as well as to foster interior commerce. This we must do if we would have a revenue with which to support the government. I believe in the doctrine of Rev. Elijah Johnson, "Protect your commerce and it will protect you."

The aboriginal tribes also in and about Cape Palmas, with the exception of the Bereby section, present a most encouraging and gratifying aspect. The honorable superintendent, under date of November 11, writes: "Several of the interior tribes have recently sent in their chiefs and other representatives to enter into more intimate terms of friendship with the government."

Several quasi treaties have been made, and more friendly relations never existed than at the present time. The Sorake people, now an important tribe, who remained friendly during the Grebo war, have engaged to assist the government in keeping the

roads open for eighteen miles interiorwise. "The Grebos," he writes further, the most friendly terms with the government.

"The educated young men, some eighteen or twenty in number, have recently taken the oath of allegiance. The natives far and near seem to be becoming awake to an important fact. viz, that God intends them to become one with us, a part and parcel of Liberia in all her interests. And the interior tribes particularly are very anxious for the opening of schools among them."

From these references, gentlemen, your honorable body will be able to form some idea of the vast and favorable opportunities presented to government for uniting our brethren of the tribes around and beyond with ourselves, and thus laying the foundation of a powerful future state. And I fondly cherish the hope, gentlemen, that in view of the gigantic proportions of the work before us, and the important bearing it has upon the vital interests of the nation, the Executive shall have your hearty cooperation in all judicious measures tending to carry out and perfect an enlightened and wise domestic and interior policy. I believe that there is sufficient tact and experience in this honorable body to seize hold of these favorable opportunities and render them subservient to the best interests of all concerned. I believe that, with me, you will invite the friends of Africa in foreign lands to come with their railroads and other appliances and join us in our efforts to reach the kingdom of Soudan, the garden spot of our country, and open its rich treasures to the commercial world. I am willing, gentlemen, and I believe you are, to follow the indications of the Great Arbiter of all events in the work of civilizing and evangelizing Africa.

Who can divine the motive that induced the Mohammedan King Ibrahima Sissi to seek the co-operation of the Liberian Government? Who can foresee the sublime results that may hang upon the appeals echoing from the Barline, Mar, Sorake, and Grebo tribes for a more intimate connection with Liberia in all her interests? Admit that their motives are wholly selfish and mercenary. Admit that their object is only for gain. Even in that case they will compare favorably with other nations and people on the globe who make a much louder boast of having higher aims in view than the mammon of this world. But can you positively assert that there may not be a background of the most thrilling events, pregnant with the highest interests of African elevation and redemption, behind the scenes? You cannot; you dare not. It seems to me that I can see in the call of the Mohammedan chief the fall or the bowing of the Crescent before the Cross, at least in Africa. And who can tell the part that Christian Liberia is to play in this great drama?

Gentlemen, allow me to repeat, we have a great work before us, and it is our duty as a Christian government to go forward and do all we can in our day and generation to bring about the grand result, not only of the unification, but the civilization and Christianization of the thousands of heathens now sitting in darkness and in the region and shadow of death. And in order that these important matters may receive due attention, I would most respectfully recommend that the act creating and regulating the Interior Department be enforced, and that a suitable appropriation be made by you for carrying out the same. I sincerely trust that no considerations of economy or retrenchment will prevent you from making provision in the appropriation bill for a salary for the officer to be put in charge of this department; for I beg to assure you that this division of national concern, always important, is to us, now more than ever, a matter of absolute necessity, in view of the leading policy of the government at this time, viz, interior development and the incorporation of the native tribes into the Liberian body-politic.

To put this department in proper working order, with an able, discreet man at its head one who can comprehend and appreciate the vast responsibilities it involves; one who has experience in and respect for the character, opinions, prejudices, and even customs of our aboriginal population, will be setting in motion a machinery fraught with the highest interest to this nation.

This department, properly managed, will do more to build up the nation, to consolidate the Americo-Liberian and native citizens, to enlarge our borders, to multiply our inhabitants, to put us in a condition to defend and protect our national institutions, and to develop the manifold resources of our country than can be easily imagined. It will give to the republic of Liberia an impetus forward which will result in growth, strength, and development far beyond the expectations of the most sanguine among us.

I am aware that the act regulating the highway gives the Executive great discretionary power as well as eight thousand dollars annually to carry into effect that law; but the President personally cannot attend to the duties prescribed in said act.

In fact, the several requirements therein set forth are matters of record, and a proper person should have the entire management of the interior department, under the direction of the President. The government has nothing to lose, but everything to gain, by the immediate revival of this office.

Recurring to the subject of the coast trade, while I would not be understood as advocating the doctrine of throwing open our coasts indiscriminately, I do say we need

more ports of entry to command a larger trade and an increased revenue. The greater the commerce of any country, the more advantage to the public exchequer; and the government should, by all possible means, adopt such a policy from time to time as will conduce to the national progress. Commerce and agriculture are the ordinary sources from which most governments derive their support.

The time has fully come, in the history of the republic, when we should adopt more liberal laws for the admission of foreign capital. In view of our peculiar eireamstances, it is our duty to avail ourselves of every means by which we may enhance our material as well as moral prosperity, and thus increase our usefulness on this continent.

We have applications from various quarters urging the opening of our coast more extensively to foreign intercourse; and I am persuaded that under certain restrictions we may, with safety and advantage, accord larger privileges to foreigners, admitting them not only to more numerous points of our coast, but to our various rivers, where they may be permitted to lease lands for a term of years for carrying on their operations with some degree of responsibility to the local chiefs, conforming at the same time to the revenue laws of the republic and being solely responsible for any disorder arising from their own conduct.

We have also applications to lease portions of the public domain along our extersive sea-coast. If the legislature would authorize the Executive to carry out such concessions as may be deemed advisable, this would be a source of large income to the government.

With regard to our deranged finances, I would recommend the consolidation of the public debt; that is to say, the enactment of a law calling in all papers and scrip whether paper currency, debenture, or checks, which represent any claims against the government. These obligations should be received into the treasury, not to be reissued, and bonds given to their holders as receipts for the amount deposited, upou which an interest of 6 per cent. per annum shall accrue to the depositor, in gold or silver coin, to take effect after the 30th day of June, 1880. The government must have money, and it is for your honorable body to devise ways and means or to adopt those suggested to you for relieving us from the constant financial pressure which hampers all our operations.

I call upon all merchants, mechanics, and farmers-upon all patriotic citizens—to assist the government to place itself in a position to enforce the laws of the republie and to command respect.

In the progress of events, the demands made upon us, both from the interior and from abroad, are increasing in importance and urgency; and we should be recreant to our trust and unfaithful to our responsibilities if we do not come up to the reasonable expectations both of foreign observers and our aboriginal brethern. We have great opportunities for enlarging the area of Liberia's usefulness at home and her influence abroad, but we cannot avail ourselves of these opportunities without money. I trust that no local prejudice or fancied personal interests will make us indifferent to the great question. We should all seriously consider of adopting ways and means for relieving the government and the mass of the citizens from the pressure now so generally felt.

Our common-school interest is one of paramount importance to the country, and should claim far more of our attention. We should be willing to pay for the educa tion of our children, in such money as the teacher can make available in supplying the necessaries of life. Teachers are not prepared at all times to wait for their salary longer than the close of the quarter; and if then they are paid in irredeemable checks, they are prevented from paying their quarterly bills, and are therefore made to suffer privation and want during the succeeding term. This often causes worthy and faithful teachers to engage in other occupations, and thus the public schools are neglected. I would recommend that the law regulating common schools be so amended as to bring about results more favorable to the educational demands of the country. I beg to recommend also a large appropriation for common schools, in order to supply in some measure the increasing number of applications for schools on the part of the native tribes around us. Funds to meet the support of these schools can be raised from taxes as soon as there shall be a proper circulating medium established.

It is worthy of note in this connection that many of the aborigines are willingly paying taxes to aid in the maintenance of the schools accessible to them. To meet the requirements for a higher education, I most earnestly recommend that the Liberia College-a national institution, the benevolent gift of good men in America, men who were true friends to negro elevation in this country-be more highly appreciated and sustained by the government and people of Liberia.

The support of this important institution should not be left solely to the trustees of donations. The government should not stop at supporting the preparatory department, but should appropriate at least $3,000 annually for ten years to aid in keeping up repairs and the payment of professors. And I have to request that you will, at your present session, pass a resolution to that effect.