The Liberian Legislature by an Act of April, 1857, formally received the colony into the Republic as "Maryland County." The advantages gained by this change undoubtedly more than counterbalanced any loss of independence. Though the total dissolution of the government and surrender of all rights and property before any negotiation with Liberian authorities had taken place, seems inconceivably rash statescraft, the wisdom of the colonists in desiring the union is unquestionable. At the time of annexation the Maryland Colonization Society had on hand some $6,000, which was invested, and the interest devoted to a school at Cape Palmas; in connection with this trust its existence is prolonged. Up to the end of its period of activity it had received and expended nearly half a million dollars; the balance sheet of December 31, 1857, may be of interest: State Appropriations, ........... $ 930.00 State Colonization Tax, ......... 12,851.00 Colonial Agency, ................ 1,091.85 Columbia Expedition, ............ 248.88 Stock of C. & L. Trading Co., ... 1,250.00 Mdse., .......................... 104.62 State Fund, ..................... 241,922.16 Contributions, .................. 45,385.74 Profit and Loss, ................ 139,972.31-1/2 J.T.G., Colonial Agent, ......... 126.70 -------------- 443,883.26-1/2 V. THE REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA. The History of Liberia from this point on assumes a peculiar interest. The capacity and capabilities of the Negro are subjected to a crucial test. He is left fully freed from the control or influence of an alien race, in possession of a borrowed civilization, and of a borrowed political system of an advanced type, dependent on popular intelligence for its very existence. Can he maintain his position? Will he make further progress, developing along lines peculiar to his race and environment, and spreading a new civilization among the adjacent tribes? Or is he to lapse helplessly back into his original condition--to be absorbed into the dense masses of surrounding barbarism? The question is a vital one. The solution of weighty problems in large part depends upon the answer. The form of government was, as has been seen, closely copied from that of the United States. There is the same tripartite division--executive, legislative and judicial. The President is elected every two years, on the first Tuesday in May. He is commander-in-chief of the army and navy; makes treaties with the concurrence of two-thirds of the Senate, with whose advice he also appoints all public officers not otherwise provided for by law.