As to the actual volume of trade and its movement, some words are necessary. Recent figures are supplied in a little table issued by the Republic in a small pamphlet entitled _Some Trade Facts_; it covers the period extending from 1905 to 1912. As will be seen, during that period of time, the customs revenue of the Republic more than doubled. Part of this favorable result undoubtedly was due to the fact that the administration of the customs service was for that time largely in the hands of a British Chief Inspector of Customs. There is no reason why this encouraging movement of trade should not continue. There is wealth enough in Liberia, if it can only be properly developed. The resources are enormous; the difficulties have been in handling them. The Republic has usually been in financial difficulties; it has been hard work to make ends meet; but there is no question that with good management and legitimate encouragement the national income may be more than necessary to meet all obligations, to pursue conservative policies of development, and to attract favorable assistance from the outside world. STATEMENT OF CUSTOMS REVENUE OF THE REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA FOR YEARS 1905-1912 (1st April-31st March) Port 1905-6 1906-7 1907-8 1908-9 Monrovia $114,098 $129,077 $128,030 Cape Mount, etc. 38,128 31,901 19,327 Marshall 11,195 18,412 16,666 Grand Bassa, etc. 103,494 112,168 105,273 Sinoe, etc. 30,228 32,784 27,172 Cape Palmas, etc. 30,603 41,413 48,314 Kabawana, etc. 166 3,483 1,808 Rubber Duties collected in London 7,443 8,614 -------- -------- -------- -------- Total $230,580 $327,913 $376,684 $355,208 Port 1909-10 1910-11 1911-12 Monrovia $117,524 $135,916 $144,292 Cape Mount, etc. 25,907 27,809 36,125 Marshall 8,211 12,761 23,579 Grand Bassa, etc. 109,876 118,782 140,457 Sinoe, etc. 33,960 28,208 31,784 Cape Palmas, etc. 66,018 78,028 86,615 Kabawana, etc. 206 1,238 3,841 Rubber Duties collected in London 8,725 4,655 4,637 -------- -------- -------- Total $370,431 $407,400 $471,335