Liberia: Description, History, ProblemsStarr, Frederick
History
Liberia: Description, History, Problems
Starr, Frederick
Liberia
There are prominent negroes in our own country who have urged an exodus
of black men from the United States. The difficulties of transporting
our millions of black men, women, and children to Africa, if they care
to go, are so great as to render the scheme actually impracticable. Nor
is the difficulty of transportation the only one. The limited range of
promising occupations makes it unlikely that great numbers will ever go
thither; more than that, pronounced success in the United States,--and
pronounced success to-day is by no means rare among our colored
population,--will hold the majority of colored people in this country.
There is, however, room in Liberia for many thousands of settlers and
opportunity for those among them who have no foolish notions and who
possess the qualities which Green demands from those whom he invites to
come. Bishop Turner and Dr. Heard urge migration on the largest possible
scale; Dr. Ernest Lyon who, at the time when the excitement in regard to
Liberia City was at its height, represented our government as minister
to Liberia, discourages “indiscriminate immigration”. His report sent
late in 1903 to Secretary Hay, of our Department of State, was a dash to
the high hopes of the encouragers of immigration. His letter was called
out by the proposed large emigration from the United States in 1904. He
says: “From my knowledge of the conditions of affairs here, I beg to
inform you that Liberia is not prepared for indiscriminate immigration
in 1904. If immigrants come here who are unable to support themselves
for at least six months, they will die from starvation and the rigor of
the African climate--there are no houses here, even of a temporary
construction, to protect them until they can build for themselves.” As
might be expected, this report of the resident Minister called forth a
vigorous reply from Mr. Green. He closes his answer with an actually
able burst of feeling. He says: “As to indiscriminate immigration, it
was that that planted the colony of Liberia; it was indiscriminate
immigration which gave birth to a Republic to which the Rev. Dr. Lyon
might be accredited United States Minister; it was this immigration
scheme that gave us a President Roberts, a Benson, a Gardner, a Coleman.
It reinforced, succored, perpetuated the Republic in its infancy. It was
indiscriminate immigration which gave Liberia the grave and
distinguished statesman, His Excellency, President A. Barclay, our
present and honored incumbent. Yes, and more than that, even America is
a child of indiscriminate immigration which yet constitutes the greatest
increase of American humanity. It made America great. May it not make
Liberia great?” Thousands of American black men might no doubt move to
Liberia with advantage and profit to themselves and to their adopted
country. The Republic offers a rich field. But it needs no idlers, no
paupers, no criminals. No one should go without having clear ideas as to
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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