I.

Introduction.

There are but few more interesting spots in Africa than the little corner of the west coast occupied by the Republic of Liberia.  It has been the scene of a series of experiments absolutely unique in history—­experiments from which we are to derive the knowledge upon which we must rely in the solution of the weighty problems connected with the development of a dark continent, and with the civilization of hundreds of millions of the human race.  Many questions have arisen which have not been settled to our complete satisfaction.  Is the Negro capable of receiving and maintaining a superimposed civilization?  Froude declares that “the worst enemies of the blacks are those who persist in pressing upon them an equality which nature has denied them.  They may attain it in time if they are fairly treated, but they can attain it only on condition of going through the discipline and experience of hundreds of years, through which the white race had to pass before it was fit for political rights.  If they are raised to a position for which they are unqualified, they can only fall back into a state of savagery."[1] Upon the truth or error of this view how much depends!  It is shared by many; some even believe that the condition of Liberia tends to confirm it, thinking they discern signs of incipient decay.  But the great preponderance of opinion is on the other side.  The weight of evidence shows the colonists have at the lowest estimate retained the civilization they took with them.  Many maintain that there has been a sensible advance.  A recent traveller describes them as “in mancher Hinsicht schon hypercultivirt.”

What might be called a third position is taken by one of the most prominent writers of the race, E.W.  Blyden, the widely-known President of Liberia College.  The radical difference in race and circumstance must, he thinks, make African civilization essentially different from European:  not inferior, but different.  The culture which the blacks have acquired, or may attain in further contact with foreign influence, will be used as a point of departure in future intelligent development along lines following the characteristics of the race.  This tendency to differentiate he regards as natural and inevitable; it ought to be recognized and encouraged in every way, that the time may be hastened when a great negro civilization, unlike anything we have yet seen, shall prevail in Africa and play its part in the world’s history.

If we make allowance for the errors and mistakes of an untrained and inexperienced people, the history of Liberia may be regarded as a demonstration of the capacity of the race for self-government.  Upon the capability of individuals is reflected the highest credit.  The opportunities for a rounded-out and fully developed culture afforded by the peculiar conditions of life in the Republic produced a number of men who