ing a home to certain freed American slaves desiring to return to the mother country, it was destined at the same time to fulfill a civilizing mission upon the Guinea coast. This creation has produced happy results. It began, it is true, under great difficulties, but this often happens in the early life of new states. This young Republic none the less deserves the sympathies of all those who are interested in the cause of humanity in Africa. It is an independent and free state. Moreover, the conference has every interest in associating it with its work, not only because of the mission Liberia is called upon to fulfill, but also because it is also in a position to lend indispensable assistance toward the execution of several of the clauses of the general act." The British delegate, Lord Vivian, welcomed this declaration of the President of the conference, adding that the place of Liberia had already been fixed among the independent states which were to be invited to adhere to the general act. These important declarations stand, therefore, as voicing the general sentiment of the conference and as recognizing with peculiar solmnity and frank spontaneity the position which the Republic of Liberia has won as a free, independent, sovereign, and equal member of the family of nations, and as an important factor in the development and civilization of Africa.

The position of Liberia in Africa is peculiar and almost isolated. It is one of the few independent sovereignties of that vast continent, and is the only one on the whole Atlantic seaboard. It has exercised sovereign attributes for half a century, competently contracting treaties with foreign states, and preserving its sphere of legitimate control peacefully among the interior tribes and along the coast, in virtue of formal treaties of cession dating back to its earliest history. At no time has Liberia trespassed on the domain of its neighbors or invaded their comparatively recent sphere of influence. Ever paying due respect to the rights of other sovereignties, its attitude has entitled it to unquestioning respect for its own vested rights, and to especial sympathy for its fruitful efforts to fulfill what Baron Lambermont has well called "Une mission civilisatrive pour la cote de Guinee."

Occupying the position, as Liberia does, and bound to the United States by special ties, which, strong in their origin, have been further strengthened by half a century of intimate relationship, it is apparent that this Government and people could not behold unmoved, much less acquiesce in, any proceeding on the part of the neighbors of Liberia which might assume to dispose of any territory justly claimed and long

admitted to belong to the Republic, without the concurrence and consent of Liberia as an independent and sovereign contractant.

It is proper that France, whose colonial establishments and spheres of protection adjoin the jurisdiction of Liberia to the eastward, should be afforded an opportunity of frankly disclaiming any intention to encroach upon the recognized territory of Liberia.

By the President's direction, you are instructed to bring these views to the attention of the minister of foreign affairs, and to inform him at the same time that the Government of the United States does not accept as valid or acquiesce in the protectorates announced by Mr. Desprez's note of November 3, 1891, or by Mr. Patenotre's later note of January 26, 1892, so far as the same may relate to territory pertaining to the Republic of Liberia westward of the San Pedro River, unless it shall appear that Liberia is herself a consenting party to such transactions.

The President is so firmly convinced that the just rights of independent Liberia will be duly respected by all, that he is indisposed to consider the possible contingency of such expansion of the territorial claims of other powers in Africa as might call for a more positive assertion of the duty of the United States.

(Despatch of July 12, 1892, of Mr. Foster, Secretary of State, to Mr. Lincoln, American Minister to Great Britain. Foreign Relations, 1892, 229.)

Sir Julian was told that the position of this Government as the next friend of a republic founded in Africa by American enterprise was well known, and had on former occasions been evidenced by our frank and friendly intervention, not only with France but with Great Britain as well, to avert any diminution of such just rights to African territory as Liberia possessed, and that due representation would be made against the apprehended encroachments of France westward of the long recognized boundary of the San Pedro River.

(Annual Message, Dec. 6, 1892, of President Harrison. Foreign Relations, 1892, xiv.)

In consequence of the action of the French Government in proclaiming a protectorate over certain tribal districts of the west coast of Africa, eastward of the San Pedro River, which has long been regarded as the southeastern boundary of Liberia, I have felt constrained to make protest against this encroachment upon the territory of a Republic which was founded by citizens of the United States and toward which this country has for many years held the intimate relation of a friendly counselor.

(Confidential promemoria, of March 13, 1897, of Mr. Sherman, Secretary of State. Senate Document 666, 60th Congress, 2d Session.)

Having reference to the confidential promemoria submitted by his excellency the British ambassador, on the 8th of March, last, and being desirous, in view of the circumstance of that Republic being an offshoot of the community of the United States, and to show toward it a kind spirit and all proper sympathy, the United States for its part declares the special interest taken by it in the independence of the Republic of Liberia and the concern it must feel should any prospect of its absorption by a foreign power develop in the future.

The Government of the United States is gratified to perceive from the British promemoria of March 8 last that Her Majesty's Government, entertains a similar special interest in the independence of the Liberian Republic.

(Report of Jan. 18, 1909, of Mr. Root, Secretary of State, to the President. Senate Document 666, 60th Congress, 2nd Session.)

It is unnecessary to argue that the duty of the United States toward the unfortunate victims of the slave trade was not completely performed by landing them upon the coast of Africa, and that our nation rests under the highest obligation to assist them, so far as they need assistance, toward the maintenance of free, orderly, and prosperous civil society.

(Special Message of Jan. 19, 1909, of President Roosevelt to Congress. Senate Document 666, 60th Congress, 1st Session.)

The relations of the United States to Liberia are such as to make it an imperative duty for us to do all in our power to help the little Republic which is struggling against such adverse conditions.

(Report of March 22, 1910, of Mr. Knox, Secretary of State, to the President. Senate Document 457, 61st Congress, 2nd Session.)

The report of the commission [to Liberia] and its recommendations have received most attentive study on the part of the Department of State and the conclusion is reached that action in the suggested lines is not only expedient but in the nature of a duty to a community which owes its existence to the United States and is the nation's ward.

(Special message of March 25, 1910, of President Taft. Senate Document 457, 61st Congress, 2nd Session.)

I cordially concur in the views of the Secretary of State and trust that the policy of the United States toward Liberia will be so shaped

as to fulfill our national duty to the Liberian people, who, by the efforts of this Government and through the material enterprise of American citizens, were established on the African coast and set on the pathway to sovereign statehood.

ANNEXES TO THE ARTICLE

66

THE SANITARY COMMISSION THE RED

CROSS."

Order of the Secretary of War Appointing the Sanitary Commission.

WAR DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, June 9, 1861.

The Secretary of War has learned, with great satisfaction, that at the instance and in pursuance of the suggestion of the Medical Bureau, in a communication to this office, dated May 22, 1861, Henry W. Bellows, D. D., Prof. A. D. Bache, LL. D., Prof. Jeffries Wyman, M. D., Prof. Wolcott Gibbs, M. D., W. H. Van Buren, M. D., Samuel G. Howe, M. D., R. C. Wood, Surgeon U. S. A., G. W. Cullum, U. S. A., Alexander E. Shiras, U. S. A., have mostly consented, in connection with such others as they may choose to associate with them, to act as "A Commission of Inquiry and Advice in respect of the Sanitary Interests of the United States Forces," and without remuneration from the Government. The Secretary has submitted their patriotic proposal to the consideration of the President, who directs the acceptance of the services thus generously offered.

The Commission, in connection with a Surgeon of the U. S. A., to be designated by the Secretary, will direct its inquiries to the principles and practices connected with the inspection of recruits and enlisted men; the sanitary condition of the volunteers; to the means of preserving and restoring the health, and of securing the general comfort and efficiency of troops; to the proper provision of cooks, nurses, and hospitals; and to other subjects of like nature.

The Commission will frame such rules and regulations, in respect of the objects and modes of its inquiry, as may seem best adapted to the purpose of its constitution, which, when approved by the Secretary, will be established as general guides of its investigations and action.

A room with necessary conveniences will be provided in the City of Washington for the use of the Commission, and the members will meet when and at such places as may be convenient to them for consultation, and for the determination of such questions as may come properly before the Commission.

In the progress of its inquiries, the Commission will correspond freely with the Department and with the Medical Bureau, and will communicate to each, from time to time, such observations and results as it may deem expedient and important.

The Commission will exist until the Secretary of War shall otherwise direct, unless sooner dissolved by its own action.

Plan of Organization for "The Commission of Inquiry and Advice in Respect of the Sanitary Interests of the United States Forces."

The Commission naturally divides itself into two branches, one of Inquiry, the other of Advice, to be represented by two principal Committees, into which the Commission should divide.

I. Inquiry. This branch of the Commission would again naturally subdivide itself into three stems, inquiring successively in respect of the condition and wants of the troops:

1st. What must be the condition and want of troops gathered together in such masses, so suddenly, and with such inexperience?

2d. What is their condition? a question to be settled only by direct and positive observation and testimony.

3d. What ought to be their condition, and how would Sanitary Science bring them up to the standard of the highest attainable security and efficiency?

SUB-COMMITTEES OF BRANCH OF INQUIRY.

A. Under the first Committee's care would come the suggestion of such immediate aid, and such obvious recommendations as an intelligent foresight and an ordinary acquaintance with received principles of sanitary science would enable the Board at once to urge upon the public authorities.