USA Recognizes Republic of Liberia 1863: Pacific Commercial Adverister

Source: The Pacific Commercial Advertiser. Honolulu: Thursday, June 11, 1863.

One result of the present civil war in America has been the recognition of the negro Republic of Liberia, as an independent Sovereignty, by the United States, and the formation of a treaty between the two governments. By this treaty, there is to be perpetual peace and friendship and reciprocal freedom of commerce between the contracting parties, and they bind themselves to treat each other on the footing of the most favored nations, including the full protection of persons and properties. The American Government engages never to interfere, unless solicited by that of Liberia, in the affairs between the aboriginal inhabitants and Liberia, in the territory and jurisdiction of that republic, and its citizens residing therein are required to abstain from all such intercourse with the aboriginal inhabitants as will tend to violations of the law and disturbance of the peace of the country.

Liberia, as is well known, is located on the west coast of Africa, and a republican form of government was established in 1823, just forty years since, under the auspices of the Colonization Society, which has been engaged during that period in transporting thither free blacks, and in endeavoring to promote agriculture and commerce. The population is now about 300,000, nearly all of whom are colored people. During the past few years, under the special protection of the British Government, aided by wealthy British merchants, the commerce of Liberia is greatly increased, and it promises to become still more important.

Another result of the civil war is the change of public sentiment in America respecting the propriety of receiving colored representatives from foreign governments. The first instance which has ever occurred of such a person being received at Washington, is the recent acknowledgment of the representative from Hayti, in the capacity of Minister resident. He is said to be a well-educated man, a mulatto, or half-caste, exceedingly polite, and versed in the usages and customs of the society which he is expected to meet and move in. His arrival in Washington was, as might be expected, the occasion of much talk in diplomatic circles, and great curiosity existed as to whether he would be admitted into society, and treated by the foreign representatives as their equal.

Secretary Seward was the first to break the ice, by giving an official dinner to the new Minister. Lord Lyons, the French and Russian ambassadors, and one or two others, had no hesitancy about receiving the Haytien Minister as an equal, and attended the dinner. Other diplomats, it is said, held off. President Lincoln’s cabinet officers and several of the most prominent Senators, however, were present. The example thus set by the leading foreign representatives and officials in Washington, settled the question as to the position which would be given to the new representative, and if he is a man of tact and ability, he will be able to hold the position which he has been permitted to take. 

We see it stated that the Republic of Liberia has appointed a colored gentleman, Rev. Mr. Pinney, to be its Consul General at New York. It is not unlikely, now that Hayti has obtained a hearing at Washington, that Liberia will soon send a representative to reside there.

Soon after Sec. Seward’s dinner to the Haytien minister had occurred, the wealthier negroes of Washington, -of whom there are some well off in this world’s goods, having estates worth $20,000 to $50,000, -thought the opportunity for cultivating friendly relations with the diplomatic circle a good one, called on the new Minister, to pay their respects, but received the cold shoulder from him. The reason assigned in the papers for his doing so, is the diplomatic rule, that as the Minister of an independent Sovereignty, a representative cannot meet on terms of social equality classes not so received in the country to which he is accredited. 

If the civil war in America produces no other good results than the treaty with Liberia and the reception of the Haytien Minister at the court of Washington, these alone will mark an advance in true liberty and international equality, sufficient to atone for much of the cost and blood expended in the war. It is a step in the right direction, and will most undoubtedly have its influence on other nations, compelling them to admit colored representatives to diplomatic equality with those of the most favored nations. We are not aware whether England and France have as yet admitted colored representatives to their respective courts, or whether Liberia and Hayti are represented there, as the Hawaiian Government is, simply by whites; but if they are not, it probably will not be long ere they follow the example which has been set them.

This, as will be observed at a glance, is an interesting topic for our own government and people to consider. No attempt, we believe, has ever been made by it to have a native Hawaiian acknowledged as Minister Resident at any foreign court. The late Mr. Haalilio was sent as Minister Plenipotentiary at the American, English and French Governments, and acknowledged and treated as such by each of them. He everywhere received the same respect due to him as the special representative of an independent Sovereign. Now the question arises, will it not be wise policy for this government to appoint and send native Hawaiians to reside at the three principal courts named above, instead of leaving the interests of our Sovereign and his people to be represented there by entire strangers, who have but little regard or sympathy for them, and that measured only by the honor derived by them from the office held? The principle of admitting colored representatives at foreign courts, being once established, our Sovereign would be at liberty to appoint such, if the interests of the kingdom require it. This government ought to stand ready to take advantage of any opening to advance its position in the circle of nationalities to which it has been admitted. It is a greater honor to any government to be represented at a foreign court by one of their own subjects, familiar with her own people, language, habits and requirements, than by a stranger, who knows little or nothing of them. It is eacy to see that our interests would be more closely watched abroad, and every opportunity taken advantage of, that might occur, to raise the honor and credit of our Sovereign. Respecting this there can be no difference of opinion. 

The main question will rest on the point, whether it is practicable for the Hawaiian Government to send and support native representatives abroad. Respecting this, there will be more diversity of opinion. That we have not many natives who are qualified for such foreign service, will be admitted; and yet were are not entirely destitute of them. Take for instance, Judge Ii, Levi Haalelea, David Kalakaua, or Judge R.G. Davis. Either of these gentlemen, if accompanied with a competent foreign secretary, would undoubtedly do honor to his Sovereign and his office.

Another point would be the great expense attending such foreign missions, which could not be less than five or six thousand dollars per annum for each mission established. Now we are not a wealthy people; and yet if our finances were more judiciously managed there would be found ample means to provide liberally for such foreign service. The main thing to settle is, whether the benefits derived from it would offset the expense. That it would give increased dignity and character to our Sovereign and people abroad, we think no one will doubt for a moment. If, then, we can improve the standing of the Hawaiian nation abroad, he must be a very small-souled man who would oppose or begrudge the annual expenditure of a few thousand dollars in effecting such a change. Let our government and people consider this thing, and if practicable, carry out the measure, and thus add strength and importance t the new rule which has been wisely inaugurated by the American Republic.