Fille No. 882.00/446.

The American Chargé d’Affaires to the Secretary of State.

[Telegram.]

Department’s November 6. No rioting whatever at Monrovia. Stone throwing by irresponsible persons, reported in my No. 53 October 12, suppressed more than a month ago.

[Page 659]

At Brewerville, fifteen miles north, German store in charge of Liberian looted ten days ago to the extent of about $1,200. Cause, local feud among Liberians; culprits promptly arrested.

Native uprising at river Cess seventy-five miles south cause refusal Government to permit foreign merchants to sell natives gunpowder. Ballard, American officer, with efficient troops there, reports uprising suppressed. Similar sympathetic uprising vicinity Bassa. Troops dispatched there.

It is true foreign merchants have lost goods from branch stores in these districts due to disorders mentioned but I believe situation by no means beyond control authorities.

Government funds short. Establishment gold basis renders impossible raising emergency funds on duty paper. Loan security until now intact but protracted delay and prevailing uncertainty as to loan are doing great harm to the interests of all concerned. Unstable financial situation coupled with disorders and consequent loss of goods caused German merchants to appeal for war vessel. Am reliably informed that this proceeded from German merchants directly and not through their consul. Their action effectually concealed until fifth instant.

Believe no necessity for presence of war vessel exists. Fears of bankers not warranted by situation as understood here.

Bundy.