File 882.00/575

Minister Curtis to the Secretary of State.

No. 140

Sir: I have the honor to report for the information of the Department as directed in Department’s diplomatic instruction No. 23 of April 4, 1917, the progress made by the Liberian Government in translating into deeds the promises made in connection with the program of administrative reform suggested by Department for adoption by it as follows:

The laws passed designedly to effectuate the desired improvement, seem to be working smoothly with an apparent desire on the part of all concerned to cooperate one with the other.

[Page 887]

The enforcement of the law respecting the area in which the manufacture and sale of spirituous liquors is forbidden, while hardly meriting dithyrambic praise, does not evoke Cassandric prophecies, for the isolated case of the evasion thereof has, I am informed, been promptly rebuked by the President of the Republic and repetition forbidden.

There is some evidence of somnolescent dissatisfaction on the part of certain members of the Legislature at the reduction of their salaries, that may manifest itself at the impending regular session of that body.

Captain Green, who is being freely consulted by the Liberian Government in its efforts to improve the efficiency, morale and esprit de corps of its military organization, has taken charge of the school for cadets, who are officers of the Frontier Force in embryo, and is making commendable progress in his efforts to have the military arm of the Government service approximate American standards.

There is in my judgment need of amending the law creating the Government auditor as previously reported.

The pith and pemmican of any just conclusion, as to the disposition of the Liberian Government to wholeheartedly adopt the said program of reform, if predicated upon the official and private acts of its agents and representatives, must needs be an avowal that the Government is honestly striving to make its performance square with its promises.

I have [etc.]

James. L. Curtis