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Acts of the Liberian Legislature, 1930-1939 Acts of the Liberian Legislature, 1940

1939-1940

Joint resolution approving an agreement supplemental to the loan agreement of 1926 between the government of the Republic of Liberia, Finance Corporation of America and the National City Bank of New York, dated Dec. 28 A. D. 1939 [including the text of the supplemental agreement] (Acts 1938, pp. 2-16).

A joint resolution approving the agreement supplemental to the planting agreement between the government of the Republic of Liberia and the Firestone Plantations Company, dated Dec. 28th, 1939 [including the text of the supplemental agreement] (Acts 1938, pp. 16-20).

Joint resolution endorsing the action taken by the executive government referable to the declaration of neutrality of the government of Liberia in the present European conflict and empowering the president to take such other actions as will ensure internal economy and external interests during the existence of the said conflict (Acts 1938, p. 21).

An act fixing mileages to be paid witnesses or judicial officers on duty where motor or vehicular transport is available [, obligating the government to pay the amount charged by the vehicle operator only instead of the previous rate of 10 cents per miles, with the previous rate being paid only if the witness or judicial officer travels by foot] (Acts 1938, p. 21).

An act amending Section 29 of the Civil Service Act approved Dec. 12, 1934, and relating to leave of absence [allowing employees to accumulate the 14 days paid leave granted each year for a maximum leave of 52 days] (Acts 1938, pp. 21-22).

An act amending Section 64 of the Code for Justices of the Peace of 1907 [allowing representation of litigants only by licensed attorneys or close male kin] (Acts 1938, p. 22).

An act amending Section 41 of the act of legislature passed and approved Feb. 24, 1936, prescribing the time limit [30 days] for the payment of the [$50] divorce tax after final judgment (Acts 1938, p. 23).

An act enlarging Section 1 of the judiciary act passed and approved Oct. 22, 1914, relating to the assignment of circuit judges [allowing cirucit judges to preside over the same circuit more than once, given the abnormal travel conditions precipitated by the current European war] (Acts 1938, pp. 23-24).

An act granting emergency powers to the president of Liberia in respect of foreign trade [, permitting the president to take extraordinary measures to increase production and export of Liberian products, including the appointment of agents in foreign countries, to counteract the adverse of the European war] (Acts 1938, p. 24).

An act amending the matrimonial causes act of 1936 [eliminating “incompatibility of temper” as grounds for divorce, because it has permitted “the severing of the matrimonial tie on inadequate and frivolous grounds”] (Acts 1938, p. 25).

An act amendatory to an act passed and approved Jan. 24, 1923, fixing the pay of jurors per diem [reducing the rate in various county courts to 75 cents per day] (Acts 1938, pp. 25-26).

An act to amend the debt and damages act [so that in judgments for adultery, seduction of a wife or daughter, illegal haboring or taking of a dependent, breach of a promise to marry, and defamation losing defendants who are unable to pay civil damages may be imprisoned until the debt is liquidated, at a rate of $12 per month] (Acts 1938, pp. 26-27).

An act approving the budget presented by the secretary of the treasury, Republic of Liberia, and providing for the expenses of the government for the fiscal year, Jan. 1, 1940 to Dec. 31, 1940 [and authorizing the secretary of the treasury to repay the justices of the supreme court and five judges of the circuit court amounts “that may have been voluntarily surrendered from their salaries as a loan to the government on account of the financial condition,” whenever funds become available] (Acts 1938, pp. 27-28).

An act regulating the exploitation of timberlands and fixing duty on lumber exported from the Republic of Liberia [imposing a six cents per cubic foot customs duty on exported logs and prohibiting the commercial exploitation of trees of less than 36 inches girth with a penalty of $500 for each violation (Acts 1938, p. 28).

An act providing for and establishing the Monthly and Probate Court for the county of Monserrado and annexing the provisional Monthly and Probate Courts of the territory of Marshall and the district of Careysburg as jurisdiction thereof (Acts 1938, pp. 29-30).

An act amendatory to an act entitled “An act regulating the mining and prospecting of all mineral and other natural deposits within the Republic of Liberia” [governing placer mining of gold and other minerals] (Acts 1938, pp. 30-33).

An act amending Section 124 of the Criminal Code of 1914 relating to smuggling [permitting for maximum fines of $1,000] (Acts 1938, pp. 33-34).

An act to amend the law of bail in criminal, civil and appeal causes [requiring payment in cash, unencumbered real estate or items easily convertible into money, to be certified by the presiding judge or other magistrate] (Acts 1938, pp. 34-35).

An act relating to the military service of the republic [detailing organization of the armed forces, authorized strength, exemptions from military service, pay, equipment, allowance, arms, instruction, distribution of forces, penalties for evasion of military service and related points] (Acts 1938, p. 35-45).

Joint resolution ratifying an agreement of lease concluded between the government of the Republic of Liberia and the Firestone Plantations Company, dated Dec. 28 A. D. 1939 [approving a lease between Firestone and the government of land leased by the government from Edwin J. Barclay (with the concurrence of his wife, Mary Euphemia] (Acts 1938, pp. 46-52).

An act fixing the day of adjournment of the 1st session of the 39th legislature of the Republic of Liberia (Acts 1938, p. 52).

An act incorporating the Saint James Methodist Episcopal Church of Robertsville, Montserrado County, Republic of Liberia [naming W. David Richards, pastor; B. W. Dennis, recording steward; M. A. Bass, distributing steward; J. L. Dennis, district steward; George Outland, reserve district steward; J. H. Hope, class leader; and steward: J. B. Howland, Emma Raly and C. W. Baley] (Acts 1938, pp. 53-54).

An act incorporating the United Methodist Episcopal Church of the settlement of Fendell, Louisana, Montserrado County, Republic of Liberia [naming W. David Richards, pastor; J. J. Baxter, recording secretary; Julia E. Dennis, disbursing steward; W. H. Carver, district steward; I. W. H. Wright, class leader; and members: M. N. Massaquoi, J. E. Pason and Paul Dennis] (Acts 1938, p. 54).

An act granting Carney Johnson and such other persons as hereafter may become associated with him the right to run a ferry across the middle point of the Poh River, Montserrado County, known as the Juijuah Center [for ten years at a maximum charge of six cents] (Acts 1938, p. 55).

Joint resolution restoring Alford C. Russ to citizenship [convicted of embezzlement and wrongly denied an appeal] (Acts 1938, p. 56).

An act restoring Alfred Russell of the settlement of Harrisburg, Montserrado County, Republic of Liberia, and Jacob S. Cummings of the city of Harper, Maryland County, Republic of Liberia, to all rights and privileges of citizenship [both sentenced in 1934, having lived as “upright” citizens since their release from prison] (Acts 1938, p. 57).

An act granting to S. E. McCarey, Son and Company, Ltd., a renewal of ferry right for another 20 years [across the mouth of the St. Paul River for a maximum charge of 12 cents] (Acts 1938, pp. 57-58).

An act granting ferry franchise to Boima Kartumu and Sons of [Kolobolia, Dewo District,] the county of Grand Cape Mount, Republic of Liberia [granting sole right to operate for 20 years across the Marfa River from Kolobolia to the opposite side] (Acts 1938, pp. 58-59).

An act granting a ferry franchise to Clarence O. Tuning, Sr., of the city of Greenville, Sinoe County [to operate for six years across the Sinoe River, from Crayton’s Creek to the land owned by the late John W. Norman in upper Bluntsville to the Jack Town wharfs for a maximum charge of six cents] (Acts 1938, pp. 59-60).

An act restoring Murray J. Turner of the city of Greenville, county of Sinoe, and Republic of Liberia, to all the rights and privileges of citizenship (Acts 1938, p. 61).

An act granting a renewal ferry franchise to George B. Mooney of Garraway, Maryland County, Republic of Liberia, successor to the Garraway Ferry Boat Company (of 1918) for the operation of a ferry across the Garraway Po River, between Garraway on the east side of the said river and Po River Town on the west side of said river at a point one mile from the entrance of the said river from the Garraway Bar on each side and parts adjacent to and fro, always known and styled as the Garraway Ferry Boat Company, Garraway, Maryland County Republic of Liberia [for 12 months, with a maximum charge of six cents] (Acts 1938, pp. 61-62).

An act transferring the [$50] pension granted by law to the late Stephen W. Edwards [wounded in the 1910 rebellion] of Grand Bassa County, Republic of Liberia, to his wife Cordella C. Edwards (Acts 1938, pp. 62-63).

An act to declare Charles A. James and Felix O. Lawrence, citizens of Liberia [even though they have resided in the country for less than the required two years] (Acts 1938, pp. 63-64).

An act restoring Daniel Jackson of the township of Tallah, Grand Cape Mount, Republic of Liberia, to all the rights and privileges of citizenship (Acts 1938, p. 64).

An act restoring Henry D. Hoff of Montserrado County to all rights and privileges of citizenship (Acts 1938, pp. 64-65).

Acts passed by the legislature of the Republic of Liberia during the session 1939—40. Government Printing Office, Department of State: Monrovia, 1940.

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Acts of the Liberian Legislature, 1930-1939

1937

An act to regulate the importation, exportation, sale and dispensing of narcotic and dangerous drugs [with penalties of between $100 and $500 in fines and six months to two years imprisonment for importation of dangerous drugs without license] (Acts 1937, pp. 1-2).

An act relating to plants and pests [requiring the registration of every farm for periodic inspection, with facsimile of inspection form included] (Acts 1937, pp. 2-7).

An act amending sections 1015, 1017, 1018 and 1019 of the Revised Statutes of Liberia [making the president of Liberia the visitor of Liberia College, with the right to inspect its condition at any time and requiring the officers to furnish him with periodic reports on its curriculum, financial resources and list of teachers] (Acts 1937, pp. 7-8).

An act relating to counterfeiting [with penalty of between five and seven years imprisonment with hard labour] (Acts 1937, pp. 8-17).

A joint resolution approving an agreement supplementary to the loan agreement between the government of the Republic of Liberia with the Finance Corporation of America and the National City Bank, dated as of the 10th day of November A. D. 1937 (Acts 1937, p. 17).

A joint resolution approving the agreement between the government of the Republic of Liberia and the Firestone Plantations Company, dated the 10th day of November A. D. 1937 [with the proviso that employees be given days off for regimental quarterly parades of the militia] (Acts 1937, p. 17).

An act amendatory to the General Education Act of 1912 [giving the secretary of public instruction control over all schools supported in whole or part by the government along with all public museums and libraries and setting the minimum salaries of teachers, ranging from $100 to $1,000 per year] (Acts 1937, pp. 18-34).

An act providing for the appropriation of certain public monies [, $60,129,] for sundry purposes [providing $20,043 toward the Loan of 1926, $10,873 for Frontier Force supplies, $1,000 supplies for prisoners, $3,000 for department of interior tools, $2,670 for road construction vehicles, and $2,500 for vehicles and tools for Monrovia] (Acts 1937, pp. 35-36).

An act to govern the working of ocean-going vessels in open ports of the Republic of Liberia on Sundays and national and other holidays [permitting the discharge of cargo on those days without special permits, in order not to increase freight rates for shippers] (Acts 1937, pp. 36-37).

An act to regulate how wholesale, retail and peddling traffics shall be operated (Acts 1937, pp. 37-38).

An act to create the area known as the city corporation of Greenville, a commission government [transferring the power formerly held by the mayor and common council to an administrative board, consisting of a commissioner, one police superintendent and one director of public works, appointed by the national government] (Acts 1937, pp. 38-42).

An act approving the [iron ore] mining agreement entered into between the government of the Republic of Liberia and the Noord Europeesche Erts en Pyriet Maatschappy [of the Netherlands], and dated Aug. 23, 1937 [with an amendment requiring the construction of a habour at Monrovia or Cape Mount (Acts 1937, pp. 42-45).

An act incorporating Cedor a settlement [in Sinoe County, from the barnch called Pudor to the junction known as the Juarzon—Butaw Road] (Acts 1937, pp. 45-46).

An act authorizing the participation by the government of Liberia in the New York’s World Fair of 1939 [appropriating $25,000] (Acts 1937, p. 46).

An act approving a depositary agreement between the government of the Republic of Liberia and the Bank of Monrovia, Incorporated (Acts 1937, p. 47).

An act incorporating the township of Owensgrove, Grand Bassa County, Republic of Liberia (Acts 1937, p. 47).

An act granting certain exemption of customs duty to missionaries [, professors, tutors and instructors allowed to import goods for their personal use valued up to $150 free of duty] (Acts 1937, p. 48).

An act fixing the boundary between the countries of Grand Bassa and Sinoe [at the Bloni River] (Acts 1937, pp. 48-49).

A joint resolution approving payment by the administrative government of certain excess revenues and receipts of the government which accrued during the calendar year 1936 [applied as follows: $46,150 to interest on the funded debt; $7,130.49 to amortization of bonds issued under the loan agreement of 1926; $7,130.50 to the floating debt; $5,000 to outstanding debts; $750 to paramount chiefs in payment of five percent commission on hut tax collection; $700 for subsistence of prisoners; $180 for mechanic at government radio station; and $500 for interest on road construction contract with Firestone Plantations Company] (Acts 1937, pp. 49-50).

An act approving the agreement entered into between the government of the Republic of Liberia and the Kingdom of Norway, as date 27th August 1937 (Acts 1937, pp. 50-51).

An act granting leave of absence to his excellency the president of Liberia [authorizing up to $10,000 for a health trip abroad] (Acts 1937, p. 51).

An act authorizing the postmaster general to organize an intra-county transport service for the carriage of mails between the counties, territories and districts within the republic [appropriating $800] (Acts 1937, pp. 51-52).

An act approving the budget presented by the secretary of the treasury, Republic of Liberia, and providing for the expenses of the government for the fiscal year Jan. 1, 1938 to Dec. 31, 1938 (Acts 1937, pp. 52-53).

An act amending the act incorporating the township of Sasstown of Sinoe County, approved Jan. 21, 1924, and the act incorporating the township of Jekwi in Sasstown, Sinoe County, approved Feb. 6, 1936 [amalgamating the two into one township, in recognition that “peace and normal conditions have been restored in that area”] (Acts 1937, pp. 53-54).

An act to provide an internal revenue code of the Republic of Liberia [covering court costs; stamp duties; fees; fines and forfeitures; postal revenues; licenses, but stipulating that foreigners pay twice the rate prescribed for Liberians; real estate taxes at $2 per city lot plus half of one percent of the assessed value of any improvement, but excepting churches, schools, fraternities and foreign governments; the hut tax at between $1 to $2.16; a street and light tax of $1.50 applied to land owners in municipalities; a school tax of one dollar applied to every adult male resident of a township, settlement or municipality; a poll tax of one dollar to every adult male who does not own real estate; (Acts 1937, pp. 54-84).

An act fixing the day of adjournment of the third session of the thirty-eighth legislature of the Republic of Liberia (Acts 1937, p. 84).

An act restoring Thomas E. C. Pelham and Robert W. Draper of the city of Greenville, Sinoe County, to citizenship (Acts 1937, p. 85).

Joint resolution granting Cecilia V. Liberty [widow of Stephen A. Liberty, 15-year member and twice elected speaker of house of representatives] of Grand Bassa County, Republic of Liberia, annuity [of $50] (Acts 1937, pp. 85-86).

An act incorporating John B. McCritty’s Memorial School, Monrovia, Montserrado County [naming Mary Jacques McCritty, principal; and M. Massaquoi, tutor] (Acts 1937, pp. 86-87).

Joint resolution granting Hannah C. L. Smith [widow of Major Lemuel L. Smith who served for 20 years in the Frontier Force until his death in April 1931] of the county of Grand Bassa, Republic of Liberia, annuity [of $150] (Acts 1937, pp. 87-88).

An act restoring Napoleon B. Logan of the commonwealth district of Buchanan, Grand Bassa County, to citizenship (Acts 1937, p. 88).

An act declaring legal the present marriage of P. G. Wolo to Milisa Dennis-Wolo of the county of Montserrado, Republic of Liberia [, marital relations between Wolo and Juah Weeks-Wolo have been “duly dissolved and annulled … the question of the legality of said marriage does not, cannot and shall not arise and is not a property subject matter for adjudication in the courts”] (Acts 1937, p. 89).

Joint resolution incorporating J. J. Minor’s Lodge No. 144 of the United Brothers of Freindship at Fortsville, St. John’s River City, Grand Bassa County, Republic of Liberia [naming Charles A. McIntosh, worthy master; C. E. Bernard, d. m.; Joseph Bernard, worthy secretary; W. E. Roberts, assistant secretary; J. T. Bernard, w. treasurer; Joseph E. Holt, w. chaplain; H. C. Reeves, r. s.; R. Z. Reeves, l. s.; W. E. Avery, i. s.; Joseph E. Reeves, o. s.; trustees: Thomas L. Frazier andJames R. Page; W. H. Reeves, junior pilot; James S. Hill, senior m.; Joseph Washington, junior m.; and sick committee: Josiah T. Junius and David Morris] (Acts 1937, p. 90).

Joint resolution incorporating the Liberian Stenographers Association [naming Roland T. Dempter, president; Eugenia Simpson-Cooper, vice president; Sophia E. Dunbar, secretary; C. W. Davies-Johnson, director of stenographic school; John D. Cox, treasurer; C. L. A. Davies, critic; and members: L. B. Jacobs, R. S. S. Bright, K. Jeffries Adorkor, Mai Wiles, E. O. Akinselure, Esli Holder, J. K. Morris, T. N. Rolland, Etmonia Howard, B. P. Sacko, Rebecca Cassell, James S. Swaray, Francis T. Grimes, Adelaide Dayrell, M. W. Davies, james J. Pearce, A. M. W. Collins, G. W. Martin, Rudolph Grimes, R. N. Lewis, C. E. Morris, L. B. Nichols, Sadie Cummins, Edwin G. Hodge, L. B. Andrews, Isaac Grey Woods, W. A. B. Bucornor, Borkai Freeman and E. O. K. Freeman, requiring registration with the association prior to employment as a stenographer] (Acts 1937, pp. 91-92).

An act incorporating the “Pride of Arthington Temple” No. 137, Sisters of the Mysterious Ten, Arthington, Montserrado County [naming Beatrice A. Tyler, worthy princess; Salomi Moore, worthy vice princess; Lillian Hill, secretary; L. B. Tucker, assitant secretary; W. H. Tyler, worthy treasurer; Lilly Mason, chaplain; Penelope Moore, zilla; Viola Tyes, marshal; Hannah Moore, senior marshal; trustees: June Moore, Willie Moore, Reginald L. Brown, Daniel B. Warner, Major M. Branch; sick committee: Julia A. Warner, Margaret Grove, Cordelia Moore, Lecretia Raynes and Nora Cooper; and members: Louise Mars, Elfreda Witherspoon, Mattie Branch, Harriet Trinity, Beatrice Moore, Eugenia Turkle and Dianah Obey] (Acts 1937, pp. 92-93).

An act incorporating the “Monrovia County Club” of Monrovia [naming C. L. Simpson, president; G. L. Dennis, vice president; T. Hector Milton, secretary; W. D. Nabors, treasurer; and members: Richard S. S. Bright, Thomas E. Buchanan, Maude A. Morris, John L. Cooper, Eugenia Cooper, Henry W. Grimes, Adelaide Morris, A. B. Simpson, Sarah Raynes, Sarah Buchanan and K. J. Adorkor] (Acts 1937, pp. 93-94).

A joint resolution incorporating the Number One Native Community Club, native community of Crozierville, Montserrado County [naming C. P. Graham, president; David B. Cooper, vice president; Samuel P. Crawford, secretary; Kparkla Dennis, patron and treasurer; Moses Brown, chaplain; Charles Dunn, advocate; Kpannah Queh, collector; Fahn Sunday, messenger; and members: James Dingwall, Rolax Elias, Hektee Dunn, being “civilized Christian young men … anxious to disseminate what light of general and Christian education they have received among their less favoured brethern”] (Acts 1937, pp. 94-95).

Acts passed by the legislature of the Republic of Liberia during the session 1937. Government Printing Office, Department of State: Monrovia, 1937.

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Acts of the Liberian Legislature, 1930-1939

1936

An act to authorize the coinage of fractional currency [consisting of copper, bronze or zinc coins in one-half cent, one cent and two cents denomination, not to exceed $10,000] (Acts 1935, pp. 1-2).

An act providing for the mortgaging of personal property and for the registration of mortgages so executive (Acts 1935, pp. 2-10).

An act to amend the Criminal Code of 1914 by the addition of two sections penalizing the taking or granting of secret commissions or discounts on sales to the government and other corrupt acts [punishable by up to $1,000 in fines, one year imprisonment and dismissal from office] (Acts 1935, p. 11).

An act relating to an agreement between the government of the republic of Liberia and of the French Republic concerning the exploitation of aviation lines [for five years] (Acts 1935, p. 12).

An act to extend the jurisdiction of the municipal court of Grand Cess and creating a revenue division thereof [to hear all complaints for default in payment of taxes, licenses and other forms of internal revenue] (Acts 1935, p. 13).

An act amendatory to an act entitled an act to regulate the practice and dispensing of medicines in the Republic of Liberia and providing for the creation of a director of public health and sanitation [establishing a medical board to adjudicate payment disputes between doctors and patients as well as provide expert medical testimony in legal cases] (Acts 1935, pp. 14-16).

An act to approve memorandum agreement between the government of the Republic of Liberia and Thomas J. R. Faulkner [granting the right to a telephone service, mainly in Monrovia] (Acts 1935, p. 16).

An act creating a bureau of trade and commerce in connection with the treasury department and repealing an act approved Jan. 26, 1923 entitled “An act creating a commercial division in the treasury department [authorized to: register all commercial enterprises within the country; record all imports and exports; record the prices of the country’s main products; compile all laws of West Africa colonies governing exportation of produce; publish on trading conditions in Liberia; and survey the internal market conditions] (Acts 1935, pp. 17-19).

An act to provide for the appointment of revenue solicitors [within the justice department, with a $650 salary] (Acts 1935, p. 20).

An act amending an act passed by limitation January 1936, appropriation $200 from the township funds of the settlement of Royesville in Montserrado County for the construction of a substantial bridge across the Fall Creek on the central and commercial road from Royesville through Little Cape Mount to Grand Cape Mount (Acts 1935, p. 21).

An act establishing a fund to be known as “The Civil Service Provident Fund” [consisting of compulsory contributions from certain civil servants, to be administered by the president, secretary of treasury and commissioner of the civil service,with funds to be paid out permanently when employees die or reach the age of 55 or temporarily to cover: burials of dependents, medical expenses, higher education of children and other hardship cases] (Acts 1935, pp. 21-25).

An act approving the budget presented by the secretary of the treasury, Republic of Liberia, and providing for the expenses of government for the fiscal year Jan. 1, 1937 to Dec. 31, 1937 (Acts 1935, p. 26).

An act approving the administrative regulations proposed by the president for governing the hinterland districts of the republic [with minor amendments to regulations included] (Acts 1935, pp. 26-28).

Joint resolution ratifying the agreement concluded between the government of the Republic of Liberia and the Firestone Plantations Company (Acts 1935, pp. 28-29).

Joint resolution ratifying an agreement concluded between the government of the Republic of Liberia and the Firestone Plantations Company [ratifying certain amendments to the agreement] (Acts 1935, p. 29).

An act authorizing the payment of $400 to James S. Smith, being an amount which represents an unpaid difference of the vice president’s salary fixed by act of 1913 (Acts 1935, p. 30).

Joint resolution ratifying an agreement concluded between the government of the Republic of Liberia, the Finance Company of America and the National City Bank of New York [approving the supplementary agreement] (Acts 1935, p. 31).

An act granting Joseph T. Dayrell, Sr., a citizen of the Republic of Liberia, a resident of the municipal district of Buchanan of Grand Bassa County, [after thirty-four years of teaching, including two years at Cuttington College; 20 years at the Methodist Seminary, including 12 years as principal; 12 years at Hartzell Academy, including nine as principal] pension [of $300] for his natural lifetime (Acts 1935, pp. 32-33).

An act granting D. L. Cephas, a citizen of Liberia, resident of the commonwealth district of Monrovia, in Montserrado County, Liberia, [a 66 year military veteran, having fought at Cape Mount in 1870m, in 1875, 1893 and Cape Palmas in 1910, where he was seriously wounded] pension [of $100] for his lifetime (Acts 1935, pp. 33-34).

Joint resolution granting Marion B. Majors [, widow of C. D. Major, a member of the House of Representatives, recently drowned in the wreckage of the M. L. “Amelia”] of the county of Sinoe, annuity [of $150] (Acts 1935, pp. 34-35).

Joint resolution incorporating the “Youngmen Literary Club of Liberia” [naming W. R. Tolbert, Jr., president; D. Colston Nelson, secretary; I. A. David, Jr., treasurer; Wilmot A. David, R. Francis Okai, Jr., S. David Carter, Jr., Esli L. Holder, Arthur B. Walker, J. D. Maximore, Harrison Grisby, L. C. E. Gbeyon, S. N. Burnett, N. M. Gibson, George B. A. Stevenson, U. A. Freeman, Jacob Browne, Joshua L. Harmon, John R. DeShield, C. H. Taylor, Jr., A. Roosevelt Tubman and Simeon B. Hoff] (Acts 1935, p. 35).

An act to fix the day of adjournment of the second session of the thirty-eighth legislature of the Republic of Liberia (Acts 1935, p. 36).

Acts passed by the legislature Republic of Liberia during the session 1936. Government Printing Office, Department of State, Frank T. Grimes, Sr., chief printer: Monrovia, 1936.

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Acts of the Liberian Legislature, 1930-1939

1935 B?

A declaratory act on the amendments of the constitution approved Nov. 26, A. D. 1934, as adopted at the quadrennial election of the republic held in the month of May A. D. 1935 [certifying approval by voters the presidential term extension and civil service law] (Acts 1935, pp. 1-2).

An act making appropriation [of $3,251] for the expenses of the legislature of Liberia at its extraordinary session 1935 (Acts 1935, p. 3).

An act to repeal certain acts of the legislature, entitled respectively “An act to relieve the strain upon the revenues of this republic passed over the president’s veto, “An act providing for the funding of the national floating debt,” approved Jan. 6, 1933, and “An act relating to the officials of the loan agreement,” approved Jan. 31, 1933 (Acts 1935, p. 4).

Joint resolution ratifying an agreement concluded between the government of the Republic of Liberia, the Finance Corporation of America, and the National City Bank of New York, supplementary to and amendatory of the loan agreement of 1926 (Acts 1935, pp. 5-6).

An act fixing the gold content of the Liberian dollar [at fifteen and five-twenty first grains of gold, nine tenth fine] (Acts 1935, p. 6).

An act approving the proposed banking agreement between the Firestone Plantations Company (the Bank of Monrovia) and the government of the Republic of Liberia (Acts 1935, p. 7).

A joint resolution ratifying the agreement between the government of the Republic of Liberia and the Firestone Plantations Company, date the twentieth day of March 1935 (Acts 1935, pp. 7-8).

A joint resolution ratifying an agreement between the government of Republic of Liberia and the Finance Corporation of America (Acts 1935, p. 8).

An act amendatory to an act passed and approved during the month of December 1934, entitled an “An act providing for the expenses of the quadrennial election of the republic 1935 [appropriating an additional $12,000 to cover bills from Maryland, Sinoe, Grand Bassa and Grand Cape Mount counties] (Acts 1935, p. 9).

An act making appropriation to defray the expenses of the inauguration of His Excellency Edwin Barclay, president of Liberia, and James S. Smith, vice president of Liberia [appropriating $6,000] (Acts 1935, p. 10).

An act fixing the day of adjournment of the extraordinary session of the 38th legislature of the Republic of Liberia (Acts 1935, p. 10).

Acts passed by the legislature of the Republic of Liberia during the extraordinary session of 1935. Published by authority, Government Printing Office, Department of State: Monrovia, 1936.

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Acts of the Liberian Legislature, 1930-1939

1935

An act creating a voting poll in the settlement of Lloydsville in the county of Grand Bassa, Republic of Liberia (Acts 1935, p. 1).

An act repealing a portion of an act declaring building materials and reading literature free of duty, approved Nov. 26, 1926 [affecting cement, corrugated iron, flat iron sheets, ridging and spouting, structural iron and plumbing fixtures] (Acts 1935, p. 2).

An act recommending amendments to the constitution of the Republic of Liberia [1. extending the presidential term from four to eight years, with no more than two terms, and 2. approving a civil service law, both in order “to promote efficiency and to assure continuity of policy”] (Acts 1935, p. 3).

An act relating to elections and amending an act providing for the appointment of commissioners of election, passed and approved Jan. 20 A. D. 1914 [requiring approval of of election expenses by county and territory superintendents] (Acts 1935, p. 4).

An act closing the voting poll of Liberia Jenny Taylor section, Grand Cape Mount County, and making Jenny Wonday, Taywoh section instead, and to open a voting poll at Jenny Varkii, in the Upper Kouneh section (Gola), Grand Cape Mount County [being “more central and assessible”] (Acts 1935, p. 5).

An act prohibiting a breach of respect to the national colour of Liberia [making it unlawful for anyone to “sit or move along the same route in full view of the national colour while it is being raised or struck at official stations with ceremony,” except for women and those in military service] (Acts 1935, p. 6).

An act making Seethon of the Nahray section in the county of Sinoe, Republic of Liberia, a voting poll (Acts 1935, p. 7).

An act authorizing the president of the Republic of Liberia, to open a poll at Mount Olive, in the territory of Marshall, Montserrado County, Republic of Liberia (Acts 1935, p. 7).

An act amending Section 87 of the Criminal Code of Liberia [allowing for any alien who interferes with a local election through bribery or other means to be fined $700 to $1,000 and deported] (Acts 1935, pp. 9-10).

An act for the control of venereal diseases [organizing a Sanitation and Civil Welfare Police within the bureau of health and authorizing penalties of three to five years imprisonment with hard labor for anyone who knowing spreads a venereal disease and fines of $100 to $500 for anyone administering treatment to an infected person without reporting same] (Acts 1935, pp. 10-15).

An act creating a vocational college in Liberia [under the secretary of public instruction, to offer engineering, mechanical industries, vocational agriculture, business and home economics, and appropriating $5,000 for the erection of buildings and $5,000 for salaries] (Acts 1935, pp. 15-17).

An act establishing the Civil Service of the Republic of Liberia and providing for the operation thereof [to “secure for deserving employees a reasonable tenure of office and opportunity for advancement according to merit”] (Acts 1935, pp. 17-29).

An act approving the three year plan for internal development of the republic, elaborated by the executive government dated Aug. 28th, 1934, and authorizing the president of Liberia to conclude negotiations with the Finance Corporation of America, for the purpose of making modifications to certain [unspecified] provisions of the Seven Percent Gold Loan Agreement of 1926 (Acts 1935, p. 30).

An act to create a municipality of Grand Cess [governed by a commissioner, a road and street overseer, three associate magistrates, a police magistrate, a chief of police, a municipal clerk and a municipal court clerk, all to be commissioned by the president] (Acts 1935, pp. 31-33).

An act approving the budget presented by the secretary of the treasury, Republic of Liberia, and providing for the expenses of the government, for the fiscal year 1935 (Acts 1935, p. 33).

An act incorporating the “Kru Town Literary Club” of Harper City, Maryland County, Liberia [naming Alexander J. K. Hney, president; Elizabeth M Toobo, lady president; John W. Lewis, vice president; S. J. Sachor, secretary; John N. Davis, assistant secretary; Elizabeth W. Weah, treasurer; J. W. Twegbay, doctor; William R. Roberts, assistant doctor; F. J. Pearson, master of ceremonies; Peter T. Hney, speaker; Lewis Nmah Harmon, marshal; Ernest B. Brown, assistant marshal; B. D. K. Bestman, musician; Peter K. Freman, musician; and members: S. D. Solo, J. K. Nimley, William Moore, J. E. Minor, J. T. Tubman, Samuel B. Mensah, Charlie Chapman, J. E. D. Hney, Doe Gbeh, Nmah Weday, Mary Addy Mensah, Kaffah Weadi, Mary Markine, Mary Nyenday Wilson and Sapo Weay] (Acts 1935, pp. 34-35).

An act incorporating the Union Club of the settlement of Caldwell, Saint Paul River, Republic of Liberia [naming J. C. A. Gibson, Sr., general director; C. V. Harris, president; Ellen A. Moulsen, vice president; Sarah Brisbane, secretary; Etta Ricks, sheriff; and A. L. Scott, marshall] (Acts 1935, p. 35).

An act granting Maria J. Reeves, citizen of the city and territory of Marshall, Republic of Liberia, pension for her natural life time [appropriating $144 per year for teacher after 51 years of service] (Acts 1935, pp. 36-37).

An act transferring the annuity [of $150] granted Judge Ishmeal W. Marshall passed and approved Dec. 12, 1932, to his widow Bessie Marshall of the territory of Marshall, Montserrado County, Republic of Liberia (Acts 1935, p. 37).

An act incorporating the Royesville Excelsior No. 1 Brass Band Association of Royesville, Montserrado County [naming Solomon Davis, president; A. N. Iving, vice president; Solomon N. Mathis, general secretary; P. A. Lavoll, treasurer; T. L Harmon, bandmaster; B. E. Chiles, assistant bandmaster; G. L. Darby, secretary; L. H. Monger, purser; Hirman Parson, instructor; G. V. Monger, band leader; C. N. Duncan, assistant band leader; S. A. Chiles, boatswain; and D. J. E. Lee, assistant boatswain] (Acts 1935, p. 38).

An act incorporating the Queen Esther Household of Ruth No. 5743 of the Grand United Order of Odd Fellows, Arthington, Liberia [naming L. N. B. Tyler, past most noble governor; Rebecca Bracewell, most noble governor; Mary Lawrence, right noble governor; L. A. Hill, recorder; G. B. Groove, noble governor and chamberlain; L. B. Turbett, shepherd and usher; W. H. Tyler, treasurer; H. M. Moore, worthy counsel; Hattie Brisbane, right senior steward; and trustees A. E. Diggs, A. E. Gall and P. J. Bracewell] (Acts 1935, pp. 38-39).

An act amending Section 1 of an act granting 50,000 acres of public land to the Bank of Liberia Limited, passed and approved Feb. 4th, A. D. 1933 [stipulating that “the certificate of stock in exchange for the land shall be delivered to the government as the land is taken up by the said Bank”] (Acts 1935, pp. 39-40).

An act reimbursing Charles B. Alfonso Caine of Montserrado County, Republic of Liberia [$516.79 for salary and expenses will serving as director of detective services] (Acts 1935, p. 40).

An act granting H. N. Chiles and Company of Montserrado County, ferry franchise [naming H. N. Chiles, manager; Gbee-Bye, assistant manager; and Myamah Gbinnie, to operate across the Po River in Royesville from Sah landing on the right bank to the opposite side] (Acts 1935, pp. 41-42).

An act granting ferry franchise to I. L. Hoff and Company of the county of Grand Cape Mount, Montserrado County [across the Benson Lake from Tawaly to Sulima, for 10 years] (Acts 1935, p. 42).

An act granting the right to run a ferry across the Po River to J. J. Chesson and Company [naming J. J. Chesson, G. A. Curtis and Tabo to operate for ten years across the Po River in Brewerville from Chesson plantation to the Kpor bank, with a maximum charge of six cents] (Acts 1935, p. 43).

An act incorporating the Missionary and Educational Church School Convention of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Montserrado and Grand Cape Mount counties of the Republic of Liberia [naming J. I. A. Weeks, president; vice presidents: J. H. Ricks, Oscar S. Norman and J. T. Milton; T. J. R. Faulkner, treasurer; J. F. Dennis, recording secretary; P. C. Simpson, corresponding secretary; W. N. Ross, business manager; and directors: D. E. Howard, Monroe Phelps, G. L. Dennis, J. J. Minor, T. E. Ward, David Brent, Victoria Henry] (Acts 1935, p. 44).

An act fixing the day of adjournment of the 4th session of the 37th legislature of the Republic of Liberia (Acts 1935, p. 45).

Acts passed by the legislature of the Republic of Liberia during the session 1935. Published by authority, Government Printing Office, Department of State: Monrovia, 1935.

Categories
Acts of the Liberian Legislature, 1930-1939

1933-1934

An act repealing Section 1 of the act approved Oct. 22, 1914, relating to the judiciary [nullifying the section which made it unlawful for any circuit judge to preside over one circuit twice in succession] (Acts 1934, p. 1).

An act fixing the salaries of the justices of the honourable the supreme court of the Republic of Liberia [at $3,000 for the chief justice and $2,500 for each associate justice] (Acts 1934, p. 2).

An act reorganizing the department of justice of the Republic of Liberia [placing the department in charge of: detection and prosecution of crimes, misdemeanors and revenue fraud; vindication of treaty rights and contractual obligations of the republic; the probation and registration of deeds, condemnation of private properties, and transfer of public lands; registration of aliens; and control of all police forces] (Acts 1934, pp. 2-9).

A joint resolution authorizing the president of Liberia to complete negotiations in connection with the League’s plan of assistance to Liberia [with major revisions, such as: a prohibition against the “chief advisor being appointed from any state to whose nationals the government has financial obligations or is under economic commitments, nor from any state having territory contiguous to Liberia; a requirement that deputy provincial commissioners be Liberians; and a rejection of foreign troops being brought into the country, “except upon the authority of the president”] (Acts 1934, pp. 9-12).

An act authorizing the president of Liberia to have built in the upper ward of the municipal district of Buchanan, county of Grand Bassa, a suitable house for court and prison purposes [appropriating $4,000] (Acts 1934, pp. 12-13).

A joint resolution amendatory to a joint resolution authorizing the president of Liberia to suspend payment of interest and amortization on the Seven Percent Gold Loan of 1926 and for other purposes, being Chapter 2, of the acts of the legislature of Liberia approved Dec. 23rd 1932 [authorizing the president to begin paying the loan out of surplus government funds, earlier than previously provided for] (Acts 1934, pp. 13-14).

An act approving the road regulations of January 1925, issued by the secretary of the interior [applying an annual five dollar tax to all vehicles using public roads] (Acts 1934, p. 15).

A joint resolution approving the payments of the secretary of the treasury, Republic of Liberia, of amounts during the fiscal year covering Jan. 1 to Sept. 30th, A. D. 1933 as couched in the secretary of the treasury, Republic of Liberia, report for the period above indicated, in recommendations 1—7 [specifically, $4,573.56 to Liberian Frontier Force soldiers; ten percent commission to chiefs; payments to foreign merchants in Liberia; $1,000 to C. Boman van Oudkarspel, Brussels, spent on Liberian delegates to League of Nations; $3,498 to Louis Arthur Grimes for League of Nations mission; $659 to W. D. Lea and Company for state department supplies; $6,427.20 for engraving and printing of internal bonds; $432 to Antoine Sottile, Geneva legation; $7,000 outstanding claims for Frontier Force supplies] (Acts 1934, pp. 15-16).

An act closing the voting poll of Trehn-Dru, New Cess, Grand Bassa County, and making Wohrwehn, Trade Town section, Grand Bassa County, instead [due to adverse topological situation of Trehn-Dru] (Acts 1934, p. 17).

An act repealing part of Section 394, amendatory of Section 395 of the Revised Statutes, and an act approved March 11, 1932, permitting special juries in civil cases [permitting the court to empanel special juries and order the losing party to pay jury and other court costs, without the consent of either litigant] (Acts 1934, pp. 18-19).

An act approving the budget presented by the secretary of the treasury, Republic of Liberia, and providing for the expenses of the government, for the fiscal year 1934 [, but budget not included] (Acts 1934, p. 20).

An act closing the voting poll of Little Bassa, Grand Bassa County (Acts 1934, p. 20).

An act fixing the day of adjournment of the 3rd session of the 37th legislature of the Republic of Liberia (Acts 1934, p. 21).

An act incorporating the “Community Activity Club” of New Series, Grand Bassa County [naming Jeremiah H. King, William H. Toliver, Jehu R. King, J. Waltus Gerring, Hesenna L. Gerring, Emma J. Findley, Louise T. King, W. F. R. Whitfield, N. C. C. Harris, John H. King, Etta Johnson, Jehu H. Jenkins, Perry J. C. King, Z. E. James-Vicks, James R. King, Jacob L. Williams, Lewis G. Adams, Henry T. King, Robert h. L. Porte, Frances Findley, Sarah R. Porte, Frances Williams, Joseph King, J. L. King, Clara King, Margaret Toliver, James Toliver, George B. Findley, James C. Liberty, C. R. H. Johnson, Elsie David, Pathinea A. King, Caroline Hodges, J. R. Green, Edward Green, T. Ishmael Johnson, Pheobe J. King, Joseph Chesseman, Cecelia Ricks, E. J. Harris, Joseph White, John Preston, J. Washington Early, Henrietta G. King, Samuel A. Findley and M. R. King] (Acts 1934, pp. 22-23).

An act transferring the annuity granted Simon O. Outland passed and approved Dec. 8, 1926 to Varni Dandah [of Jami, Garwolah district, having been wounded while serving in the military] and Jallah Konah, known as Jundopu [of Robertsport, having served the county in various capacities for 50 years], both of the county of Grand Cape Mount and Republic of Liberia [, $50 each] (Acts 1934, pp. 23-24).

Joint resolution granting Robert E. Campbell Missionary Bishop of Liberia Protestant Episcopal Church Mission additional public land in the city of Robertsport, county of Grand Cape Mount, for missionary purposes [in connection with St. John’s Academy and Bethany School] (Acts 1934, pp. 25-26).

Joint resolution incorporating the No. 1 Excelsior Club of Central Buchanan, Grand Bassa County [naming W. T. Haynes, parton; G. W. Horace, speaker; G. H. Moore, secretary; Peter Minor, treasurer; W. A. Greenfield, chaplain; D. A. B. Worrell, advocate; J. H. Ponter, messenger; and members: J. T. Innis, J. N. Horace, J. M. Greenfield, S. A. Gabbidon, C. A. McIntosh, J. Winfred Diggs and J. C. Philips] (Acts 1934, pp. 26-27).

An act incorporating the Industrial Progressive Club of Nyearkey in the county of Maryland, Republic of Liberia [naming Nyema (alias Charles), president; Kro (alias Aliam), vice president; Tom Nimley, treasurer; Queah, secretary; and members: Too and Peter Nah Paul] (Acts 1934, p. 27).

An act reimbursing [$147.11, salary for eight months and 24 days to] D. Colden Wilson, a county commissioner for the Plebo district in Maryland County, Republic of Liberia (Acts 1934, pp. 28-29).

An act granting C. K. Clarke and Dolly Bernard [of Caldwell], the right to run a ferry across the St. Paul River in the county of Montserrado and Republic of Liberia, at the points always known as the Teep Clarke landing to the opposite side of said river known as the Bromley landing (Acts 1934, pp. 29-30).

An act granting a ferry franchise to Henry J. R. Cooper, Sr., of Harper, Cape Palmas, Maryland County [from Sassa-wood and Marshall on one side of the Hoffman River to Puduke graveyard and Government Wharf on the other] (Acts 1934, pp. 30-31).

An act incorporating the Monrovia Recreation Club of the City of Monrovia, Montserrado County and Republic of Liberia [naming J. S. T. Davies, president; Agnes Cole, vice president; W. C. Labor, secretary; C. D. Bioux-Davis, assistant secretary; G. McCauley, treasurer; and C. H. Hooke, financial secretary] (Acts 1934, pp. 31-32).

An act incorporating the townships of Charlesville and Lloydsville, of the territory of Marshall, Montserrado County, Republic of Liberia (Acts 1934, p. 32).

An act transferring the pension of Hedo Gbee and Beleo Hennings of Maryland County passed and approved Jan. 16, 1912, now deceased, to Eli Barns of Tubmantown [$50], and [$50 to] Hne Augens, messenger [widow of the late Pedebo, messenger] (Acts 1934, p. 33).

An act incorporating the Gordian’s Knot Association of Harper City, Maryland County [naming C. Hector Harmon, president; W. Alexander Wilson, vice president; L. Benjamin Andrews, critic; W. Sac-Bill Cummings, secretary; A. Lewis Smith, assistant secretary; E. Benjamin Cooper, treasurer; J. Colden Tubman, curator; E. Monroe Cummings, president emeritus; W. Alexander Tubman, president emeritus; and members: S. David Cummings; R. Filmore Neal, S. Ashford Brewer, A. Lewis Weeks, A. Augustus Howard, W. E. Avey, A. Dash Wilson, Jr., and D. Eugene Lincoln, J. Horatio Thorne] (Acts 1934, p. 36).

Acts passed by the legislature of the Republic of Liberia during the session 1933—1934. Published by authority, Government Printing Office, Department of State: Monrovia, 1934.

Categories
Acts of the Liberian Legislature, 1930-1939

1932, Extraordinary Session

An act making appropriation [of $1,985] for the expenses of the legislature of Liberia at its extraordinary session 1932 (Acts Extraordinary Session 1932, pp. 1-2).

An act authorising the president to negotiate and conclude an agreement with the Danish Syndicate of Denmark [approving the agreement with minor changes] (Acts 1933, pp. 2-4).

An act amendatory to Section 107, sedition as found on page 29 of the Criminal Code of Liberia [prompted because “it is becoming increasingly habitual for evil minded persons to make false representations, disrespectful and defamatory allusions to the head of the nation with intent in so doing to impugn and degrade the dignity and respect due tot the presidential office” and setting punishment as imprisonment from three to seven years with confiscation of all property] (Acts 1933, pp. 4-7).

A joint resolution authorizing the president of Liberia to adopt Annex III of the Plan of Assistance as a basis upon which the League of Nations will render assistance to the Republic of Liberia [, but disapproves section calling for the creation of a gendarmerie under the president, suggesting instead corps of up to 30 messengers in each province under the district commissioners and some less significant points] (Acts 1933, pp. 7-10).

An act to reimburse [$3,000 in three annual installments to] the Council of the League of Nations for expenses incurred in sending Dr. MacKenzie to Liberia to assist the government in the pacification of the belligerents of the Kru coast (Acts 1933, p. 11).

An act to provide for the application of part of the floating government indebtedness to the payment of certain taxes and revenues [up to $50,000 for payment of Liberians for services rendered] (Acts 1933, pp. 12-13).

An act fixing the day of adjournment of the extraordinary session of the legislature of the Republic of Liberia that convened on the 18th day of July 1932 (Acts 1933, p. 13).

An act fixing the day of adjournment of the 37th legislature of the Republic of Liberia that convened on the 15th day of August A. D. 1932 (Acts 1933, p. 14).

Acts passed by the legislature of the Republic of Liberia during the extraordinary session 1932. Published by authority, Government Printing Office, Department of State: Monrovia, 1932.

Categories
Acts of the Liberian Legislature, 1930-1939

1931-1932

An act making appropriation [of $4,000] to defray the expenses of the inauguration of His Excellency Edwin J. Barclay, president of Liberia, and Honourable James S. Smith, vice president of Liberia (Acts 1931, pp. 1-2).

An act amending a certain portion of the Revised Statutes, relating to townships officers, page 273, section 1416, paragraph 4 [extending 12 days to 24 days the period during which road repair is required to be undertaken by adult men in townships] (Acts 1931, pp. 2-3).

Joint resolution authorising his excellency the president of Liberia to call an election for the purpose of electing a senator and four representatives in the county of Maryland, Republic of Liberia [declaring illegal the quadrennial election of May 5, 1931] (Acts 1931, pp. 3-4).

An act supplementary to Chapter LXXII of the Revised Statutes of Liberia, providing for the acquiring of private lands for public use (Acts 1931, pp. 4-6).

An act amending an act of the legislature entitled “An act fixing port and harbour dues,” approved Jan. 24, 1923 [exempting ships if their sole purpose is the disembarking of Liberian deckhands and providing a 50 cent for each Liberian shiphand disembarked to those ship that also land good] (Acts 1931, pp. 7-9).

An act authorizing the secretary of the treasury under warrant of the president to make partial payments to certain unpaid ex-Frontier Force soldiers [appropriating $5,000] (Acts 1931, p. 8).

An act declaring Picininicess in the county of Maryland, Republic of Liberia, a port of entry and delivery (Acts 1931, p. 9).

An act providing for the payment of the mileage and traveling expenses of the vice president of Liberia [restoring expenses for travel now that a vice president has been elected] (Acts 1931, pp. 9-10).

An act legalizing the manual of the Liberian Frontier Force of the Republic of Liberia [legalizing the existing compilation] (Acts 1931, p. 10).

An act to provide for the registration of births, deaths and burials and the care of cemeteries in the Republic of Liberia [authorizing the appointment of registrars and declaring burials outside approved cemeteries to be illegal, with fascimiles of approved registration forms and schedule of fees] (Acts 1931, pp. 11-40).

An act authorizing the president of Liberia to set up a special Discharged Frontier Soldier Claim Commission [to meet for no more than 60 days] to investigate and scrutinize the claims of all discharged soldiers of the Liberian Frontier Force and report its findings to the president who shall cause all cases of fraud connected therein to be rigidly prosecuted by the department of justice (Acts 1931, pp. 41-43).

An act prescribing the time in which the proposed budget should be presented to the national legislature of the Republic of Liberia by the secretary of the treasury, Republic of Liberia and defining the punishment for the violation of same [requiring the secretary to present the budget 30 days before the opening of the legislature or pay a fine of at least $100] (Acts 1931, pp. 43-44).

An act legalizing a budget for ten months period from March 1st to Dec. 31, 1932 [, but the budget was not included] (Acts 1931, p. 44).

An act repealing the act of the legislature providing for the Monthly and Probate Court in the several counties of the republic and making provision for the conduct of same [transferring the duties of the monthly and probate courts to the circuit courts] (Acts 1931, pp. 44-46).

An act approving Executive Order Number 8.1931 relating to the trial of sanitary cases before police magistrates in Monrovia, issued on the 12th day of December A. D. 1931 [establishing fines of $5 for the first offense and $10 plus dismissal from office for the second offense] (Acts 1931, pp. 46-47).

An act permitting special juries in civil cases [at the request of the litigants, provided the losing party agrees to pay the costs of court and expenses of the special jury] (Acts 1931, p. 47).

An act exempting reporting officers of the Republic of Liberia from paying fees to the clerks of courts for filing reports required by law [covering justices of the peace, constables, sheriff and coroners] (Acts 1931, p. 48).

A joint resolution repudiating a report of a special committee of the house of representatives, Republic of Liberia, 36th legislature, said to be relieving president C. D. B. King from censure for any misconduct whilst in office [because the resolution is “against the will of the people of the republic, considering the same as laying a precedent, unwarranted by law, unsupported by the constitution and dangerous to the safety of the nation] (Acts 1931, pp. 49-50).

An act to provide a special fund to be known as the Special Public Health and Sanitation Fund [imposing a three cent tax on every packaged or crated item imported into the county and a one cent tax on unpackaged items] (Acts 1931, pp. 50-51).

An act amending the tariff of official fees on Section 196 of the Consular Regulations of 1922 [authorizing a $10 fee for bills of health in duplicate; $6 for supplementary bills of health and certificate of employment; and $2 for passport, ship’s manifest cargo or ship’s passenger list visa] (Acts 1931, pp. 51-52).

An act fixing the day of adjournment of the 1st session of the 37th legislature of the Republic of Liberia (Acts 1931, p. 52).

An act granting a ferry franchise to Oscar J. K. Gray of the county of Grand Cape Mount [with sole and exclusive right to run a ferry across the Lofa River on both sides from the town of Kparkarjah on the left bank to the town of Montserrado for 12 years, setting a maximum fee of 12 cents during the rainy season and six cents during the dry season] (Acts 1931, pp. 53-54).

An act restoring John W. Ross of Jacksonville, Maryland County of the Republic of Liberia to citizenship [having been convicted of petty larceny] (Acts 1931, p. 54).

An act granting a ferry right to J. Cepahs Brooks, Willis J. Rose, David Harris and Hannibal L. White of the county of Grand Bassa across the St. John River in the county of Grand Bassa (Acts 1931, p. 55).

An act incorporating the “Monrovia Athletic Club” of the city of Monrovia, county of Montserrado and Republic of Liberia [naming Clarence L. Simpson, president; Rachell A. Cole, vice president; Ella B. Sharpe, secretary; Stanley C. Clarke, assistant secretary; Uriah J. D. Cole, treasurer; Randolph M. Ellis, captain; and members: Edward L. Dunn, Mahamadu Dukuly, Jacob N. Sharpe, Pearl R. Clarke, Beatrice Ellis, Ida Watson, Anna Bishop, Mozart J. Bernard and J. D. Moore] (Acts 1931, p. 56).

An act incorporating the Marshall Transport Company and granting said company a ferry franchise and right to operate across the Junk River [naming Yamphor Seckeh, manager; and A. D. Peabody, assistant manager; authorized to operate for ten years from the right bank of the Junk to Harmon Point on the Bargay River, with a maximum charge of 12 cents] (Acts 1931, pp. 57-58).

An act incorporating the Camphor Memorial Church, borough of Kru Town, county of Montserrado and Republic of Liberia [naming the Rev. Charles W. Duncan, pastor; and trustees: Monah Nimley, Mary A. Duncan, Frances Frank, Rebecca Demery, Sarwea Tiny, Monah Karmlin, Tarlah Teh, Teah Jlah and T. V. A. Smith] (Acts 1931, pp. 58-59).

An act incorporating the Extremity Tennis Club in the city of Monrovia, Montserrado County, Republic of Liberia [naming J. Henrique Brown, president; Urias Brown, secretary; Robert E. Bright, treasurer; Emmett Harmon, captain; and John Grisby, vice captain and coach] (Acts 1931, pp. 59-60).

An act to incorporate Crowd “23” of Monrovia, Montserrado County [naming J. Daniel Beysolow, president; Ruben A. Stevens, vice president; Francis Tarr Grimes, secretary; James Z. Wilson, treasurer; and Isaac V. Fiske, master of ceremonies] (Acts 1931, pp. 60-61).

An act to incorporate the Liberian Industrial Corporation of Liberia in the county of Grand Cape Mount [naming Joseph F. Lawrence, J. S. Dennis, A. J. George, T. E. Beysolow, A. J. Padmore, C. H. A. Scott and Albert Watson] (Acts 1931, p. 61).

Joint resolution restoring Josiah E. D. Ricks of Grand Bassa County, Republic of Liberia, to citizenship (Acts 1931, p. 62).

An act incorporating the Zordee Pentecostal Mission operating in Montserrado County, Republic of Liberia [naming Aaron J. Homes, president; Pearl J. Homes, secretary; and the Rev. B. M. Kinnan, treasurer] (Acts 1931, pp. 62-63).

A joint resolution repealing a joint resolution incorporating the J. N. Wright and Company, Marshall territory, approved Nov. 22, 1928 [for exceeding the fees stipulated by the legislature and for continual disregard of government officials] (Acts 1931, p. 63).

An act incorporating the Liberian Dental Association and the Liberian Dental Society [naming Dr. M. M. Townsend, president, and R. E. Hill Townsend, secretary] (Acts 1931, p. 64).

Acts passed by the legislature of the Republic of Liberia during the session 1931—1932. Published by authority, Government Printing Office, Department of State: Monrovia, 1932.

Categories
Acts of the Liberian Legislature, 1930-1939

1930-1931 & 1931 Extraordinary Session

An act relating to contract labour recruited for service overseas [banning all recruiting due to ”many abuses”] (Acts 1931, p. 1-2).

An act authorizing the reorganization of the administration of the hinterland and providing for the employment of foreign administrative officials [specifically, “two persons of American or European nationality and certified experience in the administration of tropical territories” with each to receive no more than $4,000 in salary and $1,500 in allowances] (Acts 1931, pp. 3-4).

An act relating to the pawning system [nullifying the favorable recognition of pawning included in the regulations issued by the president and interior chiefs at Suehn, August 1923, and declaring pawning to be a felony punishable by no more than two years imprisonment] (Acts 1931, pp. 4-5).

An act creating a public health and sanitation service in the Republic of Liberia [authorizing the appointment of a physician as director with responsibility for preventing the spread of communicable diseases into and out of Liberia through ports of entry] (Acts 1931, pp. 5-9).

An act permitting unrestricted trade in the hinterland of Liberia, both to citizens and aliens [in response to representations made from abroad] (Acts 1931, pp. 10-12].

An act amendatory and extending the jurisdiction of the justice of the peace as found on Pages 622 and 644 of the Revised Statutes of the Republic of Liberia, Volume I (Acts 1931, pp. 12-13).

An act to relieve the strain upon the revenue of this republic [reducing the salaries of all foreigners employed by the government, except the financial advisor, and requiring these persons to share housing as assigned by government] (Acts 1931, pp. 13-14).

An act fixing the rate of allowances for the commanding officers and adjutants of the several regiments and detachments, and the clerks to the several regimental and detachment courts-martial of the various regiments and detachments of the militia of Liberia [and authorizing the secretary of treasury to pay their legitimate allowances, no overdue] (Acts 1931, pp. 15-16).

An act authorizing the president of Liberia to institute summary investigation by the department of justice of all complaints against persons criminally charged within the terms of reference submitted to the International Commission of Inquiry by the Liberian government as may be found in the official report filed with the government of Liberia by the said International Commission of inquiry on the 8th day of September A. D. 1930 [and declaring it illegal for any executive official or legislator to serve as a lawyer in these cases] (Acts 1931, pp. 16-17).

An act repealing the act approved Jan. 21, 1928, entitled “An act creating the public works department” and providing how public works shall hereafter be prosecuted, substituting Senate’s Engrossed No. 3, “An act abolishing the department of public works and creating a bureau of public works” [reducing the department to a bureau within the department of interior, consisting of one or engineers authorized to award contracts on the basis of competitive bidding] (Acts 1931, pp. 17-19).

An act amendatory to an act entitled “An act chartering the Booker Washington Agricultural and Industrial Institute,” passed and approved Nov. 29, 1928 [acknowledging the existence of a New York board of trustees, authorizing a local nine- to fifteen-member board of managers as delegates of the trustees and appropriating $5,000 a year in support] (Acts 1931, pp. 19-22).

An act amendatory to an act entitled an act regulating the collection and disbursements of all revenues of commonwealth districts, municipalities, townships and settlements within the Republic of Liberia, approved Feb. 16, 1928 [authorizing the bureau of internal revenue to administer the funds of local governments, with unexpended funds going to maintain the national government] (Acts 1931, pp. 22-23).

An act amending an act of the legislature approved Dec. 12, 1929, entitled an act revising and amending an act of the legislature approved Nov. 28, 1929 entitled “An act to repeal all existing acts regulating dry goods licenses, and substituting therefor a system of graded licenses” [requiring licensee with stock valued over ten thousand dollars to pay the required $100 plus an $3.00 per thousand for every addition thousand dollars in stock] (Acts 1931, pp. 23-24).

An act authorizing the sale of certain property of the government [from the former department of public works] (Acts 1931, p. 24).
An act relating to permits of residence [establishing a $5 charge for six month permits and $10 for one year permits] (Acts 1931, p. 25).

Joint address of the senate and house of representatives to his excellency the president of Liberia requesting the removal of judge James Henson Dent of the Fourth Judicial Circuit [who has “lost his mental control to such an extent as to at certain times compel his confinement] (Acts 1931, p. 26).

Joint resolution restoring Thomas Reuben Hill of the county of Grand Bass of the Republic of Liberia [convicted of embezzlement] to citizenship (Acts 1931, p. 27).

Joint resolution restoring John L. Fuller of Montserrado County and Frank E. Marshall of the territory of Marshall to citizenship [both having been convicted of infamous crimes] (Acts 1931, pp. 27-28).

Joint resolution to incorporate Daubeny Cooper and Company in Liberia [citing Harper, Cape Palmas, as location and proprietors: Daubeny Bartholemew Cooper, Sr.; E. J. Cooper, E. J. L. Cooper, D. B. Cooper, Jr., A. E. G. Cooper and M. O. E. Cooper] (Acts 1931, pp. 28-29).

Joint resolution restoring Norwood Theodore Dennis of Montserrado County, Republic of Liberia, to citizenship (Acts 1931, p. 29).

Joint resolution restoring Robert H. Dennis of the city of Monrovia, county of Montserrado of the Republic of Liberia to citizenship [having been convicted of forgery] (Acts 1931, p. 29).

An act to grant the Pentacostal Assembly of the World Missionary Organization of the United States of America, two hundred acres of land (Acts 1931, p. 30).

An act granting one hundred acres of public land to the Seventh Day Adventist Mission, in the Gbahngah Section, interior Grand Bassa County [for missionary purposes] (Acts 1931, p. 31).

An act to incorporate the Woman’s Progressive Culture Club of Harper, Maryland County [naming J. Angelique Dossen, president; C. B. Harmon, vice president; I. K. Ferguson, treasurer; T. R. Andrews, secretary; S. Jane Diggs, assistant secretary; and D. F. Gardiner, critic] (Acts 1931, pp. 31-32).

An act granting a ferry franchise to Henry E. Snetter of Eloise Farm, New York, Clay Ashland, in the county of Montserrado and Republic of Liberia, to run a ferry across the Saint Paul River at the points known as Gripper Creek and Peter Creek below the settlement of Millsburg and directly opposite said points below the settlement of White Plains [for ten years with a maximum charge of six cents during the dry season and 12 cents during the rainy season] (Acts 1931, pp. 32-33).

An act granting a ferry franchise to A. M. Harris and John Clinton and Joseph Cisco, Limited, of Millsburg and Harrisburg in the county of Montserrado, Republic of Liberia, to run a ferry across the Saint Paul River at the point between the Muhlenburg Mission Boys School and Girls School, Harrisburg [for ten years with a maximum charge of six cents during the dry season, 12 cents during the rainy season and two cents per kinjah] (Acts 1931, pp. 33-34).

Joint resolution granting two hundred acres of land to the Union of Baptist Churches of Ontario and Quebec, Canada, in the New Cess section, Timbo district, Grand Bassa County, Republic of Liberia, for missionary purposes (Acts 1931, pp. 34-35).

An act providing certain amendments to Section 3, of an act entitled an act granting a ferry franchise to Richard S. Wiles, passed by limitation at the third sitting of the 36th legislature, A. D. 1929 [changing the act to read: “the right to run a ferry across the Little Cape Mount or Loffa River from Majamah on the right bank to Bombojah on the left bank and from Damarah on the left bank to Barjah on the right bank”] (Acts 1931, pp. 35-36).

An act amending an act incorporating the ferry boat company of Buchanan, Grand Bassa County, Republic of Liberia, approved Oct. 12, 1916 [making the right “sole and exclusive”] (Acts 1931, p. 36).

Substituted act to senate’s original No. 20, incorporating Hayes Brothers and Company Limited of Brewerville, county of Montserrado, Republic of Liberia [naming Wayland H. Hayes, president; Henry Clay Daniels, vice president; Highland G. Hayes, business manager, local and foreign representative; John B. H. Hayes, business agent and accountant; Luther M. Hayes, treasurer and chief, industrial division; James O. Hayes, Jr., assistant chief of industrial division; and Solomon Jesse Oliver Hayes, secretary and salesman, authorized to operate motor launches, mercantile businesses, mechanical shops and agricultural activities] (Acts 1931, pp. 36-37).

An act incorporating the “Alpha Tennis Club” in the city of Monrovia, Montserrado County, Republic of Liberia [naming Cyrie W. A. Davis-Johnson, president; A. R. Harper, vice president; J. Marie Davis-Johnson, secretary; Etta Wright, treasurer; W. Stanley Wiles, financial secretary; and Beresford A. Cole, captain] (Acts 1931, p. 38).

An act granting an annuity to James Henson Dent of Maryland County [, former judge, appropriating $300 a year for “the period of his lunacy”] (Acts 1931, pp. 38-39).

An act granting Dougba Carmo Caranda and heirs the right to run a ferry across the Stockton Creek in the county of Montserrado, Republic of Liberia, between the point known as Bendumah Wharf and the point commonly known as Old Government Farm on Bushrod Island, opposite the said Bendumah Wharf, situated in the Upper Section of New Georgia in Montserrado County [for ten years, with a maximum charge of six cents] (Acts 1931, pp. 39-40).

An act fixing the day of adjournment of the 4th session of the 36th legislature of the Republic of Liberia (Acts 1931, p. 40).

An act providing appropriation for the expenses of the government [, but the act does not include any figures although it notes “the following sums are hereby appropriated”] (Acts 1931, p. 41).

An act to designate the adjournment day of the extraordinary session of the legislature A. D. 1931 (Acts 1931, p. 42).

Acts passed by the legislature of the Republic of Liberia during the session 1930—1931 and the extraordinary session 1931. Published by authority, Government Printing Office: Monrovia, 1931.