ACTS PASSED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE Republic of Liberia DURING THE SESSION 1942-43 MONROVIA GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE, (DEPARTMENT OF STATE,) MONROVIA, LIBERIA. 1943.
1942-3
ERRATA
On page 4, Section 2, under “Section 23 on line 17, insert after the word “appointment” the following: “may continue in effect until such time,” so that the sentence might read thus:
“Such temporary appointment may continue in effect until such time as the Civil Service eligible list has been revived and names certified to the appointing officer in the manner herein provided.”
On page 22, “Private Acts of the Thirty- eighth Legislature” insert the word: Ninth” so that same might read as follows: “Thirty- ninth Legislature”
On page 31, “Public Acts of the Thirty- eighth Legislature” insert the word: “Ninth” so that same might read as follows: “Thirty- ninth Legislature.”
1942- 3
PUBLIC ACTS
OF THE
THIRTY NINTH LEGISLATURE
OF THE
REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA.
Passed at their Fourth Session which was begun and held at the City of Monrovia, County of Montserrado, the Second Monday in October A. D. 1942 and adjourned without day on the 29th day of January A. D. 1943.
CHAPTER I.
AN ACT AMENDATORY TO AN ACT RELATING TO APPEALS IN CIVIL CASES PASSED AND APPROVED NOVEMBER, 1938.
Whereas the Act of the Legislature referred to above makes the failure to pay cost of Lower Court one of the grounds for dismissal; and
Whereas the enormous financial outlay necessary for the prosecution of a contested Civil Suit very often leaves the dissatisfied loosing party without means of continuing his defense to the appellate court. notwithstanding exceptions reasonably and timely taken to errors committed by an inferior Court during trial; and
Whereas the right of appeal is one of the fundamental safeguards under our Constitution, and therefore should be freely enjoyed by any litigant dissatisfied with a judgment of an inferior Court.
It is enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Republic of Liberia in Legislature assembled:
Section 1. That from and immediately after the passage of this Act the Act of the Legislature passed and approved November
21, 1938 relating to appeals in Civil Cases be and the same is hereby amended by eliminating; failure to pay cost of lower court as a ground for dismissal of appeal.
Section 2. That payment of cost of lower court shall abide final termination of the case.
Section 3. That on appeals the only fees payable shall be: to the Clerk of the lower court for the preparation and transmission of copies of the records and to the Clerk of the Supreme Court; the legal fees for docketing the case in the Supreme Court.
Section 4. That nothing in this Act shall be so construed as to repeal the provision of the Act passed and approved March 11, 1932 providing for the payment of the expenses of Special Jury.
Any law to the contrary notwithstanding. Passed by limitation.
CHAPTER II.
AN ACT REGULATING THE ISSUANCE OF CERTAIN LICENSE
It is enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Republic of Liberia in Legislature assembled:
Section 1. That from and immediately after the passage of this Act the following Licenses shall be issued to citizens of Liberia only:
Cafe Graded Dry goods License “G” and “H” Hotel, Restaurant, Pension and Boarding Houses
Section 2. Nothing in this Act shall be construed as in any wise conflicting with any grant of Legislature.
Section 3. This Act shall take effect as from the first day of July A. D. 1943, and be published in hand- bills.
Any law to the contrary notwithstanding. Passed by limitation.
CHAPTER III
AN ACT AUTHORIZING THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA TO OPEN A VOTING POLL IN NYAAKE- WEBBO. NO.1. DISTRICT, EASTERN PROVINCE, LIBERIAN HINTERLAND.
Whereas for the past Thirty (30) years the people of NyaakeWebbo and parts adjacent have had to undergo the hardships of more than 50 miles travel on days of election to cast their ballot. which apart from the risks of travel by land and water, impose enormous expense on them; and
Whereas because of these inconveniences a major portion of the voting element in this part of the country has been unable to exercise freely their franchise in this respect; and
Whereas their outstanding loyalty, industrial progress made in recent years have contributed largely to the political life of the country; and
Whereas all barriers that tend to hinder a free exercise of franchise rights by any body of loyal citizens within the Republic should be removed: Therefore
It is enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Republic of Liberia in Legislature assembled:
Section 1. That from and immediately after the passage of this Act, the President of Liberia be and he is hereby authorized to open a voting poll in the Settlement of Nyaake- Webbos, Number One District, Eastern Province, Liberian Hinterland, for the convenience of the citizens living in said Settlement and parts adjacent.
Section 2. This Act shall take effect immediately and be published in hand- bills.
Any law to the contrary notwithstanding. Passed by limitation.
CHAPTER IV
AN ACT AMENDATORY TO AN ACT ESTABLISHING THE CIVIL SERVICE OF THE REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA AND PROVIDING FOR THE OPERATION THEREOF, PASSED AND APPROVED DECEMBER 12, A. D. 1934.
Whereas because of the ineffectiveness of certain provisions
of the Civil Service Act of December 12, 1934, it has been found necessary to amend the same to provide for the suspension of its operation and substitute in lieu thereof an emergency procedure, and
Whereas the present condition of the country as it affects foreign relations has caused there to be a virtual cessation in the flow of supplies and equipment for the Army and educational institutions, and the purchase of such supplies abroad is dependent upon meeting the cost of same through the collection of export taxes, which can be effectively done only by a fully staffed revenue collecting agency; and
Whereas because of the suspension of the Civil Service operation, large numbers of Government employees have been left without the protection of the classified service; these employees, however, by experience and training have become valuable adjuncts to the service in these trying and uncertain times, and must be retained for the paramount interest of the public service: Therefore
It is enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Republic of Liberia in Legislature assembled:
Section 1. That the operation of the Civil Service Act approved December 12, 1934, shall be, and the same is hereby suspended until the next Regular Session of the Legislature; and the Commissioner of Civil Service is hereby authorized to take all necessary steps to carry out the purposes and provisions of this Act.
Section 2. The Commissioner of Civil Service shall, from the date of the passage of this Act, classify all employees of Government not exempted under Section 9 of the Act of December 12, 1934, in accordance with the pay rolls submitted by the several appointing officers. The classification so made by the Commissioner, when approved by the President, shall govern the status of each employee in the service.
Section 3. The Commissioner of Civil Service shall, at the end of each month, certify to the Auditor General, and to the Secretary of the Treasury, a list of all employees who have entered or left the service, together with such information as to the status of each employee as may be necessary for the preparation of the pay roll.
Section 4. The Commissioner of Civil Service shall from time to time, and whenever occasion requires, but not less than once a month, submit to the President for his approval such recommendations as may be necessary for the effective operation of the Civil Service.
Section 5. The appointment or termination by removal, resignation or death, of any person in the classified service, shall be immediately reported to the Civil Service Commissioner by the appointing officer; and the Commissioner shall then make a record of the change and inform other departments when necessary.
Section 6. Vacancies in the classified service may be filled on a temporary basis from among persons eligible for appointment under the Civil Service Act, or in the absence of such eligible from any other person. The appointing officer may require the applicant to furnish evidence of his fitness, but the reasons for the
selection of any persons need not be stated by the appointing officer. Persons selected for appointment shall be notified by the appointing officer and certificate of appointment issued. Copies of all such certificates of appointment shall be furnished the Bureau of Civil Service.
Section 3. This Act shall take effect as of the first day of February A. D. 1943 and be published in handbills.
Any law to the contrary notwithstanding.
Approved January 28, 1943.
CHAPTER V.
JOINT RESOLUTION PROPOSING SUNDRY AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION OF LIBERIA.
It is enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Republic of Liberia in Legislature assembled:
Section 1. That Article 3 Section 7 of the Constitution of Liberia be so amended as to read:
“No person shall be eligible to the Office of President who is not a citizen of this Republic by birth or a naturalised citizen of over twenty- five years residence and who is not possessed of real estate of the value of two thousand and five hundred dollars.”
Section 2. That Article 5 Section 17 be so amended as to read:
“This Constitution may be altered whenever two- thirds of both branches of the Legislature shall deem it necessary; in which case the alteration or amendments shall first be considered and approved by the Legislature by the concurrence of two- thirds of the Members of each branch and afterwards by them submitted to the people and adopted by two- thirds of all the electors at a special election called for that purpose.”
Section 3. That these amendments be referred to the people at the ensuing oetennial Election for adoption or non- adoption and be published in hand- bills.
Any law to the contrary notwithstanding.
Approved January 29, 1943.
CHAPTER VI.
JOINT RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PRESIDENT OF LIBERIA TO CAUSE PLANS TO BE DRAWN UP FOR THE CELEBRATION OF THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE INDEPENDENCE OF LIBERIA.
Whereas the 26th day of July A.D. 1947 marks the town Anniversary of the independence of Liberia; and
Whereas it is becoming that said event be marked by a belting celebration, therefore
It is enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Republic of Liberia in Legislature assembled.
Section 1. That the Executive Government is hereby authorized to cause plans to be drawn up and make such other arrangements as shall be presently necessary looking towards the celebration of this event.
Section 2. That the President be and he is hereby empowered to appoint such committee as he shall deem necessary to assist in drawing up a complete plan and scheme of the celebration contemplated, to be presented to the Legislature at the Session in December 1943 for approval and appropriate action.
Any law to the contrary notwithstanding.
Approved January 29, 1943.
CHAPTER VII
AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION FOUR AND EIGHT OF “AN ACT CHARTERING THE SAINT JOHN RIVER CITY OF GRAND BASSA COUNTY, REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA. APPROVED JANUARY 29, 1920.
It is enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Republic of Liberia in Legislature assembled.
Section 1. That from and immediately after the passage of this Act, the Act of the National Legislature entitled “An Act Chartering The Saint John River City of Grand Bassa County Republic of Liberia” approved January 29, 1920, be and the same is hereby amended as follows:
Section Four (4), line Three (3), after the word “For,” delete the
word “Two” and substitute instead of it the word “Four.” On line Three (3) of Section Eight (8) after the word “The” delete the words “First Tuesday in January” and insert the words “Second Tuesday in March” in their place.
Section 2. Any law or parts of law conflicting with the provisions of this Act be, and the same are hereby repealed.
Any law to the contrary notwithstanding.
Approved November 26, 1942.
CHAPTER VIII.
AN ACT AMENDING “AN ACT REGULATING THE ADMISSION OF LAWYERS TO THE BAR, APPROVED NOVEMBER 30, 1928.
It is enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Republic of Liberia in Legislature assembled:
Section 1. That from and immediately after the passage of this Act, on line twenty (20) of Section five (5) of the above entitled Act, insert a period (.) after the word “Lawyers” and delete all that follow to the end of the sentence so that the last sentence of said Section five may read as follows:
“When the examination shall have been concluded, the Chairman of the Bar Committee shall make up the report of the Committee and present one copy to the Judge of the Circuit then presiding either by assignment or resident, and another copy with the questions and answers shall be transmitted to the Chief Justice for his information of the admittance of such persons to the Bar as practising lawyers.”
Section 2. Eliminate the whole of Section six (6) and substitute in lieu of it the following:
“When it becomes evident that irregularities have occurred in the conduct of any Bar Examination, the Chief Justice shall, within fifteen (15) days after he shall have been furnished with a copy of the Committee’s Report in keeping with Section five (5) of said Act. intervene and investigate the matter; provided, however, that the decision of the Chief Justice in the premises shall in no case be delayed over a period of a further fifteen (15) days.”
Section 3. On line three [3] of Section eight [8] after the seventh word “Committee” delete the phrase “duly endorsed by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Liberia,” in order that Section eight [8] may read as follows:
That any Circuit Judge admitting applicants for admission to the Bar independent of the Report of the Liberian Bar Committee shall be subject to a fine of not more than $500.00 or removed from office, upon information properly given by the Chief Justice to the President of the Republic of Liberia, in pursuance of the Law in such case made and provided.”
Section 4. This Act shall take effect immediately and be published in hand- bills.
Any law to the contrary notwithstanding.
Approved November 26, 1942
CHAPTER IX
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.
Whereas, the Agreement entered into between the Government of the Republic of Liberia, Finance Corporation of America, a Corporation organized and existing under and by virtue of the Laws of the State of Delaware, United States of America; and the National City Bank of New York, a National Banking Association organized and existing under the Laws of the United States of America, as of the first day of September 1926, and amended by four Supplementary Agreements ratified by Joint Resolutions of the National Legislature approved January 1, 1935, November 10, 1937, December 28, 1939, respectively has been further amended by a Supplementary Agreement concluded by the same contracting parties of December 10, 1942, a copy of which draft Agreement is hereto annexed and appears to be satisfactory to the Legislature: Therefore
It is enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Republic of Liberia in Legislature assembled:
Section 1. That the Agreement Supplementary to and
amendment of the Loan Agreement of 1926, mentioned in the preamble hereof, is hereby ratified and approved, and the President of Liberia is hereby authorized and empowered to give full force and effect to the provisions hereof, as set forth in the copy of said Agreement appended to this Joint Resolution and made a part thereof.
Any law to the contrary notwithstanding.
Approved December 30, 1942.
CHAPTER X.
AN ACT AMENDATORY TO THE AMENDED ACT, PASSED AND APPROVED DECEMBER 1939. FIXING THE PAY OF JURORS, PER DIEM.
Whereas because of the economic condition existing throughout the Republic it has been discovered that the present per diem pay for Jurors is far too inadequate, for citizens leaving their homes and living at the seat of court for several weeks due to the present high cost of living.
It is enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Republic of Liberia in Legislature assembled:
Section 1. That from and immediately after the passage of this Act, the jurors of the various counties throughout the Republic of Liberia shall each receive for services rendered in any of the circuit courts of this Republic a fee of one dollar and twenty- five cents ($1.25) per diem, without any retrenchment.
Section 2. That the Secretary of the Treasury under warrant of the President shall draw for same out of any monies in the public treasury not otherwise appropriated.
Section 3. This Act shall take effect immediately and be published in hand- bills.
Any law to the contrary notwithstanding. Passed by limitation.
CHAPTER XI.
AN ACT AMENDING SUB- SECTION FOUR OF SECTION 1416 OF THE REVISED STATUTES.
It is enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Republic of Liberia in Legislature assembled:
Section 1. That from and immediately after the passage of
this Act Sub- section 4 of Section 1416 of the Revised Statutes of the Republic of Liberia shall be and is hereby amended by inserting after the word “Township” appearing on the third line from the bottom of said section found on page 274 of said Statutes, the following:- By means of a writ of arrest duly issued for failing to work the public roads. The procedure to be followed in these cases shall hereafter be quasi- criminal and the judgment shall include the fine of $1.00 per diem for delinquency and the cost of court.
Section 2. Said amended sentence commencing with the word “Every” appearing on line seven (7) from the bottom of said sub- section shall then read as follows:- Every person failing to perform such work shall be required to pay the sum of one dollar ($100) for each day on which he fails to perform service; said amount to be recovered before any justice of the peace residing in the township by means of a writ of arrest duly issued for failing to work the public roads. The procedure to be followed in these cases shall hereafter be quasi- criminal and the judgment shall include the fine of ($1.00) per diem for delinquency and the cost of court. and all monies so recovered shall be used for the benefit of the township after the work of clearing said roads shall have been completed.
Section 3. This Act shall take effect immediately and be published in hand- bills.
Any law to the contrary notwithstanding.
Passed by limitation.
CHAPTER XII.
AN ACT RELATING TO CUSTOMS PROVISIONAL DEPOSITS
It is enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Republic of Liberia in Legislature assembled:
Section 1. That from and immediately after the passage of this Act, all importers of dutiable goods, wares, or merchandise into the Republic, whether as private individuals, traders, merchants, firms or corporations without the usual customs documents accompanying their consignments shall make the usual customs provisional deposits at the Depository of Government
pending the arrival of receipt of the relevant customs documents pertaining to said consignment or consignments as guarantee of the payment of duty.
Section 2. That upon presentation of the necessary customs documents by said importer or importers at the depository, in making refund of whatever balance may be due said importer or importers, after the customs duties are deducted, the commission paid the Bank by Government on paid customs provisional deposit shall first be refunded Government before considering the claims of importer or importers concerned.
Section 3. The effective date of this Act, shall be February 1, 1943.
Any law to the contrary notwithstanding.
Passed by limitation.
CHAPTER XIII
AN ACT RELATING TO FERRIES
Whereas there is no express law on the Statutes of the Republic to regulate and control the operation of ferries; and
Whereas it is incumbent upon the Government to formulate and promulgate such rules and regulations as will give better protection to the travellers within the confines of the Republic while crossing rivers or brooks:
Therefore it is enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Republic of Liberia in Legislature assembled:
Section 1. This Act may be cited as the Ferries control Act of 1943.
Section 2. That from and immediately after the effective date of this Act, the authority and privilege of granting Ferry Franchises be, and the same is hereby vested in the Secretary of the Interior of Liberia, who shall report annually to the National Legislature a complete statement of ferry grants made by him in the preceding year.
Nothing in this Act shall be construed as to prevent the Legislature from also granting ferry franchise to citizens applying for same when sufficient reasons are given justifying a departure from the regular procedure prescribed in this section.
Section 3. That none but Liberian citizens (whether as individuals, private corporations, municipal or tribal authorities) shall be privileged to acquire and enjoy the right to run ferries on the waters of the Republic; provided, however, that applications for ferry franchise emanating from residents or inhabitants of localities nearest the points petitioned for shall be given first preference.
Section 4. That petitions or applications for ferry franchise shall be addressed to the Secretary of the Interior, who after satisfying himself with all informations relating to the geographical situation of the spot or spots in question as well as the public benefit to be derived therefrom, shall issue to the applicant a license to be styled “Ferry Franchise License,” the license thus granted shall be valid at the points designated in it for a period of five [5] years with a right of renewal as often as the owner shall apply; provided there shall not appear to the Secretary of the Interior any reasons why the renewal shall not be granted. The fee for each license shall be five ($5.00) dollars.
Section 5. The ferry right granted shall be operative from a designated point on one bank of the stream to a designated point on the opposite bank of the stream, and shall extend from each point 1,320 feet up stream, and 1,320 feet to each point down stream and the owner shall have and exercise no right or franchise outside these points which shall be expressly described in the license by the Secretary of the Interior.
Section 6. The type and extent of craft used on ferries shall be such as shall be designated by the Secretary of the Interior and any license for the operation of a craft other than that designated in his license shall be subject to having his franchise cancelled and in addition to a fine not less than one hundred dollars and not to exceed five hundred dollars recoverable before a competent court upon the complaint of the Secretary of the Interior.
Section 7. The ferriage per capita shall not be less than two cents, nor more than twenty- five cents; and the Secretary of the Interior shall specify on each license the maximum fee to be
charged for each person transported; provided that Government officials, soldiers and messengers shall, while on official duties, be given first preference and cross free of charge.
Section 8. The Department of Interior shall, through its authorized representatives, inspect all ferries at least once a quarter, and owners of ferry boats or canoes who shall fail or neglect to see to it that such boats or canoes are in good and safe condition and repair as to ensure safety to life and property, shall for the first offence be fined in an amount not exceeding ten dollars ($10.00) to be imposed by a court of competent jurisdiction; and for the second offence the license of such owner shall be cancelled.
Section 9. All ferry owners shall be held personally responsible for any damages occasioned by the acts of their agents while acting within the scope of their authority, and in criminal actions growing out of negligence or defective ferries, the principal and agent shall be made joint defendants, but in civil actions the penalty shall be restitution of lost property or the value thereof.
Section 10. For any other violation of the provisions of this Act for which no penalty has been attached, the defendant upon conviction, shall be fined not less than five dollars and not more than one hundred dollars recoverable before a court of competent jurisdiction.
Section 11. Nothing in this Act shall be so construed as to prevent any person or persons from crossing at the points granted a ferry owner in his or their own boats or canoes.
Section. 12. All ferry rights granted prior to the approval of this Act shall continue in effect for the periods specified in their respective charter, and the owner may at the expiration of his term, have his right renewed, provided he comply with section 5 of this Act.
Section 13. Any laws or parts of law conflicting with the provisions of this Act be, and the same are hereby repealed.
Section 14. This Act shall take effect as from the first day of February, 1913.
Any law to the contrary notwithstanding.
Approved January 28, 1913.
CHAPTER XIV.
THE MARRIED WOMAN DISABILITY REMOVAL ACT.
Whereas under existing laws no action may be brought against a married woman except by and in the name of her husband; and
Whereas married women engaged in business on their own account are liable to great loss and embarrassment in the prosecution of their affairs and in the protection of their interest because of such disability; and
Whereas it seems desirable that such disability be removed,
It is enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Republic of Liberia in Legislature assembled:
Section 1. This Act shall be entitled “The married woman disability removal Act.”
Section 2. Any married woman who in her own name shall engage in any business or enterprise may for the purpose of such business or enterprise be considered a femme sole and as such without the intervention of her husband, may make and execute contracts, sue and be sued and do all such things as may be incident and necessary to the prosecution and the protection of her business interests, and shall be privileged or free to enjoy all the other civil rights granted by law to citizens of this Republic not in conflict with the Constitution of Liberia.
Section 3. For all debts which a woman so conducting a business as a femme sole or for the violation by her of any contract for which an action may be brought against her, her husband shall in no wise be responsible, nor for any claims in connection therewith shall he in any wise be chargeable but such claims shall be chargeable against her business assets and her individual property.
Section 4. Any married woman engaged in business for her own account in her own or umier a business name shall give public notice of the fact of her coverture in order that third parties may not be affected in any wise by not being advised of this fact.
Any law to the contrary notwithstanding.
Approved January 28, 1943.
CHAPTER XV.
AN ACT RELATING TO THE CONSTRUCTION, SUPERVISION AND MAINTENANCE OF PUBLIC BUILDINGS.
It is enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Republic of Liberia in Legislature assembled:
Section 1. From and after the effective date of this Act, the construction, maintenance and repairs of all government buildings or such other buildings as may from time to time be occupied by departments or bureaux of government and all other engineering works authorized by the President, shall be vested solely in the Bercau of Public Works.
Section 2. The Bureau of Public Works shall draw up all plans, and estimates with respect to each construction work undertaken subject to the approval of the President or such head of department as he may designate to give such approval.
Section 3. It shall be the duty of the Bureau of Public Works to supervise and direct the proper maintenance of all government building or buildings occupied by government departments or bureaux.
Section 4. The Bureau of Public Works shall make all repairs which from time to time may be found necessary on all building or buildings occupied by Government department or bureaux. On all repairs undertaken in pursuance of this Section, the following procedure shall be followed: The head of the appropriate departments shall notify the Director of Public Works of the required repairs; whereupon, the Director of Public Works shall order a survey of premises; determine the repairs that are necessary and submit estimates of materials and cost. These he shall certify to the head of Department concerned, who will thereupon request the treasury to meet the required expenditure based upon the certificate of estimate so submitted.
When the Bureau of Public Works is notified that the requisite funds have been received, it shall proceed to the execution of the work, submitting vouchers in the manner prescribed by law.
Section 5. The Secretary of the Treasury shall promptly reserve necessary funds set out in the certificate of estimate submitted, and shall hold them subject to drawings thereon by the Bureau of Public Works in the usual requisitions.
The effective date of this Act shall be February 1, 1943. Any law to the contrary notwithstanding.
Approved January 26, 1943.
CHAPTER XVI.
AN ACT AMENDATORY TO AN ACT ENTITLED “AN ACT AMENDATORY TO AN ACT ENTITLED “AN ACT REGULATING THE MINING AND PROSPECTING OF ALL MINERALS AND OTHER NATURAL DEPOSITS WITHIN THE REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA, APPROVED FEBRUARY 20, 1940.
Whereas the above referred to Act has a tendency to decentralize the entire mining set- up.
It is enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Republic of Liberia in Legislature assembled:
Section 1. From and immediately after the passage of this Act, in order to organize a better system of control in the administration of the Mining Bureau, mining officers shall be established throughout the Republic, and qualified Liberians shall be appointed as mining agents by the Secretary of the Treasury. These Agents shall be under the direct control of the Secretary of the Treasury, and they are to perform such duties as shall be prescribed by him from time to time.
Section 2. The Secretary of the Treasury is hereby authorized to make rules and regulations for the governance of the Mining Bureau, which shall be approved by His Excellency the President.
Any law to the contrary notwithstanding.
Approved January 29, 1943.
CHAPTER XVII.
AN ACT FIXING MINIMUM WAGE FOR WORKMEN AND PROTECTING THE INTEREST OF THE WORKING CLASSES.
Whereas there exists no laws by which the rights of working men and women are defined and protected; and
Whereas the basis upon which the relation between employe and employer should subsist should be fixed by law and the exploitation of workin gmen and women be legally controlled; and
Whereas social security and economic justice demand that the wages of working men and women should bear a just relation to the cost of living:
It is resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Republic of Liberia in Legislature assembled:
Section 1. This Act shall be cited as the Workman’s Compensation and Protection Act.
Section 2. (a) The term workman in this Act shall be taken to include agricultural labourers, skilled mechanics, chauffeurs, clerks, stenographers, bookkeepers, and other office workers, hospital workers and nurses, and all other classes of workers not specifically enumerated herein who are or may be employed at a daily, weekly, or monthly wage.
(b) The phrase “time and a half” shall mean one and one- half times the fixed wage.
(c) “Casual Labour” shall mean unskilled labour employed for a period less than a working day as defined in this Act.
(d) Skilled workman shall mean any person engaged in any skill trade or craft who having completed his training shall possess a certificate from his master or diploma from a technical institution certifying his qualification.
Section 3. The provisions of this Act shall not apply to Government employees whose compensation is fixed by law and provided for by Budgetary appropriation.
Section 4. All workmen coming within the definition of this Act shall be entitled to and shall receive the following per diem rates of pay during the period of their employment.
(a) Unskilled workmen, domestic servants and agricultural labourers shall be entitled to and shall receive a minimum wage of three cents per hour for each day of eight hours with time and a half for overtime; that is to say, for each hour over eight hours they shall be entitled to and shall receive four and one-half cents per hour.
(b) Each skilled mechanic or chauffeur shall be entitled to and shall receive a minimum wage of ten cents per hour for a day of eight hours with time and a half for overtime; that is to say, fifteen cents for each hour over and above eight hours per diem.
(c) Stenographers, and bookkeepers shall be entitled to and shall receive a minimum wage of twenty cents per hour for a day of eight hours with time and a half for each hour over eight hours; that is to say, for every hour over eight hours they shall be entitled to and shall receive thirty cents per hour.
(d) Writing clerks, other office workers and other workers not specifically enumerated herein shall be entitled to and shall receive a minimum wage of sixteen cents per hour for a day of eight hours with time and a half for every hour over eight hours; that is to say, for every hour over eight hours they shall be entitled to and shall receive twenty- four cents per hour.
Section 5. The legal working day shall consist of eight hours and the employer shall pay a full day’s wage to each workman, whether or not the office of business or job is open or lasts eight hours per diem except for casual labour or in case a workman is dismissed for inefficiency, lack of qualification or unfitness for his job.
Section 6. No workman shall be compelled to labour for any period exceeding eight hours per diem or a total of forty- eight hours per week without being entitled to and receiving overtime pay as provided in section 4 hereof.
Section 7. No workman shall be dismissed from his job except upon one week’s notice or two weeks pay in lieu of notice. Should a workman be dismissed for inefficiency and lack of qualification, he shall receive in payment for his services only such compensation as he would be entitled to for the period of his employment.
Section 8. It shall be unlawful to dismiss a group or groups of workmen for any act the commission of which cannot be traced to a definite individual.
Section 9. No physical violence or attack shall be done to or committed on any one coming within the definition of this Act, nor shall any abusive language having reflectory racial basis be uttered against or directed to any Liberian worker in the employ of a foreign employer by such employer or his agents, nor shall any such language having reflectory racial basis be uttered against or directed to any foreigner or his agents by a Liberian employer or employee, under penalty not to exceed one thousand dollars to be imposed and collected from the offender by the labour court hereinafter authorized; and the court may in addition, in case of a foreigner recommend to the Secretary of the Interior the immediate deportation from the Republic of Liberia the delinquent.
Section 10. (a) No foreign workman within the definition
of this Act, shall be employed in any of the callings contemplated under this Act except in administrative, supervisory or technical capacities, unless there be not a sufficient number of Liberians capable of supplying the labour needs of the employer. In the event an employer reports that he can find no Liberian worker capable of doing a specific job, which representation shall be made to the Interior Department, the Secretary of the Interior or his subordinate appointed for this purpose, shall grant a special permit setting forth this fact and according to the employer the right to engage the services of a foreign person or persons to be named in the permit, designating the class of work he or she will be required to perform.
No workman not a Liberian citizen shall be employed at rate not identical with wages paid Liberian citizens in similar positions, the question of competency and length of services being always taken into account.
Section 11. It shall be illegal for any group of workmen to strike or to promote a strike prior to their having laid their grievances before the labour court and a judgment thereon having been rendered. Should an employer after such judgment, neglect or refuse to comply therewith, then the workers shall have a right to strike.
Section 12. It shall be illegal for any employer to dismiss any workman from his employment because of participation in a strike conducted in accordance with the provisions of section 11 hereof.
Section 13. The Department of Interior and its labour agencies shall keep a register of all Liberians qualified in all types of work. From this register employers shall be required to make their selection, except in respect of agricultural and unskilled labourers. No alien shall be employed in any of these capacities unless and until the list has been exhausted or no qualified person on the register can be found capable of performing the requisite duty, in which case the provision of section 10 (a) shall apply.
Section 14. (a) Each employer shall be responsible for the cost of hospitalization of any workman in his employ whose health may be affected by virtue of his employment or who may be injured in the course of his employment.
(b) Any workman suffering in the course of his employment from any permanent injury (not attributable to his own
negligence and carelessness) which wholly incapacitates him from further work, shall be compensated by his employer in a sum equivalent to the aggregate pay he would receive for a period of three years at the rate of pay he was receiving at the time of his injury or accident. Proportionate compensation shall be paid for minor injuries which incapacitates the workman for a longer or shorter period.
Section 15. The employer of a workman who leaves his employment without or before receiving the accumulative wages owing to him shall be obliged to hold such wages for a period of six months to the credit of said workman. Should such workman or his accredited representative not apply for such accumulative wages within the period specified herein, such wages shall revert to the Government of Liberia and shall be made payable to the Secretary of the Treasury through the Labour Comissioner upon the verified payroll of the employer. The aggregate sum so paid shall be held by the Treasury as a special fund to be specially applied annually to such educational purposes in the hinterland area of the Republic as may be designated by the Secretary of Public Instruction, through whom they shall be applied to such purposes.
Section 16. The minimum wage rates fixed in Section 1 hereof shall be increased from time to time in proportion to increases in the average price level for commodities as of January 1, 1943. Such increased minimum wages may be reduced at any time in proportion to the fall of the average price level, but shall never be reduced below the minimum rates fixed in Section 4 of this Act.
Section 17. The President of Liberia be, and is hereby authorized to draw up or cause to be drawn up and issued from time to time such rules and regulations as may in his discretion be deemed requisite for the proper and efficient operation and carrying out of the provision of this Act. These rules and regulations shall have full force of law subject to the provisions governing Executive Order.
Section 18. For the purpose of implementing the provisions of this Act, a Labour Court to be presided over by a Labour Commissioner, shall be set up in the Interior Department and in each County and District of the Republic, which shall have jurisdiction over labour disputes to which any employer, workman
or the Republic may be a party, and shall exercise all such authority as courts in other cases.
Section 19. Any person who violates any of the provisions of this Act for which no penalty has been prescribed shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be punished by a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars.
Any law to the contrary notwithstanding.
Passed by Limitation.
PRIVATE ACTS
OF THE
THIRTY- LEGISLATURE
OF THE
REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA
CHAPTER XVIII.
AN ACT CANCELLING AND TRANSFERRING THE FERRY FRANCHISE GRANTED TO HENRY J. R. COOPER. SR. OF HARPER, CAPE PALMAS. MARYLAND COUNTY. BY ACT OF THE LEGISLATURE, PASSED AND APPROVED NOVEMBER 20, 1939.
Whereas the Act of the Legislature referred to in the title of this Act prescribes, in the preamble thereof, the desire of the Grantee to place “said Ferry upon better basis”, which were the requisites and conditions under which said grant was given by the Legislature; and
Whereas it has become apparent to the people and local authorities of Maryland County that these conditions have not been met by the said Henry J. R. Cooper, Sr., because of the inefficient management of said Ferry to the detriment of persons crossing to and from Harper City across the Hoffman river; and
Whereas these conditions, if permitted to continue cannot but endanger the lives and safety of travellers and impair the free flow of a large proportion of the trade which enters the City across the river; therefore
It is enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Republic of Liberia in Legislature assembled:
Section 1. That from and immediately after the passage of this Act, the Ferry Franchise granted the said Henry J. R. Cooper, Sr.,
of Harper City, Maryland County, as referred to supra le and the same is hereby cancelled and made void; and that all of the rights, privileges and conditions, heretofore granted the said Henry J. R. Cooper, Sr., under said Franchise, be and the same are hereby transferred to John S. Dunham, William S. Brewer, Robert H. Gibson, Randolph Tewreh, Henry P. Collins and such other persons that may be associated with them, with the solitary exception, that the right granted by this transfer shall cover a period of twelve (12) years, commencing from the date of the approval of this Act.
Section 2. This Act shall take effect immediately and be published in hand bills.
Any law to the contrary notwithstanding.
Passed by limitation.
CHAPTER XIX.
AN ACT TO COMPENSATE W. H. JAMES OF THE CITY OF ROBERTSPORT, COUNTY OF GRAND CAPE MOUNT, FOR SERVICE RENDERED AS DISTRICT COMMISSIONER, COUNTY JURISDICTION.
Whereas W. H. James, of the City of Robertsport, County of Grand Cape Mount, has petitioned the Honourable Legislature of Liberia setting forth in said petition that he was appointed and did serve for a number of years as District Commissioner, County Jurisdiction, in the County of Grand Cape Mount, and that during said tenure of office he served for a period of seven months, commencing from the first day of July A. D. 1930, without receiving the compensation promised him at the rate of $25.00 per month, totalling $175.00; therefore
It is enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Republic of Liberia in Legislature assembled:
Section 1. That from and immediately after the passage of this Act, the Secretary of the Treasury of the Republic of Liberia is hereby authorized under warrant of the President, to pay to the said W. H. James the sum of one hundred and seventy- five dollars ($175.00) out of any money in the public treasury not otherwise appropriated.
Any law to the contrary notwithstanding.
Approved January 8, 1943.
CHAPTER XX.
AN ACT RESTORING JERRY JOHNSON OF HARRISBURG. SAINT PAUL RIVER, MONTSERRADO COUNTY. TO ALL THE RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES OF CITIZENSHIP.
It is enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Republic of Liberia in Legislature assembled:
Section 1. That from and immediately after the passage of this Act. Jerry Johnson of the Township of Harrisburg, Saint Paul River, Montserrado County, be and he is hereby restored to all the rights and privileges of citizenship in common with all other good citizens of the Republic.
Any law to the contrary notwithstanding.
Passed by limitation.
CHAPTER XXI.
AN ACT GRANTING COMPENSATION TO THE HEIRS OF F. W. UREY. MALINDA COZEN AND JAMES A. HORNSBY OF CAREYS- BURG. MONTSERRADO COUNTY. FOR THEIR PROPERTIES TAKEN BY GOVERNMENT FOR PUBLIC USE.
Whereas during the construction of the Monrovia- Kakata Motor Road in the year 1920, two thousand, seven hundred and twenty- one (2.721) coffee trees situated on the private lands of F. W. Urey, Malinda Cozen, and James A. Hornsby, respectively were destroyed and the land on which said trees were located taken for public benefits, and
Whereas the Constitution of this Republic provides that just compensations shall be given for all private properties taken for public use.
It is enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Republic of Liberia in Legislature assembled:
Section 1. That from and immediately after the passage of this Act. the Secretary of the Treasury, Republic of Liberia be and he is hereby authorized to pay under warrant of the President out of any money in the public Treasury not otherwise appropriated the sum of six hundred and eighty dollars and twenty- five cents ($680.25) to the heirs of the late F. W. Urey, Malinda
Cozen and James A. Hornsby, of the City of Caresburg. Mont- serrado County, as full compensation for their lands and two thousand seven hundred and twenty- one (2,721) coffee trees taken and destroyed by Government for public use during the construction of the Monrovia- Kakata Road in the year 1920.
Section 2. That the Secretary of the Treasury, in drawing for said $680.25 shall pay to the heirs of the late F. W. Urey out of said amount the sum of three hundred and sixty- seven dollars and seventy- five cents ($367.75); to Malinda Cozen the sum of two hundred and six dollars and twenty- five cents ($206.25) and to James A. Hornsby the sum of one hundred and six dollars and twenty- five ($106.25) which sums shall be full compensation for the said 2,721 coffee trees destroyed and land taken and used for public benefit.
Section 3. This Act shall take effect immediately.
Any law to the contrary notwithstanding.
Approved January 8, 1943.
CHAPTER XXII.
JOINT RESOLUTION REIMBURSNG W. H. BLAINE OF THE TERRITORY OF MARSHALL, MONTSERRADO COUNTY.
It is enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Republic of Liberia in Legislature assembled.
Section 1. That from and immediately after the passage of this Joint Resolution, W. H. Blaine of the Territory of Marshall, County of Montserrado, he and is hereby re- imbursed in the sum of twenty- one dollars ($21.00)
Section 2. That the Secretary of the Treasury is hereby authorised under warrant of the President to pay same out of any money in the public Treasury not otherwise appropriated.
Any law to the contrary notwithstanding.
Passed by limitation.
CHAPTER XXIII.
JOINT RESOLUTION GRANTING COMPENSATION TO C. T. RAILEY OF SINOE COUNTY. FOR SERVICES RENDERED AS GOVERNMENT SCHOOL TEACHER.
It is enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Republic of Liberia in Legislature assembled:
Section 1. That from and immediately after the passage of this Joint Resolution, C. T. Bailey of Sinoe County, is hereby granted compensation in the sum of one hundred and sixty- six dollars and sixty cents ($166.60) for services rendered as Government School Teacher.
Section 2. That the Secretary of the Treasury is hereby authorized, under warrant of the President to pay same out of any money in the public treasury not otherwise appropriated.
Any law to the contrary notwithstanding.
Approved January 8, 1943.
CHAPTER XXIV.
AN ACT GRANTING ANNUITY TO JOSEPH F. GIBSON, FORMER COMMISSIONER OF THE COMMONWEALTH DISTRICT OF HARPER, AND COUNTY ATTORNEY OF THE COUNTY OF MARYLAND, REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA.
Whereas Joseph F. Gibson of the City of Harper, County of Maryland, Republic of Liberia has rendered faithful and loyal services to the Government of Liberia as clerk of the Monthly and Probate Court; County Attorney; Commissioner of the Commonwealth District City of Harper, Postmaster and Curator of the Intestate Estates for the County of Maryland; and
Whereas, Joseph F. Gibson did in the year nineteen hundred and forty unfortunately suffer an accident whilst in the City of Monrovia on a visit and which accident resulted into the losing of both of his eye sight, and must hence be an incurable invalid; and
Whereas it is not in harmony with the policy of the Government of Liberia to neglect her citizens who during their days of physical good health loyally and faithfully serve her.
but rather aid them to live as reasonably comfortable as is possible during their remaining natural life, therefore,
It is enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Republic of Liberia in Legislature assembled:
Section 1. That from and immediately after the passage of this Act. Joseph F. Gibson of the City of Harper. Maryland County and Republic of Liberia be and he is hereby granted an annuity in the sum of two hundred dollars ($200.00) to be paid in equal monthly installments of sixteen dollars and sixty- six and one third cents ($16.66) without deduction or defalcation, during his natural life.
Section 2. That the Secretary of the Treasury be and is hereby authorized to draw for same under warrant of the President from any money of the public treasury not otherwise appropriated.
Any law to the contrary notwithstanding.
Passed by limitation.
CHAPTER XXV.
JOINT RESOLUTION COMPENSATING D. E. W. THOMAS OF SINOE COUNTY FOR SERVICES RENDERED GOVERNMENT AS COUNTY COMMISSIONER, SINOE COUNTY, A. D. 1942.
Whereas D. E. W. Thomas of Sinoe County, Republic of Liberia, did serve Government in the capacity of County Commissioner for ten (10) months during the year, A. D. 1942 at the rate of twenty- five dollars ($25.00) per month without being paid, and.
Whereas it is the policy of Government to compensate her citizens for faithful services rendered,
It is enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Republic of Liberia in Legislature assembled:
Section 1. That from and immediately after the passage of this Joint Resolution, D. E. W. Thomas, of Sinoe County, Republic of Liberia be and is hereby granted compensation in the sum of two hundred and fifty dollars ($250.00) for services
rendered the Government as County Commissioner for Sinoe County. A.D.1942.
Section 2. The Secretary of the Treasury, Republic of Liberia is hereby authorized under warrant of the President to pay same out of any money in the public treasury not otherwise appropriated.
Any law to the contrary notwithstanding.
Passed by limitation.
CHAPTER XXVI.
JOINT RESOLUTION GRANTING COMPENSATION TO J. N. R. BERRIAN FOR SERVICES RENDERED AS ASSISTANT HINTERLAND COMMISSIONER.
It is enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Republic of Liberia in Legislature assembled:
Section 1. That from and immediately after the passage of this Joint Resolution, J. N. R. Berrian of Montserrado County is hereby granted compensation in the sum of one hundred and thirty- three dollars and thirty- two cents ($133.32) for services rendered as Assistant Hinterland Commissioner.
Section 2. That the Secretary of the Treasury is hereby authorized, under warrant of the President to pay same out of any money in the public treasury not otherwise appropriated.
Any law to the contrary notwithstanding.
Passed by limitation.
CHAPTER XXVII.
JOINT RESOLUTION RE.IMBURSING C. G. WALTERS OF SASS- TOWN. SINOE COUNTY. IN THE SUM OF ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTEEN DOLLARS AND SIXTY CENTS ($117.60)
Whereas C. G. Walters of Sasstown, Sinoe County, did supply the Liberian Frontier Force with three thousand nine hundred and twenty pounds (3,920 lbs.) of rice to the value of one hundred
and seventeen dollars and sixty cents (S117.60), said supply being made on the 6th day of April A. D. 1937 upon requisition of the commanding officer of the detachment of said Force stationed at Sasstown.
It is enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Republic of Liberia in Legislature assembled:
Section 1. That from and immediately after the passage of this Joint Resolution, C. G. Walters of the Township of Sasstown, Sinoe County, is hereby re- imburred in the sum of one hundred and seventeen dollars and sixty cents (S117.60).
Section 2. That the Secretary of the Treasury is hereby authorized, under warrant of the President, to pay same out of any money in the public treasury not otherwise appropriated.
Any law to the contrary notwithstanding.
Passed by limitation.
CHAPTER XXVIII.
AN ACT GRANTING ANNUITY TO MARIA REEVES OF MARSHALL AND LIZZY M. LOMAX OF SINOE COUNTY, PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHERS.
Whereas Maria Reeves of the Territory of Marshall and Lizzy M. Lomax of the County of Sinoe have served the Country as public school teachers in their respective localities nearly all their lives; and
Whereas, the said Maria Reeves and Lizzy M. Lomax are now declining in age and no longer able to comfortably maintain themselves in their usual allocation; and
Whereas it is befitting that public appreciation should be shown such faithful public servants:
Therefore it is enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Republic of Liberia in Legislature assembled:
Section 1. That immediately after the passage of this Act, Maria Reeves of the Territory of Marshall and Lizzy M. Lomax of the County of Sinoe, be and they are hereby granted annuity
in the sum of one hundred and fifty dollars ($150.00) each in regular monthly installments during their natural lives.
Section 2. The Secretary of the Treasury, R. L., is hereby authorized and empowered to pay upon warrant of the President of Liberia, the amounts specified in Section one hereof and in manner stated.
Section 3. The effective date of this Act shall be February 1, 1943.
Any law to the contrary notwithstanding.
Passed by limitation.
CHAPTER XXIX
AN ACT FIXING THE DAY OF ADJOURNMENT OF THE 4TH SESSION OF THE 39TH LEGISLATURE OF THE REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA.
It is enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Republic of Liberia in Legislature assembled:
Section 1. The 4th Session of the 39th Legislature of the Republic of Liberia will adjourn on the 29th day of January A.D. 1943 sine die.
Any law to the contrary notwithstanding.
Passed by limitation.
1943(E.S)
PUBLIC ACTS
OF THE
THIRTY- SICHT: LEGISLATURE
OF THE
REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA.
Passed at their Extraordinary Session of the 4th Session which, was begun and held at the City of Monrovia, County of Montserrado. Saturday, the 30th day of January A. D. 1943 and adjourned without day on the 8th day of February A. D. 1943.
CHAPTER XXX.
AN ACT AMENDING AN ACT ENTITLED “AN ACT AUTHORIZING THE PRESIDENT OF LIBERIA TO APPOINT A NATIONAL ECONOMY COMMITTEE OF THREE OR MORE PERSONS FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING AGAINST PROFITEERING.”
It is enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Republic of Liberia in Legislature assembled:
Section 1. That Section 6 of the Act above referred to shall be amended by the addition at the end thereof of the following:
“All decisions of the National Economy Committee shall be made by majority vote of the Committee, and such majority vote shall be considered the decision of the Committee. The Committee shall have power to impose fines not exceeding (2,000.00 or to imprison the delinquent for a period not exceeding 30 days or may impose both a fine and imprisonment in any one case for the violation of any law or any regulation published from time to time by the Committee in virtue of Section 3 of the Act above mentioned.”
Section 2. That Section 11 of the said Act be repealed and the following substituted in lieu thereof:
Section 11. An appeal may be taken from any decision of the National Economy Committee to a Board of Review appointed by the President from time to time, as may be required: and shall be composed of not more than three persons whose decision on the matter under review shall be final. Any two members of the Board of Review shall constitute a quorum the decision in any matter shall be valid. In the event of illness, resignation or death of any one member and pending the appointment of a new member to fill the vacancy, the decision of the other two members shall be valid. If these two members do not concur on any matter before the Board, then the defendant shall be discharged from responsibility.”
Section 3. Any person giving information leading to a conviction under the provisions of this Act shall be entitled to and shall receive a reward of one- fourth (4) the amount recovered.
Any law to the contrary notwithstanding.
Approved February 8, 1943.
CHAPTER XXXI.
AN ACT MAKING APPROPRIATION FOR THE EXPENSES OF THE LEGISLATURE OF LIBERIA AT ITS EXTRAORDINARY SESSION, 1943.
It is enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Republic of Liberia in Legislature assembled:-
Section 1. The following sums are hereby appropriated for the expenses of the Legislature of Liberia for the Extraordinary Session for the year 1943.
THE SENATE.
Ten (10) Senators, ten days service at $5.00 per diem each $500.00 Secretary of the Senate 17.50
Engrossing – Clerk 10.00
Enrolling – Clerk 10.00
Sergeant- At- Arms 10.00
12.00
Typist 10.00 Stenographer 10.00 Chaplain 8.00 Eleven (11) Pages, at 3.00( each 33.00
Total the Senate ) 610.00$
THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Twenty- one (21, Representatives, ten days service
(a 5.00 per diem each \(\) 1,050.00
Chief Clerk 17.50
Engrossing Clerk 10.00
Enrolling Clerk 10.00
Sergeant- At- Arms 12.00
Typist 10.00
Stenographer 10.00
Chapain 8.00
Twenty- one (21) Pages each 3.00$ 63.00
Total the House of Representatives 1,190.50$
Section 2. The Secretary of the Treasury, Republic of Liberia, is hereby authorized to pay the same immediateiy from any money in the public treasury under warrant of the President.
Section 3. This Act shall take effect immediately and be published in hand- bills.
Any law to the contrary notwithstanding.
Approved February 8, 1943.
CHAPTER XXXII.
A JOINT RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PRESIDENT OF LIBERIA TO LEAVE THE REPUBLIC ON PUBLIC BUSINESS.
It is enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Republic of Liberia in Legislature assembled:
Section 1. That the President of the Republic is hereby authorized to visit any foreign country during the present international crises if in his judgment the interests of the Republic required such visit.
Section 2. The Secretary of the Treasury under warrant of the President is hereby authorized to pay the expenses to be incurred for such visit out of any money in the public treasury not otherwise appropriated.
Any law to the contrary notwithstanding.
Approved February 8, 1943.
CHAPTER XXXIII.
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 JANUARY 1, 1943 TO DECEMBER 31, 1943.
It is enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Republic of Liberia in Legislature assembled:
Section 1. That from and immediately after the passage of this Act the budget presented by the Secretary of the Treasury of the Republic of Liberia, for the year 1943, be approved; and he is hereby authorized to meet the expenses of the Government from January 1, 1943, to December 31, 1943, in terms mentioned hereunder, under warrant of the President of the Republic of Liberia.
Section 2. The Secretary of the Treasury is hereby authorized to apply revenues of 1942, in excess of the basic budget, for the purposes and in the manner provided in Section 1 of the Supplemental Loan Agreement of 1939, as amended.
Section 3. The Secretary of the Treasury is hereby authorized to expend any revenues of 1942 in excess of the basic budget which are not otherwise appropriated or obligated and which under the provisions of Section VI paragraph 4 of the Supplementary Loan Agreement of 1939, as amended, are available for appropriation for general purposes of the Government, in accordance with a supplementary budget, approved by the President, and prepared in the manner provided in the Loan Agreement of 1926, as amended, for the preparation of the Annual Budget.
Any law to the contrary notwithstanding.
Approved February 8, 1943.
CHAPTER XXXIV.
AN ACT FIXING THE DAY OF ADJOURNMENT OF THE EXTRAORDINARY SESSION OF THE 4TH SESSION OF THE 39TH LEGISLATURE OF THE REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA.
It is enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Republic of Liberia in Legislature assembled:
Section 1. That from and immediately after the passage of this Act the Extraordinary Session of the 4th Session of the 39th Legislature of the Republic of Liberia, which was convened on the 30th day of January A.D. 1943, adjourns sine die on the 5th day of February A.D. 1943.
Any law to the contrary notwithstanding.
Passed by limitation.
1942.3 1943 (E)
INDEX
Chapter Page
A
Adjournment, 4th Session of the 39th Legislature, an Act fixing the day of XXXIX 30
Adjournment, Extraordinary Session of the 39th Legislature of the Republic of Liberia, an Act fixing day of XXXIV 35
Admission of Lawyers to the Bar, approved November 30, 1938, an Act amending an Act regulating the VIII 7
Agreement, concluded between the Government of the Republic of Liberia, the Finance Corporation of America and the National City Bank of New York, A Joint Resolution ratifying an IX 8
Annuity, to Joseph Gibson, former Commissioner of the Commonwealth District of Harper, County Attorney of Maryland County, R. L., an Act granting XXIV 26
Annuity, to Maria Reeves of Marshall and Lizzy Lomax of Sinoe County, Public School Teachers, an Act granting XXVIII 29
Appeals, in Civil Cases passed and approved November, 1938, an Act amending to an Act relating to I 1
B
Berrian, J.N.R., for services rendered as assistant hinterland Commissioner, Joint Resolution granting compensation to XXVI 28
Blaine, W. H., of the Territory of Marshall, Montserrado County, Joint Resolution re- imburing XXII 25
Budget,
presented by the Secretary of the Treasury. R. L., and providing for the expenses of the Government for the year. January 1, 1943, to December 31, 1943, an Act approving. XXXIII
Celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the Independence of Liberia. Joint Resolution authorizing the President of Liberia to cause plans to be drawn up for the VI
Certain License, an Act Regulating the issuance of II
Civil Service, of the Republic of Liberia and providing for the operation thereof, passed and approved December 12, A. D. 1934, an Act amendatory to an Act establishing the IV
Cooper, sr., Henry J. R., of Harper, Cape Palmas, Maryland County by Act of the Legislature, passed and approved November 20, 1939, an Act concelling and transferring the Ferry Franchise granted to XVIII
Constitution, supervision and maintenance of public buildings, an Act Relating to the XV
Constitution of Liberia, Joint Resolution proposing Sundry Amendments to the V
Customs Provisional Deposits, an Act Relating to XII
Extraordinary Session, 1943, an Act making appropriation for expenses of the Legislature of Liberia at its XXX
Ferries, an Act Relating to XIII
James, W. H., of the City of Robertsport, County of Grand Cape Mount, for service rendered as District Commissioner, County Jurisdiction, an Act to compensate. XIX 23
Johnson Jerry of Harrisburg, Saint Paul River, Montserrado County, to all the rights and privileges of citizenship, an Act restoring XX 24
Jurors, an Act Amendment to the amended Act, passed and approved December, 1939 fixing per diem pay of. X 9
M
Married women disability removal Act XIV 14
Minimum Wage for Workmen and protecting the interest of the working classes, an Act fixing XVIII 16
Mining and Prospecting of all minerals and other natural deposits within the Republic of Liberia, approved February 20, 1940, an Act Amendment to an Act entitled “an Act regulating the” XVI 16
N
National Economy Committee of three or more persons for the purpose of providing against profiteering, an Act amending an Act entitled an Act authorizing the President of Liberia to appoint a. XXX 31
Nyaake-Webbo, No. 1. District, Eastern Province, Liberian Hinterland, an Act authorizing the President of the Republic of Liberia to open a voting poll in. III 3
President of Liberia to leave the Republic on business, A Joint Resolution authorizing the XXX 33
ACTS PASSED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE Republic of Liberia DURING THE SESSION 1944 ·45 MONROVIA PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE (DEPARTMENT OF STATE) MONROVIA, LIBERIA. 1945
1944- 5
PUBLIC ACTS
OF THE
FORTIETH LEGISLATURE
OF THE
REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA.
Passed at their Second Session which was begun and held at the City of Monrovia, County of Montserrado, the Second Monday in October, A. D. 1944 and adjourned without day on the 5th day of January A. D. 1945.
CHAPTER I.
JOINT RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PRESIDENT OF LIBERIA TO EXTEND INVITATIONS TO FOREIGN GOVERNMENTS IN FRIENDLY RELATIONS WITH THIS REPUBLIC TO ATTEND AND PARTICIPATE IN THE OBSERVANCE OF THE CENTENARY OF THE INDEPENDENCE OF THE REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA, JULY 26, 1947.
Whereas by Joint Resolution of the Fourth Session of the Thirty- ninth Legislature approved January 29, 1943, the Executive Government was authorized to cause plans to be drawn up and make such other arrangements as shall be necessary looking towards the celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the Independence of Liberia; and as a gesture of the friendly and traditional relationships subsisting between this Government and the Governments represented at this Capital:
It is enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Republic of Liberia in Legislature assembled:
Section 1. That the Executive Government is hereby authorized to extend to all Governments in friendly relations with this Republic, invitations to attend and participate in the observance of the Centenary of the Republic of Liberia, July 26, 1947.
Any law to the contrary notwithstanding.
Approved December 11, 1944.
CHAPTER II. JOINT RESOLUTION GRANTING LEAVE OF ABSENCE FROM THE REPUBLIC TO HIS EXCELLENCY W. V. S. TUBMAN, PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA TO VISIT DAKAR IN RESPONSE TO AN INVITATION OF THE GOVERNOR GENERAL OF FRENCH WEST AFRICA.
Whereas His Excellency the Governor General of French West Africa extended an invitation to His Excellency William V. S. Tubman, President of Liberia, to pay a visit of friendship and official courtesy, at Dakar, when convenient to the said President Tubman, and His Excellency the President having laid before the Legislature the request of the Governor General aforesaid, therefore,
It is enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Republic of Liberia in Legislature assembled:
Section 1. That Leave of absence is hereby granted His Excellency President Tubman or any person he may designate to respond to the invitation of the Governor General of French West Africa by way of paying a visit of friendship and official courtesy to the Governor General of French West Africa at any time it may be convenient to the President to do so.
Section 2. That the Secretary of the Treasury be and he is hereby authorized to draw from the Public Treasury under Warrant of the President, from any money not otherwise appropriated a sum not exceeding $1,500.00 for the purpose of meeting the cost and expenditures which might be incident to said visit.
Section 3. This Act shall take effect immediately and be published in hand- bills.
Any law to the contrary notwithstanding.
Passed by limitation.
CHAPTER III.
AN ACT TO LEVY A TAX ON MERCANTILE PROFITS.
It is enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Republic of Liberia in Legislature assembled:
Section 1. That each person, as defined in Article 3, Section 12 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1937, as amended by Act
approved December 16, 1940, who engages in the Mercantile business shall pay an annual tax of ten (10%) percentum of the net profits of such business. For convenience such person shall hereinafter be referred to as tax payer.
Section 2. For purpose of this Act net profits shall be construed to mean the total receipts from the sale of Merchandise less certain deductions hereinafter enumerated
Section 3. In computing the tax the following deductions shall be allowed to be made from total receipts:
(a) Cost of merchandise sold during period. This cost shall include all necessary expenses incident and necessary to incorporating the merchandise in the stock of the tax- payer. In the case of merchandise sold by the original Importer such cost shall include the price actually paid in the country of export, plus shipping expenses, buying commissions, cost of transportation, insurance, lighteraqe, and foreign exchange and customs duties and charges.
(b) In the case of merchandise sold by other than the original Importer such cost shall include the actual price paid for merchandise plus transportation charges when not included in the purchase price.
(c) Operating Cost during period. This cost shall include all expenses incident and necessary to the conduct of the business, such as rent, salaries, wages, losses not recovered from insurance, bad debts, written off, interest on loans, communication charges, office equipment and supplies, license fees, business taxes, repairs to buildings and merchandise, and bank charges and commissions. Such cost shall not include the tax prescribed by this Act, personal license fees or taxes and food or other supplies furnished the tax- payer or his staff for personal consumption.
(d) After the deductions hereinbefore enumerated are made a total of not more than twenty- five (25%) percentum of the net profits of five thousand dollars ($5,000.00) whichever is the lesser, may be deducted on the account of sale compensation of a resident owner partner or partners actively engaged in direct management of the business, provided that no other salary, commission or other form of compensation shall be deducted as a part of operating cost provided in Section 3 (c) for any one or all of them.
Section 4. The tax prescribed in this Act shall be computed on transactions during the twelve month period ending August 31 of each year.
Section 5. The tax shall be paid at the nearest office of the Bureau of Revenues.
Section 6. On or before October 1 of each year the taxpayer shall file a declaration with the office of the Bureau of Revenues at which the tax is to be paid. Said declaration shall be in such form and contain such information as the Supervisor of Revenues may direct and shall be subscribed to before a Collector of Internal Revenues or other authorized official of the Bureau of Revenues, for which no fee shall be charged. The Collector shall immediately compute the amount of tax due and notify the tax- payer who shall pay the amount due within ten (10) days from the date of receipt of official notice.
Section 7. In computing the tax the Collector may disallow any deduction claimed by the tax- payer not deemed consistent with the provisions of this Act and may call upon the tax- payer for such additional information as he deems necessary to verify the declaration as to deductions. total receipts or other material fact. The tax payer may appeal to the Supervisor of Revenues from the decision of the Collector, and to the Financial Adviser from that of the Supervisor of Revenues, and to the Secretary of the Treasury from that of the Financial Adviser, if such appeal is filed within thirty (30) days of the payment of the tax; but said tax- payer shall first pay the tax computed, and for the purpose of his appeal may do so under protest. The Circuit Court shall have original jurisdiction over all cases that may arise in connection with the enforcement of this Act.
Section 8. Each tax- payer shall keep complete and accurate accounts covering all transactions upon which the tax is computed and said accounts shall be kept in the English Language, in terms of Liberian Currency and in such form as the Supervisor of Revenues may direct. The accounts of each tax- payer shall be open for inspection by duly authorized officials of the Bureau of Revenues during business hours.
Section 9. In computing the tax all commissions arising from the sale of merchandise sold on a commission basis shall be construed as net profits without deductions, except in case the agency contract obligates the tax- payer to pay transport or other charges in which case such expenses shall be included in the deductions hereinbefore specified.
Section 10. Failure to pay the tax when due shall subject the offender to the same penalties as provided in the Internal Revenue Code of 1937, as amended for engaging in the mercantile business without a license.
Any tax- payer who makes a false and fraudulent statement of material fact in the declaration hereinbefore provided or who by any false statement, report, writing or by any act of omission or omissions shall deprive or attempt to deprive the Republic of Liberia of revenue growing out of this Act, shall, upon conviction before a court of competent jurisdiction, be punished by the payment of a fine of not less than one thousand ( 1,000.00 ) dollars and not more than five thousand ( 5,000.00 ) dollars at the discretion of the Court, and upon failure to pay said fine shall be restrained from engaging in such business until such fine, shall have been paid in full; and upon further failure to pay said fines, within the space of one month, an execution shall lie for the collection of said fine.
Section 12. All information contained in the declaration submitted to the Bureau of Revenues and information obtained by examination of the accounts of the tax- payer shall be regarded as confidential and any employee or official who discloses such information, except as evidence in Court, shall be subject to dismissal and to the penalties made and provided for malfeasance.
Section 13. Regulations issued by the Secretary of the Treasury for carrying out the purposes of this Act and which are not contrary to law shall, upon approval by the President, have the full force and effect of law until revoked or amended by the Legislature or by subsequent Regulations.
Section 14. This Act shall become effective on January 1, 1945, but report shall be rendered by each tax- payer on the twelve- month period beginning September 1, 1944 and the tax shall be computed and paid on the same period.
Section 15. This Act shall be published in hand- bills.
Any law to the contrary notwithstanding.
Approved December 11, 1944.
CHAPTER IV.
AN ACT REVISING THE TARIFF OF 1940.
It is enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Republic of Liberia in Legislature assembled:
Section 1. That title II, Schedule 3 Paragraph 7 sub- paragraph C of the aforesaid Act is hereby amended by deleting the words
in the rate of Duty Column and substituting therefor the words, “100 lbs. 24 cents.”
Section 2. That this Act shall become effective on January 1, 1945.
Any law to the contrary notwithstanding.
Approved December 13, 1944.
CHAPTER V.
AN ACT TO AUTHORIZE THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA TO OPEN AND CONCLUDE ALL ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE OBSERVANCE OF THE CENTENARY OF THE REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA.
It is enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Republic of Liberia in Legislature assembled:
Section 1. That from and immediately after the passage of this Act, the President of the Republic of Liberia be, and he is hereby authorized and empowered to open and conclude any and all arrangements and negotiations necessary for the observance and celebration of the Centenary of the Republic of Liberia, financial or otherwise.
Section 2. Any financial arrangements or negotiations concluded by the President shall be made against and liquidated by the 15% Sur- Tax, proceeds accruing from the Gold Monopoly Act and any other taxations or revenues, donations or gifts in cash, that may be made specially for the Centenary.
Section 3. The Secretary of the Treasury is hereby authorized to draw upon and expend from time to time as may be necessary any funds or taxations designated, collected and Ear- Marked for the Centenary, under warrant of the President.
Section 4. This Act shall take effect immediately and be published in hand- bills.
Any law to the contrary notwithstanding.
Approved December 13, 1944.
CHAPTER VI.
JOINT RESOLUTION PROPOSING AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION OF LIBERIA TO PROVIDE FOR REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE HINTERLAND PROVINCES.
Whereas it is just that representation be given to the citizens of the Republic who dwell in the Hinterland portions thereof, in order to enable them to keep abreast and apace of the social, religious and political growth and development of the state and to afford them the benefit of representation where they are taxed; and
Whereas by a previous Legislative enactment as found in Section 1135 of the Revised Statutes of the Republic, said Statute gave these citizens a limited scope of representation which is now found to be inadequate;
Therefore be it resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Republic of Liberia in Legislative assembled:
Section 1. That Article II Section 2 of the Constitution of the Republic of Liberia be and to read after the words “The Representatives shall be elected by and for the several Counties” shall be added the words: “and provinces,” and shall then read: “The Representatives shall be elected by and for the several Counties and Provinces of Liberia”
Section 2. That said Article II Section 2 be further made to read after the words, “as follows: The County of Montserrado shall have five representatives, the Territory of Marshall shall have one representative, the County of Grand Bassa shall have four representatives, the County of Sinoe shall have four representatives, the County of Maryland shall have four representatives and the County of Grand Cape Mount shall have three representatives,” after omitting the word “and” before the words, “The County of Grand Cape Mount” and placing in its place a comma (,) shall be added the words: And the three existing Provinces of the Republic situated in the hinterland thereof shall each have one representative,” and shall then read: “The County of Montserrado shall have five representatives, the Territory of Marshall shall have one representative, the County of Grand Bassa shall have four representatives, the County of Sinoe shall have four representatives the County of Maryland shall have four representatives, the County of Grand Cape Mount shall have three representatives, and the three existing Provinces of the Republic situated in the hinterland thereof shall each have one representative, and all Counties hereafter which shall be admitted into the Republic shall have one representative, and for every ten thousand inhabitants one representative, shall be added.”
Section 3. That said Article II Section 2 be made to read after the words, “No person shall be a representative who has not resided in the County,” shall be added the words, “and Provinces;” and after the words, “and who shall not when elected be an inhabitant of the County,” shall be added the words: “and Provinces,” and after the words, “and does not own real estate of not less value than one thousand dollars in the County;” shall follow a semi- colon (; ) and thereafter shall be added the words, “and in the Provinces shall own a hut for which he pays the hut tax,” and shall then read: “No person shall be a representative, who has not resided in the County or Province two whole years immediately previous to his election, and who shall not when elected be an inhabitant of the County or Province and does not own real estate of not less value than one thousand dollars in the County; and in the Province shall own a hut for which he pays the hut tax in which he resides, and who shall have attained the age of twenty- three years. The representatives shall be elected quadrennially and shall serve for four years from the time of their election.
Section 4. That the words, “real estate” as found in Section II of the Bill of Rights shall be construed to mean, when applied to Voters in the Provinces in the hinterland of the Republic, every male citizen, twenty- one years of age possessing a hut for which he pays the hut tax.
Section 5. That these amendments be referred to the people for adoption or non- adoption at such time as the President shall find convenient and shall by proclamation declare a referendum to be had to determine the amendments provided herein.
Any law to the contrary notwithstanding.
Approved December 21, 1944.
CHAPTER VII.
AN ACT TO APPROVE THE SUPPLEMENTAL LOAN AGREEMENT OF 1944.
It is enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Republic of Liberia in Legislature assembled:
Section 1. That the Supplemental Agreement of 1944 to the Loan Agreement of 1926, by and between the Government of the Republic of Liberia, the Finance Corporation of America and the National City Bank of New York, Fiscal Agent, made and
entered into at Monrovia, Liberia, the 22nd day of November, 1944, be and the same is hereby approved.
Section 2. The said Supplemental Loan Agreement shall become effective on January 1, 1945.
Section 3. This Act shall take effect on the date aforesaid and shall be published in hand- ‘ills.
Any law to the contrary notwithstanding.
Approved December 21, 1944.
CHAPTER VIII.
JOINT RESOLUTION APPROVING POLICIES OF THE GOVERNMENT OF LIBERIA, ENTITLED. “POLICIES OF THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA ON THE APPLICATION OF THE ATLANTIC CHARTER SO FAR AS IT RELATES TO THE INTERNAL CONDITIONS AND EXTERNAL RELATIONS OF THE REPUBLIC.”
It is enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Republic of Liberia in Legislature assembled:
Section 1. That from and immediately after the passage of this Joint Resolution, the Polices of the Government of the Republic of Liberia entitled: “Policies of the Government of the Republic of Liberia on the application of the Atlantic Charter so far as it relates to the Internal Conditions and External Relations of the Republic,” as submitted by the Executive Government on November 14, 1944, annexed hereto and made a part of this Joint Resolution as if fully recited and set out herein, be and is hereby approved.
Section 2. That this Joint Resolution shall take effect immediately and be published in hand- bills.
Any law to the contrary notwithstanding.
Approved December 20, 1944.
CHAPTER IX.
AN ACT TO REGULATE SANITARY CONTROL OF AERIAL NAVIGATION.
Whereas certain diseases are communicable through Aerial
Navigation, and in order to safeguard and protect the lives of passengers and the people in general,
Therefore it is enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Republic of Liberia in Legislature assembled:
Section 1. That this Act shall be known as the Sanitary Aerial Navigation Act.
Section 2. That passengers arriving in the country by aircraft must produce a certificate of inoculation against small- pox, yellow fever or any other communicable disease, and the said certificate must not be older than three years as regards small- pox and four years as to yellow fever, in keeping with the regulations of the International Aerial Convention.
Section 3. That passengers leaving the country must be inoculated against small- pox, yellow fever or any other communicable disease, by a qualified physician. A certification of inoculation signed by the physician and certified by the Bureau of Public Health and Sanitation must be produced before the passenger is allowed a ticket and permitted to board the plane.
Section 4. That passengers and members of the crew of an aircraft affected with communicable disease shall be put under observation, in accordance with existing or subsequent regulations.
Section 5. That passengers or members of the crew of an aircraft suspected of being affected with any communicable disease, shall be put under surveillance in accordance with existing or subsequent regulations.
Section 6. That sanitary aerodromes or other facility shall be designated and established throughout the country, and attached thereto shall be a Medical Officer appointed by the sanitary authority. The purpose of the aerodromes or other facility is for notification of disease and other purposes as may be provided for by regulations.
Section 7. That the Commander of an aircraft be required to make to the competent authority, on arrival of the craft, a true declaration of any disease which has appeared or occurred on board during the current voyage. All Declarations of health and other certificates as to the state of health at all ports touched by the craft shall be produced for inspection.
Section 8. That the President be and is hereby authorized to give instruction to the proper authority to issue such regula
tions from time to time for his approval as he may deem necessary.
Section 9. That any violation of the provisions of this Act or any regulation shall be punishable by a fine not exceeding two thousand dollars. ( 2,000.00 ).
Any law to the contrary notwithstanding.
Approved December 13, 1944.
CHAPTER X.
JOINT RESOLUTION APPROVING THE CONSTITUTION OF THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED NATIONS BY THE INTERIM COMMISSION ON FOOD AND AGRICULTURE.
It is enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Republic of Liberia in Legislature assembled:-
Section 1. That from and immediately after the passage of this Joint Resolution, the Government of the Republic of Liberia hereby approves the Constitution formulated and adopted by the United Nations Interim Commission on Food and Agriculture which was convened in May 1943 at Hot Springs, Virginia, United States of America, the Republic of Liberia being a member thereof.
Section 2. That His Excellency the President of Liberia be and he is hereby authorized and empowered to notify this Government’s acceptance of said Constitution in manner and form as said Constitution provides.
Section 3. This Joint Resolution shall take effect immediately and be published in hand- bills.
Any law to the contrary notwithstanding.
Approved December 13, 1944.
CHAPTER XI.
AN ACT TO LEVY A CENTENNIAL TAX ON ALL CITIZENS OF THE REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA.
It is enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Republic of Liberia in Legislature assembled:
Section 1. That from the first day of January, A. D. 1945,
a Centennial Tax of one dollar [$1.00] per capita is hereby levied on each citizen, male and female, of the Republic of Liberia from the age of twenty- one to sixty.
Section 2. This Tax shall be collectable by the Bureau of Internal Revenues, in the same manner as other taxes are collected; it shall not, however, form a part of the general revenues of the Country, but shall be set aside exclusively for the use and benefit of the Centenary; and shall be expended by the Secretary of the Treasury for that purpose, as collected, upon warrant of the President.
Section 3. This Act shall be published in hand- bills to take effect from the first day of January, A. D. 1945, up to and including December 30, 1947.
Any law to the contrary notwithstanding.
Approved December 18, 1944.
CHAPTER XII.
A JOINT RESOLUTION APPROVING THE POLICIES OF THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA, ENTITLED: “THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY FOR NATIONAL UNIFICATION.”
It is enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Republic of Liberia in Legislature assembled:
Section 1. That from and immediately after the passage of this Joint Resolution, the Policies of the Government of the Republic of Liberia entitled: “The Government’s Policy for National Unification,” as submitted by the Executive Government on November 14, 1944, annexed hereto and made a part hereof of this Joint Resolution as if fully recited and set out herein, be and is hereby approved.
Section 2. That this Joint Resolution shall take effect immediately and be published in hand- bills.
Any law to the contrary notwithstanding.
Approved December 20, 1944.
CHAPTER XIII.
AN ACT APPROVING EXECUTIVE ORDERS NUMBERS 1 TO 16 ISSUED BY THE PRESIDENT OF LIBERIA DURING THE YEAR 1944.
Whereas, Executive Orders issued during the recess of the Legislature shall have the full force of law and shall continue in force provided they are approved of by the Legislature at the ensuing Session thereafter, and
Whereas, sundry Executive Orders submitted to the Legislature at its present Session received legislative approval
Therefore it is enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Republic of Liberia in Legislature assembled:
Section 1. Being Executive Order setting up a Commission known and styled “Enemy Property Liquidation Commission;”
Executive Order setting out the manner in which the National Ensign shall be flown on Decoration Day;
Executive Order re-opening the Township of Owensgrove in the County of Grand Bassa to alien residents;
Executive Order restoring Civil Administration to Jodoh-Sass-town District;
Executive Order forbidding the violation of the Constitutional privilege of Representation by Counsel in Native Administrative Courts of the Republic;
Executive Order defining the Jurisdiction of the Superintendent of the District of River Cess in Grand Bassa County, with the amendment that instead of the jurisdiction extending on the West to the right bank of the Timbo River it shall be bounded on the West by the natural tribal boundary between the Nebuen or River Cess tribe and the Timbo people;
Executive Order calling attention of Heads of Departments and Bureaux and Merchantile Establishments to Executive Order respecting supplies, equipment and contracts for service for and on account of Government;
Executive Order auxiliary to Laws and Regulations governing the entry into the Republic of aliens;
Executive order urging the increase of production of wild rubber, palm oil and palm kernels;
Executive order, subject: “Royalty and Export Duty on Raw Gold;”
Executive order authorizing the assessment of Habitable Huts in tribal areas conducted by the Bureau of Revenues;
Executive order authorizing “Hut Tax collection on all Huts in Mining Camps;”
Executive order authorizing the Bureau of Revenues to provide for the efficient and prompt collection of the “Hut Tax” within the several townships of the Republic;
Executive order transferring Rice Control to the Control Board of the National Economy Committee;
Executive order regulating the Receipts and Accounting of Revenues from sale of Postage Stamps;
Executive order suspending Act of the Legislature, Approved March 5, 1944, respecting “Permit of Residence fee,” be and the same are hereby approved and shall continue to have full force of law.
Section 2. This Act shall take effect immediately and be published in hand- bills.
Any law to the contrary notwithstanding. Passed by limitation.
CHAPTER XVI
A JOINT RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE DECLARATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS MADE AND ADOPTED BY THE INTERNATIONAL LABOUR CONFERENCE AT ITS 26TH SESSION HELD IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
It is enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Republic of Liberia in Legislature assembled:
Section 1. That from and immediately after the passage of this Joint Resolution, the Declaration and Recommendations made and adopted by the International Labour Conference at its 26th Session held in the United States of America from
the 20th day of April to the 12th day of May A. D. 1944, a copy of said Declaration and Recommendations appended to this Joint Resolution and made a part hereof as if fully set out and recited herein, be and the same is hereby adopted by the Government of Liberia.
Section 2. This Joint Resolution shall take effect immediately and be published in hand- bills.
Any law to the contrary notwithstanding.
Approved December 28, 1944.
CHAPTER XV
AN ACT AMENDING AN ACT CHARTERING THE CITY OF CAREYSBURG, MONTSERRADO COUNTY, PASSED AND APPROVED JANUARY 26, 1923.
It is enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Republic of Liberia in Legislature assembled:
Section 1. That the Act Chartering the City of Careysburg, Montserrado County, passed and approved January 26, 1923 be and the same is hereby amended by eliminating the word and figure five (5) on line two of Section 4 page 17 of said Act and inserting instead thereof the word and figure Seven (7) so that the same may conform with Sections two and ten of the Act which provides for seven Councilmen.
Section 2. That the word “two” on line three of Section 4, page 17 of the Act be eliminated and insert instead thereof the word and figure “four” (4) so that the Mayor and Common Councilmen of the City may hold their office for four years instead of two.
Section 3. That the words “in each month” on line two, Section 9. page 18 of the Act be eliminated and insert instead the words; “in the months of February. May, August and November of each year” so that the Council Meeting may be held quarterly instead of monthly.
Section 4. That the City Court of the City of Careysburg shall have the jurisdiction in Civil and Criminal cases now given the Municipal and Magisterial Courts in Municipal and Commonwealth Districts within the Republic of Liberia.
Section 5. That this Act shall be effective as from the first day of January, A. D. 1945.
Any law to the contrary notwithstanding.
Approved January 2, 1945.
CHAPTER XVI.
JOINT RESOLUTION APPROVING PLAN AS DRAWN UP BY THE PRESIDENT OF LIBERIA FOR THE CELEBRATION OF THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF LIBERIA’S INDEPENDENCE, AS AUTHORIZED BY ACT OF LEGISLATURE APPROVED JANUARY 29, 1943.
Whereas, the 26th day of July A. D. 1947 marks the 100th Anniversary of Liberia’s Independence; and
Whereas, the President of Liberia was duly authorized by Act of Legislature, approved January 29, 1943, to draw up suitable Plans for the celebration of that auspicious event; and
Whereas, in conformity with said authorization, a comprehensive plan was submitted at this Session of the Legislature for appropriate action:
Therefore it is enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Republic of Liberia in Legislature assembled:
Section 1. That from and immediately after the passage of this Joint Resolution, the plan as submitted by the President, be and it is hereby approved and he is authorized and empowered to make effective said plan in manner and form not repugnant to the Statute Laws of the Republic.
Section 2. This Act shall take effect immediately and be published in hand- bills.
Any law to the contrary notwithstanding. Approved January 3, 1945.
CHAPTER XVII.
AN ACT AMENDATORY TO AN ACT ENTITLED “AN ACT TO AMEND THE TARIFF OF 1940”
It is enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Republic of Liberia in Legislature assembled:
Section 1. That the Act approved March 28, 1944, is hereby amended to read as follows:
The Act of the Legislature approved December 16, 1940, entitled “An Act Revising the Customs Tariff on Goods, Wares and Merchandise imported into and exported from the Republic of Liberia,” is hereby amended by eliminating the following items, that is to say: Toilet Soap, Lard, Lard Compound and Margarine found on Schedule 5 Item 1; Corned Beef, found on Schedule 5 Item 3 (e); Salted Fish, found on Schedule 5 Item 4; All canned Fruits, found on Schedule 5 Item 5; Sardines, herring and mackerel, and fish not otherwise provided for, found on Schedule 5 Items 6 and 7; all sorts of Biscuits, Crackers, Cakes, Bread, Flour, Condensed Milk, Macaroni, Vermicelli, Spaghetti, Noodles, Rice; Wheat and Corn Flour, farina, Semolina, Corn or Maize, Oats, Barley, and Rye, of whatever sort, and breakfast foods and other cereals, not otherwise provided for, found on Schedule 5 Items 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14; Cattle, Sheep and Swine, found on Schedule 6 Items 1, 2, 3; Potatoes and other Vegetables, found on Schedule 7, Items 1 and 2; all kinds of Fruits not otherwise provided for, found on Schedule 7 Items 3 (d); Coffee, Raw and Prepared, found on Schedule 7 Items 4; Edible Oils, in tins; Petroleum, Crude Oils, Kerosene, Gasoline, and Distillate as found on Schedule 14 Items 1, 2, 3, 4.
Section 2. This Act shall become effective on the date of its approval.
Any law to the contrary notwithstanding.
Approved January 2, 1945.
CHAPTER XVIII.
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 JANUARY 1, 1945 TO DECEMBER 31, 1945.
It is enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Republic of Liberia in Legislature assembled:
Section 1. That from and immediately after the passage of this Act the budget presented by the Secretary of the Treasury of the Republic of Liberia, for the year 1945, be approved; and he is hereby authorized to meet the expenses of the Government from January 1, 1945, to December 31, 1945, in terms mentioned hereunder, under warrant of the President of the Republic of Liberia.
Section 2. The Secretary of the Treasury is hereby authorized to apply revenues of 1944 in excess of this Budget for the purposes and in the manner provided in Section 3, paragraph “D” of the Supplemental Loan Agreement of 1944.
Section 3. The Secretary of the Treasury is hereby authorized to expend any revenues of 1944 in excess of this Budget which are not otherwise appropriated or obligated and which under the provisions of Section VI, paragraph IV of the Supplemental Loan Agreement of 1944, are available for appropriation
for general purposes of the Government, in accordance with a Supplemental Budget, approved by the President, and prepared in the manner provided in the Loan Agreement of 1926, as amended, for the preparation of the Annual Budget.
Any law to the contrary notwithstanding.
Approved January 5, 1945.
CHAPTER XIX.
AN ACT REPEALING AN ACT ENTITLED: “AN ACT AMEMDATORY TO AN ACT ENTITLED: “AN ACT TO PROVIDE AN INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF THE REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA.” APPROVED MARCH 5, 1944, ALSO SUCH PORTIONS OF AN ACT ENTITLED: “AN ACT TO PROVIDE AN INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF THE REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA” APPROVED DECEMBER 11, 1937, UNDER SCHEDULE OF STAMP DUTY” WHICH IT AMENDS, AS FAR AS THEY RELATE TO PAYMENT OF FEES FOR PERMITS OF RESIDENCE.
It is enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Republic of Liberia in Legislature assembled:
Section 1. That from and immediately after the passage of this Act, the Act entitled: “An Act amendatory to An Act entitled: “An Act to provide an Internal Revenue Code of the Republic of Liberia, approved March 5, 1914, and numbers 64 and 65 of Article 4 Section 1, of An Act entitled: “An Act to provide an Internal Revenue Code of the Republic of Liberia,” approved December 11, 1937, as far as they relate to payment of fees chargeable for Permits of Residence be and the same are hereby repealed.
Section 2. Any Alien entering into the Republic to do educational and missionary work shall file a written statement upon oath in the Department of Public Instruction of the Republic that he has come into the country for the sole purpose of carrying on educational or missionary work and that his stay will be for a period of two (2) or more years and shall present to said department a certificate from the board or institution sending him out to carry on said educational or missionary work; after the Secretary of Public Instruction is satisfied that the statement of the applicant is genuine, he shall then inform the Secretary of the Interior accordingly who shall then issue a certificate of residence to the applicant.
Section 3. All Aliens other than persons engaged in educational or missionary work, on coming into the Republic, shall obtain Certificates or Permits of Residence without the payment of fees therefor, subject to such procedures as shall from time to time be promulgated by the Department of the Interior.
Section 4. This Act shall take effect immediately and be published in hand- bills.
Any law to the contrary notwithstanding.
Approved January 3, 1945.
CHAPTER XX.
AN ACT AMENDATORY TO THE STATUTE LAWS OF LIBERIA RELATING TO CHANGES OF VENUE IN CRIMINAL CASES.
It is enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Republic of Liberia in Legislature assembled:
Section 1. That from and immediately after the passage of this Act, the Joint Resolution passed and approved January 19, 1903, providing for change of venue in criminal cases be so altered and amended as to read:
Section 2. That from and immediately after the passage of this Joint Resolution, it shall be lawful for any person or persons indicted by the grand jury, to change venue to any court in any county of the Republic of Liberia, having competent jurisdiction. Provided however, that the change of venue be to an adjoining county.
Section 3. It is further resolved, that the venue changed shall be governed upon this principle: The individual indicted, shall appear before the court in which he stands indicted, and make oath showing that on account of existing local prejudice he believes or fears that he will not be able to obtain justice.
Section 4. Any person accused of the commission of a crime shall have the right to file his petition at any time prior to the call of the case; and upon the hearing and granting of same, shall enter into a sufficient recognizance, with good sureties, that he will follow the venue so changed and answer the charge against him in the court, to which his case is removed.
Section 5. The Clerk of the Court from which the venue is ordered removed shall forthwith upon the granting of the said change of venue, transmit all the original records which may have been filed in his office in connection with the case to the Clerk of the Court to which the venue is ordered removed, and any neglect or failure on part of said Clerk to forward said records or other papers in connection with said case shall be punishable in keeping with law, and he be compelled to do so upon such facts being brought to the attention of the Judge at the time presiding over said Court.
Section 6. Upon the granting of a change of venue the accused shall appear before the Court to which said venue is removed at the time named in the recognizance which he shall be required to give in keeping with Section 5 hereof, and upon failure to so appear at the term of the Court during which he is required to appear, shall be liable to the penalty of his bond by escheatment thereof, except excused by the Court and in case of wilful failure to appear as above provided for, the Court to which the venue is removed shall forthwith retransfer the case to the Court from which it was removed for trial therein, and the accused shall be barred from again petitioning for a change of venue in said case.
Section 7. The Court to which any case in removed shall try the same as if the case had been originally docketed therein.
Section 8. An appeal to the Supreme Court shall lie from any decision of a trial judge denying a change of venue.
Section 9. Any law or parts of laws conflicting with the provisions of this Act be and the same are hereby repealed.
Approved January 5, 1945.
CHAPTER XXI.
AN ACT AMENDATORY TO AN ACT ENTITLED: “AN ACT RE-ORGANIZING THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE,” PASSED AND APPROVED DECEMBER 18TH, A. D. 1911.
It is enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Republic of Liberia in Legislature assembled:
Section 1. That the aforesaid Act of December 18, 1911, be and the same is hereby amended to read as follows:
Section 2. That the Executive Department established at he Seat of Government and known as the Department of
State, shall be reorganized, reconstituted and conducted under the direction and general supervision of the Secretary of State, who shall be appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. The direction and general supervision of the Department shall be in accordance with the provisions of this Act. His salary shall be such as is provided in the Annual Budget from time to time. Upon the Secretary of State devolves the principal responsibility, under the direction of the President of the Republic, of conducting negotiations with the representatives of foreign governments residing within the Republic; for the determination of the policy of the Government in relation to international problems. He shall be charged with the conduct of negotiations pertaining to the protection of Liberian rights and interests throughout the world, and the promotion of beneficial intercourse between Liberia and other countries. He shall perform other duties as hereinafter provided.
Section 3. There shall be in the Department of State an Assistant Secretary of State, who shall be appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, and shall receive an annual salary as provided in the budget from time to time. He shall materially assist the Secretary of State in the discharge of his duties; supervise the work of the departmental staff and perform such other duties as may be delegated to him by law or by the Secretary of State. In the absence, death, resignation or removal of the Secretary of State, he shall have charge of the Department, and perform the duties of the Secretary of State as Acting Secretary of State until a new appointment is made or the return of the head of the department.
Section 4. The Permanent Staff of the Department of State, who shall be recommended by the Secretary of State and appointed by the President, under the terms of the Civil Service Act, shall comprise:
(a) A Chief of the Division of Diplomatic Affairs who, apart from exercising general supervision of the Bureau of Archives, Patents and Copyright shall be directly responsible to the Secretary of State for all matters relating to international conferences in which this Republic may or may not have participated but which may be of general interest to the Government. He shall be charged with the custody of International Treaties and Agreements concluded by and between this Government and foreign governments.
(b) A Chief of the Division of Protocol and Ceremonial who, whilst subject to the general supervision of the Secretary of State, shall be under the immediate direction of the Assistant Secretary of State. He shall be charged with the preparation of preliminary drafts of memoranda of conversations and discussions looking forward to the conclusion of an agreement or a treaty; with the consideration of questions concerning customs and other courtesies to foreign officials and distinguished visitors to Liberia as well as to Liberian officials abroad. He shall, upon the express instructions of the Secretary of State, make arrangements for the casual or ceremonial visits of Foreign Naval Vessels and of foreign military organizations or personnel to Liberia, and visits of similar character of Liberian military personnel and naval vessels abroad; questions affecting the Diplomatic and Consular Corps under the commodities- rationing program. He shall attend to matters of ceremonial in connection with the Executive Mansion and Department of State. He shall prepare the Diplomatic list, and a record of all officers and employees of foreign Governments in Liberia and attend to questions of the exemption of such of them as are Liberian citizens. Subject to the instructions and approval of the Secretary of State, he shall prepare Exequaturs, Certificates of recognition and the drafts of notes granting provisional recognition to foreign Consular Officers within the Republic, and shall prepare the drafts of all Presidential Proclamations; and shall do all other things which may be required of him by the Secretary of State.
(c) A Chief of the Division of Consular Affairs who, apart from exercising general supervision of the Bureau of Information, shall be directly responsible to the Secretary of State for the conduct of the Bureau of Passports and Visas.
(d) A Chief of the Bureau of Archives, Patents, Copyright and Trademarks who shall have the care and custody of all books, records, manuscripts or otherwise, as shall have been transferred to the Permanent Files of the Department. He shall keep a correct index of such documents and receive the same annually. He shall account to the Secretary of State through the Chief of the Division of Diplomatic Affairs
at the end of each year for the documents, etc. entrusted to his custody, which account shall be tested by an official designated by the Chief of the Division of Diplomatic Affairs with the approval of the Secretary of State. He shall be liable to criminal negligence for any documents that may be lost or otherwise disposed of against the interest of the public service of the Republic. He shall under the direction of the Chief of the Division of Diplomatic Affairs, upon instruction of the Secretary of State, issue all letters patent, certificates or copyright, etc. and keep a record of all matters thereto appertaining in accordance with the provisions of the laws relating to such matters, and shall report and transmit all fees to the Chief Clerk and require his receipt. He shall be required to file a bond in the amount of $1,000.00 to be approved by the Secretary of State.
(e) A Chief of the Bureau of Information who shall collect such commercial statistics, both domestic and foreign as shall be of public interest, publish same for information and, through the Chief of the Division of Consular Affairs, transmit same to the Consular Officials of Liberia resident abroad. He shall be charged with the maintenance of liaison between the Department and the domestic press, the radio and all governmental or private agencies concerned with the collection and dissemination of information in which the Department may have an interest. He shall tabulate the census and election returns made to the Department, arrange and publish them in such a manner as will be of public interest. He shall edit the Official Gazette. He shall by means of Press Releases, and under the direction of the censorship of the Secretary of State give information touching homes in and foreign political happenings which may be of interest to the public.
(f) A Chief of the Bureau of Passports and Visas, who under the direction of the Chief of the Division of Consular Affairs and with the express approval of the Secretary of State, issue all passports. He shall be charged with the determination of eligibility of all persons to receive passports or to be registered as citizens of Liberia in Liberian Consulates abroad; the detection and prevention of fraud in passport matters;
and the preparation of causes involving fraud for pro- secution in the courts; the taking of appropriate action in connection with requests for visas, either in Liberia or abroad; the issuance of instructions to Liberian diplomatic and consular officers concerning matters relating to nationality, passports, visas, registration and protection of Liberians in foreign countries; the preparation of reports of births and deaths of Liberian citizens abroad as well as marriages; the classification, recording, distribution and preservation of correspondence relating to passports and visas; the assembling and examination of all information necessary to determine the admissibility of all aliens into the country in the interests of public safety; the issuance of exit and re- entry permits; the classification, recording, distribution and preservation of correspondence relating to immigration and such other duties relating to the control of Liberian citizens entering and leaving the Republic.
(g) A Superintendent of the Bureau of Printing who shall not be of the Classified Civil Service but shall be appointed by the President, upon the recommendation of the Secretary of State, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. He shall supervise all public printing under the direction of the Secretary of State, or any member of the permanent staff designated by the Secretary of State; and shall edit all Acts of laws passed by the Legislature, and all other State documents which by law should be published, or which the Secretary of State may deem proper to publish.
(h) A Chief Clerk who shall be the administrative officer of the Department. He shall superintendent the offices of Accounts and Disbursements and of Trans- lations. He shall supervise all matters in reference to the administration of the clerical staff and shall have the custody of the properties of the Department. He is charged with the enforcement of such regulations as may be made by the Secretary of State for the proper business administration of the Department; the direction of the Diplomatic Pouch and Mails, and such other additional duties as may be delegated to him by the Secretary of State; he shall receive, keep, disburse and account to the Secretary of State for all funds paid into or from the Depart
ment; he shall be required to file a bond in the amount of $1,500.00 to be approved by the Secretary of State. He shall be the liaison officer with other executive departments and agencies of the Government on all matters relating to the functions of his office.
Section 5. The salaries of the members of the Permanent Staff shall be such as may be provided in the annual budget from time to time.
Section 6. The Secretary of State shall superintend all correspondence with the diplomatic and consular officers of the Republic and with the representatives from foreign countries resident within the Republic. He shall conduct negotiations with such foreign representatives and perform such other duties relative to matters affecting public affairs as shall be entrusted to him by law, or by the President, subject to the supervision and direction of the President.
Section 7. The Secretary of State shall have the custody and charge of the Seal of the Republic, and of the Department of State, and of all books, records and papers of the State; the records and papers of the Legislature and all other departments. He shall lay the same, when required, before the President or the Legislature. He shall also have charge of the furnitures, fixtures and other properties now remaining in, or appertaining to the Department, or that may hereafter be acquired for it.
Section 8. The Secretary of State shall immediately after their passage, ratification, and conclusion see to the publication of all such acts, statutes, resolutions, and other matters the subject of legislation; all proclamations by the President; all papers referring to concessions, loans, agreements or contracts, upon which there has been direct or indirect legislation, and all such statistical matters as shall come within his jurisdiction.
Section 9. The Secretary of State shall, whenever any statute, act, resolution or vote of the Legislature, having been approved by the President, or not having been returned by him with his objections become law or take effect forthwith receive same from the President; and whenever a bill, order, resolution or vote is returned to the Legislature with the objections of the President and on reconsideration is agreed to be passed and is approved by the Legislature in accordance with the provisions of the constitution and passed into law or
take effect, said law, resolution, order or vote, shall be received by the Secretary of State from the enrolling committee of the Legislature, and he shall carefully preserve the originals in the Archives of the Government.
Section 10. All Government printing, publications and the Government Printing Bureau and / or Office shall be carried on and conducted under the supervision of the Secretary of State.
Section 11. The Secretary of State shall, within ten (10) days after the President’s Message to the Legislature lay before them:
a) a compendious statement of the condition of the foreign relations and foreign commerce of Liberia with other countries, and such other information contained in the official publications of other governments which may be deemed of sufficient public interest and importance, together with all such changes and notifications in the commercial systems of other nations as shall have been communicated to the Department.
b) a synopsis of so much of the information which may have been communicated to him by the consular or diplomatic officials of the Republic and of foreign governments during the preceding year as he may deem necessary and important for public information.
Section 12. It shall be the duty of the Secretary of State to make such rules and regulations for the government of the Department and issue such consular regulations to consular officials abroad as he shall deem necessary in the interest of the public service, which when approved by the President shall have full force of law, pending the approval of the Legislature.
Section 13. There shall be established in the Department of State a Foreign Service Officers’ Training School; eligibility to the school shall not be confined to the Department only. In order to raise the standard and efficiency of the foreign service as well as to promote interest among Liberians for service abroad, such foreigners who are presently in the consular service of the Republic shall be gradually replaced by Liberians as the latter qualify under the provisions of this Act. Only persons who have successfully passed the examinations as prescribed shall be eligible for appointment as foreign service officers. The School shall be under the direction of the Foreign Service Officers’ Training School Board, which shall be composed
of the Secretary of State as chairman, the Assistant Secretary of State and the Commissioner of the Bureau of Civil Service. The duties of the Board shall be prescribed by the President.
Section 14. This Act shall take effect immediately and be published in hand- bills.
Any law to the contrary notwithstanding.
Approved January 5, 1945.
PRIVATE ACTS
OF THE
FORTIETH LEGISLATURE
OF THE
REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA.
CHAPTER XXII.
“AN ACT RESTORING HENRY V. ROBERTS OF GREENVILLE, SINOE COUNTY, TO ALL THE RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES OF CITIZENSHIP.”
It is enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Republic of Liberia in Legislature assembled:
Section 1. That from and immediately after the passage of this Act, Henry V. Roberts of Greenville, Sinoe County, be and he is hereby restored to all the rights and privileges of citizenship in common with all other good citizens of the Republic.
Any law to the contrary notwithstanding.
Approved December 11, 1944.
CHAPTER XXIII.
AN ACT RESTORING JOHN KENNEDY OF GREENVILLE, SINOE COUNTY, TO ALL THE RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES OF CITIZENSHIP.
It is enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Republic of Liberia in Legislature assembled:
Section 1. That from and immediately after the passage of this Act, John Kennedy of Greenville, Sinoe County, be and he is hereby restored to all the rights and privileges of citizenship in common with all other good citizens of the Republic.
Any law to the contrary notwithstanding.
Approved December 13, 1944.
CHAPTER XXIV.
AN ACT RESTORING TOE NAGBAE OF BLUNTSVILLE, SINOE COUNTY, TO ALL THE RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES OF CITIZENSHIP.
It is enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Republic of Liberia in Legislature assembled:
Section 1. That from and immediately after the passage of this Act, Toe Nagbae, of Bluntsville, Sinoe County, be and the same is hereby restored to all the rights and privileges of citizenship in common with other good citizens of the Republic.
Any law to the contrary notwithstanding.
Approved December 13, 1944.
CHAPTER XXV.
AN ACT RESTORING ERNEST BALLAH BURPHY OF MARYLAND COUNTY, TO ALL THE RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES OF CITIZENSHIP.
It is enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Republic of Liberia in Legislature assembled:
Section 1. That from and immediately after the passage of this Act, Ernest Ballah Burphy, be and he is hereby restored to all the rights and privileges of citizenship in common with all other good citizens of the Republic.
Any law to the contrary notwithstanding.
Passed by limitation.
CHAPTER XXVI.
JOINT RESOLUTION GRANTING H. M. WHITE OF GRAND CAPE MOUNT COUNTY COMPENSATION.
Whereas, H. M. White of the County of Grand Cape Mount, Republic of Liberia, did render faithful services as Mayor of the City of Robertsport, Grand Cape Mount County, as from 1929 to December 31, 1932 at the rate of 250.00perannumtotally 1000.00 from which he was paid 167.00leavingabalanceof 833.00 unpaid; and
Whereas, the said H. M. White, made several applications to the Claim Commission for the investigation of said claim which the Commission failed to do; and
Whereas, it is shown that there has been no neglect on the part of the said H. M. White to establish his claim before said Commission within the legal time; and
Whereas, it is the policy of the Government to pay her citizens for faithful services rendered: Therefore
It is enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Republic of Liberia in Legislature assembled:
Section 1. That immediately after the passage of this Joint Resolution, H. M. White of the County of Grand Cape Mount, Republic of Liberia, is hereby granted compensation in the sum of eight hundred and thirty- three dollars ($833.00)
Section 2. That the Secretary of the Treasury is hereby authorized, under warrant of the President, to pay same out of any money lying in the public Treasury not otherwise appropriated.
Any law to the contrary notwithstanding.
Passed by limitation.
CHAPTER XXVII
JOINT RESOLUTION GRANTING COMPENSATION TO J. N. THOMPSON, OF LEXINGTON, SINOE COUNTY, FOR SERVICES RENDERED AS WHARFINGER FOR THE PORT OF GREENVILLE, SINOE COUNTY.
It is enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Republic of Liberia in Legislature assembled:
Section 1. That from and immediately after the passage of this Joint Resolution, J. N. Thompson of Lexington in the County of Sinoe, is hereby granted compensation in the sum of twenty- five dollars ($25.00) for services rendered as Wharfinger for the port of Greenville for the month of December 1937.
Section 2. That the Secretary of the Treasury is hereby authorized, under warrant of the President, to pay same out of any money in the public Treasury not otherwise appropriated.
Any law to the contrary notwithstanding.
Passed by limitation.
CHAPTER XXVIII.
JOINT RESOLUTION COMPENSATING JAMES R. WHITE OF GRAND CAPE MOUNT COUNTY FOR SERVICES RENDERED GOVERNMENT AS COMMISSIONER OF LABOUR FOR THE COUNTY OF GRAND CAPE MOUNT, A. D. 1944.
Whereas James R. White of the County of Grand Cape Mount, Republic of Liberia, was appointed by His Excellency William V. S. Tubman, President of Liberia, as Commissioner of Labour for the County of Grand Cape Mount, for which no budgetary appropriation was made for the Commissioner in the basic Budget of 1944, but that His Excellency William V. S. Tubman, made a 50% payment from Supplementary Budget in the sum of three hundred dollars ($300.00), leaving a balance of one hundred- seventy- five ($175.00) to complete payment of salary as of the date of appointment, Therefore
It is enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Republic of Liberia in Legislature assembled:
Section 1. That from and after the passage of this Joint Resolution, James R. White, of the County of Grand Cape Mount, Republic of Liberia, be and is hereby granted compensation in the sum of one hundred and seventy- five ($175.00) dollars for services rendered Government as Commissioner of Labour for Grand Cape Mount County, A. D. 1944.
Section 2. That the Secretary of the Treasury, Republic of Liberia is hereby authorized, under warrant of the President, to pay same out of any money in the public Treasury not otherwise appropriated.
Any law to the contrary notwithstanding.
Approved December 21, 1944.
CHAPTER XXIX.
AN ACT GRANTING ANNUITY TO HONORABLE H. H. MARSHALL, REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA FOR HONORABLE SERVICE RENDERED THE REPUBLIC.
It is enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Republic of Liberia in Legislature assembled:
Section 1. That from and immediately after the passage of this Act, H. H. Marshall of the Territory of Marshall, Republic
Liberia, be and he is hereby granted an annuity of three hundred dollars ($300.00) per annum for honourable service rendered the Republic in a capacity not particularly listed in Section 1. of “An Act to fix the rates of Annuities and Pensions for certain officials of Government and Veterans of the Army and Navy for honourable services and upon their retirement.” Approved April 5, 1914, to be paid in equal monthly installments of ($25.00) during his natural life.
Section 2. That the Secretary of the Treasury be and is hereby authorized to draw for same under the warrant of the President from any money of the Public Treasury not otherwise appropriated.
Any law to the contrary notwithstanding. Passed by limitation.
CHAPTER XXX.
A JOINT RESOLUTION GRANTING BOIMA QUOI, RETIRED PARAMOUNT CHIEF OF THE PORKPA SECTION OF THE COUNTY OF GRAND CAPE MOUNT, AN ANNUITY.
Whereas, Boima Quoi of the Porkpa Section of the County of Grand Cape Mount has for a long period of time served faithfully and efficiently in public life and in his present advanced age blindness and other bodily maladies have assailed him while in the public service, and
Whereas, as the public positions in which he has thus served are not listed in the General Annuities and Pensions Act approved April 5, 1944, and
Whereas, it has been the policy of the Government of Liberia to recognize the faithful service of its public servants, and to compensate them in the form of pensions or annuities when they become invalidated and incapacitated while in the public service, and upon their retirement to private life; Therefore
It is enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Republic of Liberia in Legislature assembled:
Section 1. That from and immediately after the passage of this Joint Resolution, Boima Quoi, retired paramount chief of Porkpa Section of the County of Grand Cape Mount, be and he is hereby granted an annuity in the sum of one hundred and fifty dollars ($150.00) per annum for and during his natural life.
Section 2. That the Secretary of the Treasury is hereby authorized, under Warrant of the President of Liberia, to pay same out of any money in the public treasury not otherwise appropriated in monthly installments of twelve dollars and fifty cents.
Section 3. This Joint Resolution shall take effect as of the first day of January A. D. 1945.
Any law to the contrary notwithstanding.
Approved January 5, 1915.
CHAPTER XXXI.
AN ACT GRANTING THE AMERICAN LUTHERAN MISSION IN LIBERIA, BY AND THROUGH LOUIS T. BOWERS, PRESIDENT THEREOF, SEVERAL ACRES OF LAND AT EACH MISSION STATION IN LIBERIA FOR PURPOSE OF EXPANDING ITS MISSIONARY, EDUCATIONAL AND INDUSTRIAL PROGRAM; AND PERMISSION TO OPEN A NEW STATION IN THE GBUNDE SECTION, WESTERN PROVINCE.
It is enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Republic of Liberia in Legislature assembled:
Section 1. That from and immediately after the passage of this Act, the American Lutheran Mission in Liberia, by and through Louis T. Bowers, President thereof, be and the same is hereby granted a certain number of acres of public land at each Mission Station of this Republic as shown below, for the purpose of expanding its missionary, educational and industrial program:
(a) At Zorzor Station 200 acres
(b) “Sanoyea Station 208
(c) “Belefanai Station 100
(d) “Kpaiye Station 100
(e) “Kpolopele Station 100
(f) “Gunibata Station 100
(g) “Tatota Station 100
(h) “Sawalo Station 100
(i) “Gbunde Station 100
Section 2. That the President of the Republic of Liberia be and he is hereby authorized to grant deeds for the number of
acres of public land as set out in Section 1 of this Act to the said American Lutheran Mission in Liberia, out of any public lands in the places mentioned above, or any other place within the area approved for the establishment of a Lutheran Mission Station, which the said Mission, by and through its President, may select, not otherwise encumbered.
Section 3. That the said Louis T. Bowers, President of the American Lutheran Mission in Liberia and his successor in office shall hold and possess the aforementioned parcels of land is long as the said parcels are continuously used for the purposes herein set forth, provided that the grantee commences operation within two years from the date of approval of this Act; and that should the said grant cease for two consecutive years to be employed and used for the services herein specified, said parcels of land together with all rights herein, and all buildings and appurtenances thereto belonging shall revert to the Government of the Republic of Liberia without compensation.
Section 4. That the American Lutheran Mission in Liberia, by and through its President, Louis T. Bowers, be and the same is hereby authorized to open a new mission station in the Gibunde Section, Western Province, Liberia, for the purpose of a continual expansion of its missionary, educational and industrial activities in Liberia.
Any law to the contrary notwithstanding.
Approved January 2, 1945.
CHAPTER XXXII.
AN ACT INCORPORATING THE “LIBERIA CHARITY SOCIE- TY.”
It is enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Republic of Liberia in Legislature assembled:-
Section 1. That from and immediately after the passage of this Act, Caroline Rebecca Lewis, President; Martha Robinson Clements, Vice President; Charles C. Dennis, Treasurer; Samuel T. Roberts, Secretary and such other persons as may from time to time be associated with them, be and they are hereby created a body politic and corporate, by the name and style of the “LIBERIA CHARITY SOCIETY,” and under such name and style, may sue and be sued, plead and be implead in any Courts of Justice of this Republic.
Section 2. That the ostensible object of the “LIBERIA CHARITY SOCIETY” shall be to make contribution towards Liberia by constructing a Charity Compound for the habitation of the poor and needy and to aid all such individuals desiring
help, by raising funds from time to time towards this cause; and to advance all efforts towards the completion of the said Charity Compound to meet the Centenary in 1947.
Section 3. That the said “LIBERIA CHARITY SOCIETY” is hereby granted the right and privilege of acquiring real and personal property to the value of 5,000,00( and to do such other things as are done by similar corporate bodies, and may establish rules and regulations for the government of said Society not in conflict with the laws and Constitution of this Republic.
Section 4. That should the said “LIBERIA CHARITY SOCIETY” or any subsidiary organization created by it fail to commence putting into operation the object and plan as set out in Section 2 of this Act within one year from the date of its becoming law, the rights hereby granted shall automatically be revoked, and shall be of no force and effect.
Any law to the contrary notwithstanding.
Approved January 2. 1945.
CHAPTER XXXIII.
AN ACT GRANTING LOTT CAREY MISSION SCHOOL, BREWERVILLE, LIBERIA, BY AND THROUGH CORA A. THOMAS, SUPERVISOR AND DAVID M. THOMAS, PRINCIPAL THEREOF, 1,500 ACRES OF LAND FOR MISSIONARY, EDUCATIONAL AND INDUSTRIAL PURPOSES.
It is enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Republic of Liberia in Legislature assembled:
Section 1. That from and immediately after the passage of this Act, Lott Carey Mission School, Brewerville, Liberia, by and through Cora A. Thomas, Supervisor and David M. Thomas, Principal thereof, be and the same is hereby granted one thousand, five hundred (1,500) acres of public land situated between the site reserved for Liberia College proposed industrial activities and Bamboo Town in the Suehn- Bopolu District, Western Province, for the purpose of expanding its missionary educational and industrial program.
Section 2. That the President of the Republic of Liberia be and he is hereby authorized to grant a deed for one thousand, five hundred acres of public land to the said Lott Carey Mission
School, Brewerville, Liberia, out of any public lands in the above mentioned District not otherwise encumbered.
Section 3. That the said Cora A. Thomas, Supervisor and David M. Thomas, Principal respectively of Lott Carey Mission and their successors in office shall hold and possess the aforementioned tract of land as long as the said land is continuously used for the purpose herein set forth, provided that, the grantees commence operation within two years from the date of approval of this Act; and that should the said grant cease for two consecutive years to be employed and used for the services herein specified, said land together with all rights therein and all buildings and appurtenances thereto belonging shall revert to the Government of the Republic of Liberia without compensation.
Any law to the contrary notwithstanding.
Approved January 5, 1945.
CHAPTER XXXIV.
AN ACT INCORPORATING THE SAINT PAUL RIVER TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL AT WHITE PLAINS, MONTSERRA- DO COUNTY, REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA.
It is enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Republic of Liberia in Legislature assembled:
Section 1. That from and immediately after the passage of this Act, the School founded and operated by Professor C. H. Henry at White Plains, St. Paul River, Montserrado County, for the past thirteen years, heretofore known as the Central High School, White Plains, is hereby constituted a High School, with all the rights and privileges which exist in such schools, and shall henceforth be known by the name and title of THE SAINT PAUL RIVER TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL, INCORPORATED.
Section 2. The said High School shall have a Board of Trustees initially constituted of the following persons, namely: C. Abayomi Cassell, Chairman pro tempore, J. I. A. Weeks, Secretary pro tempore, Augusta Carter, Treasurer pro tempore, C. H. Henry, Founder and Principal, W. R. Tolbert, jr., W. H. Tyler, Benjamin G. Freeman, R. F. D. Smallwood, S. D. Carter, Sr., Samuel Holder, Albert Porte, J. S. Melton, Joseph Foulton Dunbar, S. D. Coleman, Samuel D. George, William E. Wordsworth, and Marcus Houston, who shall upon the publication of this Act be
authorized to formally organize the Board herein provided for from among themselves, and shall be entitled to elect a President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and such other officers as are necessary for the just operation of such Board.
Section 3. That said Board of Trustees is authorized to provide for the control of the High School and for that purpose may draw up rules and regulations from time to time, to maintain and support said High School by raising funds, procuring scholarships and donations for the support thereof; and for the smooth and easy operation of its business shall have authority to select an Executive Committee of five from among their number to carry on the business of the school.
Section 4. The said Corporation shall have a Seal which may be altered and renewed at its pleasure. They may sue and be sued, plead and be implead in any court of this Republic having competent Jurisdiction; and shall have, exercise and enjoy all other rights, powers and privileges which are enjoyed by such corporations.
Section 5. That said High School shall be capable to receive and hold an estate by gift, grant, devise or bequest whether it be real or personal, providing that the amount accruing to the same from all sources does not exceed the sum of one hundred thousand dollars.
Section 6. That the President is hereby authorized to grant from any public land available in the locality of said school five hundred acres for the operation of said High School thereon.
Section 7. The purpose of this High School is to train the youth of the land to attain a measure of education co-ordinate with that given by technical high schools, and the stressing of agriculture and the manual arts, as well as the usual academic accomplishments.
Any law to the contrary notwithstanding.
Approved January 5, 1945.
CHAPTER XXXV.
AN ACT INCORPORATING THE MECHLIN RIVER TIMBER AND TRADING COMPANY, GRAND BASSA COUNTY, R. L.
It is enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Republic of Liberia in Legislature assembled:
Section 1. That from and immediately after the passage of this Act, Joseph H. Russ, Ellery M. Wood, J. W. Early, M.
A. S. Wood and E. Tyson Wood, Jr., and all such persons as may become shareholders hereinafter be and the same are hereby constituted and declared a body corporate by the name and style of, THE MECHLIN RIVER TIMBER AND TRAILING COMPANY OF GRAND BASSA COUNTY, Republic of Liberia.
Section 2. That the Company shall have the right to explore for timbers, logs, scantlings, planks and lumber for export and home markets from any forest on the Mechlin and Farmington Rivers and at any other points within the confines of the Republic of Liberia, and that the Company is granted the right to receive, hold and enjoy concession of land for the purpose of cutting, felling and collecting such timbers as it may desire from any public forest from time to time for the purpose of exporting and general trade as it may elect for its enterprises and expansion of business.
Section 3. That the company shall have right to inaugurate plans, rules and regulations and adopt articles of association, sell shares, operate farms, engage in commerce and trade by negotiation of all classes of home commodities, products and timbers from any firms, corporations and / or from its own mills, pits, quays and depot for export of local sale and to do all such other acts as are done by other firms, enterprises, corporations and companies that are engaged in merchantile enterprises under the Constitution and laws of the Republic of Liberia.
Section 4. That the Company shall have the right to engage in its employ any person or persons for contract service, and shall have the right to operate its own transportation service or any of the rivers and public highways of Liberia.
Any law to the contrary notwithstanding.
Approved January 5, 1945.
CHAPTER XXXVI.
JOINT RESOLUTION GRANTING TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTY ACRES OF PUBLIC LAND TO THE METHODIST CHURCH SCHOOL CONVENTION, GRAND BASSA DISTRICT. UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE METHODIST DISTRICT CONFERENCE OF GRAND BASSA COUNTY IN THE REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA.
It is enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Republic of Liberia in Legislature assembled:
Section 1. That from and immediately after the passage of this
Joint Resolution, two hundred and fifty (250) acres of public land in the Township of Barclayville, of the County of Grand Bassa and Republic of Liberia be and the same is hereby granted the Sunday School Convention above named and to their successors in office for education and missionary purposes.
Section 2. That the President of this Republic be and he is hereby authorized to grant a deed for two hundred and fifty (250) acres of public land to the above officers of the aforesaid convention, in the Township of Barclayville, County and Republic aforesaid, under the terms, and for the purposes named in Section 1, of this Joint Resolution out of any public lands in the forementioned section of the county aforesaid not otherwise apportioned.
Section 3. That the said President, Trustees and other officers of the Convention and their successors being under the direct control of the District Conference, Grand Bassa District, shall possess and hold the aforementioned tract of land as long as the said land is used for the purposes herein set forth, and when the said land ceases to be used legitimately, as herein set forth, said land shall automatically revert to the Government. The said Convention shall pay the expenses of the survey.
Any law to the contrary notwithstanding.
Approved January 2, 1945.
CHAPTER XXXVII.
AN ACT FIXING THE DAY OF ADJOURNMENT OF THE 2ND SESSION OF THE 40TH LEGISLATURE OF THE REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA.
It is enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Republic of Liberia in Legislature assembled:
Section 1. The 2nd Session of the 40th Legislature of the Republic of Liberia will adjourn on the 5th day of January A.D. 1945, sine die.
Any law to the contrary notwithstanding.
Passed by limitation.
INDEX
CHAPTER PAGE
A
Adjournment 2nd Session of the 41st Legislature. XXXVII 39 An Act fixing day of
Agreement of 1944, Supplementary Loan: An Act approving of VII 8
Atlantic Charter: Joint Resolution approving policies of the Government of Liberia as it relates to the internal conditions and external relations of the Republic. VIII 9
B
Budget of 1945: An Act approving of XVII 17
Boima Quoi (retired Paramount Chief) of Cape Mount County: Joint Resolution granting him annuity XXX 32
Burphy, Ernest Ballah of Maryland County: An Act restoring him to citizenship XXV 29
C
Centennary Arrangements: An Act authorizing the President to open and conclude all V 6
Centennial Tax: An Act leveving XI 11
Charter of Careysburg: An Act amending an Act passed and approved January 26, 1923. XV 15
Constitution: Joint Resolution proposing amendments to provide for representatives from the hinterland provinces. VI 7
Executive Orders Nos. 1 – 16 of 1944: An Act approving of XIII 13
Food and Agriculture: Joint Resolution approving the Constitution of the Government of the United Nations by the Interim Commission. X 11