File No. 741.8215/61.
The American Chargé d’Affaires to the Secretary of State.
Monrovia, September 22, 1912.
Lomax was only indicted for murder of two of the eight chiefs he is charged with killing. He was acquitted Friday after trial lasting just two days. Cooper was indicted for murder of one chief, tried separately, acquitted Saturday after trial lasting one day.
Government made very weak cases, important witnesses not summoned. It is alleged that material evidence was suppressed. Foreign representatives and local unbiased opinion regard trial as farcical.
President very feebly supported by several members of his Cabinet and influential Government officials. Public gratification over acquittals shows general unpopularity of all efforts of Administration to bring accused officials to justice.