party possesses ability in choosing proper candidates. He is an ardent
follower of Franklin D. Roosevelt and speaks of Woodrow Wilson with
bated breath.

Through the influence of John W. Boehne, Sr., and the friendly advice of
other influential citizens of Evansville Dr. Buckner was appointed
minister to Liberia, on Woodrow Wilson's cabinet, in the year 1913. Dr.
Buckner appreciated the confidence of his friends in appointing him and
cherishes the experineces gained while abroad. He noted the expressions
of gratitude toward cabinet members by the citizens of that African
coast. One Albino youth brought an offering of luscious mangoes and
desired to see the minister from the United States of America. Some
natives presented palm oils. "The natives have been made to understand
that the United States has given aid to Liberia in a financial way and
the customs-service of the republic is temporarily administered headed
by an American." "A thoroughly civilized Negro state does not exist in
Liberia nor do I believe in any part of West Africa. Superstition is the
interpretation of their religion, their political views are a hodgepodge
of unconnected ideas. Strength over rules knowledge and jealousy crowds
out almost all hope of sympathetic achievement and adjustment." Dr.
Buckner recounted incidents where jealousy was apparent in the behavior
of men and women of higher civilizations than the African natives. While
voyaging to Spain on board a Spanish vessel, he witnessed a very
refined, polite Jewish woman being reduced to tears by the taunts of a
Spanish officer, on account of her nationality. "Jealousy," he said,
"protrudes itself into politics, religion and prevents educational
achievement."

During a political campaign I was compelled to pay a robust Negro man to
follow me about my professional visits and my social evenings with my