The_Open_Door_deel1

VII
the tribal population of the country in the economic and political
affairs of the country.
In 1945 an amendment to the Constitution granted the tribal people
of the Hinterland representation in the National Legislature
for the first time in the history of the country: one Representative
for each of the three Provinces which constituted the
Hinterland, (see Map 1)
They remained excluded, however* from any representation in
the Senate. On the other hand, Tubman granted the franchise
to Amerieo-Liberian women during this first term of office (1944
- 1952). In 1951, a political party organising mainly Kru people
was still prevented from contesting Tubman's candidature in the
presidential elections of that year. With the Administrative Reform
of 1964 the tribal population was given a fairer representation
in the National Legislature although it was still far from
proportionate to their numerical importance. Besides, its effect
was partially offset by a geographical increase of coastal counties
to the detriment of the Hinterland (see Map 2). Significantly,
the real property requirement for eligibility to vote was
maintained. This change coincided with political developments in
neighbouring areas and the subsequent withdrawal of the colonising
powers, France and Britain,and took place after the arrival
of the first large group of foreign investors. Among these investors
were the Liberia Mining Company, The Liberia Company, the
African Fruit Company, LeTourneau of Liberia, Munarriz Industrial
Works, Juan Jesus Ramos Associates, Limpex Palm Oil Company, B.F.
Goodrich, the Deutsch-Liberian Mining Company and the Liberian
American-Swedish Minerals Company.
During his long reign of more than 27 years, President Tubman had
already become a controversial personality: admired and hated,
sincere and oppressive, lauded as a patriot and accused of selling
the country to foreigners, a chauvinistic defender of Amerieo-Liberian
interests and an ardent supporter of the cause of
national unification. Some authors, such as Robert A. Smith. A.
Doris Banks Henries and Lawrence A. Marinelli, devoted eulogies
to him, while others such as Albert Porte, Tuan Wreh, Robert W.
Clower and J. Gus Llebenow did not attempt to hide their criticism
and, in some cases, their disgust at his policies and practices
(10).
It seems justified, however, to say that: whatever modern Liberia
is today, it owes to Tubman although this president could never
have been as successful if his predecessors had not done what
they did. Specifically meant here are Presidents Artur and Edwin
Barclay.
After 1944 the country experienced an economic growth unknown in
its history and during the "investment boom" of the 1950's
Liberia even had the fastest growing economy in the world, after
Japan. Today, this West African country has the largest mercantile
fleet in the world, it hosts the world's largest rubber
plantation and latex factory, it has become Africa's main exporter
of iron ore and ranks number 3 on the world list of iron ore