Liberia <«- 



Their average morality is probably no higher than that 

 of European nations or even of the Negroes indigenous to 

 Liberia. But so far as outward behaviour, laws, and language 

 go they are prudish to a truly American extent. Sparsity of 

 clothing on the part of the native is treated in some settlements 

 as an offence. The mistaken idea which arose after the 

 Christianising of the Roman Empire that there is something 

 sinful in man's body divested of clothes is still a leading idea 

 amongst the Liberians. The Americo-Liberian still worships 



Il6. THE "RELIGION OF THE TALL HAT" 



clothes as an outward and visible manifestation of Christianity 

 and the best civilisation ; that is to say, the European clothes ot 

 the nineteenth century. He shares with our fathers the religion 

 of the tall hat and frock coat. No self-respecting Liberian 

 would be seen abroad on a Sunday or would pay a call or 

 take part in any social function, even under a broiling sun 

 in a Turkish-bath atmosphere, except in an immaculate black 

 silk topper and a long black frock coat. 



Their women of course follow the fashions of Europe ; 



354 



