FAULKNER, THOMAS J. R.
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Faulkner Thomas J.R. (1870-1942) was born in the state of North Carolina, U.S.A., and migrated to Liberia as a young man.
PHPOTO CAPTION: Faulkner Thomas J. R. SOURCE: EA Library
He was educated in North Carolina and was a first-class electrical engineer. It was he who first installed the telephone and electric lights in Monrovia and his telephone lines extended from Monrovia to White Plains in Montserrado Country. He was also the first to produce ice in Monrovia, and it was he who opened and operated “an ice cream parlour” there. He also introduced the moving picture industry in Liberia and it was during the preparation of a film entitled: “Rock of Ages” that by a short circuit his home was destroyed by fire, resulting in the death of the famous Government Chief Printer, Joseph Frank Copeland.
He was appointed Chairman of the harbour, Dock and Light Board of Liberia by President Daniel Edward Howard in 1914, and between 1918 and 1921 served as Mayor of the City of Monrovia. The first street lights were installed in the city during his administration.
Mr. Faulkner was the Standard Bearer of the “People’s Party”, which was very active during the early 1920s. Having suffered a defeat in the 1927 Presidential elections, he began to attack his political opponents, charging that slavery existed in Liberia and that certain high officials including, President King and Vice President Yancy, for motives of personal gain, were furthering the recruitment of labourers for shipment to Fernando Po, where they were placed in a condition of peonage, and that the Liberian Frontier Force had been used to compel natives to accept this overseas service. Faulkner also made these charges in an interview with American Journalists and wide publicity was given to the sensational accusations.
A firm note (June 8, 1929) of the American Government was transmitted to the Liberian Government and the matter was also taken up by the League of Nations, but neither of these suggested the appointment of a Commission of Inquiry. Liberia of her own free will proposed the appointment of such a commission and at her instigation, such a commission was appointed, consisting of Dr. Cuthert Christy representing the League of Nations, and Professor Charles S.A. Johnson, of Fisk University, representing the United States, and former President Arthur Barclay representing Liberia”
On April 7, 1930, the Commission began its investigation and hearing which extended over five months, and presented its report which has come to be called the “Christy Report”. The report showed that there was some truth in the allegation. President King had to resign in 1930, and reforms had to be made by his successor to check the abuses which the Commission had revealed. Mr. Faulkner rendered great services to his country. He died in Monrovia on March 17, 1942.
NATHANIEL R. RICHARDSON
