Maryland State Archives
Maryland Colonization Journal Collection
MSA SC 4303

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Maryland State Archives
Maryland Colonization Journal Collection
MSA SC 4303

msa_sc4303_scm11070-0036

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38 COLONIZATION JOURNAL. the mountain range which here runs parallel to the coast. He describes the country as «'l inexhaustible fertility, beautiful in the extreme in appearance, mnl thickly peopled by a popu- lation that manifested great kindness t» bun on all occasions, and an anxious de-re to enter into treaties with him, for the purpose of having schools established at their respec- tive towns, and participating in the benefits of a trade with the colony. The Kev. Mr. Wilson, the missionary at the Cape, subse- quently visited a part pf the same region ot country, and his account fully corroborates that given by Dr. Hall. The relations with the natives in the imme- diate neighbourhood of the colony are now of a friendly kind. On several occasions they attempted to impose upon the agent: and tem- porary estrangement was the consequence.— Firmness and consistency have great edict upon them ; and the Board have every reason to believe that the good will which exists on both sides, will not be again mterrnpied. The policy of the Hoard is to improve their condi- tion, and to raise them to a level with the colonists, so that, apt us they are for civiliza- tion, the colonization scheme may be to them also a blessing ; and not, as in the colonizng of this country, a plan fur the extirpation of the aborigines. The Board have it in view to procure during the current year a vessel of their own. This has been recommended to them by their expe- rience since the founding of the colony; and they are satisfied that, besides the facilities that it will afford for carrying on their opera- tions, it will, on the score of economy, be highly important. The irade from Baltimore to Africa is already such as to ensure at all times full freight from other quarto;'.-, should the society But be able to funutn it. want of funds. In conducting the affairs of the society from its commencement, the Hoard of Managers have had to rely upon the support of the managers of the stale fund, when they failed to collect from the public, fun It adequate to their wants. The policy of the state in establishing a separate colony for the recep- tion of her emigrants, has in this manner, however, been fully corroborated ; and the colony at Cape Palmas is now adtqiate to meet all the wauls of colonization in Maryland. mid to receive in comfort (offering them every prospect of happiness and prosperity) as many persons as it is probable will be found ready, in any one year, to emigrate. Still the wants of the society, that cannot be supplied from the state fund, are many and prosing, and make it necessary that the friends of the cause should be oiled upon for assistance from time to time. During the coming year it is the intention of the Board to direct their ngents to call upon all who feel an interest in the cause, for such aid as it is in their power to give, for the purpose of raising the sum of four thousand dollars annually, for the ensuing four years. This sum will put it in the power of the Board to do many things for the colony in the advancement of agriculture, the promo- tion of education, and the introduction of a proper system of internal improvement, which are of vital importance, and in which the expenditure in the Ant instance of a compara- tively small amount will bo productive of the most permanent benefit!, EDUCATIO.N. Hitherto the Board have had to rely, in a great degree, upon the missionaries, estab- lished at the colony, for the means of educating the children of the emigrants; for although fully sensible of the importance of at once establishing a system of schools, yet the abso- lute and more pressing necessities incident to the founding of the settlement, prevented the Board, in the first instance, from doing more than provide in the 'ordinances' for the future wants and obligations of the colonists in this respect. By the 81st section of'An ordinance for the temporary government of the Maryland State Colonization Society, in Africa, called Maryland in Liberiu, it is provided: 'That there shall be at least one public school in every township of the territory, the teacher whereof shall be appointed by the agent in council. It shall be the duty of every parent to rend his or her children, and of every guardian, the child or children under his or her care, of a fit age, to school, when there is a public school in the township, until they shall learn to read, write, and cust accounts; and every father, and if there is no father, then mother, and if there is neither father nor mother, then guardian, the children of whom, or under whose care, are not sent to school, after being notified thereto by the select-men shall be fined at the discretion of the select- men, not less than twelve and a half cents, nor more than twenty-live cents, for every month that each child M not sent to school; which fines may be collected as small debts are, before a justice of the pence, and shall be appropriated for the use of public schools.' The 19th section of the ordinance provides, among other things, 'that all male coloured people, who have subscribed the oath to support the constitution, and hold land in the territory in their own right, or who, not hold- ing land, shall puy a tax of not less than one dollar, per annum, for the support tf education and for the purposes of government, shall be entitled to vole (being of full age) at elections.' The 29Ui section provides, "that no person shall serve us a juryman, unless he be of the ¦ge of twenty-five years, of good name and repute, nnd shall know ho\c to rend and write.' The 5ih article of the •constitution' provides 'that i o taxes shall be laid in the territory, except li>r the purposes of defence, of internul improvement, education, and the support of the local government of the territory.' It will be seen Irom the above extracts from the Code of Laws, which has been in force in the colony since it was founded, that full pro- vision has been made to secure the education ot' the colonists as far as mere legislation can effect it. But the system cannot go into operation in the early periods of the colony's existence, except but w ith very partial effect, unless it is promoted and sustained by means furnished from this country. FEMALE SOCIETIES. It has often been asked of the Board of Managers, in what way female benevolence and influence could be brought most efficiently to did the cause of colonization ? The answer may be given by indicating education as the mosl important subject to which the attention of the female friends of colonization can be directed) and one upon which their efforts may be concentrated with the happiest effect. A few hundred dollars per annum, raised in Maryland, invested here in trade goods and sent to the colony, would erect a school house and pay a teacher; and that the necessary amount could be procured by societies of females, auxiliary, nr Ihe purpose of promo- ting education, to tiie state society, there can be no doubt entertained. It is therefore suggested that the female friends of the colo- nization cause should organize themselves into societies, and by a concentration of effort, raise funds sufficient to commence a system of edu- cation in Africa, on u small scale in the first place, as by establishing a single school, but extending in the scope of its operations, until a whole nation shall bless the lubors that have enlightened them. It is further suggested hero, that, for this purpose, each female society should determine to raise annually a certain quota, and that any sum Collected beyond this should bo invested as a part of n fund for education, the principal of which should for ever remain inviolate__ In thi" way, in a few years, enough may be obtained, after supporting schools in the interim, to found a college at Ct| I I'ulmas. Cjustant, active, effort is competent to all this, and female benevolence is relied upon to afford it. Should the plans thus suggested he adopted, the services of the society's agents can be ut all times commanded by the female auxiliaries. COTTON A LEGAL TENDER. Since the last annual report, the Board have passed an ordinance making good merchanta- ble cotton, the growth of tiio colony, a legal lender, at ten cents per pound, and appointing inspectors to settle differences in regard to quality. The effect of this will be, it is expected, the promotion of the growth of this staple production; and it is justified by the experience of Maryland, where, until within the last fifty years, tobacco continued to be a legal tender. The effect of the ordinance is not yet known, but good results are anticipa- ted from it. In concluding their fifth annual report, the Board of Managers congratulate the society upon the prosperity that has heretofore attend- ed the colony in Africa, and the bright prospects that are before it; and return sincere and hum- ble thanks unto Him in whose hanus are the issues of his fate, and the shield of whose protecting arm has been so signally displayed over and around it. All which is respectfully submitted. B C. HOWARD, Prtiident. February, 1837. COLONIZATION JOURNAL. SATURDAY, APRIL 1, 1837. This Journal is issued once in two months at 50 cents per annum, and is designed to spread information relative to the 'Maryland colony in Liberia.' All communications intended for the Maryland Colonization Journal, or on business of the Society, should be addressed to Kev. Ira A. Easter, Home Agent, Colonization Rooms, Post Office Building. Letters for the missionaries or emigrants at Cape Palmas, sent to this office, (postage paid) will be carefully forwarded by the spring and fall expeditions. Friends to the cause who wish to send presents to the missionaries, colonists or na- tives, may leave them in our charge with the assurance of attention. Second hand clothing, male and female, will be thankfully received for the use of the colonists. Thousands of articles of little use here, would be highly valuable in a new coun- try, and among new settlers. We publish in the present number of the Journal, the letter of Captain Nicholson to the Board of Managers, giving an account of the visit to Cape Palmas of the United States ship Potomac, of which ho was commander, and which touched at the different colonies on the coast of Africa by order of the Secretary of the Navy. The intelligence thus given by Captain Nicholson is highly gratifying, and the source from which it comes entitles it to the utmost confidence. The policy of the Navy Department, in directing the public vessels of war to call in occasionally at the colonies on the coast, is one that must be at- tended with the happiest results, and is as wise as it is liberal an 1 enlightened. We have had the pleasure of a personal interview with Captain Nicholson since his return in the Potomac, and have derived Irom him much interesting information in addition to what his official de»patche.- contain. A fact stated by him has given us more satisfaction than any that has yet come to our knowledgo connected with colonization, in its effects upon the native African. It will be remembered, that in a former number of this Journal, we published a simple code of laws that had been prepared for Sinileh Bulla, king Freeman's messenger to this country : and Captain Ni- cholson states that these laws have been tho- roughly adopted by the natives, and are referred to on all occasions of dispute among them.— Many of' these laws are in opposition to long established customs, and the willingness of the natives to live according to them, is a most happy assurance of success for that part of the Society's plans which Contemplates the eleva- tion of the moral character of the natives and their amalgamation with the citizens of Mary land in Liberia. LIFE MEMBERS, A few days since an intelligent, clergyman of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, in this city, called at the MtOBta ition rooms and an- nounced his determination of becoming a life member of the Maryland Colonization Society, by the payment of thirty dollars. This cir- cumstance has afforded t ncouragenient to be- lieve that there are others who are thinking more seriously of aiding this noble enterprise. This good brother does not live on the fat of the land. He has no large salary upon which to draw, that he may make deposites in the Lord's treasury, but with an infirm constitu- tion, which deprives him of the privilege of labouring as a stated pastor, he is out of his limited earnings willing to give the most sub- stantial proof of his attachment to the cause. We cannot but hope his example may induce many others who are far more able to give thirty dollars than he is, to come forward to the assistance of the society this year, by ma- king themselves life members. CONFERENCE RESOLUTION. During the recent session of the Baltimore Annual Conference of the M. E. Church, the Home Agent of the Maryland State Coloni- zation Society scut a communication to the Conference, soliciting u continuation of the influence and assistance which has been hith- erto so kindly extended to the agents of the society in every part of the state. In reply to that communication we take plea.-ure in publishing the following resolution, and letter of the secretary of the conference. Baltimore, Md. March 23d, 1837. Rev. Ira A. Easter, My Dear Sir.—The following resolution was adopted by the Baltimore Conference of the Methodist E. Church, at its late session in this place, and grew out of a communication made by you in relatiou to the Maryland State Colonization Society: Resolved, That we do decidedly sanction the colonization society, and as far as our province may extend and duty may require, will with pleasure when necessity demands, exert our influence to facilitate its operations and ensure its success. Willi the best wishes for the interesting work in which yuu are engaged I remain yours, very respectfully, C. A. DAVIS, Sec'ry. Balt. An Con. PROCEEDINGS OF THE FIFTH ANNUAL MEETING. The fifth Anniversary Meeting of the Mary- land State Colonization Society, was held in Baltimore, on the 8th of March, 1837, in St. Peter's church, in Sharp street. The chair was taken by Franklin Anderson, Esq. Vice-President, Hugh Davey Evans, Esq. Secretary of the Board of Managers, acting as Secretary of the meeting. The exercises of the evening were opened by an address to the throne of grace by the Rev. Dr. Henshaw, followed by an anthem from the choir. The Fifth Annual Report was then read by the Corresponding Secretary, together with extracts from despatches and letters reci ived from the colony, by the recent arrival of the United States frigate Potomac. Allcr the reading of the report and the accompanying documents was finished, the following resolution was offered bv /. Collins Lee, Esq. seconded by the Rev. Mr. Hamin r. 1. Resulted—That the report which has just been read be accepted ; and that the thinks of the soci, ly be given lo the Board of Managers, for their able, energetic, and suc- cessful administration of its concerns, during the past year, und that they be u quested to have the report and accompanying documents published for distribution. Mr. Lee took occasion, in offering the above n solution, to deliver an interesting and elo- quent address, in which the prominent views of the colonization scheme were exhibited in strong relief, and happily illustrated. The following revolution was offered by Dr. Fonerden, seconded by Col. Win. R. Steuart. 2. Resolved—That this society have seen with much satisfaction the purchase of Siu.m river, between Iiissa and Cape Palmas, as the site tiir a new settlement under the au.-pices of the Mississippi State Colon z it ton Society, and trust and believe that in tl.is manner but few years will elepsi before the Western coast of Africa shall be girded about with happy and prosperous communities of the returning chil- dien of the laud. The following resolutions wore offered by John II. B. Latrohe, Esq. and seconded by Francis S Key, F,sq. 8. Resolved—That this society find in the experience id'the past year, additional reasons for confidence in the system of stale action, under which the stale society has acted from its commencement, and that it be recuinnicnd- ed to the friends of colonization throughout the United Stales, who have not yel adopted it, lo do so forthwith, as the best means of I'ui- thering the great object in view, so far ns Africa and the African race are concerned, and ns the surest method of counteracting the efforts of the misguided and ill-JBleutioued to make the subject of slavery one threatening the dissolution of the Union. 4. Resolved—That the Board of Managers he requested, as soon as they doom it expe- dient, to take measures to procure a Meeting of delegates from the American Colonization Society and States acting on the matter i with the view lo ihe formation of' a 'Central Colo- nization Convention,' where all nutters of geueral interest touching the colonies, ot' the societies composing the convention, in Africa, may be determined upon, and whose decision on such matters shall he binding; leaving the stale societies in the United States to pursue their own course of policy ut home, and to regulate the internal concerns of their respec- tive colonies. In seconding these resolutions, Mr. Key availed himself ol the opportunity to deliver u most admirable discourse upon the subject of colonization, in its peculiar and most interest' ing bearings upon the true and best interests of Maryland. For copious information, accu- mulated facts, close reasoning, happy illustra- tion, and when the occasion called for it, lofty eloquence, the address of Mr. Key could hardly have been surpassed. As one of the earliest friends and most active promoters of the colo- nization scheme, the presence of Mr. Key ut ihe annual meeting of the state society, was highly gratifying. Moved by the Rev. Mr. Sliccr, seconded by the Rev. Mr. F.aster, 5. Resulted—That this society hail with great pleasure the prospect afforded by the recent proceedings of the State Colonization Society of Virgin.a, in determining to found u settlement on the coast of Alrici, ihus erect- ing there another beacon light of freedom and the gospel. Moved by Christian Keener, Esq. seconded by the Rev. Mr. Ileiner: G. Resulted—That this society fuel in the experience of their settlement at Cape Palmas, since Ms first establishment, ample corrobora- tion of the views that induced them to make abstinence from the u^e of, or traffic m ardent spirits, a fundamental article of the charter of the colonists. Moved by William Crane, E q. seconded by Thomas Kelso, Esq. 7. Jiesulval—That in the opinion of this society, the Rev. R J. lireckeniidge has enti- tled himself lo the thanks of every citizen of the United States, fur his noble, manly, and conclusive vindication of his country, in the public discussions which took place at Glas- gow, during the past year; and that in thus placing the cause of colonization in its true light before the British peoj le, he has relieved its friends from the unfounded misrepredila- tions of their purposes and motives, which its enemies had long so sedulously circulated. Moved by the Rev. Wiliiam Hamilton, se- conded by William F. Giles, Esq. 8. Resolved—That this society feel pro- foundly sensible of the Bfi tection vouchsaled to their infant colony by a Wise and mercilul Providence, and entertain the humble hope that it is nn evidence of the accept ableness of the cause in which they are engaged,entitling it to the pra\ers and l.ind consideration of the christian community. On account of the lateness of the hour the meeting adjourned to meet again on Thurs- day, ut hull past four o'clock, at Ihe Coloniza- tion Rooms, when the congregation was dis- missed with the benediction by the Rev. Mr. Williams. The Society met pursuant to Adjournment, at the Colonization Rooms, on Thursday, tho Dili instant, at half past lour o'clock, when Col. Win. R. Steuart, was appointed chairman, and William F. Giles, Esq. Secretary. After the transaction of other business the society proceeded to elect officers for the ensu- ing year.