 |
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
|||
|
||||
|
||||
|
Maryland State Archives Maryland Colonization Journal Collection MSA SC 4303 msa_sc4303_scm11070-0089 Enlarge and print image (5M) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
||||
|
||||
|
Maryland State Archives Maryland Colonization Journal Collection MSA SC 4303 msa_sc4303_scm11070-0089 Enlarge and print image (5M) |
| MARYLAND COLONIZATION JOURNAL. CONDUCTED BY THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLICATIONS OF THE MARYLAND STATE COLONIZATION SOCIETY, UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE MANAGERS OF THE STATE FUND. Vol. I. Baltimore, December, 1838. No. 23. When gratuitous please circulate. (From the Connecticut Observer.) Colonization Meeting in Hartford. A meeting in behalf of the cause of African colonization was holden in the Centra cburch in this eity on Tuesday evening, the tilh instant. The lion. Thomas 8, William.*, chief justice of Connecticut, picsidcnt of the Connecticut Coloni- zation Society, presided, ami the ltev. Thomas II. Callaudct was chosen secretary of the meeting. Vftej prayer bj the ltev. Mr. Bangi, of ttie Methodist Episcopal Chinch, the Hon. Thome* si. Williams, Rev. R. U. Curl.y, Uev. Thomas II. Callaudct, anil Francis Parsons, Esq. delivered spirited ami eloquent addresses, lotting forth the character of the enterprise in which the American Colonization Society ami her auxiliaries aie en- gaged, viz: that of establishing free people of colour (emigrating then from the United State*) on the shores of Africa. The apeaken were lis- tened to with great attention, and their addreue* seemed pervaded by a moat excellent spirit. The Rev. Dr. Fisk, president of the Weslyan Univer- sity at Middletown, who was to haie addrened the meeting, was by sudden illness prevented from being present. We are very far from doing any thing like justice to these addresses, in the following sketch: Judge Williams remarked, in substance, as fol- lows: it was BOW some years since the Coloniza- tion society was funned, but thai owing to varied* causes it hail not been regarded with that atten- tion on the part of the public, which from the nature and importance ot its objects it was enti- tled to claim, l'uhlic attention had hern occupied with other enterprise! of philanthropy ami bene- volcnce, in a great measure to the exclusion of this society; and the interests of this society, though not forgotten) were in danger of being overlooked. Last week, however, we were unex- pectedly surprised by a visit lrum ,i beloved friend, a native of our own Connecticut, (the Rev, It. 11 Curlcy, secretary of tin: American Colonization Society,) a man wl.o. in his long absence, in his journeying! at the south and in Alrica, had never forgotten the law) of his birth. A meeting was then held, and some statements were made in re- gard to the objects ami designs ol Hie colonisation society ; but it was thought desirable that another and fuller meeting should he held—at which mOTS ample explanations might be given of those object! and designs, lie would now proceed to stats those objects in brief, leaving to others who might follow him to give the details. And first, the object of the Colonisation society was to establish colonics where free people of colour from this country, removed beyond the reach of prejudice and away Irom the remem- brances ol degradation and oppression,might pos- sess the blessings of liberty, of civilization, of religion—might found and foster and enjoy all that which is calculated to educate, to enlighten, to exalt. Again, it was believed by the founders of the Colonization soci. tj , thai, as a result of their en- terprise, the shackles of slavery in this country would be loosened. As the society should make progress in the accomplishment of its objects, new views would be entertained in regard to the nature and capacities of the coloured man—he would be found susceptible of being made free ami intelli- gent, and ol becoming fitted to act well bis part in society as a man, a citizen—in a wool that the desire to emancipate their slaves would he awa- kened in the bosoms of humane and philanthropic men--and the opportunity of doing so satisfactorily afforded. Again, the founders and patrons of the Coloni- sation society thought it clue to the injuries we had done to Africa, to do something in her behalf to repair the wrong. Establishing christian and civilized colonies on her shores, they thought, might be the means of introducing Christianity and civilization into that pagan—that barbarous and benight ed quarter of the earth. Colonists who had been educated to know -.em. thing of the Institu- tion* of civil society—who were acquainted with the nature of a government of laws to be estab- lished iii Africa, ami reducing their ideas of eivil life and civil government to practice, would all'ord a living modi 1 of civilization to the inhabitants of that country, which they might at length learn to imitate. Again, the colonization scheme possessed the singular advantage of promising to unite philan- thropists of the north and philanthropists of the south together in the great object of promoting, by common labours, and common sacrifices and ef- forts, the well being ol the coloured race. These were the objects which the Colonization society had iii view. How for they had suecec I in their accomplishment it was not bis province to decide, lie would refer rather to the testimony of men who had visited Africa, and returning, bore witness to what their own bands bad done and their own eves had seen. Hall had not been accomplished which could be desired, enough had be en done to show that much more might be done. and to this end ws Invite the cooperation of all good men, we ask for jour labours,for your chari- ties, and your prayers. The Rev. R. R. Hurley, secretary of the Ame- rican Colonization Society, then rose, (and alter expressing his regret that the meeting was not favoured with the presence and aid of a distin- guished friend of th* society, (the Rev. Dr. Fisk whose character and ability would have given very great interest and attractiveness to the occasion.) said that he fell his own responsibility much les- sened hv the able and comprehensive statement just presented, bv the respected chairman, of the principles, objects, and prospects of the American Colonization Society, as well as by his conviction that his deficiencies would be amply supplied by the gentleman who would succeed him, to whose early, constant, and efficient exertion* for the cause, the society had been grcnily indebted, and who was well prepared to do justice to this or any other cause he might consent to advocate. You have. Mr. Chairman, kindly alluded to the fact that I am a son of New England. True, I have been long absent, yet for the people and institu- tions, lor the verv rocks, and streams, and trees of New r.ivgbind, 1 cherish a warm and unabaled regard. Nothing can ever sever the bond which mikes me to the place of my nativity and the sepulchres of my fathers, My connection with the Colonization society has quenched in no degree that love of human liberty which is so vigorous and all pervading among the population of New England. Mr. Hurley then alluded to the fact, that (,'ran- ville Sharp in England, and Dr. Hopkins of Rhode Island, both advocates of the doctrine of immediate abolition, had, long before the existence of the Colonization society, been friendly to African co- lonization, ami thai Captain Paul Cuffes, a most respectable man of colour of New England, had made two voyages to Africa in bis own vssssl, and conveyed at bis own expense, several coloured families from the vicinity ot Newport to the colo- ny of Siena I.cone, to show that in the minds of such men, there were good and sufficient reasons for the scheme of colonization in the Improved condition ami better advantages which must he secured to those who might embrace it, when established as a separate community from the whiles. The founders of the society saw that then were causes operating to depress and embar- rass liee men of colour in this country—causes too deep probably ever to he relumed, which could not operate against them in Africa. In any plan of good for the coloured race, it was extremely important to connect the moral and intellectual elevation of the email portion of that race in the United States, with the deliverance and improvement of the vast ami more degraded population of Africa. It was of tile greatest, if ma of indispensable importance to unite in such a plan the' philanthropic of the north and south. It was a consideration of no small moment, that while the north were ready to unit* in the ichetne of colonization, the south adopted it not simply lor the hi nc lit of thoSe now free, hut as opening the door lor voluntary, and ultimately perhaps, with the full cons, nt of the states interested, for entire emancipation. Even if the bond of union between tl'.e wis,- and good of the south and north on this subject, was slender, it was bell, r than none, and it might terminate in a union of sympathy and aeti..... more slrung ami more elfective of all the great ends which humanity and religion might desire. Let us look at this scheme then in its lim] I* but most imposing magnificence. The lens* of grandeur is the parent of noble deed*. America stretches her mighty arm across the ocean lor the deliverance of Africa. What are the means by which she may accomplish her object. They are men like ourselves, descendants from Africa, civi- lized, lo some extent educated, many of them generous, noble-hearted men, long exiled, but now prepared to return and repair the wastes, and re- build the cities, ami re-people the deserts and the wildernesses nf their mother country. They go back under the auspices of this society, on the loftiest errand of humanity, to upbuild the fortune* ol their race, to rear up free institutions and the church of Cod, and the niins of a once glorious, but now barbarous and ravaged land. Can we regard without sympathy the four or live thousand emigrants, who are now on the shores of Liberia, working out the redemption of their race, and winning the respect, not to say the admiration of mankind ? Their well administered governments, their courts of justice, their churches, schools, plantations, and gardens, their industry, sobriety, contentment—their well-built villages—three hun- dred miles of coast reclaimed from superstition and crime, and from which the slave trade is well nigh expelled, testify to the remarkable success of lie' experiment of this society. What then is necessary but that the societv should receive the approbation and support of the whole American people I And should not this single idea that tin: « >ch ty propose* to unite all the wise and good throughout the union, in the work of establishing free ami christian communi- ties and institutions in Africa, entitle it to such e 'I'll, Rev. .Mi. Oallaudet observed, that on ar- counl of the indisposition of Dr. lisk, he was unexpectedly called upon to address the meeting. His attachment to the- great scheme of African colonization, he observed, had arisen from noticing a few limpl* facts, 1. The practical operations had been carried on by mui of piety and prayer, of irreproachable inte- grity. Can we believe that such men would con- secrate their time to a cause under the influence of sinister designs, or to any other than a good cause, 2. The men engaged in the practical operations of the societv had devoted themselves with a self- denyingspirit to their work—had undergone great privations and sufferings—had sacrificed life itself. 3. The coincide is striking between th* progress of the colonies and the features of Cod's piovi- dential dispensations. His great designs unfold slowly, of which the history of Moses, and the redemption of the Israelites, and their establish- ment in the promised land, is a striking Illustra- tion, Hut the colonies had made progress liom year to year. Nothing there waa retrograde. They were never iii so flouriabing a condition as at pre- sent, and this on the testimony of unimpeachable eye-witnesses. They are already beginning to introduce Christianity ami civilization into Africa, and will yet-do it on a much larger and more magnificent scale. The blessing of Cod is upon them. 4. The colonization cause is exerting a favoura- ble Influence at the south in cherishing the spirit of emancipation, and of kind treatment to the slave while yet in bondage. Mr. G. sustained this posi- tion by a statement of fact-', and a course of argu- mentation, which unless the facts themselves be shown to have no existence, place it beyond all reasonable doubt. The following resolutions were then read and adopted :— Resolved That this meeting cordially approves of the great object of the scheme of African colo- nization, as set forth in the constitution of the American colonization society, regarding it, in all its legitimate results, as having already produced great good both to the coloured population of our own country, and to Africa, by Introducing among her barbarous tribes, civilization and Christianity, and especially in connection with the protection and aid it allbrds to the missionary cause.on that continent, and as promising under the blessing of God, still more auspicious and magnificent results in these two great departments of benevolent effort. Resolved, That the testimony presented to the American public by several of our most respect) d fellow-Citizens, Mho have within tfas last one or two years, some slill more lately, returned from the African colonics, where most of them have held olliehd stations of great responsibility, and self-denying effort, with regard to tlie present pros- perous and promising condition ol' those colonies, is entitled to entire confidence, and Is full of en- couragement to all the friends of the coloured race, Resolved, That the tendency of this society to unite the benevolence of the north and the south in efforts lor the rapid and extensive improvement of the coloured race, commend* it to the warmest regards of all patriotic and christian hearts, and that in the judgment of this meeting there are special and weighty reasons lor immediate and earnest exertion in this shite end throughout New England to sustain the principle and augment the funds of the American Colonization Society. Resolved. That the project fust proposed by Judge Wilkeson, of Buffalo, New York, of pur- chasing a suitable vessel to be sold to free coloured persons in the United States or Liberia, who will engage to run her, manned by coloured men, be- tween this country and Africa, commendi itself to the judgment of this meeting, ami is recommend- ed to the generous patronage of our fellow-citi- zens. Francis Parsons, Esq, then read the accompany- ing resolution, observing that if hia remarks should appear to he desultory, his apology might he found ill the fact, that he had not been requested to take a part in the deliberations of the evening, until after the assembly had convened. He said he was in favour of this cause on four grounds. The benefit conferred on the Immediate object of the society's bounty, lis anticipated Influence upon Africa. The barrier it opposed to the slave trade— and its effect in meliorating the condition, and paving the way for the ultimate emancipation of the slave. He was aware that prejudices to some extent existed against the society. That it was supposed by some to have been founded in sellish- kea* and with no better motives than the removal of those who already enjoyed the blessings of free dom,—but from what be knew of its origin he believed it to have been founded in benevolence, and well deserving the patronage of all who delight in the increase of human happiness. That if some of its advocates were men who contributed lo increase their personal safety, or from any other Selfish motives, the blessings communicated were no less real, nor the subjects of them less happy. That if the whole slave population could not at once become the constituents of a free and Inde- pendent nation, a few, at least, could he rescued from the bondage of civil death. That the fact, that so large a portion of the world was enveloped in moral darkness, furnishing no argument why an island ot the sea should not become resplendent with christian light. That as to Africa, it was an object of commise- ration. Its inhabitants allied to the brute creation. A country whose soil was the resort of the lion and the tiger, the viper, and the crocodile. On whose children misery in every form had made many successful attacks, whose characteristics were ignorance and barbarity; who made no secret of worshipping Ueclzebub, having filled their land with his temples, and were making daily appeals to him as their acknowledged divinity. That nothing could elevate or modify their character, but the benign influence of gospel truth, and this could never he expected but through the channel of christian colonies planted on her coasts. That as to the slav e trade,through the influence of this society that nefarious traffic was already banished to tlie distance of about three hundred miles from Liberia; and that pecuniary aid alone was needed to rescue that entire continent from th.: most wanton and unhallowed depredations. That Influence of colonization wa* seen in our country, in the repeated instance of muter* relin- quishing, by their wills, the lervicei of their slave*, and providing for their comfortable settlement in the land of their lathers. That previous te> the formation of this society, such instances were of rare occurrence; hut that liberated slaves were offered in greater numbers than the means ol the society would enable them to transport. Mr. P. said that in urging a liberal subscription to the cause for which they had assembled, he would remind them that it was a characteristic of the age, that success attended every benevolent enterprise;—that those who commenced or united in such schemes, were surprised to find obstacles so easily removed, and the good accomplished so extensive :—that but a few years since many kept a record of the number of liible and Missionary societies—they were now almo.-t innumerable ;— then it was not difficult to tell into how many lan- guages the liible was translated, hut it wouhl soon be read in every language under heaven ;—that in the various enterprise of benevolence a little one had become a thousand, and a small one a great nation. That the contributions of an enlarged benevolence might seem inadequate to the MM object of that society whose wants they deplored, yet in bearing their humble part to sustain its unlifted bands, ami having done all they could, they might rest assured that other resources of mightier efficacy remained, which divine wisdom would develope; that when His will is to be accomplished, whose power is omnipotent, the water* issue from the rock at bis command, and the ravens feed bis servants on the lops of tlie mountains. The following resolution was then adopted :— Resolved. That the Connecticut Colonization Society, one of the oldest and most efficient auxiliaries of the American Colonization Society, deserves to be sustained by every patriotic and benevolent citizen of the state, and that we will do all in our power to extend its Influence and increase its resources, and that subscription papeis be now circulated to add to the funds of the Con- necticut Colonization Society. [We are able to give but a very brief and imper- fect sketch of the remarks of the several speakers.] The sum contributed at the meeting amounted to $280, and was the largest ever made in this city lor a similar purpose. The subscription has since been increased to the amount of $335. (From the Christian Advocate and Journal.) Africa's Luminary. Prospectus of a paper to be denominated 'Africa's Luminary,' and published semi-monthly at the office of the MethodistEpiscopaa mission press, Monrovia, Liberia. MESSRS. EDITORS:—The board of managers of the Missionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal church, having at last succeeded in obtaining a printer, to be connected witli the Liberia mission, and having resolved at their meeting, em the 14tll Inst that on the superintendent of that mission .shall devolve the editorial department of such publication* as may be issued from their press at Monrovia, I take the liberty of requesting a place- in one of the columns of tiie Christian Advocate for the purpose of informing our brethren and friends generally, throughout the United States, that Providence permitting, as u on after our re- turn to Africa, as practicable, we design publish- ing on the first and third Fridays of I very month, a paper of the medium size, neatly printed, to be entitled 'Avhica's Luminary ;' to be devoted to religious intelligence, researches into the manners aiidcustoms of the tribes in Western Africa, some accounts of the geology, mineralogy, and botany of the country, as well'as ils natural history, and especially the prospects and success of the Liberia mis.ion. 'l'o this, it is considered, may be pro- fitably added, from time to time, soim: account of tiie different settlements in Liberia, their cli.natc, population, agriculture, commerce, &c. 1 feel confident that but little need be Paid lo recommend such a periodical to the patronage of th* friends of Africa. It must appear evident that a great deal of useful and interesting mailer may be constantly gathered in a field like that, which we can neither communicate in our private Correspondence, nor yet embody in our annual report of the Liberia mission. How interest- ing then to have such a messenger from Afri- ca, bringing occasionally news of her degraded children, and the success of the gospel among them ; exhibiting her claims on the christian com- munity of the United States, and thus constantly reminding then of the great held which invite! their cultivation, As we anticipate, with good grounds too, that we shall have many subscribers among the citizens of Liberia, a department of our paper will be devoted to foreign intelligence, in which selected extracts from the Ami rican periodic.ils will be published for their accommoda- tion. Thus we trust a mutual interest will be felt at home and abroad. It will be impossible for us to secure a very punctual delivery of the Luminary, inasmuch a! opportunities to this country are not very regular, lint we promise, with divine aid, to let slip no opportunity of lorwaiding the numbers on hand, in which case our friends here will he similarly situated with us in reference to the receipts of our American papers. It is highly gratifying to us to add, that ill this respect, however, there will he in future increasing lacilities. as a regular packet between New York and Liberia is about to be established. Terms.—The Luminary will he published at $2 per annum, payable in advance. American subscribers will please pay to the Rev. Thomas Mason, to whom all the papers will he sent, care- fully marked and boxed up. As our printing establishment will greatly increase the expendi- ture* for the Liberia mission, we must charge $2 50 for our paper, If not paid for within six months, and $3 if not paid till the close of the year. A number of surplus papers will be generally on hand at No. 200 .Mulberry street, New York, care of .Mr. T. .Mason, to whom application caii be made for them. In presenting this subject to our friends, we wish those' who intend to patronize our paper to send in the names of subscribers, post offices, towns, counties, and states, in a line to the sub- scriber, (remember, post paid.) at 200 Mul- berry street, New York, before December 1st, and on the receipt of the first number of the paper we shall consider the subscription to commence. Brethren, you will help Africa, help our mission there, help the cause of our common Christianity, by aiding us in this matter. Very respectively yours, &c. &c. New York, Nov. 15, 1838. John Seys. (From the New York Churchman.) African Mission. Many of your readers who have felt a deep in- terest in the welfare of Africa, will rejoice to learn that the mission of our church on the western coast is about to be enlarged. A little company of five is preparing to sail lor Cape l'alinas, in the Emperor, from this port, about the Hath inst. It consists of the Rev. Dr. Savage, (who has been already about eighteen months upon the coast,) Mrs. Savage. Mr. Perkins and wife, anil a female teacher, a young lady Irom Boston. Mr. l'erkins goes out as lay assistant, and hav- ing formerly resided in this city, where he became a communicant, is favourably known to many as peculiarly fitted lor his expeted duties. The de- voted females who go out are qualified in various ways to exert a powerful influence in removing the gross darkness which covers the people, and in elevating their character. Perhaps in no regitfii under the degradations of paganism is such an in- fluence more needed, or greater encouragement for devoted females to labour in faith. This accession (with another missionary who will probably leave in the spring,) will complete the number designed by the committee for Cape 1'almas and its out-stations. These may now be increased, under the widening supervision of the missionaries, so much relieved from ihe cares of primary instruticon, and of the secular concerns of the liiissiou. A new series of stations may then be commenced from some fresh starting point on the coast. The prospect of permanency now attending the station at Cape Palmas, the rapidly fathering population in its immediate vicinity, anil the in- creasing congregation already worshipping in the mi-snni dwelling-house, plead urgently for the erection of a plain but substantial chapel. The missionaries sensibly feel tile want of such a place of worship as limiting the result of their labours. The estimated cost of such a building is from one thousand five hundred to two thousand dollars. |