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Maryland State Archives Maryland Colonization Journal Collection MSA SC 4303 msa_sc4303_scm11070-0098 Enlarge and print image (5M) |
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Maryland State Archives Maryland Colonization Journal Collection MSA SC 4303 msa_sc4303_scm11070-0098 Enlarge and print image (5M) |
| 102 MARYLAND COLONIZATION JOURNAL. divine favour which has thus far blessed the la- bours of the weak hands employed in the cause of colonization. At an expense less than is often lavished on the mansion of a dweller in our cities, a nation has been planted on the coast of Africa, without one adverse circumstance having checked or marred its young existence; and growing in size, prosperity, and happiness, it promises to become, under His protection, another beacon of civilization and the gospel. John H. B. Latrobe, Prest.of the Md. State Col. Society. REPORT OF THE MANAGERS Of THE STATE COLONIZATION FUND, FOR THE REMOVAL OF THE FREE PEOPLE OF COLOUR; TO THE LEGISLATURE OF MARYLAND. To his Excellency Thomas W. Veazey, Governor of Maryland: The report of the Managers of the State Colo- nization fund, respectfully represents:— That during the past year, the Managers have expended the annual appropriation committed to their charge, in the removal of the free people of colour from the state, to the Maryland colony at Cape Palmas, and in the preparation there, for the further emigration which it is expected will take place. The expenditure has been made through the agency of the Maryland State Colonization Society, the usefulness and efficiency of whose operations are fully proved by the thriving and prosperous condition of their settlement. Of this, the managers are satisfied, not only from the statements furnished by the State Colonization Society, but from the current testimony of nume- rous and impartial visitors. The uianageis, in adopting a S)stem to govern them in the expenditure of the annual appropria- tion to the object, deemed that they would best promote the views of the legislature and the inte- rests of the state, by placing the colony at Cape Palmas on a safe and permanent foundation. The act of Assembly under which the mana- gers were appointed, authorizes them to provide a place on the coast of Africa for the reception of emigrants from Maryland, as well as to furnish the means for the transportation of such emigrants. The managers took the colonization plan as the one which is to be made ultimately successful, through the voluntary emigration of the free peo- ple, in the same way that the emigration Irorn Europe to America is now carried on; and they believe that all that is necessary to bring about this result, in addition to the pressure of circum- stances upon the free people of colour here, is to make the colony on the coast of Africa, an indus- trious, happy, and moral community. The mana- gers are satisfied that this can be done, and that a judicious expenditure of the funds at their dispo- sal, in the providing for the reception of emi- grants, and in promoting the improvement of the colony, is more desirable in the early periods of the colony than the crowding of emigrants upon it. As far as they can judge, and they have every possible opportunity, the managers believe the proceedings of the State Colonization Society have been wise and to good effect. The mana- gers are persuaded that the agency of the society have been productive of much saving to the state; in this way the society investj the funds obtained from the managers, in goods, which their expe- rience enables them to select, with reference to the African market,—and these are sent to the colony, where, at an hundred per cent, ad- vance, they constitute the money of the settle- ment. Were the agent in Africa, for instance, to require a thousand dollars worth of goods to make preparations for emigrants, and was obliged to procure them on the coast, he would have to give a draft on the managers for that sum, to the tran- sient trader, from whom he would receive in re- turn, goods that had cost but five hundred dollars in the United States; whereas, by converting the one thousand dollars in the goods required, in the United States, and sending them to the agent in Africa, he would have two thousand instead of one thousand dollars worth of available means. To conduct the business of colonization in this way, requires a mercantile system of manage- ment, which the managers would not be able, without great trouble and expense to obtain, and which is fully obtained through the agency of the itate society. In their last annual report the managers allude to the prevalence of an abolition feeling among many of the free people of colour, which interfered with the proceedings of the agents for collecting emigrants; and they are sorry that they cannot announce that it has ceased to exist. From all that they can learn, the effort of abolitionism is directed mainly to the defeat of colonization ; and the agents arc still followed by those who strive by falsehood and misrepresentation to prevent emi- gration to Africa. The Board of Managers are informed, however, and believe that a change in this particular is gradually taking place, and the most powerful agent in producing it, is intelli- gence, well authenticated, of the growing pros- perity of the Maryland colony. During the past year ninety-two emigrants have been sent to Africa, and the prospect is good for a much larger number during the coming year. Indeed, when the agents were collecting the last fall expedition, the applications were more nume- rous than the state society deemed it proper to send, and applications were, in consequence dis- couraged. The MM drawn from the treasury during the fiscal year of the state was $10,000. With a view to carry out the plans and views hereinafter stated, the managers propose to draw for a larger sum during the ensuing twelve months. They believe that by so doing they will the more essen- tially promote the objects of legislation on the subject—hastening the period when the emigra- tion of the free coloured people from the state to the Maryland colony, will be the result of a general feeling in its favour, and be cairied on without cost to the state, by the free coloured people themselves. The number of manumissions, immediate and prospective during the past year has been two hunilP'd and eighty-six, and the whole number of manumissions since the passage of the act, under which the managers were appointed, is eighteen hundred and sixty-seven. All of which is respectfully submitted. Charles Howard, Wm. R. Stuart, Franklin Anderson. All communications intended for the Maryland Colonization Journal, ur on business of the Society, should be addressed to the Rrv. Ir» A. Easter, Home Agent, Colonization Rooms, Post Office Building. Maryland State Colonization Society. At a meeting of the Maryland State Coloniza- tion Society, held on Tuesday, January 1st, 1839, at the Colonization office in Baltimore, Doct. Thomas E. Bond, Senr. was called to the chair, and William Crane, appointed secretary. On motion resolved, That the Society now go into an election of officers for the ensuing year, when the following persons were put in nomina- tion and unanimously elected. President. JOHN H. B. LATROBE. Vice Presidents. Thomas E. Bond, John H. Briscoe, Charles Howard, High D. Evans, Phil. It. Hoffman, John G. Proud. Managers. William Crane, Francis H. Smith, Wm. Woodward, George M. Rogers, Wm. R. Stuart, Thomas Wilson, George S. Gibson, William Bose, Luther J. Cox, And. F. Henderson, William Mason, Hugh Jenkins. Franklin Anderson, Cor. Secretary. William F. Giles, Rec. Secretary. Robert Mickle, Treasurer. On motion, the meeting then adjourned to meet at Annapolis, on Wednesday the 23d January. Agents, Rev. Ira A. Easter, Home Agent Rev. John H. Kennard, John M. Roberts, Travelling Agts. Managers of the Maryland State Fund. Under 'An Aft relating tr, the People of Colour in Ellis State,' appointed by the Executive of the State of Maryland. CHARLES HOWARD, WILLIAM R. STUART, FRANKLIN ANDERSON. colonization, now entertained by the coloured people, would be more speedily and effectually removed, than by any other means which could be devised. He stated some facts which came within his own knowledge, of the influence of such visits. Alexander Hance, formerly a citizen of Calvert county, left this state some years since, and became a citizen of Maryland in Liberia. He left a part of his family behind him, and at the time appointed, he returned on a visit to his friends, and took his relations with him. More recently, Thomas Jackion had pursued the same course, with similar success. These instances served to demonstrate how the system would operate when the intercourse between Maryland and her colony should be more frequent and direct. He read a letter just put into his hands by a friend, written by an intelligent gentleman on the Eastern Shore, fully corroborating his own experience. He therefore united cordially with the mover of the resolution, in the expression of an earnest desire that the most effective measures would be adopted by the Society, to secure, at the earliest period, the ownership of a vessel. On motion of Mr. Sollers, of Calvert, Resolved, That the gratitude of the friends of colonization in Maryland, is due and hereby ten- dered to the Rev. John H. Kennard, an agent of the State Colonization Society, for the zeal and untiring assiduity which has characterized his labours in the discharge of the duties of his station. The exercises of the meeting were closed by prayer by the Rev. Mr. McIlhenny, when the Society adjourned, sine die. Proceedings of the Seventh Annual Meeting held at Annapolis. At the Seventh Annual Meeting of the Mary- land State Colonization Society, held in the Senate chamber of the state house, at Annapolis, on Wednesday, the 23d January, 1839, la the absence of the President, Col. Wm. R. Stuart, one of the Vice-Presidents, in the chair, supported by the honourable Speakers of the Senate and House of Representatives, and the Rev. Ira A. Easter, acting as secretary pro tem. The meeting was opened with an address to the throne of grace, by the Rev. Mr. Vinton, of the Metho- dist Episcopal church. Alter which the secretary read to the meeting extracts from the seventh annual report of the Board of Managers. On motion of Mr. Ricuad, senator from Kent, Resolved, That the thanks of the Society be presented to the Board of Managers, for the able and successful manner in which they have dis- charged their duties the past year: and that the annual report and accompanying documents be printed. On motion of Mr. Sollers, of the house of delegates, from Calvert, Resolved, That abolition is a curse to those whom it pretends to benefit, and that coloniza- tion presents the only practicable plan by which the condition of the coloured population can be ameliorated. On motion of Mr. Causin, of St. Mary's, Resolved, That this Society hold colonization to be the antagonist of abolition, and find flu- best proof of the importance of the former to the states where slavery exists, in the untiring efforts made by the latter to defeat and prostrate it. On motion of the Rev. Mr. Easter, Resolved, That the Rev. Clergy of the state of Maryland, be requested to take up collections on or about the coming fourth of July, in aid of the State Society. The meeting was addressed successively by Messrs. Ricaud, Sollers and Causin, with ani- mation, point and energy, each of them present- ing with much eloquence, the views connected with the resolutions offered, and were heard with great satisfaction by the large and intelligent au- dience in attendance. On motion of Mr. Thomas Wilson, a mem- ber of the Board of Managers from Baltimore, Resolved, That this Society greatly approve of the plan of purchasing a vessel for the purpose of establishing a regular packet between this state and Maryland in Liberia, believing the same will greatly promote the cause of colonization. Mr. Wilson presented to the audience a lucid statement of the advantages which would result to the Society, from the possession of a vessel to be run as a packet between Baltimore and Cape Palmas, and concluded by expressing an earnest wish that the object embraced in the resolution might be speedily accomplished. The resolution was seconded by the honourable Judge Chambers, who made a most etfective speech. The honourable Judge left the conviction on every mind, that as Maryland had taken the lead of all the states in the union in the cause of colonization, and had thus far most successfully sustained and carried forward the enterprise,— planting on the coast of Africa, a colony called by tier own name,—giving existence to a state, and supplying it with all the elements of prosperity,— she was bound by every consideration to fulfil the contract, which she had made with those who, under her patronage, had consented to become inhabitants of Maryland in Liberia. He said it was our duty to inquire into the most efficient means for the accomplishment of this im- portant end. Among them, perhaps, none had been devised more efficient than the object pre- sented in the resolution. Could the Society become possessed of a vessel, the direct communication between the city of Baltimore and the Maryland colony, would enable the colonists and their friends in this country, to interchange frequent visits, through which, he thought, the prejudice against Our Prospects. The friends and patron? of colonization have just witnessed the close of another year in the progress of an enterprise, which has been thus far owned of God, and found favour with a large ami intelligent portion of the American commu- nity. Those who have watched the regular advances of the cause, and seen the increasing interest which it gathers, must be stimulated with the hope of ultimately realizing all that was anti- cipated by the founders of the institution. Maryland is peculiarly situated, possessing ad- vantages for the vigorous and successful prosecu- tion of the scheme, far beyond any state in the union, where colonization is a favoured object by the legislature of the state, united with sound public sentiment to sustain the act of appropria- tion made by the state, and the voice of the press to encourage the Board of Managers in their efforts to give efficiency to their plans, both here and in Africa. This Journal commenced without individual patronage, issued at the commencement with a view to disseminate in the cheapest form the prin- ciples, objects and success of the Society, is gradually gaining the favour and confidence of the community, and must at no distant day occupy an important place among the periodicals devoted to philanthropy and religion. We are assured by gentlemen of intelligence and influence trom dif- ferent portions of the state, that no paper is received into their families with more pleasure, or read with greater interest. Such testimony from sources so respectable, cannot fail to produce cor- responding efforts on the part of trie Board to render their paper every way acceptable to its readers, and a valuable auxiliary to the institution whose claims it is designed to advocate. It is the object of the Board to expend the receipts for the Journal in giving it wider circula- tion in the state, the enlargement of the size of the sheet on which it is printed, and its publication as often as the public taste, with the increas- ing interest of the cause may demand. The public are already informed that Mr. Koberts was employed nearly a year ago to obtain subscribers lor the Journal, and to solicit contributions to the Society. His success, taking into consideration the peculiar difficulty of the times, has been most encouraging. The counties of St. Mary's, Charles and Prince George's, have generously contri- buted towards the enterprise, and the list of sub- scribers is greatly augmented through their libe- rality. Should other portions of the stale do as well, his efforts during the present year will place the Journal on an independent footing. The whole interest of colonization, both at home and in Africa, so far as Maryland is con- cerned, is in the most healthy condition ; and trust- ing in the protection and assistance of & kind Providence, we have much to encourage us to diligence and perseverance. expenie comparatively trivial, and with success unprecedented in the history of colonies. Surely if light and facts in regard to this bene- volent enterprise, can produce increased convic- tion of its importance, those who will give the time necessary for a careful perusal of the report, will receive such information as will produce this desirable effect. Contributions to the Maryland State Colonization Society, by the citizens of Baltimore, through their agent, Mr. John M. Roberts. The Home Agent would respectfully acknow- ledge the receipt of donations since the 1st of January, from the following individuals: J. A. Ackland, $5 00 Otis Spear, 5 00 E. W. Merrill, 5 00 Geo. C. Addison, 2 00 H. Beadell & Co. 50 00 S. Prather, 1 00 Jacob Heald & Co. 5 00 Geo. S. Gibson, 50 00 Wm. Crane, 10 00 F. H. Smith, 6 00 Col. J. Mosher, 5 00 Hoffman & Baugh- man, 5 00 J. Landstreet, 5 00 Lot Ensey, 6 00 S. D. Walker, 5 00 A. B. Davidson, 5 00 A. Constable, 10 00 McKim &. Bro. 5 00 F. Behler, 50 Mrs. Donnel, 4 00 W. Gist, 5 00 E. T. Ellicott, 6 00 T. Flint, 5 00 J. R. Kelso, 5 00 R. N. Smith, B 00 R. S. Stuart, 5 00 Meredith & Spen- cer, 5 00 Jones, Woodward &. Co. 10 00 Tal. Jones St Co. 20 00 F. & R. Voss, 5 00 J. Armour, 2 00 R. Sinclair, Jr. 5 00 A. T. Baxter, 5 00 Richard Lemmon, 5 00 Robert Lemmon, 5 00 Orem & Morling, 5 00 W. F. Dalrymple, 5 00 Joseph Hiskey, 5 00 Wm. Alexander, 5 00 John & S. William, 5 00 J. Q. Hewlett, 5 00 John Kipp, 5 00 Benj. C. Ward, 5 00 Wm. Tiffany, 5 00 Geo. Tiffany, 5 00 Robt. P. Brown, 5 00 W. A. Patterson, 5 00 If. B. Whitaker, 10 00 Mrs. Onidortf, 1 00 James Hance, 6 00 A. B. Murray, 5 00 Annual Report. The seventh Annual Report of the Board of of Managers will be found on our first page, and is commended to the careful perusal of all who take an interest in the coloured race. The information which it gives of the operations of the Society, renders any remarks which we might wish to make, unnecessary. To the citizens of Maryland in particular, it cannot fail to prove an interesting document, as colonization is now, evidently, a favourite scheme of the state. In the present attitude of a/fairs in regard to the coloured race, when one degree after another of excitement pre- vails in almost every part of the United States, the citizens of Maryland may congratulate themselves on the quiet and tranquillity which exists through- out our borders. The cause of colonization is every where discussed by the agents of the Society, and received with the warmest expressions of approbation by the citizens : and their labours are regarded as salutary, in keeping in check the law- less and exciting doctrines of modern abolition. W'e rejoice that the report makes known officially such important facts, and invites the cooperation of the citizens in every part of the state with the agents of the Society, to render ineffectual any attempt on the part o( abolition lecturers, to dis- turb the public tranquillity, now to eminently enjoyed. The report dwells at length on the precise prin- ciples of the scheme of colonization, and makes plain the way in which it is designed to accom- plish its benevolent purposes. Let no one say hereafter that the scheme is chimerical, or inca- pable of removing to their fatherland, the coloured population of the United States, as any excuse for withholding their contributions. The report slates with peculiar force and clearness, that the object of the colonizationist does not aim at the accom- plishment of this end by voluntary aid. But they design to plant in Africa, colonies capable of self-support and self-government, combined with industry, intelligence and religion. This has to some extent been already accomplished at an Abolition vs. the Christian Ministry. The following communication, put into our hands by an esteemed friend, is published in the Journal with a view to furnishing information of the effect which the spirit of abolition is producing on the state of society at the north. In Mary- land, happily lor society and the ministry, we are exempt thus far from the encroachments'of aboli- tion lecturers, and judging from the present exten- sive and decided opposition to their ultra measures, there is little to be apprehended for the future. But we can and do sympathize with those of our brethren in the northern states, who are extensive sufferers from the labours of a class of men who think they are doing God service by uprooting the foundations of social order and ministerial I. Sil- ence. With such men the propagation of abolition. doctrines is deemed of much greater importance than preaching the doctrines of the gospel, or the preservation and maintenance of the peace and harmony of society. May heaven defend us from these wolves in sheep's clothing ! (For the Colonization Journal.) Extract from a letter from a gentleman to his correspondent at the north. I cannot forbe.ir to tell you there is a paragraph in your recent letter that has occasioned me much anxiety. You inquire, 'what strange thing do you suppose has happened here,—in this place of steady habits and ministerial influence? Why nothing less than this, the Rev. Mr.------, of the ------ church, came along lecturing on slavery. Some of our influential men determined to hear him, and they did it, without the knowledge of our minister, because they thought he would oppose it.' Whether you are aware of it or not, this state- ment is made with an air of triumph,—a kind of exultation as though some influence adverse to human welfare had been overcome. Now if I suppose this state of mind peculiar to yourself, though I might esteem you personally the less, I should also see less ground for anxiety. But so widely different is this from every thing I have seen in you, in time past, that I am constrained to believe it is imbibed from those agitators of the public peace who have come amongst you. So far. then, as their power extends, all ranks are to be levelled, and all influence destroyed which cannot be dragged into their service. Not even the altar of God is to be spared, and its ministers are to be made victims. In other words, modern abolitionism is the agrarianism of ancient Rome, and the jacobinism of revolutionary France, in another form. I am sorry to make the admission, but yield to the force of evidence. I adjure you to pause, and call upon all around you to pause, and survey the ground on which you stand ! What do you expect to gain if the people should learn to disrespect the ministers of religion ? What food do you anticipate for yourself, or your chil- dren, from such a result? Will either you, or they, be more likely to enjoy the sweets of piety in life,—to die in the triumphs of a christian's faith, and enter heaven at last, from having learned to despise the ambassadors of Christ ? 1 cannot tell you what anguish it has caused _me that you should discover such a spirit. It would be quite befitting in an infidel, but coming from a professed disciple of the Saviour, is passing strange ! A ministry invested with civil power, seeking the emoluments of time, merits no advocate. Such it is not with you. From the landing of our fathers on the rock at Plymouth, its influence has been exerted to advance all that adorns and blesses society. Has any class of men been more active and successful, than this now to be insulted class, in promoting the cause of learning, industry, economy, temperance, morality, and pietv ! Not one. Has there been an institution of learning established, from the oldest of your unitersities down to the common schools, where 'ministerial influence has not been prominent ? I challenge an instance. Have you had founded an asylum for the deaf, the insane, the blind, where this influ- ence has not been used to the best effect ? Not one. I state only a fact when I say, 'ministerial influence, more than any other cause, has made New England a land of churches, of colleges, and school houses. Yet it is this influence that you rejoice to see destroyed ! Alas for the day when such attempts shall be successful. I cannot dis- miss the subject. Look at ministerial influence as we have seen it from infancy. That venerated man of God who for more than fifty years minis- tered to our parents and us, in holy things !— where within his reach, was there sorrow and he was not there to sympathize I or joy, that he did not rejoice i or ignorance, that he did not seek to COLONIZATION JOURNAL. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 1839. |