 |
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
|||
|
||||
|
||||
|
Maryland State Archives Maryland Colonization Journal Collection MSA SC 4303 msa_sc4303_scm11070-0139 Enlarge and print image (5M) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
||||
|
||||
|
Maryland State Archives Maryland Colonization Journal Collection MSA SC 4303 msa_sc4303_scm11070-0139 Enlarge and print image (5M) |
| MARYLAND COLONIZATION JOURNAL. 143 COLONIZATION JOURNAL. MONDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1839. All communications intended for the Maryland Colonization Journal, or on business of the Society, should be addressed to the Rev. Ira A. Easter, Home Agent, Colonization Rooms, Post Office Building. It may be well to mention to the friends and patrons of our paper, tliat its publication has been delayed by the continued indisposition of the editor. Correspondents and others will please extend their indulgence, should any acknowledg- ment be inadvertently omitted. The Treasurer of the Maryland State Colo- nization Society, acknowledges the receipt of $63.25, collected by Mr. Roberts, in the counties of Harlbrd and Baltimore in the mouth of No- vember, viz : Collections at Bel Air, $16.03 Do " Abingdon, 8.12 Do " Janettsville, 16.50 Do " Hickory, 1.00 Do " Gunpowder, 1.00 ------- 42.70 Do " Black Horse, 11.50 Do " Maryland Line, 1.00 Do " St. James' 3.00 Public collection, 2.05 ------- 20.53 $63.25 Contribution by the Union Colonization Society, of Middletown valley, Md. to purchase beasts of burden for the colony, at Cape Palmas, by Rev. Mr. Leatherman, Treasurer, 50.00 Do. by Mr. John Johns, of Snow Hill, Balto. co. Md., for the Cape Palmas Packet, 60.00 Do. by Rev. James P. Carrol, of Russel Co. Va. 5.00 Oneida County Colonization Society. Annual Report read at the Aunual Meeting held in the Reformed Dutch Church in Utica, Sept. 23, 1S39, and resolutions adopted by the Society. REPORT. To the Oneida County Colonization Society : The Executive Board, in pursuance of tlie pro- visions of the Constitution, respectfully report: That the events of the past year allbrd just cause of gratulatien to the friends of the plan of colonizing, with their own consent, free people of colour on the coast of Africa. The operations of the various societies engaged in the promotion of the object, have been eminently successful during the year, and are calculated to inspire their patrons with new zeal in their support, and with increased confidence in their utility and their benefit to the race for whose relief they were loriiicd. A new vigour has been imparted to the efforts made by t-ach of the societies, to create happy homes lor the oppressed and unfortunate descendants of the African race, upon the soil which their fathers trod and where their ashes sleep. The opposition to their measures is gradually but very perceptibly wearing away, and each day's experience is accu- mulating proofs of the feasibility and benevolence of their,"plans, and allaying the fears which those who have honestly doubted their claim upon the public confidence'have entertained. This is cause of gratitude to the Governor of the Universe, and at the same time a distinct intimation of His pro- vidence to encourage us in our labours. A prominent event in the history of the trans- action of Colonization Societies during the year is the re-organization of the National Society. At the time ol the formation of the Oneida County Society, one year since, the efforts of the friends of African colonization were chiefly directed through four dillerent channels, each of which was independent of and disconnected from the others. The American colonization society, the parent institution, having under its charge the first colonies planted in Africa in the vicinity of Monrovia; the Maryland colonization society, the New York and Pennsylvania societies, and the Mississippi state coloni/.ation society—each of whom had established independent colonies. The separate action ol the dillerent societies was found to be subject to many inconveniences, which an union of the whole would obviate j and it was be- lieved by those best fitted from their experience in the affairs of the colonies to judge, that great advantages would result to the cause if they could all be harmoniously organized into one republic. A convention was accordingly held in Philadel- phia, in the fall of 1838, composed of delegates from the dillerent societies, at which a plan of union was agreed upon, which was subsequently adopted at the annual meeting of the American colonization society i!'. December last. The plan involved a revision of the constitution of the na- tional society, which was accordingly made. A reference to the new constitution will show the new features which have been introduced into it. At the same meeting of the society a constitu- tion of the commonwealth of Liberia was adopt- ed. By its provisions the legislative power of the commonwealth is vested in a Governor and Council, who are authorized to enact laws to be aubject to revocation by the society. The execu- tive power is vested in the Governor who is ap- pointed by the society, and a Lieut. Governor elected by the citizens of Liberia. A supreme court of which the Governor is ex-olficio chief justice is established and inferior courts are to be erected by legislative enactment, and the com- mon law, so far as is applicable to the situation of the people is declared to be the law of the land. This constitution has since its formation been submitted to the inhabitants of the colonies, and received by them with great unanimity of feeling. The government has been organized under it, and is at present in successful operation undcrthe administration of Thomas Buchanan, Esq. a gen- tleman well known to the liicnds of colonization in Oneida comity, and admirably qualified to com- mand the respect and confidence as well of the colonists as of the American community. The executive board, eaily in the present year, deeming tha organization of a state colonization society in this state very important to the inter- ests of the cause, accordingly opened a corres- pondence with the New York city society, with a view to a convention for the purpose, to be held in New York during the anniversary week in May last. Such a convention was thereupon called by the latter society, and was held upon the 8th day of that month. A delegation was ap- pointed by the board to represent this society in its deliberations, consisting of Rev. IJoct. Penny, Hon. Henry A. Foster, Rev. Moses Chase, Rev. Alfred Hough, and Joshua Spencer and John F. Seymour, Esq'rs. The proceedings of the con- vention were characterised by great harmony, and a determination to prosecute with vigor '.he plans of the benevolent founders of the system of Afri- can colonization. A state society was organized whose centre of operations is to be at Albany, and the executive board are informed lhat its board of managers are actively and efficiently en- gaged in rendering it extensively useful. The executive board would therefore respectfully re- commend to this society, the passage of a resolu- tion that this society become directly auxiliary to the state society They believe this course will be calculated to produce harmony 9!' action, and by the aid of combined strength, much greater efficiency in the prosecution of the common en- terprize. The purchase of a ship to be navigated by men of colour, to ply as a regular trader between the United States, and the colony of Liberia, an en- terprize which was contemplated at the adjourned meeting of this society in Nov. last, has been ac- complished, ami one successful and prosperous voyage has already been completed by her. The vessel purchased was the ship Saluda of three hundred tons burthen. She sailed from Norfolk in February last with emigrants for Monrovia, and returned to the United States in June. She sailed on hersecond voyage in August, carrying a number of emigrants and a valuable cargo. The establishment of a regular intercourse be- tween this country and the colonies, will prove a very great benefit to thein and tend to dill'use throughout the whole community at home, cor- rect intelligence concerning their aiiairsand their true state and condition, ami the inducements to emigrate which they oiler to the black population of this country. The leading object of our so- cieties is to erect upon the African coast inviting homes lor the freed-iuan of America—homes sur- rounded with all the blessings of freedom, civili- zation and Christianity. In elfecting this object, every measure calculated to throw light upon the wt'.ule subject, to exhibit the true and the precise elfect of the means they are employing cannot fail to prove serviceable—enabling the societies to cherish tho:e whose results are beneficial, and to discontinue those which tend to evil. In no way can the precise operation of all the means employed, be so readily made known as by the establr-hmcnt of regular and frequent communica- tions with Africa. The success of the enterprize of purchasing the Saluda, will undoubtedly in- duce the establishment of a regular line of Afri- can traders, and this probably within the lapse of a very short period. During the past year the exertions of our fel- low labourers mother states have received afresh impulse, and most cheering news have reached us from every quarter of th.; Union. Early in the year a very powerful feeling in behalf of the co- lonization scheme was excited in New England, and very liberal contributions were made in its aid in all the principal towns. The attention of the benevolent in the Western and Southwestern States has been more than ever aroused to the importance of Ihe object, and we arc assured that the feeling in its favour is daily increasing. The state society of Mississippi is prosecuting the erec- tion of its colony of Mississippi in Liberia with great vigour, and the favour with which its plans are regarded may be inferred from the princely donations which have been made to its treasury within a lew months. The brig Mail, a regular packet, is now owned by the colony, and plies between New-Orleans and tireenville the site of the society's colony in Africa, and it has a smaller vessel employed upon the coast of Africa. The Louisiana State state society continues to give efficient aid to the cause, ami numbers among its friends many of the most distinguished citizens of the state. A state society has recently been form- ed in Missouri, and at a recent visit of the agent of the American colonization society to that state, it was resolved by the inhabitants of St. Louis to raise «2000 lor the cause. These facts are cheer- ing to the friends of the cause, and in view of the opposition which a few years since met them in all parts of the Union, they furnish abundant rea- son for gratitude to the Providence which has or- dered them. By the constitution of our society, the execu- tive board is bound to report to the society at the annual meeting, the amount of moneys collected and their disposition. Since the organization of the society in September last, the board have been unable to procure the services of an agent to cir- culate colonization intelligence throughout the county, and to form town societies where their organization appeared desirable. It hastherelbrc availed itself ol Ihe assistance ailbrded by the ven- erable corresponding secretary of the New York city society, and the Rev. Moses Chase, agent of the state society. The labours of these gentlemen were of necessity confined to a small portion of the county, and a very considerable part of its ter- ritory has not been visited by any agent; and the claims of the cause have been presented to but a small portion of its population. Yet the boaid are persuaded that the public feeling in the county in favour of the cause is increasing. The con- tributions in the county dining the year which have been paid and appropriated, amount to the sum of $1,255.50 Of this sum $1000.19, has been appropriated in aid of the cause through the New York city colonization society, and $255.31 through the national society. There is in addi- tion to this sum $745 subscribed, which is as yet uncollected, making an aggregate of $2000. The board believe, that if a competent agent can be employed to present the claims of the cause, a much greater sum may be raised in another year. In very few churches have collections been taken up, and in very many no intelligence of the one- rations of the friends of African colonization lias been published for several years. The board deem it very desirable that the merits of the cause be distinctly presented to the churches of every denomination in the county as olten as once in each year. Although our plans aim incidentally at the relief of a great political evil, yet our first and great object is one of benevolence to the oppress- ed and suffering. We seek the enfranchisement of a large portion of our fellow citizens, who, though nominally free, are still the slaves of a multitude of depressing causes which prevent their elevation to the level of intelligent freemen. We also seek the civilization and evangelization of the eighty millions of Africa, and their elevation to an equality with the most favoured of mankind. The colonies established by the various societies with whom we co-operate, atlbrd, with a single exception, the only resting places on the western shore of Africa, for the christian missionary to her benighted sons. At this moment there are within the jurisdiction of the American colonies of Liberia, seventeen missionaries of the Metho- dist Episcopal Church, who maintain seven mis- sion schools containing two hundred and fifty-four pupils. A mission under the charge of the Amer- ican board of commissioners for Ibreign missions, employing two clergymen, a printer, three female assistants and three native assistants, and main- taining three day schools and a boarding school. A mission under the charge of the American Bap- tist board employing three clergymen, a teacher and a female assistant, and a mission of the Pro- testant Episcopal Church employing a clergyman and physician, with several assistants, and having under its charge a mission school. We may therefore, with propriety ask of the various christian churches in our county, a fair examination of the society's claims, and a co op- eiation in its elforts to impart light and the warmth of gospel knowledge to the sons of Afri- ca. The executive board therefore, recommend to the society, the passage of a resolution request- ing the ministers of the several chinches, through- out the county, to present the claims of the cause to their congregations, if convenient, on the Sun- day preceding the fourth of July in each year, and the taking up a collection or subscription in its aid. They believe that such elforts are entire- ly within the sphere of benevolence which should limit the action of a christian church, and that they may without violating the rules of christian courtesy earnestly recommend them to the reli- gious of every denomination. All which is respectfully submitted. RESOLUTIONS. Resolved, That the ministers of christian churches of every denomination in this county, be requested to take up an annual contribution in their several congregations, if convenient, on the Sunday next before or after the fourth day of July, ill aid of the funds of the colonization society ; and that the secretary transmit to the minister of each church a copy of the report of the proceed- ings of the society and of this resolution. Resolved, That it is very desirable that the American public be furnished annually wilh sta- tistical reports, showing the actual condition of the colonies on the coast of Africa; and that the parent society be requested to obtain from the co- lonial government, periodical reports exhibiting the number of emigrants arriving in the colonies and of inhabitants leaving them ; the births, mar- riages and deaths occuriing; the number of churches and schools, with their condition; the actual expurts and imports and the estimated pro- ductions, together with such other information as might be useful in forming a correct estimate of the condition, resources and prospects of the colonies. Resolved, That the abolition of the slave trade throughout the world, demands the prayers and the most vigorous action of every civilized nation : And, whereas, it is asserted, that, owing to the immunity from the right of search which is en- joyed by vessels sailing under the Aineiican flag, that flag is prostituted to the protection of the pirates engaged in the inhuman traffic— Resolved, That in view of this fact, it is the solemn duty of the government of the United States to adopt the necessary measures to prevent our national flag from furnishing a protection to this species of piracy. Resolved, That in view of the effect which the plan of colonizing free people of colour on the coast of Africa, has already produced in promo- ting the emancipation of slaves in the United Slates, it is eminently worthy of the sympathies and support of all the friends of the slave. Resolved, That the influence of colonization upon the civilization and evangelization of Africa, commends it to the cordial support of the civilized world. The Slave Trade. Mr. Buxton, of the British Parliament, has re- cently published a work on the Slave Trade, in which tie establishes the position that the whole system hitherto pursued for its suppression is rad- ically and fundamentally at faun lor the attain- ment of the proposed end; and that it has only increased the amount and immeasurably aggrava- ted the horrors of the traffic. The reason of this opinion, not to mention the facts by which it is sustained, is grounded upon the all-prevailing power of human cupidity. The profits of the trade arc so enormous that men are Ibund in abundance ready to incur all the perils and risks attendant on its prosecution. If the lives ol one half of the victims are sacrificed in the couise of the traffic, the business it is said, will still be lu- crative. The want of agreement and of earner-tinm among the nations that have bound thorn-elves by treaty to suppress the trade has contribuled to the ill success ol the present system. Yet it is the opinion of Mr. Buxton that the union of all na- tions, in good faith, even if it could be obtained, would be unavailing, upon the mode of action now adopted, to secure the desired result. Among other causes which have led to the in- crease of the traffic within a few years past the Emancipation Act of the British government, it is alleged, has not been the least. Like the be- nevolent project of the good Las Casas, this well meant measure seems likely to increase in anoth- er form the evil which it was designed to remove. The conviction seems to be gaining ground that the only practicable means of accomplishing the extinction of the slave trade is to introduce civilization along the whole African coast, and. as far as possible, info Die interior. The plan of colonization derives additional importance from this consideration. It will be an interesting sight to note the progress of the conflict now beginning between two antagonist principles—human sel- fishness on the one hand, seeking to perpetuate an abominable traffic ; and benevolence counteracting it, on the other part, not by direct opposition so much as by pursuing its quiet and peaceful course, leaving results to come of themselves. The suc- cessful attainment of the end proposed by the friends of African colonization would present a spectacle to the world new and unparalleled—an exhibition of benevolence on a scale so grand and magnificent as to stand forever a monument of the age. Mankind would behold a nation re-cre- ated : and the workings of an overruling Provi- dence would be seen by which the servitude of a people in a distant land became the means of the acquisition of a blessing, the greatest which can belong to intellectual man. In this great under- taking it becomes the people of the United States to assume the foremast place. Every step that is taken in it will do something to retrieve the errors of former generations, and to vindicate the char- acter of our own.—American. [From the Massachusetts Spy.] 'L. E. L.' 'The death of L. E. McLean, late L. E. Lan- don, wife of the Governor of Cape Coast Castle, and perhaps better known as L. E. L. is con- firmed. Slie was found dead on the floor of her room, with a phial of prussic acid in her hand, and the jury gave as a verdict that she had probably taken an over-dose, for spasms of the stomach, to which she was subject, and which were re-excited by the change of climate—her husband, it appears, suffering at the same time.' A dirge from Afric's golden strand, Above a funeral bier. Hymned sadly by a mournful band. Low, murmuring, meets the ear. They lift the dark and heavy pall— Tiiey make an early grave, Where southern sunbeams richly fall, And sighing palm trees wave. The talented, the beautiful, Far from her native bovvers, Is laid in Ibreign lands to rest. Amid the orange flowers. And, as that stricken mourner, pale, Bends sadly o'er her bier, Far o'er the seas, a nation's wail Is borne like incense there. How many an eye for her shall weep,— What tears unbidden start Forth fioin the gushing fountains deep. Of feeling in Ihe heart! No cankering care, no sorrow's blight, Had dimmed hei sparkling eye,— Her bark o'er summer seas was borne, Beneath a cloudless sky. Sweet harmonist! what touch like thins Shall thrill the bosom's chords,— Who wake such melody as thine, Such spirit-stirring words ! What 'thoughts that breathe and words that burn,' Traced by thy skilful hand, Depict the passions that in turn, Usurp the heart's command? Thy sister spirit went before— A thorny path she trod— Yet now, we trust, for evermore. Ye both shall dwell with God. And Landon's, joined with Hemans' name. And registered on high. Shall bear on earth, th' illustrious fame. Which is not born to die. 2d mo. 15, 1839. Aba. South America.—We published some days ago fiom an article in the Globe, a list of the Presidents now at the head of the South American republics. With but one exception these officers are all military men, and the government of each is little other than the rule of force. The article alluded to contained some reflections upon the contrast which is exhibited between the Americo- Spanish States and those of North America, which are of Anglo-Saxon origin. The subject is indeed an instructive one, and shows how the spirit and genius of a people constitute the principle of na- tional vigour and durability. It is not enough to say that the North American colonists were habi- tuated of old to the customs and fbims of a repre- sentative government, and that therefore tliey fell easily and naturally into the republican system. The Romans were never more familiar with re- publican forms and observances than when the supremacy of Ca-sar was established upon the ruins of the Commonwealth. Nor is it a sufficient explanation ol the fact, that the Spanish provinces have failed in their attempts at self-government to urge their inexperience with the modes of demo- cratic institution-.. If the spirit of freemen had been present with them, the modes of freedom would not have been long wanting. And it is to the difference in spirit and character between the two races that we are to look for the true reason of the great dissimilarity of results which has marked the progress of both. The original causes of this dissimilarity it is not necessary now to touch upon—history may illustrate them. It is very certain that climate, local situation and adventi- tious circumstances generally have had not much to do with the chief matter. The energetic will, the spirit of hold independence, the indomitable soul, fired with a consciousness of human rights— these are the heaven-derived elements of Anglo- Saxon greatness, and under any sky, upon any suil, in the midst of circumstances untoward or favourable, these won Id work out a mighty develop- ment, and stamp the impress of majesty upon any people. There is another thing to be learned, as a corol- lary to this, from the present condition of the South American States. Those communities, free only in name, may show how little the forms of republican government avail when the real power of self-government—the power of virtue ami of intelligence inwardly seated—has no subsistence in the hearts and minds of a people. The throw- ing off of a foreign yoke will go but a little way in making a nation free, unless there be a native energy ready to spring up to dispense a whole- some government—the government of reason and of right. To look to the outvvaul form of a con- stitution as a guarantee of liberty, without regard to the inward disposition of a people, is a sort of delusion as miserable as was that of the infatuated Jews, who turned towards their temple of human construction as a palladium of safety, long after the Divinity had forsaken it for ever.—American. The Albany papers make mention of Mr. El- liot Cresson, the distinguished advocate of African colonization. Mr. ('. is now lecturing in that city on his favourite theme. The importance of this subject is becoming more apparent in conse- quence of the late discoveries of the great extent of the slave trade at present, and the conviction which seems to be gaining ground that the most elfectual way to suppress the traffic is to line the coast of Africa with settlements of Africo-Amerj. can colonists.—Ibid, |