diff options
| -rw-r--r-- | .gitattributes | 3 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | 31178-8.txt | 12654 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | 31178-8.zip | bin | 0 -> 263442 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 31178-h.zip | bin | 0 -> 373906 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 31178-h/31178-h.htm | 12488 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | 31178-h/images/005.png | bin | 0 -> 99993 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 31178.txt | 12654 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | 31178.zip | bin | 0 -> 263422 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | LICENSE.txt | 11 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | README.md | 2 |
10 files changed, 37812 insertions, 0 deletions
diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/31178-8.txt b/31178-8.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..b84b3bf --- /dev/null +++ b/31178-8.txt @@ -0,0 +1,12654 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Thoughts on African Colonization, by +William Lloyd Garrison + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Thoughts on African Colonization + +Author: William Lloyd Garrison + +Release Date: February 4, 2010 [EBook #31178] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THOUGHTS ON AFRICAN COLONIZATION *** + + + + +Produced by Louise Pattison, Suzanne Shell and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net + + + + + + + + + +THOUGHTS ON AFRICAN COLONIZATION + + +Transcriber's Notes: + +This eBook is based on a 1968 reprint by Arno Press, New York, of the +original edition, published in 1832 by Garrison and Knapp, Boston. The +Table of Contents has been added by the transcriber. + +Inconsistent use of "Mr." and "Mr"; use of variable numbers of asterisks +as ellipses; irregular and archaic spelling other than noted below; +inconsistent capitalization (especially Christian vs. christian) and +hyphenation, are as per the original. + +2 blank lines between sequential block quotes indicate a new quote; 1 +blank line indicates a new paragraph in the same quote; this is similar +to the typesetting of the original. + +Footnotes have been re-indexed sequentially, using letters where symbols +were used and numbers where numbers were used in the original, and +moved to the end of each section to preserve the flow of the text. + +Minor punctuation errors, in particular inconsistent use of quotation +marks, have been corrected without note. The following typographical +errors have been corrected: + + Part I. + P. 25 "... was held, at which King George, ..." (had "Kings"). + P. 36 "... Lander, travellers in Africa, represent ..." (had "Afria"). + P. 48 "... operations have been confined to ..." (had "confied"). + P. 88 "... superintendence of any government ..." (had "goverment"). + P. 89 "... such a measure, to point ..." (had "a a"). + P. 97 "... rid ourselves of a large party ..." (had "lage"). + Footnote [P] "... the authority which compels ..." (had "which which"). + P. 126 "... country, of an anomalous race ..." (had "amomalous"). + P. 127 "... transportation of the manumitted ..." (had "transportion"). + P. 148 "... that a greater benefit may be ..." (had "may may"). + + Part II. + P. 72 "... a state far to the West ..." (had "far to far"). + P. 72 "... calculated to impress upon ..." (had "calulated"). + + + + +Table of Contents + + PREFACE xix + + PART I. + + INTRODUCTORY REMARKS. 1 + + SECTION I. 39 + + THE AMERICAN COLONIZATION SOCIETY IS PLEDGED NOT TO OPPOSE THE + SYSTEM OF SLAVERY. + + SECTION II. 61 + + THE AMERICAN COLONIZATION SOCIETY APOLOGISES FOR SLAVERY AND + SLAVEHOLDERS. + + SECTION III. 68 + + THE AMERICAN COLONIZATION SOCIETY RECOGNISES SLAVES AS PROPERTY. + + SECTION IV. 74 + + THE AMERICAN COLONIZATION SOCIETY INCREASES THE VALUE OF SLAVES. + + SECTION V. 78 + + THE AMERICAN COLONIZATION SOCIETY IS THE ENEMY OF IMMEDIATE + ABOLITION. + + SECTION VI. 95 + + THE AMERICAN COLONIZATION SOCIETY IS NOURISHED BY FEAR AND + SELFISHNESS. + + SECTION VII. 111 + + THE AMERICAN COLONIZATION SOCIETY AIMS AT THE UTTER EXPULSION OF + THE BLACKS. + + SECTION VIII. 124 + + THE AMERICAN COLONIZATION SOCIETY IS THE DISPARAGER OF THE FREE + BLACKS. + + SECTION IX. 134 + + THE AMERICAN COLONIZATION SOCIETY DENIES THE POSSIBILITY OF + ELEVATING THE BLACKS IN THIS COUNTRY. + + SECTION X. 151 + + THE AMERICAN COLONIZATION SOCIETY DECEIVES AND MISLEADS THE + NATION. + + PART II. + + SENTIMENTS OF THE PEOPLE OF COLOR. 1 + + + + + THOUGHTS + ON + AFRICAN COLONIZATION + + +[Illustration: SECTION OF A SLAVE SHIP. _From Walsh's Notes of Brazil._] + + + + +PREFACE. + + +I dedicate this work to my countrymen, in whose intelligence, +magnanimity and humanity I place the utmost reliance. Although they have +long suffered themselves to be swayed by a prejudice as unmanly as it is +wicked, and have departed widely from the golden rule of the gospel, in +their treatment of the people of color, to suppose that they will always +be the despisers and persecutors of this unfortunate class is, in my +opinion, to libel their character. A change in their feelings and +sentiments is already visible--a change which promises, ere long, to +redeem their character from the bloody stains which slavery has cast +upon it, and to release the prisoner from his chains. May they be +ashamed to persist in a mean and thievish course of conduct, and afraid +to quarrel with the workmanship of God! May a righteous indignation be +kindled in their breasts against a combination which is holding them up, +for the scorn and contempt of other nations, as incorrigible oppressors, +whom neither self-respect, nor the opinions of mankind, nor the fear of +God, can bring to repentance! Their duty is plain, and it may easily be +done. Slavery must be overthrown either by their own moral strength, or +by the physical strength of the slaves. Let them imitate the example of +the people of _Great Britain_, by seeking the immediate overthrow of the +horrid system. Let a National Anti-Slavery Society be immediately +organized, the object of which shall be, to quicken and consolidate the +moral influence of the nation, so that Congress and the State +Legislatures may be burdened with petitions for the removal of the +evil--to scatter tracts, like rain-drops, over the land, on the subject +of slavery--to employ active and eloquent agents to plead the cause +incessantly, and to form auxiliary societies--to encourage planters to +cultivate their lands by freemen, by offering large premiums; to promote +education and the mechanical arts among the free people of color, and to +recover their lost rights. Religious professors, of all denominations, +must bear unqualified testimony against slavery. They must not support, +they must not palliate it. No slaveholder ought to be embraced within +the pale of a christian church; consequently, the churches must be +purified 'as by fire.' Slavery in the District of Columbia is sustained +in our national capacity: it ought, therefore, to be prostrated at a +blow. The clause in the Constitution should be erased, which tolerates, +greatly to the detriment and injustice of the non-slaveholding States, a +slave representation in Congress. Why should property be represented at +the impoverished south, and not at the opulent north? + +To impair the force of this exposition, the ardent advocates of the +Colonization Society will undoubtedly attempt to evade the ground of +controversy, and lead uncautious minds astray in a labyrinth of +sophistry. But the question is not, whether the climate of Africa is +salubrious, nor whether the mortality among the emigrants has been +excessive, nor whether the colony is in a prosperous condition, nor +whether the transportation of our whole colored population can be +effected in thirty years or three centuries, nor whether any slaves have +been emancipated on condition of banishment; but whether the doctrines +and principles of the Society accord with the doctrines and principles +of the gospel, whether slaveholders are the just proprietors of their +slaves, whether it is not the sacred duty of the nation to abolish the +system of slavery now, and to recognise the people of color as brethren +and countrymen who have been unjustly treated and covered with unmerited +shame. _This is the question--and the only question._ + +With such a mass of evidence before them, of the pernicious, cruel and +delusive character of the American Colonization Society, I leave the +patriot, the philanthropist and the christian to judge of the fitness of +the following inflated and presumptuous assertions of its +advocates:--'The plan is of heavenly origin, against which the gates of +hell shall never prevail'--'a circle of philanthropy, every segment of +which tells and testifies to the beneficence of the whole'--'addressing +its claims alike to the patriot, and the christian, it being +emphatically the cause of liberty, of humanity, of religion'[A]--'so +full of benevolence and the hallowed impulses of Heaven's own mercy, +that one might, with the propriety of truth, compare its radiant +influences to a rainbow, insufferably bright, spanning the sombre clouds +of human wrong, that have accumulated on the horizon of our country's +prosperity, and beating back, with calm and heavenly power, the +blackening storm that always threatens, in growling thunders, a heavy +retribution'[B]--'that citizen of the United States who lifts a finger +to retard this institution, nay, that man who does not use his +persevering efforts to promote its benevolent object, fails, in our +opinion, to discharge his duty to his God and his +country'[C][1]--'nothing but a distinct knowledge and a calm +consideration of the facts in the case, is wanting to make every man of +common intelligence, common patriotism, and common humanity, the earnest +friend of the Colonization Society'!![D] + +There is one important consideration, which, owing to the contractedness +of my limits, I have omitted to enforce in this work. It is this: the +serious injury which our interests must inevitably suffer by the removal +of our colored population. Their labor is indispensably necessary and +extremely valuable. By whom shall the plantations at the south be +cultivated but by them? It is universally conceded that they can resist +the intensity of a southern sun, and endure the fatigues attendant on +the cultivation of rice, cotton, tobacco and sugar-cane, better than +white laborers: at least, their bodies are now inured to this +employment. I do not believe that any equivalent would induce the +planters to part with their services, or white laborers to occupy their +places. In the great cities, and in various parts of the southern +States, free persons of color constitute a laborious and useful class. +In a pecuniary point of view, the banishment of one-sixth of our +population,--of those whom we specially need,--would be an act of +suicide. The veriest smatterer in political economy cannot but perceive +the ruinous tendency of such a measure. + +FOOTNOTES: + +[A] African Repository. + +[B] Rev. Mr Maffit's 'Plea for Africa.' + +[C] Western Luminary. + +[D] Christian Spectator. + +[1] The clerical gentleman who presumes to utter this opinion is the +same who has also the hardihood to assert that 'many of the best +citizens of our land are holders of slaves, and hold them _in strict +accordance with the principles of humanity and justice_'!! + + + + +THOUGHTS ON AFRICAN COLONIZATION. + + +PART I. + + + + +INTRODUCTORY REMARKS. + + +In attacking the system of slavery, I clearly foresaw all that has +happened to me. I knew, at the commencement, that my motives would be +impeached, my warnings ridiculed, my person persecuted, my sanity +doubted, my life jeoparded: but the clank of the prisoner's chains broke +upon my ear--it entered deeply into my soul--I looked up to Heaven for +strength to sustain me in the perilous work of emancipation--and my +resolution was taken. + +In opposing the American Colonization Society, I have also counted the +cost, and as clearly foreseen the formidable opposition which will be +arrayed against me. Many of the clergy are enlisted in its support: +their influence is powerful. Men of wealth and elevated station are +among its contributors: wealth and station are almost omnipotent. The +press has been seduced into its support: the press is a potent engine. +Moreover, the Society is artfully based upon and defended by _popular +prejudice_: it takes advantage of wicked and preposterous opinions, and +hence its success. These things grieve, they cannot deter me. 'Truth is +mighty, and will prevail.' It is able to make falsehood blush, and tear +from hypocrisy its mask, and annihilate prejudice, and overthrow +persecution, and break every fetter. + +I am constrained to declare, with the utmost sincerity, that I look upon +the colonization scheme as inadequate in its design, injurious in its +operation, and contrary to sound principle; and the more scrupulously I +examine its pretensions, the stronger is my conviction of its +sinfulness. Nay, were Jehovah to speak in an audible voice from his holy +habitation, I am persuaded that his language would be, 'Who hath +required this at your hands?' + +It consoles me to believe that no man, who knows me personally or by +reputation, will suspect the honesty of my skepticism. If I were +politic, and intent only on my own preferment or pecuniary interest, I +should swim with the strong tide of public sentiment instead of +breasting its powerful influence. The hazard is too great, the labor too +burdensome, the remuneration too uncertain, the contest too unequal, to +induce a selfish adventurer to assail a combination so formidable. +Disinterested opposition and sincere conviction, however, are not +conclusive proofs of individual rectitude; for a man may very honestly +do mischief, and not be aware of his error. Indeed, it is in this light +I view many of the friends of African colonization. I concede to them +benevolence of purpose and expansiveness of heart; but in my opinion, +they are laboring under the same delusion as that which swayed Saul of +Tarsus--persecuting the blacks even unto a strange country, and verily +believing that they are doing God service. I blame them, nevertheless, +for taking this mighty scheme upon trust; for not perceiving and +rejecting the monstrous doctrines avowed by the master spirits in the +crusade; and for feeling so indifferent to the moral, political and +social advancement of the free people of color in this their only +legitimate home. + +In the progress of this discussion I shall have occasion to use very +plain, and sometimes very severe language. This would be an unpleasant +task, did not duty imperiously demand its application. To give offence I +am loath, but more to hide or modify the truth. I shall deal with the +Society in its collective form--as one body--and not with individuals. +While I shall be necessitated to marshal individual opinions in review, +I protest, _ab origine_, against the supposition that indiscriminate +censure is intended, or that every friend of the Society cherishes +similar views. He to whom my reprehension does not apply, will not +receive it. It is obviously impossible, in attacking a numerous and +multiform combination, to exhibit private dissimilarities, or in every +instance to discriminate between the various shades of opinion. It is +sufficient that exceptions are made. My warfare is against the AMERICAN +COLONIZATION SOCIETY. If I shall identify its general, preponderating +and clearly developed traits, it must stand or fall as they shall prove +benevolent or selfish. + +I bring to this momentous investigation an unbiassed mind, a lively +sense of accountability to God, and devout aspirations for the guidance +of the Holy Spirit. Unless He 'in whom there is no darkness at all,' +pours light upon my path, I shall go astray. I have taken Him at His +word: 'If any man lack wisdom, let him ask of God, and it shall be given +him.' Confessing my own foolishness, I have sought that knowledge which +cannot err. + +I would premise, that, like many others, I formerly supposed the +Colonization Society was a praiseworthy association, although I always +doubted its efficiency. This opinion was formed for me by others, upon +whom I placed implicit confidence: it certainly was not based upon any +research or knowledge of my own, as I had not at that time perused a +single Report of the Society, nor a page in its organ, the African +Repository. My approval was the offspring of credulity and ignorance. I +am explicit on this point, because my opponents have accused me of +inconsistency--though it ought not surely to disgrace a man, that, +discovering himself to be in error, he promptly turns to the embrace of +truth. As if opinions, once formed, must be as irrevocable as the laws +of the Medes and Persians! If this were so, accountability would lose +its hold on the conscience, and the light of knowledge be blown out, and +reason degenerate into brutish instinct. Much stress has been laid upon +the fact, that, in 1828, I delivered an address in Park-street +meeting-house on the Fourth of July, on which occasion a collection was +made in behalf of the American Colonization Society. It is true--but +whereas I was then blind, now I see. My address, however, was far from +being acceptable to the friends of colonization who were present, not +only on account of my denunciation of slaveholders, but because I +inserted only a single sentence in favor of the Society. In all my +writings, I have never commended this combination in as many sentences +as I have used in making this explanation. So much for my marvellous +apostacy! + +It is only about two years since I was induced to examine the claims of +the Colonization Society upon the patronage and confidence of the +nation. I went to this examination with a mind biassed by preconceived +opinions favorable to the Society, and rather for the purpose of +defending it against opposition than of bringing it into disrepute. +Every thing, apart from its principles, was calculated to secure my +friendship. Nothing but its revolting features could have induced me to +turn loathingly away from its embrace. I had some little reputation to +sustain; many of my friends were colonizationists; I saw that eminent +statesmen and honorable men were enlisted in the enterprise; the great +body of the clergy gave their unqualified support to it; every fourth of +July the charities of the nation were secured in its behalf; wherever I +turned my eye in the free States, I saw nothing but unanimity; wherever +my ear caught a sound, I heard nothing but excessive panegyric. No +individual had ventured to blow the trumpet of alarm, or exert his +energies to counteract the influence of the scheme. If an assailant had +occasionally appeared, he had either fired a random shot and retreated, +or found in the inefficiency of the Society the only cause for +hostility. It was at this crisis, and with such an array of motives +before me to bias my judgment, that I resolved to make a close and +candid examination of the subject. + +I went, first of all, to the fountain head--to the African Repository +and the Reports of the Society. I was not long in discovering sentiments +which seemed to me as abhorrent to humanity as contrary to reason. I +perused page after page, first with perplexity, then with astonishment, +and finally with indignation. I found little else than sinful +palliations, fatal concessions, vain expectations, exaggerated +statements, unfriendly representations, glaring contradictions, naked +terrors, deceptive assurances, unrelenting prejudices, and unchristian +denunciations. I collected together the publications of auxiliary +societies, in order to discern some redeeming traits; but I found them +marred and disfigured with the same disgusting details. I courted the +acquaintance of eminent colonizationists, that I might learn how far +their private sentiments agreed with those which were so offensive in +print; and I found no dissimilarity between them. I listened to +discourses from the pulpit in favor of the Society; and the same moral +obliquities were seen in minister and people. + +These discoveries affected my mind so deeply that I could not rest. I +endeavored to explain away the meaning of plain and obvious language; I +made liberal concessions for good motives and unsuspicious confidence; I +resorted to many expedients to vindicate the disinterested benevolence +of the Society; but I could not rest. The sun in its mid-day splendor +was not more clear and palpable to my vision, than the anti-christian +and anti-republican character of this association. It was evident to me +that the great mass of its supporters at the north did not realise its +dangerous tendency. They were told that it was designed to effect the +ultimate emancipation of the slaves--to improve the condition of the +free people of color--to abolish the foreign slave trade--to reclaim and +evangelize benighted Africa--and various other marvels. Anxious to do +something for the colored population--they knew not what--and having no +other plan presented to their view, they eagerly embraced a scheme which +was so big with promise, and which required of them nothing but a small +contribution annually. Perceiving the fatality of this delusion, I was +urged by an irresistible impulse to attempt its removal. I could not +turn a deaf ear to the cries of the slaves, nor throw off the +obligations which my Creator had fastened upon me. Yet in view of the +inequalities of the contest, of the obstacles which towered like +mountains in my path, and of my own littleness, I trembled, and +exclaimed in the language of Jeremiah,--'Ah, Lord God! behold I cannot +speak: for I am a child.' But I was immediately strengthened by these +interrogations: 'Is any thing too hard for the Lord?' Is Error, though +unwittingly supported by a host of good men, stronger than Truth? Are +Right and Wrong convertible terms, dependant upon popular opinion? Oh +no! Then I will go forward in the strength of the Lord of Hosts--in the +name of Truth--and under the banner of Right. As it is not by might nor +by power, but by the Spirit of God, that great moral changes are +effected, I am encouraged to fight valiantly in this good cause, +believing that I shall 'come off conqueror, and more than +conqueror'--yet not I, but Truth and Justice. It is in such a contest +that one shall chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight. +'The Lord disappointeth the devices of the crafty, so that their hands +cannot perform their enterprise. He taketh the wise in their own +craftiness; and the counsel of the froward is carried headlong.' +'Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of +God is stronger than men.' + +Little boldness is needed to assail the opinions and practices of +notoriously wicked men; but to rebuke great and good men for their +conduct, and to impeach their discernment, is the highest effort of +moral courage. The great mass of mankind shun the labor and +responsibility of forming opinions for themselves. The question is +not--what is true? but--what is popular? Not--what does God say? +but--what says the public? Not--what is my opinion? but--what do others +believe? If people would pin their faith upon the bible, and not upon +the sleeves of their neighbors, half of the heresies in the world would +instantly disappear. If they would use their own eyes, their own ears, +their own understandings, instead of the eyes, and ears, and +understandings of others, imbecility, credulity and folly would be as +rare as they are now common in community. But, unhappily, to borrow the +words of Ganganelli, a large majority of mankind are 'mere abortions:' +calling themselves rational and intelligent beings, they act as if they +had neither brains nor conscience, and as if there were no God, no +accountability, no heaven, no hell, no eternity. + +'My minister,' says one, 'is a most worthy man. He supports this +Society: therefore it is a good institution.' 'Christians of all +denominations are enlisted in this enterprise,' says another: 'therefore +it cannot be wrong.' 'Do you think,' says a third, 'that honest, godly +men would countenance a scheme which is not really benevolent?' But it +is unwise for beings, who are accountable only to God, to reason in this +manner. All the good men upon earth cannot make persecution benevolence, +nor injustice equity; and until they become infallible, implicit +reliance upon their judgment is criminal. Ministers and christians, a +few years since, were engaged in the use and sale of ardent spirits; +_but they were all wrong_, and they now acknowledge their error. At the +present day, a large proportion of the professed disciples of the Prince +of Peace maintain the lawfulness of defensive war, and the right of the +oppressed to fight and kill for liberty; but they hold this sentiment in +direct opposition to the precepts of their Leader--'I say unto you which +hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, bless them that +curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.' Surely 'the +time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God.' + +I must pause, for a moment, and count the number of those with whom I am +about to conflict. If I had to encounter only men-stealers and +slaveholders, victory would be easy; but it is not the south alone that +is to be subdued. The whole nation is against me. Church after church is +to be converted, and the powerful influence of the clergy broken. The +friendship of good men is to be turned into enmity, and their support +into opposition. It is my task to change their admiration into +abhorrence; to convince them that their well-meant exertions have been +misdirected, and productive of greater evil than good; and to induce +them to abandon an institution to which they now fondly cling. + +To those who neither fear God nor regard man--who have sworn eternal +animosity to their colored countrymen, and whose cry is, 'Away with +them, we do not want them here!'--I make no appeal. Disregarding as they +do that divine command, 'Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself,' it +would be idle for me to direct my arguments to them. I address myself +to high-minded and honorable men, whose heads and hearts are susceptible +to the force of sound logic. I appeal to those, who have been redeemed +from the bondage of sin by the precious blood of Christ, and with whom I +hope to unite in a better world in ascribing glory, and honor, and +praise to the Great Deliverer for ever. If I can succeed in gaining +their attention, I feel sure of convincing their understandings and +securing their support. + +Besides the overwhelming odds which are opposed to me, I labor under +other very serious disadvantages. My efforts in the cause of +emancipation have been received as if they were intended to bring chaos +back again, and to give the land up to pillage and its inhabitants to +slaughter. My calls for an alteration in the feelings and practices of +the people toward the blacks have been regarded as requiring a sacrifice +of all the rules of propriety, and as seeking an overthrow of the +established laws of nature! I have been thrust into prison, and amerced +in a heavy fine. Epithets, huge and unseemly, have been showered upon me +without mercy. I have been branded as a fanatic, a madman, a disturber +of the peace, an incendiary, a cutthroat, a monster, &c. &c. &c. +Assassination has been threatened me in a multitude of anonymous +letters. Private and public rewards to a very large amount, by +combinations of individuals and by legislative bodies at the south, have +been offered to any persons who shall abduct or destroy me. 'Yea, mine +own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath +lifted up his heel against me.' This malignity of opposition and +proximity of danger, however, are like oil to the fire of my zeal. I am +not deliriously enthusiastic--I do not covet to be a martyr; but I had +rather die a thousand deaths, than witness the horrible oppression under +which more than two millions of my countrymen groan, _and be silent_. No +reproaches, no dangers shall deter me. At the north or the south, at the +east or the west,--wherever Providence may call me,--my voice shall be +heard in behalf of the perishing slave, and against the claims of his +oppressor. Mine is the frank avowal of the excellent WILBERFORCE:--I can +admit of no compromise when the commands of equity and philanthropy are +so imperious. I wash my hands of the blood that may be spilled. I +protest against the system, as the most flagrant violation of every +principle of justice and humanity. I NEVER WILL DESERT THE CAUSE. In my +task it is impossible to tire: it fills my mind with complacency and +peace. At night I lie down with composure, and rise to it in the morning +with alacrity. I NEVER WILL DESIST FROM THIS BLESSED WORK. + +Now that the concentrated execration of the civilized world is poured +upon those who engage in the foreign slave trade, how mild and +inefficient, comparatively speaking, seem to have been the rebukes of +Pitt, and Fox, and Wilberforce, and Clarkson! Yet these rebukes were +once deemed fanatical and outrageous by good men--yea, like flames of +fire, threatening a universal conflagration! So the denunciations which +I am now hurling against slavery and its abettors,--which seem to many +so violent and unmerited,--will be considered moderate, pertinent and +just, when this murderous, soul-destroying system shall have been +overthrown. + +Fanaticism has been the crime alleged against reformers in all ages. +'These,' it was said of the apostles, 'that have turned the world upside +down, come hither also.' Luther was a madman in his day: what is he now +in the estimation of the friends of civil and religious liberty? One of + + 'Those starry lights of virtue, that diffuse + Through the dark depths of time their vivid flame.' + +That base and desperate men should thus stigmatize those who endure the +cross as good soldiers, and walk as pilgrims and strangers here, is not +wonderful; but that the professed followers of Jesus Christ should join +in this hue-and-cry is lamentable. Singular enough, I have been almost +as cruelly aspersed by ministers of the gospel and church members, as by +any other class of men. Unacquainted with me, and ignorant of my +sentiments, they have readily believed the accusations of my enemies. +The introduction of my name into conversation has elicited from them +contemptuous sneers or strong denunciations. I have a right to complain +of this treatment, and I do strongly protest against it as unchristian, +hurtful and ungenerous. To prejudge and condemn an individual, on vague +and apocryphal rumors, without listening to his defence or examining +evidence, is tyranny. Perhaps I am in error--perhaps I deserve +unqualified condemnation; but I am at least entitled to a privilege +which is granted to the vilest criminals, namely, the privilege of a +fair trial. I ask nothing more. To accuse me of heresy, madness and +sedition, is one thing; to substantiate the accusation, another. + +Should this work chance to fall into the hands of those who have thus +ignorantly reprobated my course, I appeal to their sense of rectitude +whether they are not bound to give it a candid and deliberate perusal; +and if they shall find in my writings nothing contrary to the immutable +principles of justice, whether they ought not to be as strenuous in my +defence as they have been hitherto in seeking my overthrow. + +To show that I do not vacate any pledge which I have given to the +public, I shall here insert all the specifications, which, from time to +time, I have brought against the American Colonization Society. In 'The +Liberator' of April 23, 1831, is the following serious compend: + + 'I am prepared to show, that those who have entered into this + CONSPIRACY AGAINST HUMAN RIGHTS are unanimous in abusing their + victims; unanimous in their mode of attack; unanimous in + proclaiming the absurdity, that our free blacks are natives of + Africa; unanimous in propagating the libel, that they cannot be + elevated and improved in this country; unanimous in opposing + their instruction; unanimous in exciting the prejudices of the + people against them; unanimous in apologising for the crime of + slavery; unanimous in conceding the right of the planters to + hold their slaves in a limited bondage; unanimous in their + hollow pretence for colonizing, namely, to evangelize Africa; + unanimous in their _true motive_ for the measure--a terror lest + the blacks should rise to avenge their accumulated wrongs. It is + a conspiracy to send the free people of color to Africa under a + benevolent pretence, but really that the slaves may be held more + securely in bondage. It is a conspiracy based upon fear, + oppression and falsehood, which draws its aliment from the + prejudices of the people, which is sustained by duplicity, which + really upholds the slave system, which fascinates while it + destroys, which endangers the safety and happiness of the + country, which no precept of the bible can justify, which is + implacable in its spirit, which should be annihilated at a blow. + + 'These are my accusations; and if I do not substantiate them, I + am willing to be covered with reproach.' + +The following is copied from an editorial article of July 9, 1831: + + 'The superstructure of the Colonization Society rests upon the + following pillars: + + '1st. _Persecution._ It declares that the whole colored + population must be removed to Africa; but as the free portion + are almost _unanimously_ opposed to a removal, it seems to be + the determination of the Society to make their situations so + uncomfortable and degraded here, as to compel them to migrate: + consequently it discourages their education and improvement in + this their native home. This is persecution. + + '2d. _Falsehood._ It stigmatises our colored citizens as being + natives of Africa, and talks of sending them to their native + land; when they are no more related to Africa than we are to + Great Britain. + + '3d. _Cowardice._ It avows as a prominent reason why colored + citizens ought to be removed, that their continuance among us + will be dangerous to us as a people! This is a libel upon their + character. Instead of demanding justice for this oppressed + class, the Society calls for their removal! + + '4th. _Infidelity._ It boldly denies that there is power enough + in the gospel to melt down the prejudices of men, and insists, + that, so long as the people of color remain among us, _we must + be their enemies!_--Every honest man should abhor the doctrine.' + +In 'The Liberator' of July 30, 1831, alluding to the present work, I +used the following language: + + 'I shall be willing to stake my reputation upon it for honesty, + prudence, benevolence, truth and sagacity. If I do not prove the + Colonization Society to be a creature without heart, without + brains, eyeless, unnatural, hypocritical, relentless, unjust, + then nothing is capable of demonstration--then let me be covered + with confusion of face.' + +The following paragraph is extracted from 'The Liberator' of November +19, 1831: + + 'It is the enemy of immediate restitution to the slaves; it + courts and receives the approbation of notorious slave owners; + it deprecates any interference with slave property; it + discourages the improvement of the colored population, except + they are removed to the shores of Africa; it is lulling the + country into a fatal sleep, pretending to be something when it + is nothing; it is utterly chimerical, as well as intolerant, in + its design; it serves to increase the value of the slaves, and + to make brisk the foreign and domestic slave trade; it nourishes + and justifies the most cruel prejudices against color; it sneers + at those who advocate the bestowal of equal rights upon our + colored countrymen; it contends for an indefinite, dilatory, + far-off emancipation; it expressly declares that it is more + humane to keep the slaves in chains, than to give them freedom + in this country! In short, it is the most compendious and best + adapted scheme to uphold the slave system that human ingenuity + can invent. Moreover, it is utterly and irreconcileably opposed + to the wishes and sentiments of the great body of the free + people of color, repeatedly expressed in the most public manner, + but cruelly disregarded by it.' + +The following passages are taken from my Address to the People of Color, +delivered in various places in June, 1831: + + 'Let me briefly examine the doctrines of colonizationists. They + generally agree in publishing the misstatement, that you are + strangers and foreigners. Surely they know better. They know, + that, as a body, you are no more natives of Africa, than they + themselves are natives of Great Britain. Yet they repeat the + absurd charge; and they do so, in order to cover their + anti-republican crusade. But suppose you were foreigners: would + such an accident justify this persecution and removal? And, if + so, then all foreigners must come under the same ban, and must + prepare to depart. There would be, in that case, a most alarming + deduction from our population. Suppose a philanthropic and + religious crusade were got up against the Dutch, the French, the + Swiss, the Irish, among us, to remove them to New Holland, to + enlighten and civilize her cannibals? Who would not laugh at the + scheme--who would not actively oppose it? Would any one blame + the above classes for steadfastly resisting it? Just so, then, + in regard to African colonization. But our colored population + are not aliens; they were born on our soil; they are bone of our + bone, and flesh of our flesh; their fathers fought bravely to + achieve our independence during the revolutionary war, without + immediate or subsequent compensation; they spilt their blood + freely during the last war; they are entitled, in fact, to every + inch of our southern, and much of our western territory, having + worn themselves out in its cultivation, and received nothing but + wounds and bruises in return. Are these the men to stigmatize as + foreigners? + + 'Colonizationists generally agree in asserting that the people + of color cannot be elevated in this country, nor be admitted to + equal privileges with the whites. Is not this a libel upon + humanity and justice--a libel upon republicanism--a libel upon + the Declaration of Independence--a libel upon christianity? "All + men are born equal, and endowed by their Creator with certain + inalienable rights--among which are life, liberty, and the + pursuit of happiness." What is the meaning of that declaration? + That _all_ men possess these rights--whether they are six feet + five inches high, or three feet two and a half--whether they + weigh three hundred or one hundred pounds--whether they parade + in broadcloth or flutter in rags--whether their skins are jet + black or lily white--whether their hair is straight or woolly, + auburn or red, black or gray--does it not? We, who are present, + differ from each other in our looks, in our color, in height, + and in bulk; we have all shades, and aspects, and sizes. Now, + would it not be anti-republican and anti-christian for us to + quarrel about sitting on this seat or that, because this man's + complexion is too dark, or that man's looks are too ugly? and to + put others out of the house, because they happen to be ignorant, + or poor, or helpless? To commit this violence would be evidently + wrong: then to do it in a large assemblage--in a community, in a + state, or in a nation, it is equally unjust. But is not this + the colonization principle? Who are the individuals that + applaud, that justify, that advocate this exclusion? Who are + they that venture to tell the American people, that they have + neither honesty enough, nor patriotism enough, nor morality + enough, nor religion enough, to treat their colored brethren as + countrymen and citizens? Some of them--I am sorry to say--are + professedly ministers of the gospel; others are christian + professors; others are judges and lawyers; others are our + Senators and Representatives; others are editors of newspapers. + These ministers and christians dishonor the gospel which they + profess; these judges and lawyers are the men spoken of by the + Saviour, who bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and + lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move + them with one of their fingers. These Senators and + Representatives ought not to receive the suffrages of the + people. These editors are unworthy of public patronage. + + 'Colonizationists too generally agree in discouraging your + instruction and elevation at home. They pretend that ignorance + is bliss; and therefore 'tis folly to be wise. They pretend that + knowledge is a dangerous thing in the head of a colored man; + they pretend that you have no ambition; they pretend that you + have no brains; in fine, they pretend a thousand other absurd + things--they are a combination of pretences. What tyranny is + this! Shutting up the human intellect--binding with chains the + inward man--and perpetuating ignorance. May we not address them + in the language of Christ? "Wo unto you, scribes and pharisees, + hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: + for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are + entering to go in! Ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, + and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, + mercy and faith." + + 'Colonizationists generally agree in apologising for the crime + of slavery. They get behind the contemptible subterfuge, that it + was entailed upon the planters. As if the continuance of the + horrid system were not criminal! as if the robberies of another + generation justify the robberies of the present! as if the + slaves had not an inalienable right to freedom! as if slavery + were not an individual as well as a national crime! as if the + tearing asunder families, limb from limb,--branding the flesh + with red hot irons,--mangling the body with whips and + knives,--feeding it on husks and clothing it with + rags,--crushing the intellect and destroying the soul,--as if + such inconceivable cruelty were not chargeable to those who + inflict it! + + 'As to the effect of colonization upon slavery, it is rather + favorable than injurious to the system. Now and then, indeed, + there is a great flourish of trumpets, and glowing accounts of + the willingness of planters to emancipate their slaves on + condition of transportation to Africa. Now and then a slave is + actually manumitted and removed, and the incident is dwelt upon + for months. Why, my friends, hundreds of worn-out slaves are + annually turned off to die, like old horses. No doubt their + masters will thank the Colonization Society, or any one else, to + send them out of the country; especially as they will gain much + glorification in the newspapers, for their _disinterested_ + sacrifices. Let no man be deceived by these manoeuvres. + + 'My time is consumed--and yet I have scarcely entered upon the + threshold of my argument. Now, what a spectacle is presented to + the world!--the American people, boasting of their free and + equal rights--of their abhorrence of aristocratical + distinctions--of their republican equality; proclaiming on every + wind, "that all men are born _equal_, and endowed with certain + inalienable _rights_," and that this land is an asylum for the + persecuted of all nations; and yet as loudly proclaiming that + they are determined to deprive millions of their own countrymen + of every political and social right, and to send them to a + barbarous continent, because the Creator has given them a sable + complexion. Where exists a more rigorous despotism? What + conspiracy was ever more cruel? What hypocrisy and + tergiversation so enormous? The story is proclaimed in our + pulpits, in our state and national assemblies, in courts of law, + in religious and secular periodicals,--among all parties, and in + all quarters of the country,--that there is a _moral incapacity_ + in the people to do justly, love mercy, and to walk + uprightly--that they must always be the enemies and oppressors + of the colored people--that no love of liberty, no dictate of + duty, no precept of republicanism, no dread of retribution, no + claim of right, no injunction of the gospel, can possibly + persuade them to do unto their colored countrymen, as they would + that they should do unto them in a reversal of circumstances. + Now, to these promulgators of unrighteousness, with the + Declaration of Independence in one hand, and the Bible in the + other, I fearlessly give battle. Rich and mighty and numerous as + they are, by the help of the Lord I will put them to open shame. + They shall not libel me, they shall not libel my country, with + impunity. They shall not make our boasted republicanism a + by-word and a hissing among all nations, nor sink the christian + religion below heathen idolatry; and if they persist in + publishing their scandalous proclamations, they shall be + labelled as the enemies of their species and of the republic, + and treated accordingly. + + 'The Colonization Society, therefore, instead of being a + philanthropic and religious institution, is anti-republican and + anti-christian in its tendency. Its pretences are false, its + doctrines odious, its means contemptible. If we are to send away + the colored population because they are profligate and vicious, + what sort of missionaries will they make? Why not send away the + vicious among the whites, for the same reason and the same + purpose? If ignorance be a crime, where shall we begin to + select? How much must a man know to save him from + transportation? How white must he be? If we send away a mixed + breed, how many will be left? If foreigners only, then the + people of color must remain--for they are our countrymen. Would + foreigners submit? No--not for an instant. Why should the + American people make this enormous expenditure of life and + money? Why not use the funds of the Society to instruct and + elevate our colored population at home? This would be rational + and serviceable. Instead of removing men from a land of + civilization and knowledge--of schools, and seminaries, and + colleges--to give them instruction in a land of darkness and + desolation--would it not be wiser and better to reverse the + case, and bring the ignorant here for cultivation?' + +The foregoing accusations are grave, weighty, positive--involving a +perilous responsibility, and requiring ample and irrefragable proof. +They are expressed in vehement terms: but to measure the propriety of +language, we must first examine the character of the system, or the +nature of the object, against which it is directed. If we see a person +wilfully abusing the goods of an individual, we may reprehend him, but +with comparative mildness. If we see him maiming, or in any way +maltreating another man's cattle, we may increase the severity of our +rebuke. But if we see him violating all the social and sacred relations +of life,--daily defrauding a number of his fellow creatures of the +fruits of their toil, calling them his property, selling them for money, +lacerating their bodies, and ruining their souls,--we may use the +strongest terms of moral indignation. Nor is plain and vehement +denunciation of crime inconsistent with the most benevolent feelings +towards the perpetrators of it. We are sustained in these positions by +the example of Christ, and the apostles, and the prophets, and the +reformers. + +So, also, if there be an institution, the direct tendency of which is to +perpetuate slavery, to encourage persecution, and to invigorate +prejudice,--although many of its supporters may be actuated by pure +motives,--it ought to receive unqualified condemnation. + +It is proper to call things by their right names. What does the law term +him who steals your pocket-book, or breaks into your dwelling, or strips +you on the highway? A robber! Is the charge inflammatory or unjust? or +will it please the villain? The abuse of language is seen only in its +misapplication. Those who object to the strength of my denunciation must +prove its perversion before they accuse me of injustice. + +Probably I may be interrogated by individuals,--'Why do you object to a +colony in Africa? Are you not willing people should choose their own +places of residence? And if the blacks are willing to remove, why throw +obstacles in their path or deprecate their withdrawal? All go +_voluntarily_: of what, then, do you complain? Is not the colony at +Liberia in a flourishing condition, and expanding beyond the most +sanguine expectations of its founders?' + +Pertinent questions deserve pertinent answers. I say, then, in reply, +that I do not object to a colony, _in the abstract_--to use the popular +phraseology of the day. In other words, I am entirely willing men +should be as free as the birds in choosing the time when, the mode how, +and the place where they shall migrate. The power of locomotion was +given to be used at will; as beings of intelligence and enterprise, + + 'The world is all before them, where to choose + Their place of rest, and Providence their guide.' + +The emigration from New-England to the far West is constant and large. +Almost every city, town or village suffers annually by the departure of +some of its adventurous inhabitants. Companies have been formed to go +and possess the Oregon territory--an enterprise hazardous and +unpromising in the extreme. The old States are distributing their +population over the whole continent, with unexampled fruitfulness and +liberality. But why this restless, roving, unsatisfied disposition? Is +it because those who cherish it are treated as the offscouring of all +flesh, in the place of their birth? or because they do not possess equal +rights and privileges with other citizens? or because they are the +victims of incorrigible hate and prejudice? or because they are told +that they must choose between exilement and perpetual degradation? or +because the density of population renders it impossible for them to +obtain preferment and competence here? or because they are estranged by +oppression and scorn? or because they cherish no attachment to their +native soil, to the scenes of their childhood and youth, or to the +institutions of government? or because they consider themselves as +dwellers in a strange land, and feel a burning desire, a feverish +longing to return home? No. They lie under no odious disabilities, +whether imposed by public opinion or by legislative power; to them the +path of preferment is wide open; they sustain a solid and honorable +reputation; they not only can rise, but have risen, and may soar still +higher, to responsible stations and affluent circumstances; no calamity +afflicts, no burden depresses, no reproach excludes, no despondency +enfeebles them; and they love the spot of their nativity almost to +idolatry. The air of heaven is not freer or more buoyant than they. +Theirs is a spirit of curiosity and adventurous enterprise, impelled by +no malignant influences, but by the spontaneous promptings of the mind. +Far different is the case of our colored population. Their _voluntary_ +banishment is _compulsory_--they are _forced_ to turn _volunteers_, as +will be shown in other parts of this work. + +The following proposition is self-evident: The success of an enterprise +furnishes no proof that it is in accordance with justice, or that it +meets the approbation of God, or that it ought to be prosecuted to its +consummation, or that it is the fruit of disinterested benevolence. + +I do not doubt that the Colony at Liberia, by a prodigal expenditure of +life and money, will ultimately flourish; but a good result would no +more hallow that persecution which is seeking to drag the blacks away, +than it would if we should burn every distillery, and shut up in prison +every vender of ardent spirits, in order to do good and to prevent +people from becoming drunkards. Because Jehovah overrules evil for good, +shall we therefore continue to do evil? + +If ten thousand white mechanics, farmers, merchants, &c. &c. were to +emigrate to Africa, does any man doubt whether permanent good would +result from the enterprise--good to that benighted continent, which +would counterbalance all the sacrifices and sufferings attending it? And +yet is there a single mechanic, farmer or merchant, who feels it to be +his duty, or would be willing to go? Suppose the people of color should +get the power into their hands to-morrow, and should argue that the +whites must not be admitted to equal privileges with themselves; but +that, having so long plundered Africa, and oppressed her children, +justice demanded that they should be sent to that desolate land to build +up colonies, and carry the light of civilization and knowledge, as a +sort of reparation--and that, having superior instruction in literature +and science, they were peculiarly qualified for such a mission--how +would this doctrine relish? 'It is a poor rule that will not work both +ways,' says the proverb. Yet this logic would be more sound than is our +own with regard to the colonization of the blacks. + +On this point, deception is practised to a great extent. The advocates +of the Colonization Society are constantly aiming to divert public +attention from the only proper subject of inquiry, namely, 'Is it based +upon benevolence and justice?'--to the success of the colony. Granting +all that they assert, it proves nothing; but of this success I shall +have occasion, doubtless, to speak hereafter. Fine stories are trumpeted +all over the country, of the happiness, intelligence, industry, virtue, +enterprise and dignity of the colonists; and changes, absolutely +miraculous, are gravely recorded for the admiration and credulity of +community. 'The simple,' says Solomon, 'believeth every word: but the +prudent man looketh well to his going.' + +The doctrine, that the 'end sanctifies the means,' belongs, I trust, +exclusively to the creed of the Jesuits. If I were sure that the Society +would accomplish the entire regeneration of Africa by its present +measures, my detestation of its principles would not abate one jot, nor +would I bestow upon it the smallest modicum of praise. Never shall the +fruits of the mercy and overruling providence of God,--ever bringing +good out of evil and light out of darkness,--be ascribed to the +prejudice and sin of man. + +It is certain that many a poor native African has been led to embrace +the gospel, in consequence of his transportation to our shores, who else +had lived and died a heathen. Is the slave trade therefore a blessing? +Suppose one of those wretches who are engaged in this nefarious commerce +were brought before the Supreme Court, and being convicted, should be +asked by the Judge, whether he had aught to say why sentence of death +should not be pronounced upon him? And suppose the culprit should espy +some of his sable victims in court, whom he knew had made a profession +of faith, and he should boldly reply--'May it please your Honor, I +abducted these people away from their homes, it is true; but they were +poor, miserable, benighted idolators, and must have inevitably remained +as such unto the hour of their death, if I had not brought them to this +land of christianity and bibles, where they have been taught a knowledge +of the true God, and are now rejoicing in hope of a glorious +immortality. I therefore offer as a conclusive reason why sentence +should not be pronounced, _that I have rescued souls from perdition_, +and thus enlarged the company of the saints in light.' Would the villain +be acquitted, and, instead of a halter, receive the panegyric of the +Court for his conduct? + +Our pilgrim fathers, not being able to worship God according to the +dictates of their own consciences in the mother country, were compelled +by ecclesiastical despotism to seek a refuge in this rude and barbarous +continent. Wonderful have been the fruits of their expulsion! A mighty +republic established--the freest, the wisest, the most religious on +earth!--influencing the world by its example, and exciting the emulation +of all nations! Now suppose we should occasionally find in the pages of +the Edinburgh or Quarterly Review, or in the columns of the English +newspapers, not only a full justification of this oppressive treatment +in view of its astonishing consequences, but a claim to approbation on +account of its exercise. Would not such effrontery amaze us? Would not +an honest indignation burn within us? Should we look with a more +complacent aspect upon the bigots who kindled those fires of persecution +around the Puritans, which, but for the interposition of Heaven, had +consumed them to ashes? + +The death of our Lord Jesus Christ was essential to the salvation of the +world. Suppose Judas, at the judgment day, should build upon this fact +in extenuation of his dreadful crime. What would be the decision of the +assembled universe? Yea, what was the condemnation passed upon him by +the Illustrious Sufferer? 'Wo to that man by whom the Son of man is +betrayed! good were it for that man if he had never been born!' + +Let not, then, any imaginary or real prosperity of the settlement at +Liberia lead any individual to applaud the Colonization Society, +reckless whether it be actuated by mistaken philanthropy, or perverted +generosity, or selfish policy, or unchristian prejudice. + +I should oppose this Society, even were its doctrines harmless. It +imperatively and effectually seals up the lips of a vast number of +influential and pious men, who, for fear of giving offence to those +slaveholders with whom they associate, and thereby leading to a +dissolution of the compact, dare not expose the flagrant enormities of +the system of slavery, nor denounce the crime of holding human beings in +bondage. They dare not lead to the onset against the forces of tyranny; +and if _they_ shrink from the conflict, how shall the victory be won? I +do not mean to aver, that, in their sermons, or addresses, or private +conversations, they never allude to the subject of slavery; for they do +so frequently, or at least every Fourth of July. But my complaint is, +that they content themselves with representing slavery as an evil,--a +misfortune,--a calamity which has been entailed upon us by former +generations,--_and not as an individual_ CRIME, embracing in its folds +robbery, cruelty, oppression and piracy. _They do not identify the +criminals_; they make no direct, pungent, earnest appeal to the +consciences of men-stealers; by consenting to walk arm-in-arm with them, +they virtually agree to abstain from all offensive remarks, and to aim +entirely at the expulsion of the free people of color; their lugubrious +exclamations, and solemn animadversions, and reproachful reflections, +are altogether indefinite; they 'go about, and about, and all the way +round to nothing;' they generalize, they shoot into the air, they do not +disturb the repose nor wound the complacency of the sinner; 'they have +put no difference between the holy and profane, neither have they shewed +difference between the unclean and the clean.' Thus has free inquiry +been suppressed, and a universal fear created, and the tongue of the +boldest silenced, and the sleep of death fastened upon the nation. +'Truth has fallen in the streets, and equity cannot enter.' The plague +is raging with unwonted fatality; but no _cordon sanitaire_ is +established--no adequate remedy sought. The tide of moral death is +constantly rising and widening; but no efforts are made to stay its +desolating career. The fire of God's indignation is kindling against us, +and thick darkness covers the heavens, and the hour of retribution is at +hand; but we are obstinate in our transgression, we refuse to repent, we +impiously throw the burden of our guilt upon our predecessors, we affect +resignation to our _unfortunate_ lot, we descant upon the mysterious +dispensations of Providence, we deem ourselves objects of God's +compassion rather than of his displeasure. 'Shall I not visit for these +things? saith the Lord. Shall not my soul be avenged on such a nation as +this?' + +Were the American Colonization Society bending its energies directly to +the immediate abolition of slavery; seeking to enlighten and consolidate +public opinion, on this momentous subject; faithfully exposing the +awful guilt of the owners of slaves; manfully contending for the +bestowal of equal rights upon our free colored population in this their +native land; assiduously endeavoring to uproot the prejudices of +society; and holding no fellowship with oppressors; my opposition to it +would cease. It might continue to bestow its charities upon those who +should desire to seek another country, and at the same time launch its +thunders against the system of oppression. But, alas! it looks to the +banishment of the free people of color as the only means to abolish +slavery, and conciliate the feelings of the planters. + +The popularity of the Society is not attributable to its merits, but +exclusively to its congeniality with those unchristian prejudices which +have so long been cherished against a sable complexion. It is agreeable +to slaveholders, because it is striving to remove a class of persons who +they fear may stir up their slaves to rebellion; all who avow undying +hostility to the people of color are in favor of it; all who shrink from +acknowledging them as brethren and friends, or who make them a distinct +and inferior caste, or who deny the possibility of elevating them in the +scale of improvement here, most heartily embrace it. Having ample funds, +it has been able to circulate its specious appeals in every part of the +country; and to employ active and eloquent agents, who have glowingly +described to the people the immense advantages to be reaped from the +accomplishment of its designs. With this entire preoccupancy of the +ground, and these common though unworthy dispositions in its favor, the +wonder is, that it is not more popular. + +Much cleverness is not requisite to tell a fine story; and a fine story +is always agreeable to a credulous listener. An agent of the Society +goes into a place, and finds no difficulty in procuring a pulpit from +which to address a congregation. The benevolent pastor, who, perhaps, +has had neither time nor opportunity to examine the principles of the +Society, readily officiates on the occasion, and, in the fulness of his +heart, believing that he is not asking amiss, supplicates the +benediction of Heaven upon the object of the meeting. This co-operation +of the pastor with the agent makes an impression decidedly favorable to +the latter upon the minds of the audience, and prepares them to receive +his statements with confidence. He first dwells upon the miserable +condition of Africa--desolated with civil wars--the prey of +kidnappers--given up to idolatry--full of intellectual darkness and +spiritual death--and bleeding at every pore. He next depicts the horrors +of the slave trade, and shows how inefficient have been the laws enacted +for its suppression. He finally expatiates upon the evils and dangers of +slavery; and is particularly minute in describing the degradation of the +free people of color, which he declares to be irreclaimable in this land +of gospel light. 'Now, my christian brethren and friends,' he continues, +'the object of the American Colonization Society is to stay the effusion +of blood, to give light to them who sit in darkness, and to make +reparation for the wrongs which have been inflicted upon the sable sons +of Africa. As the people of color must evidently be a distinct and +degraded class while they reside in this country, and as they are +threatened with universal proscription, the Society benevolently +proposes to send them back _to their native country_, by their own +_voluntary_ consent, together with those slaves who may be emancipated +for this purpose, where they may enjoy equal rights and privileges, nor +longer retain any sense of inferiority to the whites. Every emigrant +will go as a missionary to reclaim the poor natives from their +barbarism, and to spread the tidings of salvation throughout the African +continent. By forming a chain of colonies along the coast, a speedy +check will be given to the accursed slave trade,--a trade which cannot +be destroyed in any other manner. Who does not desire to see Africa +civilized and evangelized? Whose heart does not leap in view of the +suppression of the slave trade? Who does not pray for deliverance from +the evils of slavery? Who does not wish to behold the free people of +color,--cursed with ineffectual freedom here,--_recalled from their +banishment_, and placed where no obstacles will impede their march to +affluence, preferment and honor? The Colonization Society, then, +powerfully commends itself to the christian, the philanthropist and the +patriot--to every section of our country and to all denominations of +men.' + +Exquisite! The picture is crowded with attractions, delightful to the +eye. The story is skilfully told, and implicitly believed; but, like +every other story, it has two sides to it. So complete is the delusion, +however, that many good people are ready to class those who denounce the +Colonization Society, among the opposers of foreign missions, bible and +tract societies, and the other benevolent operations of the age! + +Far be it from me to accuse the agents of the Society of intentionally +perverting the truth or deliberately imposing upon the credulity of the +public. Some--perhaps all of them, are men of sincerity and probity; +but, deluded themselves, they help to delude others. Their vision is +imperfect; and 'if the blind lead the blind,' we may expect to find them +in the same ditch together. + +Great complacency has been manifested on various occasions, by the +advocates of the Society, on the ground that it was at first suspected +of sinister designs, both at the north and the south, but is now +receiving the countenance of both. This exultation is premature. The +opposition formerly manifested to the Society by the holders of slaves, +grew out of their ignorance of its purpose; but a very large majority of +them now perceive that it is their devoted servant, crouching down at +their feet, shielding them from reproach, dragging those away whom they +dread, allowing them to sin with impunity, and generously granting them +and their children whole centuries in which to repent, and to surrender +what they have stolen! It dissuades them from emancipating their slaves +faster than they can be transported to Africa; and thus regards their +persistance in robbery and oppression as evidence of wisdom, benevolence +and sanity! It is natural, that, discovering their mistake, they should +now rally in a body around the Society; and, consequently, we find that +the legislatures of the several slaveholding States are passing +encomiums upon it, and in some instances appropriating sums of money to +be paid over to it by instalments. + +The people of the north have been shamefully duped by this scheme; but, +like the slaveholders, they begin to discover their error. Unlike them, +however, they are withdrawing their support, in obedience to the +injunction of the Apostle: 'Be ye not unequally yoked together with +unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with +unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? and what +concord hath Christ with Belial? Wherefore come out from among them, and +be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I +will receive you.' + +To Africa this country owes a debt larger than she is able to liquidate. +Most intensely do I desire to see that ill-fated continent transformed +into the abode of civilization, of the arts and sciences, of evangelical +piety, of liberty, and of all that adds to the dignity, the renown, and +the temporal and eternal happiness of man. Shame and confusion of face +belong to the Church, that she has so long disregarded the claims of +Africa upon her sympathies, and prayers, and liberality--claims as much +superior as its wrongs to those of any other portion of the globe. It is +indeed most strange that, like the Priest and the Levite, she should +have 'passed by on the other side,' and left the victim of thieves to +bleed and sicken and die. As the Africans were the only people doomed to +perpetual servitude, and to be the prey of kidnappers, she should have +long since directed almost her undivided efforts to civilize and convert +them,--not by establishing colonies of ignorant and selfish foreigners +among them, who will seize every opportunity to overreach or oppress, as +interest or ambition shall instigate,--but by sending intelligent, pious +missionaries; men fearing God and eschewing evil--living evidences of +the excellence of christianity--having but one object, not the +possession of wealth or the obtainment of power or the gratification of +selfishness, but _the salvation of the soul_. Had she made this attempt, +as she was bound to have made it by every principle of justice and every +feeling of humanity, a century ago, Africa would have been, at the +present day, 'redeemed, regenerated, and disenthralled,' and the slavery +of her children brought to an end. No pirates would now haunt her coast +to desolate her villages with fire and sword, in order to supply a +christian people with hewers of wood and drawers of water. How much has +been needlessly lost to the world by this criminal neglect! + +The conception of evangelizing a heathenish country by sending to it an +illiterate, degraded and irreligious population, belongs exclusively to +the advocates of African colonization. For absurdity and inaptitude, it +stands, and must forever stand, without a parallel. Of all the offspring +of prejudice and oppression, it is the most shapeless and unnatural. But +more of this hereafter. + +History is full of instruction on the subject of colonization. The +establishment of colonies, in all ages, with scarcely an exception, has +resulted either in their subversion by the vices or physical strength of +the natives, or by a fatal amalgamation with them; or else in the rapid +destruction of the natives by the superior knowledge and greedy avarice +of the new settlers. It is presumption to suppose that the colony at +Liberia, composed of the worst materials imaginable, will present an +example of forbearance, stability and good faith, hitherto unwitnessed +in the world. + +Soon after its establishment, the colony narrowly escaped a bloody +extirpation, and was the cause of a murderous warfare in which several +of the colonists and a large number of the natives were slain. The +steady growth of the colony excited the jealousy and alarm of some of +the neighboring tribes; and, accordingly, a consultation was held, at +which King George, Governor, and all the other head men, contended that +'The Americans were strangers _who had forgot their attachment to the +land of their fathers_; for if not, why had they not renounced their +connexion with white men altogether, and placed themselves under the +protection of the kings of the country? King George had already been +under the necessity of removing from his town, and leaving the Cape in +their hands. This was but the first step of their encroachments. If left +alone, they must, in a very few years, master the whole country. And as +all other places were full, their own tribe must be without a home, and +cease any longer to remain a nation.'[E] This appeal (which evinces an +intimate acquaintance with human nature and much foresight) induced the +attack to which allusion has been made. A single paragraph from the +Rev. Mr Ashmun's account of the battle with the natives may suffice to +give the reader an idea of its destructiveness: + + 'A few musketeers with E. Johnson at their head, by passing + round upon the enemy's flank, served to increase the + consternation which was beginning to pervade their unwieldy + body. In about twenty minutes after the settlers had taken their + stand, the front of the enemy began to recoil. But from the + numerous obstructions in their rear, the entire absence of + discipline, and the extreme difficulty of giving a reversed + motion to so large a body, a small part only of which was + directly exposed to danger, and the delay occasioned by the + practice of carrying off all their dead and wounded, rendered a + retreat for some minutes longer, impossible. The very violence + employed by those in the front, in their impatience to hasten + it, by increasing the confusion, produced an effect opposite to + that intended. The Americans perceiving their advantage, now + regained possession of the western post, and instantly brought + the long nine to rake the whole line of the enemy. Imagination + can scarcely figure to itself a throng of human beings in a more + capital state of exposure to the destructive power of the + machinery of modern warfare! Eight hundred men were here pressed + shoulder to shoulder, in so compact a form, that a child might + easily walk upon their heads from one end of the mass to the + other, presenting in their rear a breadth of rank equal to + twenty or thirty men, and all exposed to a gun of great power, + raised on a platform, at only thirty to sixty yards distance! + _Every shot literally spent its force in a solid mass of living + human flesh!_ Their fire suddenly terminated. A savage yell was + raised, which filled the dismal forest with a momentary horror. + It gradually died away; and the whole host disappeared. At 8 + o'clock, the well known signal of their dispersion and return to + their homes was sounded, and many small parties seen at a + distance, directly afterwards, moving off in different + directions. One large canoe, employed in reconveying a party + across the mouth of the Montserado, venturing within the range + of the long gun, was struck by a shot, and several men + killed.'[F] + +The above (which cannot be perused without a thrill of horror) is one of +the legitimate fruits of foreign colonization. Subsequent to this bloody +affair, another battle took place, which resulted in the defeat of the +natives and the loss of many lives. It is true, the colony since that +period has received little molestation, and has succeeded, moreover, in +making some amicable treaties with the natives; but in proportion to its +means of defence and numerical force will be its liability to encroach +upon the rights of the Africans, and thus to provoke hostilities. If +this prophecy should not be fulfilled, history will have spoken in +vain, and human nature experienced a total regeneration. + +No man of refined sensibility can contemplate the fate of the aborigines +of this country, without shuddering at the consequences of colonization; +and if _they_ melted away at the presence of the pilgrims and their +descendants, like frost before the meridian blaze of the sun,--if _they_ +fell to the earth, like the leaves of the forest before the autumnal +blast, by the settlement of men reputedly humane, wise and pious, in +their vicinage,--what can be our hope for the preservation of the +Africans, associated with a population degraded by slavery, and, to a +lamentable extent, destitute of religious and secular knowledge? The +argument, that the difference of complexion between our forefathers and +the aborigines (which is not a distinctive feature between the settlers +at Liberia and the natives) was the real cause of this deadly enmity, is +more specious than solid. _Conduct_, not _color_, secures friendship or +excites antipathy, as it happens to be just or unjust. The venerated +William Penn and his pacific followers furnish a case in point. + +I avow it--the natural tendency of the colony at Liberia excites the +most melancholy apprehensions in my mind. Its birth was conceived in +blood, and its footsteps will be marked with blood down to old age--the +blood of the poor natives--unless a special interposition of Divine +Providence prevent such a calamity. The emigrants will be eager in the +acquisition of wealth, ease and power; and, having superior skill and +discernment in trade, they will outwit and defraud the natives as often +as occasion permits. This knavish treatment once detected,--as it surely +will be, for even an uncivilized people may soon learn that they have +been cheated,--will provoke retaliation, and stir up the worst passions +of the human breast. Bloody conflicts will ensue, in which the colonists +will be victorious. This success will serve to increase the enmity of +the natives, and to perpetuate the murderous struggle. The extirpation +of one generation may put the colonists in undisputed possession of the +land. + +This is not a fancy sketch--it is not improbable: on the contrary, it is +the obvious and hitherto certain consequence of bringing hastily +together large bodies of civilized men with unlettered barbarians. + +Jealousy will be another fruitful source of contention. The population +of Africa is divided into a vast number of tribes, governed by petty +kings,--sometimes indeed united by an amicable league, but commonly +distinct and independent. Some of these tribes will form alliances with +the colonists, either to obtain protection from their more formidable +rivals or from motives of fear, curiosity or selfishness. In this +manner, tribe will be arrayed against tribe throughout that vast +continent; the tide of commotion, gathering fresh impetuosity in its +headlong career, will rush from the mountains down to the ocean, +devastating all that is beautiful, and swiftly defacing that which will +require the labors of centuries to restore to its pristine excellence; +there will be wars and rumors of wars, succeeded by deceitful and +unstable treaties ratified only to be broken at a favorable moment; and +these collisions will not cease until the colonists obtain an undisputed +mastery over the natives. + +Would to Heaven these fears might prove to be but the offspring of a +distracted mind! May the colonists be so just in their intercourse with +the Africans, as never to impeach their own integrity; so pacific, as to +disarm retaliation and perpetuate good will; so benevolent, as to excite +gratitude and diffuse joy wherever their names shall be known; and so +holy, as to exalt the christian religion in the eyes of an idolatrous +nation! But he must be grossly ignorant of human nature, or strangely +infatuated, who believes that they will always, or commonly, exhibit +this unexceptionable conduct. + +It is my sober conviction, that no contrivance or enterprise could +possibly be planned more fatally calculated to obstruct the progress of +christianity in a heathenish country, than the establishment of a +colony, or colonies, of selfish, ignorant, or even intelligent and +high-minded men, on its shores. In every settlement of this kind,--no +matter how choice the original materials,--vice will soon preponderate +over virtue, intemperance over sobriety, knavery over honesty, +oppression over liberty, and impiety over godliness. The natives will +see just enough of christianity to hate and shun it; finding that its +fruits are generally bad--that it has no restraining influence upon the +mass of its nominal professors,--they will not easily comprehend the +utility of abandoning their own idolatrous worship; looking only to the +pernicious examples of the intruders, they will spurn with contempt the +precepts of the gospel. Their confidence will be abused--their lands +craftily trafficked for nought--their ignorance cheated--their +inferiority treated oppressively; and then what must naturally follow? +Why--WAR--_a war of retaliation_. All the vices, and few of the virtues, +of the instructers, will be faithfully copied; and thus barriers will be +erected against the progress of the Christian religion, not absolutely +insurmountable, it is true, but sufficiently tall and strong to retard +its noble career--barriers not only of superstition and ignorance, but +of hatred and revenge. These reflections might be extended to the size +of a volume; but they are probably sufficient to convince every +unprejudiced, discerning mind, that the establishment of foreign +colonies in a barbarous land is the surest way to prevent its speedy +evangelism and civilization. + +In reply to this reasoning, some of the advocates of African +colonization may argue, that schools and houses of worship, multiplying +with the growth of the settlement at Liberia, will check the evil +propensities and passions of the emigrants, and qualify them to act as +missionaries or instructers among the natives; and thus great good will +be bestowed upon Africa. This is at least a summary, if not a sure mode +of obviating these difficulties. + +In the first place, it is by no means certain--nay, it is not probable, +especially if the number of emigrants annually exported to Liberia swell +from hundreds to thousands, (and this increase of transportation is +positively promised by the Parent Society, and absolutely necessary to +cause a perceptible diminution in the annual enlargement of our colored +population)--I say, it is neither certain nor probable that the +multiplication of literary and religious privileges will keep pace with +the unnatural and enormous growth of the colony. Nine years after the +first settlement of Liberia, it appears by the following extract of a +letter from a highly respectable colored emigrant, (the Rev. George M. +Erskine,) there was but the 'remnant of a school' left! This letter is +dated '_Caldwell, Liberia, April 3, 1830_.' + + 'Sir, the state of things, with regard to schools, is truly + lamentable. _The only school in the Colony at this time, is a + remnant of one at the Cape._ Among the present emigrants, there + are seventeen out of forty-eight that can read the Holy + Scriptures, _leaving thirty-one that cannot_. Now, Sir, suppose + each company of emigrants to this place bring a like proportion + of illiterate persons into the Colony, then what state, think + you, it must be in? But again, Sir: I am greatly mistaken if + this Colony is not, for several years yet to come, mostly to be + peopled with slaves sent out by their present owners, without + any education themselves, and without means and very little + desire to have their children instructed; and add to the above, + that this people is planted in the midst, and are daily + conversant with, a people that are not only heathen, but a + people extremely partial in favor of their grovelling + superstition. My dear Sir, this being the case, _whether is it + probable that they will come over to us, or we go down to them_? + To me the latter is the most likely, _as it is the very essence + of human nature to seek the lowest depth of degradation_. Permit + me to say, Sir, there must be a great revolution in this Colony + before it can have a salutary influence on the surrounding + natives; that is, before it can have a moral influence over + them.'[G] + +Subsequent accounts, I am happy to state, present a better aspect in +relation to the education of this outcast and persecuted people: their +wants, however, are only partially supplied. + +The annual increase of the free colored and slave population in the +United States is variously estimated from sixty to seventy-five +thousand. The American Colonization Society proposes the annual removal +of this vast body,--and more, if it be possible,--provided the energies +and patronage of the General Government be enlisted in this expulsive +crusade. Now, suppose the entire transportation effected, let any candid +man decide how extremely difficult, not to say impracticable, it would +be to discipline and instruct such an overwhelming mass of ignorance, or +any considerable portion of it--and how pernicious must be the +consequences to the colony and the natives, if it should not receive +immediate culture! + +Secondly. It is neither certain nor probable that, allowing all that is +assumed by colonizationists, the influence of secular and religious +instruction would be sufficient to restrain the selfish desires and +knavish propensities of those whose main object is, not to evangelize +the natives, but to secure, by a summary process, competence and power +for themselves. Indeed, their juxtaposition with the natives would be +eminently calculated to induce the fever of avarice, and to generate the +lust of dominion. It is well known that so eager are the colonists to +acquire a rapid accumulation of wealth, by trafficking their paltry +beads and poisonous rum and tobacco for ivory, camwood and gold dust, it +is with the utmost difficulty any considerable portion of them are +persuaded to cultivate the soil and engage in agricultural pursuits. +Thus we are presented with the disgraceful, if not singular spectacle of +a rivalry in cunning and trickishness between a colony of _soi-disant_ +missionaries (really avaricious and unscrupulous foreigners) and the +tribes who are to come under their pious pupilage. If equal dexterity in +trade is not apparent, each party is equally pleased with its successful +attempts at deception, and both renew the fraudulent commerce with fresh +alacrity--the one to gain a new triumph, and the other to retrieve an +old defeat. And this is the mode of colonizationists to evangelize +Africa! and this their mode to suppress the slave trade! and this their +mode to elevate the free people of color! and this their mode to +emancipate the slaves! It combines the folly and absurdity of a farce +with the solemnity and murderment of a tragedy. + +Far be it from me to leave the impression upon the mind of the reader, +from these representations, that all the colonists are actuated by the +same selfish motives, or that they have exhibited any new and +extraordinary traits of character in their commerce with the Africans. +Many of them, I believe, are men who fear God and desire the welfare of +his creatures: all of them have behaved as honorably, perhaps, and +trafficked as equitably, as any other body of men, white or yellow, +would have done in the same situation and under the same circumstances. +Dishonesty in trade is no prodigy, even in this country. To bring +accusations of fraud, cupidity and cunning against human nature, is not +libellous. I am persuaded that robbery,--well contrived, deliberately +executed robbery,--is perpetrated in every community among ourselves, +without any due estimate of its moral turpitude, by reputable merchants +and traders upon their customers, to a larger extent than all the +avowed and heinous thefts collectively, which are committed against +society. It is lamentable to see how studiously conscience and fair +dealing are excluded from the secular business of the world. If we see, +every day, illustrations of this dishonest conduct, given by men of +refinement, intelligence and good character, what should we expect from +those whose fetters have hardly fallen from their limbs; who have been +systematically degraded by slavery; who have not consequently that +lively sense of moral obligation which accompanies intelligence; who are +beyond the influence of public sentiment, and surrounded by a barbarous +people? + +The establishment of a colony of speculators, then, to evangelize +Africa, does not discover much wisdom or promise much success; but, on +the contrary, exhibits a total blindness of vision and a most +unfavorable aspect. + +Let it be remembered, however, that _rum_ and _tobacco_ (two poisons +which are exactly adapted to destroy both soul and body) are the +principal articles given to the natives--because pertinaciously demanded +by them--in exchange for their own. Their appetite for spirituous +liquor, first created by the slave traders and subsequently excited by +the colonists, is insatiate. Even the justly lamented ASHMUN, if I do +not mistake, for I have not his letter now before me, was so imprudent +in one of his epistles to the Board of Managers as to concede the fatal +necessity of selling rum freely to the natives, in order to maintain a +commercial intercourse with them. Rum they would have, or nothing; and +rum they obtained then, and do now obtain. Any one who will take the +trouble to read the advertisements in the Liberia Herald will discover +that ardent spirits form a prominent item in the list of articles +offered for sale. Of the sobriety of the colonists, however, common +report speaks in the most gratifying manner; but as their number is to +be increased by a redundant importation, we have reason to fear a +declension of morals. + +Thirdly. Colonizationists strenuously contend that our colored +population are destined always to remain a degraded class in this +country. If educated any where, they must be educated in Africa. We must +take them in their ignorance, and just released from bondage, and +translate them to another continent on the wings of the wind. Delay +would be injurious to ourselves, and calamitous to them. They must go in +large bodies--by thousands and tens of thousands annually--till the +whole be expelled from our shores. For it seems, according to the logic +of colonizationists, every individual tainted with black blood must be +transported, to insure the regeneration of Africa! Neither fifty +thousand, nor one hundred thousand, nor half a million of these +_missionaries_ will be able to accomplish the task; but two millions of +slaves and four hundred thousand free people of color, and all their +descendants in time to come, here--even little babes (pretty prattling +reformers!) and children--the maimed, the halt, and the blind--all must +be sent off--else alas! alas! for poor benighted Africa! This is no +caricature. An ugly face is sure to quarrel with its own likeness. But +what is the portrait worth, if it bear no resemblance to the living +original? They who place themselves in a ridiculous attitude must not +claim exemption from ridicule. + +Let us turn to the picture once more. It is worth our while to +contemplate it a few moments longer. + +What do we see? More than one-sixth portion of the American +people--confessedly the most vicious, degraded and dangerous +portion--crowded on the shores of Africa, by means which are hereafter +to be considered, and at an expense which we shall not stop now to +calculate, for the purpose of civilizing and evangelizing Africa, and of +improving their own condition! Here, then, are _two_ ignorant and +depraved nations to be regenerated instead of _one_!--if we may call all +the natives that occupy that vast continent a nation--two huge and +heterogeneous masses of contagion mingled together for the preservation +of each! One of these nations is so incorrigibly stupid, or unfathomably +deep in pollution, (for such is the argument,) that, although surrounded +by ten millions of people living under the full blaze of gospel light, +and having every desirable facility to elevate and save it, it never can +rise until it be removed at least three thousand miles from their +vicinage!--and yet it is first to be evangelized in a barbarous land, by +a feeble, inadequate process, before it can be qualified to evangelize +the other nation! In other words, men who are intellectually and +morally blind are violently removed from light effulgent into thick +darkness, in order that they may obtain light themselves and diffuse +light among others! Ignorance is sent to instruct ignorance, ungodliness +to exhort ungodliness, vice to stop the progress of vice, and depravity +to reform depravity! All that is abhorrent to our moral sense, or +dangerous to our quietude, or villanous in human nature, we benevolently +disgorge upon Africa for her temporal and eternal welfare! We propose to +build upon her shores, for her glory and defence, colonies framed of +materials which we discard as worthless for our own use, and which +possess no fitness or durability! Admirable consistency! surprising +wisdom! unexampled benevolence! As rationally might we think of +exhausting the ocean by multiplying the number of its tributaries, or +extinguishing a fire by piling fuel upon it. + +Lastly. Any scheme to proselytize which requires for its protection the +erection of forts and the use of murderous weapons, is opposed to the +genius of christianity and radically wrong. If the gospel cannot be +propagated but by the aid of the sword,--if its success depend upon the +muscular power and military science of its apostles,--it were better to +leave the pagan world in darkness. The first specimen of _benevolence_ +and _piety_, which the colonists gave to the natives, was the building +of a fort, and supplying it with arms and ammunition! This was an +earnest manifestation of that 'peace on earth, good will to man,' which +these expatriated _missionaries_ were sent to inculcate! How eminently +calculated to inspire the confidence, excite the gratitude, and +accelerate the conversion of the Africans! Their 'dread of the great +guns of the Islanders,' (to adopt the language of Mr Ashmun,) must from +the beginning have made a deep and salutary impression upon their minds; +and when, not long afterward, 'every shot' from these guns '_spent its +force in a solid mass of living human flesh_'--their own flesh--they +must have experienced a total regeneration. Bullets and cannon balls +argue with resistless effect, and as easily convert a barbarous as +civilized people. One sanguinary conflict was sufficient to spread the +glad tidings of salvation among a thousand tribes, almost with the +rapidity of light!--But even irony, though appropriate, is painful. I +forbear. + +But--says an objector--these reflections come too late. The colony is +planted, whatever may be its influence. What do you recommend? Its +immediate abandonment to want and ruin? Shall we not bestow upon it our +charities, and commend it to the protection of Heaven? + +I answer--Let the colony continue to receive the aid, and elicit the +prayers of the good and benevolent. Still let it remain within the pale +of christian sympathy. Blot it not out of existence. But let it +henceforth develope itself naturally. Crowd not its population. Let +transportation cease. Seek no longer to exile millions of our colored +countrymen. For, assuredly, if the Colonization Society succeed in its +efforts to remove thousands of their number annually, it could not +inflict a heavier curse upon Africa, or more speedily assist in the +entire subversion of the colony. + +But--the objector asks--how shall we evangelize Africa? + +In the same manner as we have evangelized the Sandwich and Society +Islands, and portions of Burmah, Hindostan, and other lands. By sending +missionaries of the Cross _indeed_, who shall neither build forts nor +trust in weapons of war; who shall be actuated by a holy zeal and +genuine love; who shall be qualified to instruct, admonish, enlighten, +and proselyte; who shall not by their examples impugn the precepts, or +subject to suspicion the inspiration of the Word of Life; who shall not +be covered with pollution and shame as with a garment, or add to the +ignorance, sin and corruption of paganism; and who shall abhor +dishonesty, violence and treachery. Such men have been found to +volunteer their services for the redemption of a lost world; and such +men may be found now to embark in the same glorious enterprise. A +hundred evangelists like these, dispersed along the shores and in the +interior of Africa, would destroy more idols, make more progress in +civilizing the natives, suppress more wars, unite in amity more hostile +tribes, and convert more souls to Christ, in ten years, than a colony of +twenty-thousand ignorant, uncultivated, selfish emigrants in a century. +Such a mission would be consonant with reason and common sense; nor +could it fail to receive the approbation of God. How simple was the +command of our blessed Saviour to his disciples!--'Go ye forth into all +the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.' Not--'Send out from +among yourselves those whom you despise or against whom you cherish a +strong antipathy; those who need to be instructed and converted +themselves; those who are the dregs of society, made vicious and +helpless by oppression and public opinion; those who are beyond the +reach of the gospel in a Christian land; those whose complexions are not +precisely like yours, or who have any personal blemishes whatever that +excite your dislike;--send out _all_ these to evangelize the nations +which sit in darkness and in the regions of the shadow of death!' + +Denham, Clapperton, and Lander, travellers in Africa, represent the +natives in a light most favorable for the introduction of christianity; +as eager to learn and become a civilized and great people like the +Europeans. Excepting the followers of Mohammed, they are not tenacious +of their forms of religious worship; and a considerable portion of them +are totally indifferent to devotional exercises. It seems apparent, that +the fruits of a mission in Africa would be thrice as numerous as those +of one in India, because the obstacles to be surmounted are far less +formidable. + +But--says the objector--the climate of Africa is fatal to white men. + +So is the climate of India. But our missionaries have not counted their +lives dear unto themselves; and, as fast as one is cut down, another +stands ready to supply his place. + +I do not believe that the Creator has immoveably fixed the habitations +of any people within a boundary narrower than the circumference of the +globe. I believe that rapid transitions from intensity of heat and cold, +and cold and heat, are destructive to animal life; but I also believe +that the human body is easily acclimated, in any region of the world. I +believe the time is swiftly approaching when empires and continents +shall as freely commingle their population as do states and +neighborhoods. To limit or obstruct this intercourse, is to impoverish +and circumscribe human happiness. Civilization will remove those causes +which now engender pestilence and death, and neutralize the effects of +atmospherical contagion. + +Hence it will be seen that I do not assail the Colonization Society, as +many others have done, simply because the settlement at Liberia is +unhealthy. It is true, the mortality among the emigrants has been +excessive; and so it was among the first settlers of New-England. But +the climate of New-England is no longer pestiferous; and the climate of +Africa will grow sweet and salubrious as her forests disappear, and the +purifying influences of Christianity penetrate into the interior. I +expressly contend, however, that it is murderous, indiscriminately to +colonize large bodies of men, women and children, in a foreign land, +before the natives are to some extent elevated by missionary effort: and +therefore I consider the Colonization Society as responsible for the +lives of those who have perished prematurely at Liberia. + +But the objection is fallacious. If white missionaries cannot, black +ones can survive in Africa. What, then, is our duty? Obviously to +educate colored young men of genius, enterprise and piety, expressly to +carry the 'glad tidings of great joy' to her shores. Enough, I venture +to affirm, stand ready to be sent, if they can first be qualified for +their mission. If our free colored population were brought into our +schools, and raised from their present low estate, I am confident that +an army of christian volunteers would go out from their ranks, by a +divine impulse and under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, to redeem +their African brethren from the bondage of idolatry and the dominion of +spiritual death. + +Whatever may be the result of this great controversy, I shall have the +consolation of believing that no efforts were lacking, on my part, to +uproot the prejudices of my countrymen, to persuade them to walk in the +path of duty and shun the precipice of expediency, to unloose the heavy +burdens and let the prisoners go free at once, to warn them of the +danger of expelling the people of color from their native land, and to +convince them of the necessity of abandoning a dangerous and chimerical, +as well as unchristian and anti-republican association. For these +efforts I have hitherto suffered reproach and persecution, and must +expect to suffer till I perish. This book will doubtless increase the +rage of my enemies; but no torrent of invective shall successfully whelm +it, no sophistry impair its force, no activity destroy its influence, no +misrepresentation defeat its usefulness. + +I commend it, particularly, to the candid attention of the two most +powerful classes in this country--editors of newspapers and the clergy. +It is not a light matter for either of them to propagate false doctrines +and excite delusive hopes, on the subject of politics or religion. +Although the press is committed to a wide extent, I place too much +reliance upon the good sense and liberal patriotism of its conductors to +believe that the evidence which is presented in these pages of the +inefficiency and injustice of the colonization scheme, will fail to +convince their understanding. I cherish still higher expectations of its +salutary influence upon ministers of the gospel. It may grieve them to +discover that they have been misled themselves, and that they have +unwittingly misled others. To say to their flocks--'We have erred in +this matter; we have solicited your charities for an institution which +is built upon prejudice and persecution; we have hastily adopted the +mistaken opinions of others'--such a confession may indeed require much +grace in the heart, but this grace, I am persuaded, they will obtain. As +apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ, sustaining high and awful +responsibilities, and exerting an influence which measurably decides the +eternal destiny of the souls of men, they will not shut their eyes, or +stop their ears, or refuse to examine, or disregard the truth, in a case +involving the temporal and eternal happiness of millions of their fellow +creatures. + +FOOTNOTES: + +[E] Memoir of American Colonists--vide 'The African Repository,' vol. 2, +p. 174. + +[F] African Repository, vol. 2, p. 179. + +[G] African Repository, vol. 6, p. 121. + + + + +SECTION I. + +THE AMERICAN COLONIZATION SOCIETY IS PLEDGED NOT TO OPPOSE THE SYSTEM OF +SLAVERY. + + +Having concluded my introductory remarks, I now proceed to substantiate +my accusations against the American Colonization Society, by marshalling +in review the sentiments of those who first originated it, and who are +its efficient managers and advocates. It is obvious that, with my +limited means, and in a book designed for a cheap circulation, I shall +not be able to enter into so minute a detail as the present exigency +demands, or make those comments which might serve more fully to +illustrate the character of this association. It should be stated, +moreover, that I have not made any particular effort to procure +materials for this work, being satisfied that those which have almost +accidentally fallen into my hands, contain ample and conclusive evidence +of the unworthiness of the Society. A vast number of the Reports of +auxiliary bodies in various parts of the country, of orations and +sermons and essays in favor of African colonization, are beyond my +reach, and must remain unconsulted. If more proof be demanded, it shall +be given to the public. There is not a sound timber in this great Babel: +from the foundation to the roof, it is rotten and defective. + +I shall not stop to interrogate the motives of those who planned the +Society. Some of them, undoubtedly, were actuated by a benevolent desire +to promote the welfare of our colored population, and could never have +intended to countenance oppression. But the question is not, whether +their motives were good or bad. Suppose they were all good--would this +fact prove infallibly that they could not err in judgment? Do we not +almost daily see men running headlong into wild and injurious +enterprises with the very best intentions? There is a wide difference +between meaning well and doing well. The slave trade originated in a +compassionate regard for the benighted Africans; and yet we hang those +who are detected in this traffic. I am willing to concede that Robert +Finley and Elias B. Caldwell were philanthropic individuals; and that a +large number of their followers are men of piety, benevolence and moral +worth. What then? Is the American Colonization Society a beneficial +institution? We shall see hereafter. + +The history of this Society is familiar to the public. It was organized +about the commencement of the year 1817. The first public meeting to +consider the expediency of such an organization was held on the 21st of +December, 1816, at which the Hon. Henry Clay presided; but I have never +seen its official proceedings. It was addressed by Mr Clay, _Mr +Randolph_, Mr Caldwell, and other gentlemen, from whose speeches +extracts will shortly be given. + +It is my purpose in this section to show, first, the original design of +the Society; secondly, that it is still strictly adhered to; and, +lastly, that the Society is solemnly pledged not to interfere with the +system of slavery, or in any manner to disturb the repose of the +planters. Upon the rigid observance of this sinful pledge depends its +existence; a single violation of it would be fatal. I want no better +reason than this, to wage an uncompromising warfare against it. No man +has a right to form an alliance with others, which prevents him from +rebuking sin or exposing the guilt of sinners. Every individual is bound +to oppose the system of slavery in the most direct, strenuous, +unfaltering manner--bound by the ties of brotherhood, by the spirit of +Christianity, by the genius of republicanism, by the dictates of +humanity, by the requirements of justice, by the love of country, by +duty to his God. He cannot suppress his voice, nor stop his ears to the +groans of the prisoners, and be innocent. If he hide the truth because +it may give offence--if he strike hands in amity with a thief--if he +leave the needy and oppressed to perish--God will visit him with +plagues. Now the language of the non-slaveholding members of the +Colonization Society to the owners of slaves is virtually as +follows:--'The free people of color are a nuisance to us, and plotters +of sedition among your slaves. If they be not speedily removed, your +_property_ will be lost, and your lives destroyed. We therefore do +solemnly agree, that, if you will unite with us in expelling this +dangerous class from our shores, we will never accuse you of robbery or +oppression, or irritate your feelings by asserting the right of the +slaves to immediate freedom, or identify any one of you as a criminal; +but, on the contrary, we will boldly assert your innocence, and applaud +you as wise and benevolent men for holding your slaves in subjection +until you can cast them out of the country.' I say, this is _virtually_ +their language, as I shall soon indisputably show. Thus we are presented +with the strange spectacle of a procession composed of the most +heterogeneous materials. There go, arm-in-arm, a New-England divine and +a southern kidnapper; and there an ungodly slaveholder and a pious +deacon; each eyeing the other with distrust, and fearful of exciting a +quarrel, both denouncing the poor, neglected, despised free black man as +a miserable, good-for-nothing creature, and both gravely complimenting +their foresight and generosity in sending this worthless wretch on a +religious mission to Africa! + +I cannot exhibit the folly and wickedness of this alliance in a clearer +light than by inserting the following extract of a letter from Capt. +Charles Stuart, of the English Royal Navy, one of the most indefatigable +philanthropists in England: + + 'The American Colonization Society looks abroad over its own + country, and it finds a mass of its brethren, whom God has been + pleased to clothe with a darker skin. It finds one portion of + these free! another enslaved! It finds a cruel prejudice, as + dark and false as sin can make it, reigning with a most + tyrannous sway against both. It finds this prejudice respecting + the _free_, declaring without a blush, "We are too wicked ever + to love them as God commands us to do--we are so resolute in our + wickedness as not even to desire to do so--and we are so proud + in our iniquity that we will hate and revile whoever disturbs us + in it--We want, like the devils of old, to be let alone in our + sin--We are unalterably determined, and neither God nor man + shall move us from this resolution, that our free colored fellow + subjects never shall be happy in their native land." The + American Colonization Society, I say, finds this most base and + cruel prejudice, _and lets it alone_; nay more, it directly and + powerfully supports it. + + 'The American Colonization Society finds 2,000,000 of its fellow + subjects most iniquitously enslaved--and it finds a resolution + as proud and wicked as the very spirit of the pit can make it + against _obeying_ God and _letting them_ go free in their native + land. _It lets this perfectly infernal resolution alone_, nay + more, it powerfully supports it; for it in fact says, as a fond + and feeble father might say to some overgrown baby before whose + obstinate wickedness he quailed, "Never mind, my dear, I don't + want to prevent your beating and abusing your brothers and + sisters--let that be--but here is a box of sugar plums--do pray + give them one or two now and then." The American Colonization + Society says practically to the slaveholders and the slave party + in the United States, "We don't want to prevent your plundering + 2,000,000 of our fellow subjects of their liberty and of the + fruits of their toil; although we know that by every principle + of law which does not utterly disgrace us by assimilating us to + pirates, that they have as good and as true a right to the equal + protection of the law as we have; and although we ourselves + stand prepared to die, rather than submit even to a fragment of + the intolerable load of oppression to which we are subjecting + them--yet never mind--let that be--they have grown old in + suffering, and we in iniquity--and we have nothing to do now but + to speak _peace_, _peace_ to one another in our sins. But if any + of their masters, whether from benevolence, an awakened + conscience, or political or personal fear, should emancipate + any, let us send them to Liberia--that is, in fact, let us give + a sugar plum here and there to a few, while the many are living + and dying unredressed--and while we are thus countenancing the + atrocious iniquity beneath which they are perishing." In this + aspect I find the American Colonization Society declaring itself + a substitute for emancipation, and it is in this aspect that I + contend with it, and that I proclaim it, _as far as it has this + character_, no farther, a bane to the colored people, whether + enslaved or free, and a snare and a disgrace to its country.' + +The second article of the Constitution of this Society is in the +following language: + + 'The object to which its attention is to be _exclusively_ + directed, is to promote and execute a plan for colonizing (with + their consent) the free people of color residing in our country, + in Africa, or such other place as Congress shall deem most + expedient. And the Society shall act, to effect this object, in + co-operation with the General Government, and such of the States + as may adopt regulations upon the subject.' + +The following citations abundantly sustain the charge, that the Society +has not swerved from its original design, and does not oppose the system +of slavery: + + 'Whilst he was up, he would detain the Society for a few + moments. It was proper again and again to repeat, that it was + far from the intention of the Society to affect, _in any + manner_, the tenure by which a certain species of property is + held. He was himself a slaveholder; _and he considered that kind + of property as inviolable as any other in the country_. He would + resist as soon, and with as much firmness, encroachments upon it + as he would encroachments upon any other property which he held. + Nor was he disposed even to go as far as the gentleman who had + just spoken, (Mr Mercer) in saying that he would emancipate his + slaves, if the means were provided of sending them from the + country.'--[Speech of Henry Clay.--First Annual Report.] + + + 'It was proper and necessary distinctly to state, that he + understood it constituted no part of the object of this meeting, + to touch or agitate in the slightest degree, a delicate + question, connected with another portion of the colored + population of our country. It was not proposed to deliberate + upon or consider at all, any question of emancipation, or that + which was connected with the abolition of slavery. It was upon + that condition alone, he was sure, that many gentlemen from the + South and West, whom he saw present, had attended, or could be + expected to co-operate. It was upon that condition only, that he + himself had attended.'--[Speech of Mr Clay before the Society, + Jan. 1, 1818.--Second Annual Report.] + + + 'It had been properly observed by the chairman, as well as by + the gentleman from this District (Messrs Clay and Caldwell) that + there was nothing in the proposition submitted to consideration + which in the smallest degree touched another very important and + delicate question, which ought to be left as much out of view as + possible, (Negro slavery.) * * * Mr R. concluded by saying, that + he had thought it necessary to make these remarks, being a + slaveholder himself, to shew, that, so far from being connected + with the abolition of slavery, _the measure proposed would prove + one of the greatest securities to enable the master to keep in + possession his own property_.'--[Speech of John Randolph at the + same meeting.] + + + 'Your committee would not thus favorably regard the prayer of + the memorialists, if it sought to impair, _in the slightest + degree_, the rights of private property, or the yet more sacred + rights of personal liberty, secured to every description of + freemen in the United States. + + 'The resolution of the legislature of Virginia, the subsequent + acts and declarations, as well as the high character of the + memorialists themselves, added to the most obvious interest of + the states who have recently sanctioned the purpose, or + recognized the existence of the American Colonization Society, + exclude _the remotest apprehension of such injustice and + inhumanity_.' + + --[Report of the committee of the House of Representatives of + the United States, on the memorial of the President and Board of + Managers of the Colonization Society.--Second Annual Report.] + + + 'An effort for the benefit of the blacks, in which all parts of + the country can unite, of course _must not have the abolition of + slavery for its immediate object_. NOR MAY IT AIM DIRECTLY AT + THE INSTRUCTION OF THE BLACKS. In either case, the _prejudices_ + and _terrors_ of the slaveholding States would be excited in a + moment; and with reason too, for it is a well-established point, + that _the public safety forbids either the emancipation or the + general instruction of the slaves_.' * * * 'It [African + Colonization] is an enterprise in which _all parts of the + country can unite_. The grand objection to every other effort + is, that it excites the _jealousies_ and _fears_ of the south. + But here is an effort in which the southern people are the first + to engage, and which numbers many of their most distinguished + men among its advocates and efficient supporters.'--[Review of + the Reports of the Society, from the Christian + Spectator.--Seventh Annual Report.] + + + 'It will be seen at home and abroad, that the American + Colonization Society, while it _properly enough_ stands aloof + from the question of slavery, and the abolition of slavery,' + &c.--[Report of William McKenney.--Eighth Annual Report.] + + + 'The objects of this institution are well known to the world; + for no concealment whatever has ever been intended. The Society + aims at the removal of free persons of color; _it interferes, in + no way whatever, with the rights of property_.'--[Speech of G. + W. Custis, Esq.--Ninth Annual Report.] + + + 'We are reproached with doing mischief by the agitation of this + question. The Society goes into no household to disturb its + domestic tranquillity; it addresses itself to no slaves to + weaken their obligations of obedience. _It seeks to affect no + man's property._'--[Speech of Mr Clay.--Tenth Annual Report.] + + + 'The Committee to whom was referred the memorial of the American + Colonization Society, have had the subject under consideration, + and now report: + + 'That upon due consideration of the said memorial, and from all + other information which your committee has obtained, touching + that subject, they are fully satisfied that no jealousies ought + to exist, on the part of this or any other slaveholding State, + respecting the objects of this Society, or the effects of its + labors.'--[Report of a committee of the Legislature of Delaware, + Feb. 8th, 1827.] + + + 'The Society has reiterated the declaration that it has no + ulterior views diverse from the object avowed in the + constitution; and having declared that it is in nowise allied to + any Abolition Society in America or elsewhere, is ready whenever + there is need TO PASS A CENSURE UPON SUCH SOCIETIES IN + AMERICA.'--[Speech of Mr Harrison of Virginia.--Eleventh Annual + Report.] + + + 'We have the same interests in this subject with our southern + brethren--the same opportunity of understanding it, and of + knowing with what _care_ and _prudence_ it should be approached. + What greater pledge can we give for the moderation and safety of + our measures than our own interests as slaveholders, and the + ties that bind us to the slaveholding communities to which we + belong?'--[Speech of Mr Key.--Same Report.] + + + 'The second objection may be resolved into this; that the + Society, under the specious pretext of removing a vicious and + noxious population, is secretly undermining the rights of + private property. This is the objection expressed in its full + force, and if your memorialists could for a moment believe it to + be true in point of fact, they would never, _slaveholders as + they are_, have associated themselves together for the purpose + of co-operating with the Parent Society; and far less would they + have appeared in the character in which they now do, before the + legislative bodies of a slaveholding State. And, if any instance + could be now adduced, in which the Society has ever manifested + even an intention to depart from the avowed object, for the + promotion of which it was originally instituted, none would with + more willingness and readiness withdraw from it their + countenance and support. But, from the time of its formation, + down to the present period, all its operations have been + directed exclusively to the promotion of its one grand object, + namely, the colonization in Africa of the free people of color + of the United States. It has always protested, and through your + memorialists it again protests, that _it has no wish to + interfere_ with the delicate but important subject of slavery. + It has never, in a solitary instance, addressed itself to the + slave. It has never sought to invade the tranquillity of the + domestic circle, nor the peace and safety of + society.'--[Memorial of the Auxiliary Colonization Society of + Powhatan, to the Legislature of Virginia.--Twelfth Annual + Report.] + + + 'Therefore she looked, and well might she look, to colonization + and to colonization alone. To abolition _she could not look_, + and need not look. Whatever that scheme may have done, + heretofore, in the States now free, it had done nothing and + could do nothing in the slave States for the cause of humanity. + This subject he rejoiced to know was now better understood, and + all began to see that it was _wiser_ and _safer_ to remove, by + colonization, a great and otherwise insuperable impediment to + emancipation, _than to act upon the subject of emancipation + itself_.'--[Speech of Mr Key.--Thirteenth Annual Report.] + + + 'Our Society has nothing to do directly with the question of + slavery.' * * * 'Whilst the Society protests that it has no + designs on the rights of the master in the slave--or the + property in his slave, which the laws guarantee to him,' + &c.--[Speech of Gerrit Smith, Esq.--Fourteenth Annual Report.] + + + 'Its primary object now is, and ever has been, to colonize, with + their own consent, free people of color on the coast of Africa, + or elsewhere, as Congress may deem expedient. And, Sir, I am + unwilling to admit, under any circumstances, and particularly in + this Hall, that it ever has swerved from this cardinal + object.'--[Speech of Mr Benham.--Fourteenth Annual Report.] + + + 'Something he must yet be allowed to say, as regarded the object + the Society was set up to accomplish. This object, if he + understood it aright, _involved no intrusion on property_, NOR + EVEN UPON PREJUDICE.'--[Speech of Mr Archer of + Virginia.--Fifteenth Annual Report.] + + + 'That the effort made by the Society should be such as to unite + all parts of the country--such as to be in any degree ultimately + successful, it was necessary to _disclaim all attempts for the + immediate abolition of slavery, or the instruction of the great + body of the blacks_. Such attempts would have excited alarm and + jealousy, would have been inconsistent with the public safety, + and defeated the great purposes of the Society.' * * * 'It is + pleasing to learn that the Friends, who at first were not + favorable to the Society, _having been inclined to the immediate + abolition of slavery_, are coming into what we deem the _more + wise policy_ of encouraging emancipation by + colonization.'--[Speech of Harmanus Bleecker, Esq. at the Second + Anniversary Meeting of the New-York Colonization Society, April + 14, 1831.] + + + 'The plan of colonization seems _the only one entitled to the + least consideration_.'--[Speech of M. C. Paterson, Esq. on the + same occasion.] + + + 'Nor will their brethren of the North desire to interfere with + their constitutional rights, or rashly to disturb a system + interwoven with their feelings, habits, and prejudices. A golden + mean will be pursued, which, at the same time that it _consults + the wishes_, and _respects the prejudices_ of the South, will + provide for the claims of justice and Christianity, and avert + the storm of future desolation.'--[Speech of Lucius Q. C. Elmer, + Esq.--First Annual Report of the New-Jersey Colonization + Society.] + + + 'Views are attributed to us, that were never entertained, and + our plan is tortured _into a design to emancipate the Slaves of + the South_. We are made to disregard this description of + property, and to touch without reserve the rights of our + neighbors. We are said to tread this almost forbidden ground + with firm step, and a hardihood of effort is imputed to us, + which, if true, might well excite the indignation of our + southern citizens.--But, Sir, our Society and the friends of + colonization wish to be distinctly understood upon this point. + From the beginning they have _disavowed_, and they do yet + _disavow_, that their object is _the emancipation of the + slaves_. They have no wish, _if they could_, to interfere in the + smallest degree with what they deem the most interesting and + fearful subject which can be pressed upon the American public.' + * * * 'There is no people that treat their slaves with so much + kindness and with so little cruelty. Nor can I believe that we + shall meet with any serious opposition from that quarter, when + our object is distinctly understood--when it is known that our + operations are confined exclusively to the free black + population. That this is our _sole_ object, I appeal with entire + confidence to the constitution of our Society and to the + constitution and Annual Reports of the Parent Institution.' * * * + 'We again repeat--that our operations are confined to the free + black population, and that there is no ground for fear on the + part of our southern friends. We hold their slaves as we hold + their other property, SACRED. Let not then this slander be + repeated.'--[Speech of James S. Green, Esq. on the same + occasion.] + + + 'Nothing has contributed more to retard the operations of the + Colonization Society than the mistaken notion that it interferes + directly with slavery. This objection is rapidly vanishing away, + and many of the slaveholding States are becoming efficient + supporters of the national society. In the Senate of Louisiana + during its last session, resolutions were adopted expressive of + the opinion that the object of this Society was deserving the + patronage of the general government. An enlightened community + now see, that this Society infringes upon no man's rights, that + its object is noble and benevolent--to remedy an evil which is + felt and acknowledged at the north and south--to give the free + people of color the privileges of freemen.'--[From a Tract + issued by the Massachusetts Colonization Society in 1831, for + gratuitous distribution.] + + + 'This institution proposes to do good by a single specific + course of measures. Its direct and specific purpose _is not the + abolition of slavery_, or the relief of pauperism, or the + extension of commerce and civilization, or the enlargement of + science, or the conversion of the heathen. The single object + which its constitution prescribes, and to which all its efforts + are necessarily directed, is, African colonization from America. + It proposes only to afford facilities for the voluntary + emigration of free people of color from this country to the + country of their fathers.'--[Review on African + Colonization.--Christian Spectator for September, 1830.] + + + 'It interferes in nowise with the right of property, and hopes + and labors for the gradual abolition of slavery, by the + voluntary and gradual manumission of slaves, when the free + persons of color shall have first been transferred to their + aboriginal climate and soil.'--[G. W. P. Custis, Esq.--African + Repository, vol. i. p. 39.] + + + 'Does this Society wish to meddle with our slaves as our + rightful property? I answer _no_, I think not.'--[African + Repository, vol. ii. p. 13.] + + + 'They have been denounced by some as fanatical and visionary + innovators, pursuing without regard to means or consequences, an + object destructive of the rights of property, and dangerous to + the public peace.' * * * 'The sole object of the Society, as + declared at its institution, and from which it can never be + allowed to depart, is 'to remove with their own consent, to the + coast of Africa, the free colored population, now existing in + the United States, and such as hereafter may become free.'' * * * + 'In pursuing their object, therefore, (although such + consequences may result from a successful prosecution of it,) + the Society cannot be justly charged with aiming to disturb the + rights of property or the peace of society. Your memorialists + refer with confidence to the course they have pursued, in the + prosecution of their object for nine years past, to shew that it + is possible, without danger or alarm, to carry on such an + operation, notwithstanding its supposed relation to the subject + of slavery, and that they have not been regardless, in any of + their measures, of what was due to the state of society in which + they live. They are, themselves, chiefly slaveholders, and live, + with all the ties of life binding them to a slaveholding + community. They know when to speak and when to forbear upon + topics connected with this painful and difficult subject. They + put forth no passionate appeals before the public, seek to + excite no feeling, and avoid, with the most sedulous care, every + measure that would endanger the public tranquillity.' * * * 'The + managers could, with no propriety, depart from their original + and avowed purpose, _and make emancipation their object_. And + they would further say, that if they were not thus restrained by + the terms of their association, they would still consider any + attempts to promote the increase of the free colored population + by manumission, _unnecessary_, _premature_, and _dangerous_.' + * * * 'It seems now to be admitted that, whatever has any bearing + upon that question, must be managed with the utmost + consideration; that the peace and order of society must not be + endangered by indiscreet and ill-timed efforts to promote + emancipation; and that a true regard should be manifested to the + feelings and the fears, and even the _prejudices_ of those, + whose co-operation is essential.'--[Memorial of the Society to + the several States.--A. R. vol. ii. pp. 57, 58, 60.] + + + 'To found in Africa an empire of _christians and republicans_; + to reconduct the blacks to their native land, without disturbing + the order of society, the laws of property, or the rights of + individuals; rapidly, but legally, _silently_, _gradually_, to + drain them off; these are the noble ends of the colonization + scheme.'--[African Repository, vol. ii. p. 375.] + + + 'Nor have I ever been able to see, for my part, why the + patronage of Congress to a benevolent and patriotic Society, + which, without interfering, in the smallest degree, with that + _delicate interest_, only aims to remove what we all consider as + a great evil--our free people of color--(and which evil _does_ + interfere with that interest,) should excite the jealousy or + spleen of our most watchful and determined advocates of state + rights.'--[Idem, p. 383.] + + + 'Recognising the constitutional and legitimate existence of + slavery, it seeks not to interfere, either directly or + indirectly, with the rights which it creates. _Acknowledging the + necessity by which its present continuance and the rigorous + provisions for its maintenance are justified_, it aims only at + furnishing the States, in which it exists, the means of + immediately lessening its severities, and of ultimately + relieving themselves from its acknowledged evils.'--[Opimius in + reply to Caius Gracchus.--African Repository, vol. iii. p. 16.] + + + '_It is no abolition Society_; it addresses as yet _arguments to + no master_, and disavows with horror the idea of offering + temptations to any slave. IT DENIES THE DESIGN OF ATTEMPTING + EMANCIPATION, EITHER PARTIAL OR GENERAL; it denies, with us, + that the General Government have any power to emancipate; and + declares that the States have exclusively the right to regulate + the whole subject of slavery. The scope of the Society is large + enough, but it is in nowise mingled or confounded with the broad + sweeping views of _a few fanatics_ in America, who would urge us + on to the sudden and total abolition of slavery.' * * * 'The + first great material objection is that the Society does, in + fact, in spite of its denial, meditate and conspire the + emancipation of the slaves. To the candid, let me say that there + are names on the rolls of the Society too high to be rationally + accused of the duplicity and insidious falsehood which this + implies; farther, the Society and its branches are composed, in + by far the larger part, of _citizens of slaveholding States_, + who cannot gravely be charged with a design so perilous to + themselves. To the uncandid disputant, I say, let him put his + finger on one single sentiment, declaration or act of the + Society, or of any person, with its sanction, which shows such + to be their object: there is in fact no pretext for the charge.' + * * * 'Let me repeat, the _friends_ of the Colonization Society, + three-fourths of them are SLAVEHOLDERS; the legislatures of + Maryland, Georgia, Kentucky and Tennessee, all slaveholding + States, have approved it; _every member_ of this auxiliary + Society is, _either in himself, or his nearest relatives, + interested in holding slaves_.' * * * 'Once more; this Society + is no way connected with certain Abolition Societies in the + country. To these the Colonization Society would say, "Your + object is unattainable, your zeal dangerous, and nothing can + give it the right direction or the right temperature, but your + surrendering your plan to ours: be convinced, that if the blacks + are ever to be removed from us, it will be by the free will of + the owners, and by means of the opportunity which our _innocent_ + plan of an asylum for such as may be sent will afford."'--['The + Col. Society Vindicated.'--Idem, pp. 197, 200, 202, 203.] + + + 'They can impress upon the southern slaveholder, by the strength + of facts, and by the recorded declarations of honest men, that + the objects of the Colonization Society are altogether pure and + praiseworthy, and _that it has no intention to open the door to + universal liberty_, but only to cut out a channel, where the + merciful providence of God may cause those dark waters to flow + off.'--[Idem, vol. iv. p. 145.] + + + 'About twelve years ago, some of the wisest men of the nation, + (_mostly slaveholders_,) formed, in the city of Washington, the + present American Colonization Society. Among them were men high + in office, who had spent many years in studying the interests of + their country, and who could not, therefore, be suspected of + short-sighted enthusiasm, or any secret design of disturbing the + rights or the safety of our southern citizens.' * * * 'You will + observe, first, that _there is to be no intermeddling with + property in slaves_. THE RIGHTS OF MASTERS ARE TO REMAIN SACRED + IN THE EYES OF THE SOCIETY. The tendency of the scheme, and one + of its objects, is to _secure slaveholders, and the whole + southern country_, against certain evil consequences, growing + out of the three-fold mixture of our population.'--[Address of + the Rockbridge Col. Society.--Idem, p. 274.] + + + 'It is true, their operations have been confined to the single + object, colonization.--They do nothing directly to effect the + manumission of slaves.--They think nothing can be advantageously + done in favor of emancipation, but by means of colonization, of + which emancipation will be a certain consequence that may be + safely and quietly awaited.'--[Mr Key's Address.--Idem, p. 303.] + + + 'The Colonization Society, as such, have renounced wholly the + name and the characteristics of abolitionists. On this point + they have been unjustly and injuriously slandered. They need no + such barrier to restrict them, as the sentiment of Mr Harrison, + for their operations are entirely in a different department. + INTO THEIR ACCOUNTS THE SUBJECT OF EMANCIPATION DOES NOT ENTER + AT ALL.'--['N. E.'--Idem, p. 306.] + + + 'Being, chiefly, slaveholders ourselves, we well know how it + becomes us to approach such a subject as this in a slaveholding + state, and in every other. If there were room for a reasonable + jealousy, we among the first should feel it; being as much + interested in the welfare of the community, and having as much + at heart, as any men can have, the security of ourselves, our + property and our families.' * * * 'Our object is, not to prevail + upon the master to part with his slave, for that we leave to his + own reflection and CONVENIENCE; but to afford to those masters + who have determined, or may determine, to manumit their slaves; + provided they can be removed from this country, the means of + removing them to a place where they may be really free, + virtuous, respectable and happy.--Nothing can be more innocent + and less alarming.'--[Review of Mr Tazewell's Report.--Idem, p. + 341.] + + + 'The American Colonization Society has, at all times, solemnly + disavowed any purpose of interference with the institutions or + rights of our Southern communities.'--[Idem, vol. v. p. 307.] + + + 'From its origin, and throughout the whole period of its + existence, it has constantly disclaimed all intention whatever + of interfering, in the smallest degree, with the rights of + property, or the object of emancipation, gradual or immediate. + _It is not only without inclination_, but it is without power, + to make any such interference. It is not even a chartered or + incorporated company; and it has no other foundation than that + of Bible Societies, or any other christian or charitable + unincorporated companies in our country. It knows that the + subject of emancipation belongs exclusively to the several + States in which slavery is tolerated, and to individual + proprietors of slaves in those States, under and according to + their laws.' * * * 'The Society presents to the American public + _no project of emancipation_.' * * * 'Its exertions have been + confined exclusively to the free colored people of the United + States, and to those of them who are willing to go. It has + neither _purpose_ nor power to extend them to the larger portion + of that race held in bondage. Throughout the whole period of its + existence, this disclaimer has been made, and incontestible + facts establish its truth and sincerity. It is now repeated, in + its behalf, that the spirit of misrepresentation may have no + pretext for abusing the public ear.'--[Mr Clay's Speech.--African + Repository, vol. vi. pp. 13, 17, 19.] + + + 'The Society, from considerations like these, whilst it + disclaims the remotest idea of ever disturbing the right of + property in slaves, conceives it to be possible that the time + may arrive, when, with the approbation of their owners, they + shall all be at liberty; and, with those already free, be + removed, with their own consent, to the land of their + ancestors.'--[African Repository, vol. vi. p. 69.] + + + '_It is not the object of this Society to liberate slaves, or + touch the rights of property_. TO SET THEM LOOSE AMONG US WOULD + BE AN EVIL MORE INTOLERABLE THAN SLAVERY ITSELF. It would make + our situation insecure and dangerous.'--[Report of the Kentucky + Col. Soc.--Idem, p. 81.] + + + 'It contemplates no purpose of abolition: it touches no slave + until his fetters have been voluntarily stricken off by the hand + of his own master.'--[Speech of John A. Dix, Esq.--Idem, p. + 165.] + + + 'What has awakened that spirit of suspicion and enmity which is + now manifested by these men in every form of open and active + hostility? Can it be attributed to any departure of the Society + from its avowed original design and principles? We maintain that + it cannot; we maintain that the character of the Society has + from the commencement been uniformly the same, and that its + proceedings have been consistent with its character. Were or are + the design and principles of the Society hostile to the rights + and interest of the Southern States? We maintain that they were + and are not; but on the contrary, are worthy to be cherished by + the citizens of these States, and to be sustained with all their + energies as means of their political and moral strength.' * * * + 'The _free_ people of color alone are to be colonized by the + Society, and whether the benefits of its scheme are ever to be + extended to _others_, is a question referred to those to whom it + pertains as a matter of right and duty to decide.' * * * 'The + Colonization Society would be the last Institution in the world + to disturb the domestic tranquillity of the South.'--[Defence of + the Society.--Idem, pp. 197, 207, 209.] + + + 'This Society, here in the outset, most explicitly disclaims all + intention to interfere in the smallest degree with the slave + population. It is with the free colored population alone, and + that too, with their own consent, that this Society proposes to + act.'--[Address of the Maryland State Colonization Society to + the People of Maryland.] + + + 'To the slaveholder, who had charged upon them the wicked design + of interfering with the rights of property under the specious + pretexts of removing a vicious and dangerous free population, + they address themselves in a tone of conciliation and sympathy. + We know your rights, say they, and we respect them--we know your + difficulties, and we appreciate them. _Being mostly slaveholders + ourselves_, having a common interest with you in this subject, + an equal opportunity of understanding it, and the same motives + to prudent action, what better guarantee can be afforded for the + just discrimination, and the safe operation of our measures? And + what ground for apprehension that we, who are bound to you by + the strongest ties of interest and of sympathy, should intrude + upon the repose of the domestic circle, or invade the peace and + security of society? Have not the thirteen years' peaceful, yet + efficient, operations of our Society attested the _moderation of + our views_ and the safety of our plans? We have protested from + the commencement, and during our whole progress, and we do now + protest, that we have never entertained the purpose of + intermeddling with the private property of individuals. We know + that we have not the power, even if we had the inclination, to + do so. Your rights, as guarantied by the Constitution, are held + sacred in our eyes; and we should be among the foremost to + resist, as a flagrant usurpation, any encroachment upon those + rights. Our only object, as at all times avowed, is to provide + for the removal to the coast of Africa, with their own consent, + of such persons of color as are already free, and of such others + as the humanity of individuals, or the laws of the different + states, may hereafter liberate. Is there any thing, say they, in + this proposition at war with your interest, your safety, your + honor, or your happiness? Do we not all regard this mixed and + intermediate population of free blacks, made up of slaves or + their immediate descendants, as a mighty and a growing evil, + exerting a dangerous and baneful influence on all around + them?'--[Address of Cyrus Edwards, Esq. of Illinois.--African + Repository, vol. vii. p. 100.] + + + 'It was never the intention of the Society to interfere with the + rights of the proprietors of slaves; nor has it at any time done + so.'--[Address of R. J. Breckenridge of Kentucky.--Idem p. 176.] + + + 'The specific object to which the entire funds of the + Institution are devoted, is simple and plainly unexceptionable + in this respect, that it interferes with no rights of + individuals, and with no law of the land.' * * * 'It embraces in + its provisions only the free. It does not interfere--it desires + not to interfere, in any way, with the rights or the interests + of the proprietors of slaves. _It condemns no man because he is + a slaveholder_; it seeks to quiet all unkind feelings between + the sober and virtuous men of the North and of the South on the + subject of slavery; it sends abroad no influence to disturb the + peace, and endanger the security and prosperity of any portion + of the country.'--[Character and Influence of the Colonization + Society.--African Repository, vol. vii. pp. 194, 200.] + + + 'Can it be a ruthless scheme of political speculation, which + would trample, with rude and unhallowed step, upon the rights of + property, to gratify the visionary and fanatical projects of its + authors? No: this is impossible. Yet such is the language of + intemperate opposition, with which this Society has been + assailed by its enemies.' * * * 'Equally absurd and false is the + objection, that this Society seeks indirectly to disturb the + rights of property, and to interfere with the well-established + relation subsisting between master and slave. The man who avows + such monstrous purposes as these, and seeks to shelter himself + under the sanction and authority of the American Colonization + Society, is a base traitor to the cause which it seeks to + advance--AN ENEMY OF THE WORST AND MOST DANGEROUS STAMP, because + he assumes the specious garb of a friend and coadjutor. Let him + stand, or let him fall, by the verdict of an insulted and + outraged community--but do not make liable for his acts a great + Institution, whose real friends will be the first to reject and + discountenance him, and to mark upon his forehead in indelible + characters, "This is a traitor to the cause of his country and + the cause of humanity."--It is true that the friends of the + American Colonization Society have permitted themselves to + entertain the high and exalted hope, that, by its influences, + ultimate and remote, the burdens which are incident to slavery + may be greatly mitigated, and possibly the evil itself at some + future day be entirely removed. But mark, Mr President, and mark + well, ye hearers, the grounds upon which this hope is founded. + It could not be sustained by any effort, direct or indirect, to + invade the rights of the slaveholding community, for the plain + and palpable reason, that the effort itself would furnish the + most certain means of defeating the object in view, even + supposing the friends of the Society reckless enough to + entertain it. It would denote on the part of those who made it, + an extremity of madness and folly, wholly unprecedented in the + history of the world, and if persevered in, would dissolve the + government into its original elements, even though the principle + of union which holds it together were a thousand-fold stronger + than it is.' * * * 'Surely the friends of the Colonization + Society have done nought either to alarm the honest fears of the + patriot, or excite the morbid sensibilities of the + slaveholder.'--[Address delivered before the Lynchburg Auxiliary + Colonization Society, August 18, 1831.] + + + 'While, therefore, _they determined to avoid the question of + slavery_, they proposed the formation of a colony on the coast + of Africa, as an asylum for free people of color.' * * * 'The + emancipation of slaves or the amelioration of their condition, + with the moral, intellectual, and political improvement of + people of color within the United States, _are subjects foreign + to the powers of this Society_.'--[Address of the Board of + Managers of the American Colonization Society to its Auxiliary + Societies.--African Repository, vol. vii. pp. 290, 291.] + + + 'The American Colonization Society was formed with special + reference to the _free_ blacks of our country. With the + _delicate subject_ of slavery it presumes not to interfere. And + yet doubtless from the first it has cherished the hope of being + in some way or other a medium of relief to the entire colored + population of the land. Such a hope is certainly both innocent + and benevolent. And so long as the Society adheres to the object + announced in its constitution, as it hitherto has done, the + master can surely find no reasonable cause of anxiety. And it is + a gratifying circumstance that the Society has from the first + _obtained its most decided and efficient support from the + slaveholding States_.'--[Sermon, delivered at Springfield, + Mass., July 4th, 1829, before the Auxiliary Colonization Society + of Hampden County, by Rev. B. Dickinson.] + + + 'The American Colonization Society in no way directly meddles + with slavery. It disclaims all such + interference.'--[Correspondent of the Southern Religious + Telegraph.] + + + 'This system is sanctioned by the laws of independent and + sovereign states. Congress cannot constitutionally pass laws + which shall tend directly to abolish it. If it ever be abolished + by legislative enactments, it must be done by the respective + legislatures of the States in which it exists. It never designed + to interfere with what the laws consider as the rights of + masters--it has made no appeals to them to release their slaves + for colonization, nor to their slaves to abandon their masters. + With this delicate subject, the Society has avowedly nothing to + do. Its ostensible object is necessarily the removal of our free + colored population.'--[Middletown (Connecticut) Gazette.] + + + 'With slaves, however, the American Colonization Society has _no + concern_ whatever, except to transport to Africa such as their + owners may liberate for that purpose.'--[Oration delivered at + Newark, N. J., July 4th, 1831, by Gabriel P. Disosway, Esq.] + + + 'It disclaims, and always has disclaimed, all intention + whatever, of interfering in the smallest degree, direct or + indirect, with the rights of slaveholders, the right of + property, _or the object of emancipation, gradual or immediate. + It knows that the owners of slaves are the owners, and no one + else--it does not, in the most remote degree, touch that + delicate subject_. Every slaveholder may, therefore, remain at + ease concerning it or its progress or objects.'--[An advocate of + the Society in the New-Orleans Argus.] + +It were needless to multiply these extracts. So precisely do they +resemble each other, that they seem rather as the offspring of a single +mind, than of many minds. A large majority of them come in the most +official and authoritative shape, and their language is explicit beyond +cavil. + +Here, then, is a combination, embracing able and influential men in all +parts of the country, pledging itself not only to respect the system of +slavery, but to frown indignantly upon those who shall dare to assail +it. And what is this system which is to be held in so much reverence, +and avoided with so much care? It is a system which has in itself no +redeeming feature, but is full of blood--the blood of innocent men, +women and children; full of adultery and concupiscence; full of +darkness, blasphemy and wo; full of rebellion against God and treason +against the universe; full of wrath--impurity--ignorance--brutality--and +awful impiety; full of wounds and bruises and putrefying sores; full of +temporal suffering and eternal damnation. It is, says Pitt, a mass, a +system of enormities, which incontrovertibly bid defiance to every +regulation which ingenuity can devise, or power effect, but a total +extinction; a system of incurable injustice, the complication of every +species of iniquity, the greatest practical evil that ever has afflicted +the human race, and the severest and most extensive calamity recorded in +the history of the world. Fox calls it a most unjust and horrible +persecution of our fellow creatures. The Rev. Dr. Thomson declares it is +a system hostile to the original and essential rights of +humanity--contrary to the inflexible and paramount demands of moral +justice--at eternal variance with the spirit and maxims of revealed +religion--inimical to all that is merciful in the heart, and holy in the +conduct--and on these accounts, necessarily exposed and subject to the +curse of Almighty God. It is, says Rowland Hill, made up of every crime +that treachery, cruelty and murder can invent. Wilberforce says, it is +the full measure of pure, unmixed, unsophisticated wickedness; and +scorning all competition or comparison, it stands without a rival in the +secure, undisputed possession of its detestable pre-eminence. In this +country, slavery is a system which leaves the chastity of one million +females without any protection! which condemns more than two millions of +human beings to remediless bondage! which authorises their sale at +public vendue in company with horses, sheep and hogs, or in a private +manner, at the pleasure of their owners! which, under penalty of +imprisonment, and even death, forbids their being taught the lowest +rudiments of knowledge! which, by the exclusion of their testimony in +courts, subjects them to worse than brutal treatment! which recognizes +no connubial obligations, ruthlessly severs the holiest relations of +life, tears the scarcely weaned babe from the arms of its mother, wives +from their husbands, and parents from their children! But who is +adequate to the task of delineating its horrors, or recording its +atrocities, in full? Who can number the stripes which it inflicts, the +groans and tears and imprecations which it extorts, the cruel murders +which it perpetrates? or who measure the innocent blood which it +spills, or the degradation which it imposes, or the guilt which it +accumulates? or who reveal the waste of property, the perversion of +intellect, the loss of happiness, the burial of mind, to which it is +accessary? or who trace its poisonous influence and soul-destroying +tendency back for two hundred years down to the end of time? None--none +but God himself! It is corrupt as death--black as perdition--cruel and +insatiate as the grave. To adopt the nervous language of another:--The +thing I say is true. I speak the truth, though it is most lamentable. I +dare not hide it, I dare not palliate it; else the horror with which it +covereth me would make me do so. Wo unto such a system! wo unto the men +of this land who have been brought under its operation! It is not felt +to be evil, it is not acknowledged to be evil, it is not preached +against as evil; and, therefore, it is only the more inveterate and +fearful an evil.[H] _It hath become constitutional._ IT IS FED FROM THE +STREAM OF OUR LIFE, and it will grow more and more excessive, until it +can no longer be endured by God, nor borne with by man. + +And this is the system, with which, as the reader has seen, the American +Colonization Society is resolved not to interfere; and with the +upholders of which, ministers of the gospel and professors of religion +of all denominations have made a treaty of peace! Tell it not +abroad--publish it not in the capitals of Europe--lest the despots of +the old world take courage, and infidelity strengthen its stakes! + +If men who are reputedly wise and good--if religious teachers and +political leaders, those whose opinions are almost implicitly adopted, +and whose examples are readily followed by the mass of the people--if +such men suppress their voices on this momentous subject, and turn their +eyes from its contemplation, and give the right hand of fellowship to +the buyers and sellers of human flesh, is there not cause for +lamentation and alarm? The pulpit is false to its trust, and a moral +paralysis has seized the vitals of the church. The sanctity of religion +is thrown, like a mantle, over the horrid system. Under its auspices, +robbery and oppression have become popular and flourishing. The press, +too, by its profound silence, or selfish neutrality, or equivocal +course, or active partizanship, is enlisted in the cause of tyranny--the +mighty press, which has power, if exerted aright, to break every fetter, +and emancipate the land. If this state of things be not speedily +reversed, 'we be all dead men.' Unless the pulpit lift up the voice of +warning, supplication and wo, with a fidelity which no emolument can +bribe, and no threat intimidate; unless the church organise and plan for +the redemption of the benighted slaves, and directly assault the strong +holds of despotism; unless the press awake to its duty, or desist from +its bloody co-operation; as sure as Jehovah lives and is unchangeable, +he will pour out his indignation upon us, and consume us with the fire +of his wrath, and our own way recompense upon our heads. 'Ah, sinful +nation, a people laden with iniquity, a seed of evil doers, children +that are corrupters! When ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine +eyes from you; yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: _your +hands are full of blood_. Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of +your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; learn to do well; +_seek judgment, relieve the oppressed_, judge the fatherless, plead for +the widow. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the +land: but if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: +_for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it_.' + +I know the covert behind which colonizationists take refuge. They +profess to be--and, doubtless, in many instances are--aiming at the +ultimate emancipation of the slaves; but they are all for _gradual_ +abolition--all too courteous to give offence--too sober to be +madmen--too discreet to adopt _rash_ measures. But I shall show, in the +progress of this work, that they not only shield the holders of slaves +from reproach, (and thus, by assuring them of their innocence, destroy +all motives for repentance,) but earnestly dissuade them from +emancipating their slaves without an immediate expulsion. Fine +conceptions of justice! Enemies of slavery, with a vengeance! + +Suppose a similar course had been pursued by the friends of +Temperance--when would have commenced that mighty reformation which has +taken place before our eyes--unparalleled in extent, completeness and +rapidity? Suppose, instead of exposing the guilt of trafficking in +ardent spirits, and demanding instant and entire abstinence, they had +associated themselves together for the exclusive purpose of colonizing +all the drunkards in the land, as a class dangerous to our safety and +irremediably degraded, on a spot where they could not obtain the +poisonous alcohol, but could rise to respect and affluence--how would +such an enterprise have been received? Suppose they had pledged +themselves not to 'meddle' with the business of the traders in +spirituous liquors, or to injure the 'property' of distillers, and had +dwelt upon the folly and danger of 'immediate' abstinence, and had +denounced the advocates of this doctrine as madmen and fanatics, and had +endeavored, moreover, to suppress inquiry into the lawfulness of +rum-selling--how many importers, makers and venders of the liquid poison +would have abandoned their occupation, or how many of the four hundred +thousand individuals, who are now enrolled under the banner of entire +abstinence, would have been united in this great enterprise? Suppose, +further, that, in a lapse of fifteen years, this association had +transported two thousand drunkards, and the tide of intemperance had +continued to rise higher and higher, and some faithful watchmen had +given the alarm and showed the fatal delusion which rested upon the +land, and the Society should have defended itself by pointing to the two +thousand sots who had been saved by its instrumentality--would the +public attention have been successfully diverted from the _immense evil_ +to the _partial good_? Suppose, once more, that this Society, composed +indiscriminately of rum-sellers and sober, pious men, on being charged +with perpetuating the evils of intemperance, with removing only some of +the fruits thereof instead of the tree itself, should have indignantly +repelled the charge, and said--'We are as much opposed to drunkenness, +and as heartily deprecate its existence, as any of our violent, +fanatical opposers; but the holders of ardent spirit have invested their +capital in it, and to destroy its sale would invade the right of +_property_; policy at least, bids us not to assail their conduct, as +otherwise we might exasperate them, and so lose their aid in colonizing +the tipplers.' What would have been accomplished? But no such logic was +used: the duty of immediate reform was constantly pressed upon the +people, and a mighty reform took place. + +Colonizationists boast inordinately of having emancipated three or four +hundred slaves by their scheme, and contemptuously inquire of +abolitionists, 'What have _you_ effected?' Many persons have been +deceived by this _show_ of success, and deem it conclusive evidence of +the usefulness of the Colonization Society. But, in the first place, it +is very certain that none of these slaves were liberated in consequence +of the faithful appeals of the Society to the consciences of the +masters; for it has never troubled their consciences by any such +appeals. Secondly, it is obvious that these manumissions are the fruits +of the uncompromising doctrines of abolitionists; for they are +calculated to bring slaveholders to repentance, and they will yet +liberate other slaves to be caught up and claimed by the Society as +trophies of its success. Thirdly, it has been shown that while this +Society (allowing it the utmost that it claims) is effecting very little +and very doubtful good, it is inflicting upon the nation great and +positive evil, by refusing to arraign the oppressors at the bar of +eternal justice, and by obstructing the formation of abolition +societies. It rivets a thousand fetters where it breaks one. It annually +removes, on an average, two hundred of our colored population, whereas +the annual increase is about seventy thousand. It releases some scores +of slaves, and says to the owners of more than two millions--'Hold on! +don't emancipate too fast!' + +What have the abolitionists _done_? They have done more, during the past +year, to overthrow the system of slavery, than has been accomplished by +the gradualists in half a century. They have succeeded in fastening the +attention of the nation upon its enormities, and in piercing the callous +consciences of the planters. They are reforming and consolidating public +opinion, dispelling the mists of error, inspiring the hearts of the +timid, enlightening the eyes of the blind, and disturbing the slumbers +of the guilty. Colonizationists gather a few leaves which the tree has +cast off, and vaunt of the deed: abolitionists 'lay the axe at once to +its roots, and put their united nerve into the steel'--nor shall their +strokes be in vain--for soon shall 'this great poison-tree of lust and +blood, and of all abominable and heartless iniquity, fall before them; +and law and love, and God and man, shout victory over its ruin.' + +Has the reader duly considered the fatal admissions of the advocates of +the colonization scheme, presented in the preceding pages? Some of them +it may be serviceable to the cause of truth and justice to recapitulate. + +1. _The Society does not aim directly at the instruction of the blacks: +their moral, intellectual and political improvement within the United +States, is foreign to its powers._ + +2. _The public safety forbids either the emancipation or the general +instruction of the slaves._ + +3. _The Society properly enough stands aloof from the question of +slavery._ + +4. _It is ready to pass censure upon abolition societies._ + +5. _It involves no intrusion on property, nor even upon prejudice._ + +6. _It has no wish, if it could, to interfere in the smallest degree +with the system of slavery._ + +7. _It acknowledges the necessity by which the present continuance of +the system and the rigorous provisions for its maintenance are +justified._ + +8. _It denies the design of attempting emancipation either partial or +general: into its accounts the subject of emancipation does not enter at +all: it has no intention to open the door to universal liberty._ + +9. _The rights of masters are to remain sacred in the eyes of the +Society._ + +10. _It condemns no man because he is a slaveholder._ + +Each of these particulars deserves a volume of comments, but I am +compelled to dismiss them in rotation with a single remark. + +1. One reason assigned by the Society for refusing to promote the +education of our colored population, is, a dread of exciting 'the +_prejudices_ and _terrors_ of the slaveholding States'! Is it credible? +As far, then, as this Society extends its influence, more than two +millions of ignorant, degraded beings in this boasted land of liberty +and light have nothing to hope: their moral, intellectual and political +improvement is foreign to its powers! Cruel neglect! barbarous +coalition! A sinful fear of rousing the prejudices of oppressors +outweighs the claims of the contemned blacks, the requirements of the +gospel, the dictates of humanity, and the convictions of duty. Will this +plea avail aught at the bar of God? Millions of our countrymen purposely +kept in darkness, although we are able to pour daylight upon their +vision, merely to gratify and protect their buyers and sellers! + +2. There never was a more abominable or more absurd heresy propagated, +than the assumption that the public safety would be jeoparded by an +immediate compliance with the demands of justice: yet it has obtained +among all orders of society. Even ministers of the gospel, who are bound +to cry aloud, and spare not,--to lift up their voices like a trumpet, +and show this guilty nation its sins,--to say to the holders of slaves, +'Loose the bands of wickedness, undo the heavy burdens, let the +oppressed go free, _and break every yoke_,'--even they fly to this +subterfuge, and deprecate a general emancipation. On this subject, 'they +know not what they do;' they reason like madmen or atheists; they +advance sentiments which unhinge the moral government of the universe, +and directly encourage the commission of the most heinous crimes. How +long would any one of their number retain his situation, if he were to +preach in explicit terms to his congregation as follows?--'My dear +hearers, if any among you are daily oppressing the weak, or defrauding +the poor, do not cease from your robbery and cruelty at once, as you +value your own happiness and the welfare of society! Relax your +tyrannous grasp gradually from the throat of your neighbor, and steal +not quite so much from him this year as you did the last!'--But they +emphatically hold this language whenever they advise slaveholders not to +repent _en masse_, or too hastily. The public safety, they say, forbids +emancipation! or, in other words, the public safety depends upon your +persistance in cheating, whipping, starving, debasing your slaves! Nay, +more--many of them, horrible to tell, are traffickers in human flesh! +'For this thing which it cannot bear, the earth is disquieted. The +gospel of peace and mercy preached by him who steals, buys and sells the +purchase of Messiah's blood!--rulers of the church making merchandize of +their brethren's souls!--and Christians trading the persons of men!'[I] + +3. The system of slavery is full of danger, outrage, desolation and +death--'a volcano in full operation'--a monster that is annually +supplied with sixty thousand new victims, devoured as soon as born--and +yet the Colonization Society 'properly enough stands aloof' from it!! It +utters no lamentations--makes no supplications--gives no +rebukes--presents no motives for repentance! + +4. The Society is not only ready to pass, but it is constantly bestowing +its censure upon abolition societies. It represents their members as +guided by a visionary, wild and fanatical spirit, as invaders of rights +which are sacred, incendiaries, disturbers of the peace of society, and +enemies to the safety and happiness of the planters. Determining itself +to avoid the question of emancipation--to leave millions of human beings +to pine in bondage without exposing the guilt of the oppressors--it +endeavors to prevent any other association agitating the subject. Hence +between colonization and abolition societies there is no affinity of +feeling or action; and hence arises the cause, inexplicable to many, +why they cannot pursue their objects amicably together. + +5. The attempt of the Society to conciliate the holders of slaves must +result either in disappointment, or in an abandonment of the path of +duty. If they are guilty of robbery and oppression, they must be +arraigned as criminals, or they never will reform: for why should +honest, benevolent men change their conduct? If, through a false +delicacy of feeling or cringing policy, their wickedness be covered up, +alas for the slaves, and alas for the regeneration of the south! all +hope is lost. + +6. The Society has no wish, _if it could_, to interfere with the system +of slavery! Monstrous indifference, or barbarous cruelty! And yet it +presumes to occupy the whole ground of the controversy, and to direct +the actions of the friends of the blacks throughout the land! By the +phrase '_interfere_,' is meant no desire to contest the claims of the +planters to their bondmen, or to kindle the indignation of the people +against their atrocious practices. + +7. It appears that all those terrible enactments which have been made +for the government of the slaves--such, for example, as forbid their +learning to read under the penalty of stripes, and even death--are +acknowledged by the Society to be necessary for the maintenance of +order! What a concession! + +8. Sometimes we are told that the Society is aiming at the liberation of +all the slaves, and then that it has no design of attempting either +partial or general emancipation: so contradictory are its assurances! It +is manifest that it does not mean to touch the question of slavery; and +hence the imperious necessity of forming abolition societies. + +9. The rights of masters are to remain sacred in the eyes of the +Society! What rights? Those by which the intelligent creatures of God +are bought and sold and used like cattle? those which are founded upon +piracy, cruelty and outrage?[J] Yes! This, then, is an abandonment of +the ground of right and justice, and ends the controversy between truth +and error. + +10. It condemns no man because he is a slaveholder! Certainly, then, it +allows that slaveholders are upright men--not guilty of fraud--not +oppressors--not extortioners! and that the slaves are truly and justly +their property--not entitled to freedom--not better than cattle--not +conscious of evil treatment--not worthy of remuneration for their +toil--not rational and accountable beings! + +FOOTNOTES: + +[H] The term evil is used here in a criminal sense. I know that +colonizationists regard slavery as an evil; but an evil which has been +_entailed_ upon this land, for the existence of which we are no more to +blame than for the prevalence of plague or famine. + +[I] 'If the most guilty and daring transgressor be sought, he is a +Gospel Minister, who solemnly avows his belief of the Presbyterian +Confession of Faith, or the Methodist Discipline, and notwithstanding +himself is a Negro Pedler, who steals, buys, sells, and keeps his +brethren in slavery, or supports by his taciturnity, or his smooth +prophesying, or his direct defence, the Christian professor who unites +in the kidnapping trade. Truth forces the declaration, that every church +officer, or member, who is a slaveholder, records himself, by his own +creed, a hypocrite!' * * 'To pray and kidnap! to commune and rob men's +all! to preach justice, and steal the laborer with his recompense! to +recommend mercy to others, and exhibit cruelty in our own conduct! to +explain religious duties, and ever impede the performance of them! to +propound the example of Christ and his Apostles, and declare that a +slaveholder imitates them! to enjoin an observance of the Lord's day, +and drive the slaves from the temple of God! to inculcate every social +affection, and instantly exterminate them! to expatiate upon bliss +eternal, and preclude sinners from obtaining it! to unfold the woes of +Tophet, and not drag men from its fire! are the most preposterous +delusion, and the most consummate mockery.' * * * 'The Church of God +groans. It is the utmost Satanic delusion to talk of religion and +slavery. Be not deceived: to affirm that a slaveholder is a genuine +disciple of Jesus Christ, is most intelligible contradiction. A brother +of Him who went about doing good, and steal, enslave, torment, starve +and scourge a man because his skin is of a different tinge! Such +Christianity is the Devil's manufacture to delude souls to the regions +of wo.'--REV. GEORGE BOURNE. + +[J] 'We are told not to meddle with vested rights: I have a sacred +feeling about vested rights; but when vested rights become vested +wrongs, I am less scrupulous about them.'--_Speech of Rev. Mr. Burnett, +of England._ + + + + +SECTION II. + +THE AMERICAN COLONIZATION SOCIETY APOLOGISES FOR SLAVERY AND +SLAVEHOLDERS. + + +My charges against the American Colonization Society acquire breadth and +solemnity as I progress in my task. I have fairly and abundantly +sustained my first,--_that the Society is not the enemy of the +slave-system_; and I now proceed to prove my second,--_that it +apologises for slavery and slaveholders_. + + 'There is a golden mean, which all who would pursue the solid + interest and reputation of their country may discern at the very + heart of their confederation, and will both advocate and + enforce--a principle, of justice, conciliation and humanity--a + principle, sir, which is not inconsistent with itself, and yet + can sigh over the degradation of the slave, _defend the wisdom + and prudence of the South against the charge of studied and + pertinacious cruelty_,' &c.--[Address of Robert F. Stockton, + Esq. at the Eighth Annual Meeting of the Parent Society.] + + + 'It is a fact, given us on the most unquestionable authority, + that there are now in the southern States of our union, + hundreds, and even thousands of proprietors, who would gladly + give liberty to their slaves, but are deterred by the + apprehension of doing injury to their country, and perhaps to + the slaves themselves.'--[Discourse by the Rev. Dr. + Dana.--African Repository, vol. i. p. 145.] + + + 'Guarding that system, the existence of which, though + _unfortunate_, THEY DEEM NECESSARY.'--[African Repository, vol. + i. p. 227.] + + + 'We all know from a variety of considerations which it is + unnecessary to name, and in consequence of the policy which is + obliged to be pursued in the southern States, that it is + extremely difficult to free a slave, and hence the enactment of + those laws _which a fatal necessity seems to demand_.'--[African + Repository, vol. ii. p. 12.] + + + 'They are convinced, that there are now hundreds of masters who + are so only from _necessity_.'--[Memorial of the Society to the + several States.--A. R. vol. ii. p. 60.] + + + '_I do not condemn_, let me be understood, _their detention in + bondage_ under the circumstances which are yet existing.'--['The + Colonization Society Vindicated.'--Idem, vol. iii. p. 201.] + + + 'A third point in which the first promoters of this object were + united, is, that few individual slaveholders can, in the present + state of things, emancipate their slaves if they would. There is + a certain relation between the proprietor of slaves and the + beings thus thrown upon him, which is far more complicated, and + far less easily dissolved, than a mind unacquainted with the + subject is ready to imagine. The relation is one which, where it + exists, grows out of the very structure of society, and for the + existence of which, the master is ordinarily as little + accountable as the slave.' + + 'He [the planter] looks around him and sees that the condition + of the great mass of emancipated Africans is one _in comparison + with which the condition of his slaves is enviable_;--and he is + convinced that if he withdraws from his slaves his authority, + his support, his protection, and leaves them to shift for + themselves, he turns them out to be vagabonds, and paupers, and + felons, and to find in the work-house and the penitentiary, the + home which they ought to have retained on his paternal + acres.--Hundreds of humane and Christian slaveholders retain + their fellow-men in bondage, because _they are convinced that + they can do no better_.'--[Address of the Managers of the + Colonization Society of Connecticut.--Af. Rep. vol. iv. pp. 119, + 120.] + + + 'I AM NOT COMPLAINING OF THE OWNERS OF SLAVES; they cannot get + rid of them.--_I do not doubt that masters treat their slaves + with kindness_, nor that the slaves are happier than they could + be if set free in this country.'--[Address delivered before the + Hampden Col. Soc., July 4th, 1828, by Wm. B. O. Peabody, Esq.] + + + '_Policy_, and even _the voice of humanity_ forbade the progress + of manumission; and the _salutary hand of law_ came forward to + co-operate with our convictions, and to arrest the flow of our + feelings, and the ardor of our desires.'--[Review of the Report + of the Committee of Foreign Relations.--Af. Rep. vol. iv. p. + 268.] + + + 'When an owner of slaves tells me that he will freely relinquish + his slaves, or even that he will relinquish one-half of their + value, _on condition that he be compensated for the other half_, + and provision be made for their transportation, I feel that he + has made a generous proposal, and _I cannot charge him with all + the guilt of slavery_, though he may continue to be a + slaveholder.'--[Af. Rep. vol. v. p. 63.] + + + 'Even slavery must be viewed as a great national calamity; a + public evil entailed upon us by untoward circumstances, _and + perpetuated for the want of appropriate remedies_.'--[Idem, vol. + v. p. 89.] + + + 'Slavery is an evil which is entailed upon the present + generation of slaveholders, which they must suffer, _whether + they will or not_.'--[Idem, p. 179.] + + + 'Our brethren of the South, have the same sympathies, the same + moral sentiments, the same love of liberty as ourselves. By them + as by us, slavery is felt to be an evil, a hindrance to our + prosperity, and a blot upon our character. But it was in being + when they were born, and has been forced upon them by a previous + generation.'--[Address of Rev. Dr. Nott.--Idem, p. 277.] + + + 'With a writer in the Southern Review we say, "the situation of + the people of these States was not of their choosing. When they + came to the inheritance, it was subject to this mighty + incumbrance, and it would be criminal in them to rain or waste + the estate, to get rid of the burden at once." With this writer + we add also, in the language of Captain Hall, that the + "slaveholders ought not (immediately) to disentangle themselves + from the obligations which have devolved upon them, as the + masters of slaves." We believe that a master _may_ sustain his + relation to the slave, with as little criminality as the slave + sustains his relation to the master.' * * * 'Slavery, in its + mildest form, is an evil of the darkest character. Cruel and + unnatural in its origin, no plea can be urged in justification + of its continuance but the plea of _necessity_.'--[Af. Rep. vol. + v. pp. 329, 334.] + + + 'How much more consistent and powerful would be our example, but + for that population within our limits, whose condition + (_necessary_ condition, I will not deny) is so much at war with + our institutions, and with that memorable national + Declaration--"that all men are created equal."'--[Fourteenth + Ann. Report.] + + + '_It_ [the Society] _condemns no man because he is a + slaveholder._' * * * 'They [abolitionists] confound the + _misfortunes_ of one generation with the crimes of another, and + would sacrifice both individual and public good to an + _unsubstantial theory of the rights of man_.'--[A. R. vol. vii. + pp. 200, 202.] + + + 'Many thousand individuals in our native State, you well know, + Mr President, are restrained, said Mr Mercer, from manumitting + their slaves, as you and I are, by the melancholy conviction, + that they cannot yield to the suggestions of humanity, without + manifest injury to their country.' * * * 'The laws of Virginia + now discourage, and very wisely, perhaps, the emancipation of + slaves.'--[Speech of Mr Mercer.--First Annual Report.] + + + 'We are ready even to grant, for our present purpose, that, so + far as mere animal existence is concerned, the slaves have no + reason to complain, and the friends of humanity have no reason + to complain for them.' * * * 'There are men in the southern + states, who long to do something effectual for the benefit of + their slaves, and would gladly emancipate them, did not + _prudence_ and _compassion_ alike forbid such a + measure.'--[Review of the Reports of the Society, from the + Christian Spectator.--Seventh Annual Report.] + + + 'Such unhappily is the case; but there is a _necessity_ for it, + [for oppressive laws,] and so long as they remain amongst us + will that necessity continue.'--[Ninth Annual Report.] + + + 'I MAY BE PERMITTED TO DECLARE THAT I WOULD BE A SLAVEHOLDER + TO-DAY WITHOUT SCRUPLE.'--[Fourteenth Annual Report.] + + + 'For the existence of slavery in the United States, those, and + those only, are accountable who bore a part in originating such + a constitution of society. The bible contains no explicit + prohibition of slavery. There is neither chapter nor verse of + holy writ, which lends any countenance to the fulminating spirit + of universal emancipation, of which some exhibitions may be seen + in some of the newspapers.' * * * 'The embarrassment which many + a philanthropic proprietor has felt in relation to his slaves, + has been but little known at the north, and has had but little + sympathy. He finds himself the lord of perhaps a hundred human + beings; and is anxious to do them all the good in his power. He + would emancipate them; but if he does, their prospect of + happiness can hardly be said to be improved by the change. Some + half a dozen, perhaps, in the hundred, become industrious and + useful members of society; and the rest are mere vagabonds, + idle, wicked, and miserable.' + + --[Review on African Colonization.--Vide the Christian Spectator + for September, 1830, in which the reader will find an elaborate + apology for the system of slavery, and this, too, by a + clergyman!] + + + 'The existence of slavery among us, though not at all to be + objected to our southern brethren as a _fault_, is yet a blot on + our national character, and a mighty drawback from our national + strength.'--[Second Annual Report of the N. Y. State Col. Soc.] + + + 'Entertaining these views of this fearful subject, why should + our opponents endeavor to prejudice our cause with our southern + friends? And we are the more anxious on this point, for we + sincerely entertain exalted notions of their sense of right, of + their manliness and independence of feeling--of their dignity of + deportment--of their honorable and chivalric turn of thought, + which spurns a mean act as death. And if I was allowed to + indulge a personal feeling, I would say that there is something + to my mind in the candor, hospitality and intelligence of the + South, which charms and captives, which wins its way to the + heart and gives assurance of all that is upright, honorable, and + humane. There is no people that treat their slaves with so + little cruelty and with so much kindness. There is nothing in + the condition of slavery more congenial with the feelings of the + South than with the feelings of the North. Philanthropy and + benevolence flourish with as much vigor with them as with + us--their hearts are as warm as ours--they feel for the + distresses of others with as much acuteness as we do--their ears + are as open to the calls of charity as ours--they as deeply + regret as we do the existence of slavery--and oh! how their + hearts would thrill with delight, if the mighty incubus could be + removed without injury or destruction to every thing around + them.'--[Speech of James S. Green, Esq. on the same occasion.] + + + 'Many of the best citizens of our land are holders of slaves, + and hold them IN STRICT ACCORDANCE WITH THE PRINCIPLES OF + HUMANITY AND JUSTICE.'--[Rev. Thomas T. Skillman, editor of the + Western Luminary, an ardent supporter of the Col. Soc.] + + + 'It is a very common impression that a principal evil of the + condition of the southern blacks, is the severity of their + treatment. THIS IS AN ERROR. It is almost every where + disreputable to treat slaves with severity; and though there are + indeed exceptions, yet in most cases in the South, even tyranny + itself could not long withstand the reproaches of public + opinion. A STILL GREATER AND MORE DANGEROUS EVIL, IS THE VERY + REVERSE. It is _indulgence_; not only in such things as are + proper and innocent, but in indolent habits and vicious + propensities.' + + --[From an address prepared for the use of those who advocate + the cause of the African Education Society at Washington--a + Society which educates none but those who consent to remove to + Liberia.] + + + 'How should a benevolent Virginian, in view of the fact, that + out of thirty-seven thousand free people of color in his State, + only two hundred were proprietors of land, how should he be in + favor of general emancipation? But, show him, that if he will + emancipate his slaves, there is a way in which he can without + doubt improve their condition, while he rids himself of a + grievous burden, and he will promptly obey the demands of + justice--he will then feel that his generous wishes can with + certainty be fulfilled. While he knows that scarcely any thing + is done to meliorate the condition of those now free, and + reflects on the many obstacles in the way of doing it in this + land, he feels bound by a regard to what he owes himself--his + children--his country, and even his slaves themselves, not to + emancipate them. For he is sure, that, by emancipation, he will + only add to the wretchedness of the one, and at the same time + put at imminent hazard the dearest interests of the other. Thus + he is forced to refrain from manumission, and not only so, but + against all his benevolent inclinations, he is forced to + co-operate with his fellow-citizens in sustaining the present + system of slavery. He would most cheerfully follow the impulse + of his noblest feelings--he would remove the curse which the + short-sighted policy of his fathers entailed upon him; but he + cannot disregard the first law of nature; especially not, when, + were he to do it, he would render the _curse_ still more + calamitous in its consequences.'--[An advocate of the + Colonization Society in the Middletown (Connecticut) Gazette.] + + + 'Slavery is indeed a curse; and bitter is the lot of him who is + born with slaves on his hands. And now, instead of denouncing as + inhuman and unmerciful monsters and tyrants, those who are thus + _unfortunate_, I say, let the commiseration and pity of every + good citizen and christian in the land be excited, and let + fervent prayers be offered in their behalf, and that God would + direct the whole American mind to the adoption of the most + effectual measures for the accomplishment of the total abolition + of slavery.'--[New-Haven Religious Intelligencer for July 16, + 1831.] + + + 'Special reference will also be had to the condition and wishes + of the slave States. In most of them it is a prevailing + sentiment, that it is not safe to furnish slaves with the means + of instruction. Much as we lament the reasons for this + sentiment, and the _apparent necessity_ of keeping a single + fellow creature in ignorance, we willingly leave to others the + consideration and the remedy of this evil, in view of the + overwhelming magnitude of the remaining objects before + us.'--[Address of the Board of Managers of the African Education + Society of the United States.] + + + 'And when we [of New-England] did emancipate our slaves, we were + driven to the measure by the force of example; and we did not do + it until it was found quite convenient; and then what provision + was made for the poor blacks? Let our State Prison records + answer the question. Our Southern brethren have been _more + kind_: they will not emancipate them until they send them where + they can enjoy _liberty_, more than in name. As a Northern man I + feel it my duty, and I take pleasure in giving the _meed of + praise_ to my Southern brethren.'--[Speech of Rev. Mr Gallaudet, + at a colonization meeting in New-York city.] + + + 'The slave works for his master, who feeds and clothes him, + defends him from harm, and takes care of him when he is sick. + The free colored man works for himself, and has nobody to take + care of him but himself.' + + --[From a little colonization work, published in Baltimore in + 1828, 'for the use of the African Schools in the United + States'!! entitled 'A Voice from Africa.'] + + + 'The slaveholder will tell you, that he did not take liberty + from the African--he was a slave when he found him, and he is no + more than a slave yet. The man who owns one hundred acres of + land more than he can cultivate himself, is as much a + slaveholder as he who owns a slave.'--[An advocate of + colonization in the Richmond (Indiana) Palladium for Oct. 1, + 1831.] + + + 'I DO NOT MEAN TO SPEAK OF SLAVERY AS A SYSTEM OF CRUELTY AND OF + SUFFERING. On this point I am free to say, from personal + observation and occasional residences for some years at the + South, there has been much misapprehension among our + fellow-citizens of the North. And I rejoice to add, that _the + condition of the slaves generally is such as the friends of + humanity have no reason to complain of_.'--[Oration delivered at + Newark, N. J. July 4th, 1831, by Gabriel P. Disosway, Esq.] + + + 'Slavery, it is true, is an evil--a national evil. Every + laudable effort to exterminate it should be encouraged. And we + presume that nine-tenths of the slaveholders themselves, would + rejoice at the event, could it be accomplished, of the entire + freedom from the country of every person of color, and would + willingly relinquish every slave in their possession. But the + slaves _are_ in their possession--they are entailed upon them by + their ancestors. And can they set them free, and still suffer + them to remain in the country? Would this be policy? Would it be + safe? No. When they can be transported to the soil from whence + they were derived--by the aid of the Colonization Society, by + Government, by individuals, or by any other means--then let them + be emancipated, and not before.'--[Lowell (Mass.) Telegraph.] + +It is a self-evident proposition, that just so far as you alleviate the +pressure of guilt upon the consciences of evil doers, you weaken the +power of motive to repent, and encourage them to sin with impunity. To +descant upon the wrongs of the slave-system, and yet exonerate the +supporters of it from reprehension, is to deal in absurdities: we might +preach in this manner until the crack of doom, and never gain a convert. +Paradoxes may amuse, but they never convince the mind. + +Now, I defy the most ingenious advocates of perpetual slavery to produce +stronger arguments in its favor than are given in the foregoing +extracts. What better plea could they make? what higher justification +could they need? Nay, these apologies of colonizationists represent +oppression not merely as innocent, but even commendable--as a system of +benevolence, upheld by philanthropists and sages! + +'I do not condemn the detention of the slaves in bondage under the +circumstances which are yet existing,' says an advocate; by which +consolatory avowal we are taught that the criminality of man-stealing +depends upon _circumstances_, and not upon the fact that it is a daring +violation of the rights of man and the laws of God. + +'The planter sees that the condition of the great mass of emancipated +Africans is one, in comparison with which the condition of his slaves is +_enviable_,' assert the Board of Managers!--a concession which +transforms robbery into generosity, cruelty into mercy, and leads the +slaveholder to believe that, instead of deserving censure, his conduct +is really meritorious!--a concession which is at war with common sense, +and contrary to truth. + +'I am not complaining of the owners of slaves--I do not doubt that the +slaves are happier than they could be if set free in this country,' +declares an apologist, even in Massachusetts! Stripes and servitude +would doubtless soon alter his opinion. With him, to sell human beings +at public auction, and to separate husbands and wives, and children and +parents, is not a subject of complaint! and to be a slave, to be fed +upon a peck of corn per week, unable to possess property, liable to be +torn from the partner of his bosom and children at a moment's warning +mal-treated worse than a brute, &c. &c. &c. is more desirable than to be +a free man, able to acquire wealth, unrestricted in his movements, from +whom none may wrest his wife or children, and who can find redress for +any outrage upon his person or property! + +'Policy, and even _humanity_,' cries another, 'forbid the progress of +manumission'! Indeed! But is it right to hold our fellow creatures as +chattels, and to perpetuate their ignorance and servitude? O no! this is +_wrong_, but it would be a greater wrong to emancipate them! Is this +folly or villany? To oppress our brother is wrong, but to cease from +oppressing him would not be right! + +'I would be a slaveholder to-day without scruple,' says another +advocate. + +'Many owners of slaves,' another declares, 'hold them in strict +accordance with the principles of humanity and justice'!!! Yes, to +deprive men of their inalienable rights is to do unto them as we would +have them do unto us! + +Finally, another boldly declares that the slaves are treated _too +indulgently_!--The laws which regard them as beasts, but punish them for +the commission of crime as severely as if they possessed the knowledge +of angels, he must suppose are too lenient. Their allowance of corn is +too liberal; they ought not to wear any raiment; to sleep in their +wretched huts is calculated to make them effeminate--the open field is a +more suitable place for cattle; no religious instruction should be +granted even orally to them! The slaves, as a body, too kindly treated! +The Lord have compassion upon any of their number who shall come under +the control of him who holds this opinion! + +Sentiments, like these, act upon the consciences of slave owners like +opiates upon the body, lulling them into a slumber as profound and fatal +as death. It were almost as hopeless a task to attempt to arouse, alarm +and animate them, so long as they repose under the stupefying effects of +this poison, as to raise the dead. This must not be. Slaveholders are +the enemies of God and man; their garments are red with the blood of +souls; their guilt is aggravated beyond the power of language to +describe; and they must be made to see and realise their awful +condition. Truth must send its arrows into their consciences, and Terror +rouse them to exertion, and Conviction bring them upon their knees, and +Repentance propitiate the anger of Heaven, or they perish by the sword. +The slaves must be free; and He who is no respecter of person is now +holding out to us this alternative--either to wait until they burst +their chains and wade through a river of blood to freedom, or to +liberate them willingly ourselves. Can we hesitate in our choice? Be +this our only reply to those who apologise for the oppressors, and fix +the standard of policy higher than that of duty: 'Wo unto them that call +evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for +darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Wo unto them +that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight! which +justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the +righteous from him!' + + + + +SECTION III. + +THE AMERICAN COLONIZATION SOCIETY RECOGNISES SLAVES AS PROPERTY. + + +The heresies of this combination are flagrant and numerous. A larger +volume than this is needed to define and illustrate them all. Much +important evidence, and many pertinent reflections, I am compelled to +suppress. + +My next allegation against it is, _that it recognises slaves as +property_. This recognition is not merely technical, or strictly +confined to a statutable interpretation. I presume the advocates of the +Society will attempt to evade this point, by saying that it never meant +to concede the moral right of the masters to possess human beings; but +the evidence against them is full and explicit. The Society, if language +mean any thing, does unequivocally acknowledge property in slaves to be +as legitimate and sacred as any other property, of which to deprive the +owners either by force or by legislation, without making restitution, +would be unjust and tyrannical. Here is the proof: + + 'It interferes in no wise with the _rights of property_.' * * + 'It is utterly opposed to any measures which might infringe upon + the _rights of property_.' * * 'We hold their slaves _as we hold + their other property_, SACRED.'--[African Repository, vol. i. + pp. 39, 225, 283.] + + + 'Does this Society wish to meddle with our slaves as our + _rightful property_? I answer _no_, I think not.' * * 'The + Society cannot be justly charged with aiming to disturb the + _rights of property_ or the peace of society.' * * 'It seeks to + affect no man's _property_.' * * 'To found in Africa, an empire + of _christians and republicans_; to reconduct the blacks to + their native land, without disturbing the order of society, the + _laws of property_, or the rights of individuals,' &c.--[African + Repository, vol. ii. pp. 13, 58, 334, 375.] + + + 'They are also convinced, that the Society have conducted their + operations with so much prudence, as to give no cause of alarm + to the holders of slaves, for the security of _this + property_.'--[African Repository, volume iii. p. 341.] + + + 'The rights of masters are to remain sacred in the eyes of the + Society.'--[African Repository, vol. iv. p. 274.] + + 'The Society has never interfered, and has no disposition to + interfere with the rights of private property.' * * 'The alarm + for the rights of property appears to have subsided, and the + Society is no longer charged with any sinister or insidious + design. It has constantly disclaimed any intention of disturbing + the rights of others; and its conduct entitles its declaration + to credit.' * * 'The American Colonization Society has, at all + times, solemnly disavowed any purpose of interference with the + institutions or rights of our Southern communities.' * * 'Our + friends, who are cursed with this greatest of human evils + (slavery) deserve our kindest attention and consideration. Their + _property_ and safety are both involved.'--[African Repository, + vol. v. pp. 215, 241, 307, 334.] + + + 'It has constantly disclaimed all intention whatever of + interfering, in the smallest degree, with the rights of + property.' * * 'The Society, from considerations like these, + whilst it disclaims the remotest idea of ever disturbing the + _right of property_ in slaves,' &c. * * 'It is not the object of + this Society to liberate slaves, or touch the rights of + _property_.' * * 'Honorable instances might be adduced of + _disinterested benevolence_ on the part of the owners of slaves, + and of their _sacrificing property_ to a large amount, in their + enfranchisement and restoration to the land of their ancestors.' + * * 'The American Society has disclaimed from the first moment + of its institution, all intention of interfering with _rights of + property_.' * * 'The federal government has no control over this + subject: it concerns rights of property secured by the federal + compact, upon which our civil liberties mainly depend; it is a + part of the same collection of political rights; and _any + invasion of it would impair the tenure by which every other is + held_.' * * 'It is equally plain and undeniable, that the + Society in the prosecution of this work, has never interfered or + evinced even a disposition to interfere in any way with the + _rights of proprietors of slaves_.' * * 'The slaveholder, so far + from having just cause to complain of the Colonization Society, + has reason to congratulate himself, that in this Institution a + channel is opened up, in which the public feeling and public + action can flow on, without doing violence to his + _rights_.'--[African Repository, vol. vi. pp. 13, 69, 81, 153, + 165, 169, 205, 363.] + + + 'It was proper again and again to repeat, that it was far from + the intention of the Society to affect, in any manner, the + tenure by which a _certain species of property_ is held. He was + himself a slaveholder; _and he considered that kind of property + as inviolable as any other in the country_.'--[Speech of Henry + Clay.--First Annual Report.] + + + 'Your committee would not thus favorably regard the prayer of + the memorialists, if it sought to impair, _in the slightest + degree, the rights of private property_.'--[Report of the + committee of the House of Representatives of the United States, + on the memorial of the President and Board of Managers of the + Colonization Society.--Second Annual Report.] + + + 'The Society has at all times recognised the constitutional and + LEGITIMATE existence of slavery.'--[Tenth Annual Report.] + + + 'The Society protests that it has no designs on the rights of + the master in the slave--or the property in his slave, which the + laws guarantee to him.'--[Fourteenth Annual Report.] + + + 'Something he must yet be allowed to say, as regarded the object + the Society was set up to accomplish. This object, if he + understood it aright, _involved no intrusion on property_, NOR + EVEN UPON PREJUDICE.'--[Fifteenth Annual Report.] + + + 'To the slaveholder, who had charged upon them the wicked design + of interfering with the RIGHTS OF PROPERTY under the specious + pretext of removing a vicious and dangerous free population, + they address themselves in a tone of conciliation and sympathy. + We know your rights, say they, and _we respect them_.' * * + 'Equally absurd and false is the objection, that this Society + seeks indirectly to disturb the rights of property, and to + interfere with the well established relation subsisting between + master and slave.'--[African Repository, vol. vii. pp. 100, + 228.] + + + 'I repeat, that though not a slaveholder, yet I think that every + man ought to be protected in his property, and as the laws of + our country have decreed that negroes are property, every person + that holds a slave, according to these laws, ought to be + protected.'--['A new and interesting View of Slavery.' By + Humanitas, a colonization advocate. Baltimore, 1820.] + + + 'We are made to disregard this description of _property_, and to + touch without reserve the _rights_ of our + neighbors.'--[Proceedings of the First Annual Meeting of the + New-Jersey Colonization Society.] + +Thus the American Colonization Society shamelessly surrenders the claims +of justice, and leaves the enemies of oppression weaponless! Hence it +rejects the proposition, that _man cannot hold property in man_; and we +are called upon to prove that which is self-evident. No accidental +differences of condition or complexion--no vicissitudes of fortune--no +reprisal or purchase or inheritance, can justly make one individual the +slave of another. When God created man, he gave him dominion over the +fowls of the air and the beasts of the field; but not over his fellow +man. 'All men are born free and equal,' and are 'made of one blood.' +Shall we look to wealth as giving one a title to the labor and freedom +of another? Wealth is the creature of circumstances, and not an +arbitrary law of nature. It takes to itself wings, and flies away; and +he who is an opulent tyrant to-day, may on this principle be an +impoverished slave to-morrow. Does physical strength make valid this +claim? This, too, is evanescent: sickness and age would ultimately +degrade the most muscular tyrants to servitude; and mankind would be +composed of but two parties--the strong and the weak. Can high birth +annul the rights of the lower classes? There is no difference at their +birth, between the children of the beggar and those of the king. 'We +brought nothing into this world,' says an inspired apostle, 'and it is +certain we can carry nothing out.' + +Man is created a rational being; and therefore he is a subject of moral +government, and accountable. Being rational and accountable, he is bound +to improve his mind and intellect. With this design, his Creator has +outstretched the heavens, and set the sun in his course, and hung out +the burning jewels of the sky, and spread abroad the green earth, and +poured out the seas, that he might steadily progress in knowledge. + +The slaves are men; they were born, then, as free as their masters; they +cannot be property; and he who denies them an opportunity to improve +their faculties, comes into collision with Jehovah, and incurs a fearful +responsibility. But we know that they are not treated like rational +beings, and that oppression almost entirely obliterates their sense of +moral obligation to God or man. + +I fully coincide in opinion with the authoress of a work entitled, +'IMMEDIATE, NOT GRADUAL ABOLITION,' that the holder of a slave, whether +he obtained him by purchase or by inheritance, is as guilty as the +original thief.[K] The wretch who stole him could by no possible means +acquire or transmit the right to make a slave of him, or to keep him in +slavery. _He has a right to his liberty:_--through whatever number of +transfers the usurpation of it may have passed, the right is +undiminished. + +No man, says Algernon Sidney, can have a right over others, unless it be +by them granted to him: That which is not just, is not law; and that +which is not law, ought not to be in force: Whosoever grounds his +pretensions of right upon usurpation and tyranny, declares himself to be +an usurper and a tyrant--that is, an enemy to God and man--and to have +no right at all: _That which was unjust in its beginning, can of itself +never change its nature:_ HE WHO PERSISTS IN DOING INJUSTICE, AGGRAVATES +IT, AND TAKES UPON HIMSELF ALL THE GUILT OF HIS PREDECESSORS: The right +to be free is a truth planted in the hearts of men, and acknowledged so +to be by all who have hearkened to the voice of nature, and disproved by +none but such as through wickedness, stupidity, or baseness of spirit, +seem to have degenerated into the worst of beasts, and to have retained +nothing of men but the outward shape, or the ability of doing those +mischiefs which they have learnt from their master the devil. + +The following is the indignant, emphatic, eloquent language of HENRY +BROUGHAM, on the subject of slave property: + + '_Tell me not of rights--talk not of the property of the planter + in his slaves._ I DENY THE RIGHT--I ACKNOWLEDGE NOT THE + PROPERTY. The principles, the feelings of our common nature, + rise in rebellion against it. Be the appeal made to the + understanding or to the heart, the sentence is the same that + rejects it. In vain you tell me of the laws that sanction such a + claim! There is a law above all the enactments of human + codes--the same throughout the world, the same in all + times--such as it was before the daring genius of Columbus + pierced the night of ages, and opened to one world the sources + of power, wealth and knowledge; to another, all unutterable + woes;--such it is at this day: it is the law written by the + finger of God on the heart of man; and by that law, unchangeable + and eternal, while men despise fraud, and loathe rapine, and + abhor blood, they shall reject with indignation the wild and + guilty fantasy, that man can hold property in man! In vain you + appeal to treaties, to covenants between nations. The covenants + of the Almighty, whether the old or the new, denounce such + unholy pretensions. To those laws did they of old refer, who + maintained the African trade. Such treaties did they cite, and + not untruly; for by one shameful compact, you bartered the + glories of Blenheim for the traffic in blood. Yet, in despite of + law and of treaties, that infernal traffic is now destroyed, and + its votaries put to death like other pirates. How came this + change to pass? Not assuredly by parliament leading the way; but + the country at length awoke; the indignation of the people was + kindled; it descended in thunder, and smote the traffic, and + scattered its guilty profits to the winds. Now, then, let the + planters beware--let their assemblies beware--let the government + at home beware--let the parliament beware! the same country is + once more awake,--awake to the condition of negro slavery; the + same indignation kindles in the bosom of the same people; the + same cloud is gathering that annihilated the slave trade; and, + if it shall descend again, they, on whom its crash shall fall, + will not be destroyed before I have warned them; but I pray that + their destruction may turn away from us the more terrible + judgments of God!' + +Is this the language of fanaticism? Is Henry Brougham a madman? + +The following extracts must close the evidence in support of my third +allegation, that the Colonization Society disregards the fundamental +principle of human liberty and equality, that man cannot hold _property_ +in man: + + 'Let me ask, who can wish under existing circumstances that the + constitution should be altered, when it must bring with it a + _violation of property_--and when that violation of private + property must engender such hostility of feelings, and elicit + such bitter vituperation? The whole Union would feel a + concussion, and no one can count the costs of the contest.' + * * * 'By means of our colony, they may remove their slaves and + restore them to freedom--and at the same time no way jeopardize + the safety of themselves or their _property_.'--[Proceedings of + the First Annual Meeting of the New-Jersey Colonization + Society.] + + + 'The establishment of our colony will afford facilities to + proprietors for completing in Africa the exercise of the _right + which can only be partially exercised in this country, of + disposing of our property, in our own way, without injury to the + community_.'--[Fourteenth Annual Report.] + +What audacity do those advocates of the Society exhibit, who use, in +reference to beings made a little lower than the angels, language like +this--'disposing of _our property_ in _our own way_'--'we hold their +_slaves_, as we hold their other _property_, SACRED'!![L] If they really +mean and believe what they say, it is something more heinous than +impertinence to urge the planters to dispossess themselves of their +property by colonization; and if the slaves belong _of right_ to +them,--are on a par with goods and chattels,--how idle, how supremely +ridiculous it is to mourn over their _wretched condition_, to sigh for +their emancipation, to declaim against the evil and wickedness of +slavery, or even to denounce the slave trade! But the unfortunate blacks +are not now, and never can be, the property of the planters; +consequently the claims of their pretended owners are no better than +those of the pirate or highway robber. + +FOOTNOTES: + +[K] The owners of slaves are licensed robbers, and not the just +proprietors of what they claim: freeing them is not depriving them of +property, but restoring it to the right owner; it is suffering the +unlawful captive to escape. It is not wronging the master, but doing +justice to the slave, restoring him to himself. Emancipation would only +take away property that is its own property, and not ours; property that +has the same right to possess us, as we have to possess it; property +that has the same right to convert our children into dogs and calves and +colts, as we have to convert theirs into these beasts; property that may +transfer our children to strangers, by the same right that we transfer +theirs.--_Rice._ + +[L] 'Is there no difference between a vested interest in a house or a +tenement, and a vested interest in a human being? No difference between +a right to bricks and mortar, and a right to the flesh of man--a right +to torture his body and to degrade his mind at your good will and +pleasure? There is this difference,--the right to the house originates +in law, and is reconcilable to justice; the claim (for I will not call +it a right) to the man, originated in robbery, and is an outrage upon +every principle of justice, and every tenet of religion.'--_Speech of +Fowell Buxton in the British Parliament._ + + + + +SECTION IV. + +THE AMERICAN COLONIZATION SOCIETY INCREASES THE VALUE OF SLAVES. + + +I come now to my fourth charge,--which, although not more serious or +consequential than any of the foregoing, may possibly create more +surprise,--namely, that the Society _increases the value of slaves, and +adds strength and security to the system of slavery_. It is the +discovery of this fact that is so wonderfully, and to many superficial +observers so inexplicably, increasing the popularity of the Society at +the south. It would require more pages of this work than its necessarily +contracted limits permit, to sum up minutely the evidence on this point, +and to give those illustrations which might serve more clearly to +establish its validity. The most common, as it is the most potent, +argument used by colonization agents among slave owners, to secure their +patronage, is,--'The successful prosecution of our scheme will remove +the chief source of danger to yourselves, and enable you to hold your +property in greater security: the presence of free persons of color +among your slaves is eminently calculated to make them insubordinate, +and to procure their violent emancipation.' This argument, I say, is +introduced into every conversation, and every public address, and every +essay; and whoever carefully consults the numbers of the African +Repository, through seven volumes, will find it repeated in almost every +appeal to the south. + +I choose to consider the testimony of southern men, in regard to the +invigorating effects of the colonization enterprise upon the system of +slavery, conclusive. Here is a very small portion of it: more may be +found under the sixth section of this work. + + 'The object of the Colonization Society commends itself to every + class of society. The landed proprietor may ENHANCE THE VALUE OF + HIS PROPERTY by assisting the enterprise.'--[African Repository, + vol. i. p. 67.] + + + 'But is it not certain, that should the people of the Southern + States refuse to adopt the opinions of the Colonization Society, + [relative to the gradual abolition of slavery,] and continue to + consider it both just and politic to leave, untouched, a system, + for the termination of which, we think the whole wisdom and + energy of the States should be put in requisition, that they + will CONTRIBUTE MORE EFFECTUALLY TO THE CONTINUANCE AND STRENGTH + OF THIS SYSTEM, by removing those now free, than by any or all + other methods which can possibly be devised? Such has been the + opinion expressed by Southern gentlemen of the first talents and + distinction. Eminent individuals have, we doubt not, lent their + aid to this cause, in expectation of at once accomplishing a + generous and noble work for the objects of their patronage and + for Africa, and GUARDING THAT SYSTEM, the existence of which, + though _unfortunate_, they deem _necessary_, by separating from + it those, whose disturbing force augments its inherent vices, + and darkens all the repulsive attributes of its character. In + the decision of these individuals, as to the effects of the + Colonization Society, _we perceive no error of judgment_: OUR + BELIEF IS THE SAME AS THEIRS.'--[Idem, p. 227.] + + + 'THE EXECUTION OF ITS SCHEME WOULD AUGMENT INSTEAD OF + DIMINISHING THE VALUE OF THE PROPERTY LEFT BEHIND.'--[Idem, vol. + ii. p. 344.] + + + 'The removal of every single free black in America, would be + productive of nothing but safety to the slaveholder, nor would + the emancipation of as many as the benevolence of individual + masters would send off, as far as I can see, be productive of + disaffection among the remainder, more than the example of such + as are every day set free, and sent to the Ohio or elsewhere; + and if so large a part should ever be set free as to create + discontent among the remainder, (and nothing but the + emancipation of a great majority can do this,) yet that + remainder must then, from the terms of the proposition, be so + much diminished, as to be easily kept down by superior + numbers.'--[Idem, vol. iii. p. 202.] + + + 'The tendency of the scheme, and one of its objects, is to + _secure slaveholders and the whole Southern country_, against + certain evil consequences, growing out of the present threefold + mixture of our population.'--[Idem, vol. iv. p. 274.] + + + 'We all know the effects produced on our slaves by the + fascinating, but delusive appearance of happiness, exhibited in + persons of their own complexion, roaming in idleness and vice + among them. By removing the most fruitful source of discontent + from among our slaves, we should render them more industrious + and attentive to our commands; and by rendering them more + industrious and obedient, we should naturally secure their + better treatment--we should ameliorate their condition. Our + enemies have admitted that good would result from the removal of + this class. Caius Gracchus declares, that if the Society could + attain "this single object in good faith, (the removal of the + free people of color) he should, perhaps, be among the last + citizens in the commonwealth--who would raise his voice against + it," and the author of the Crisis (who is doubtless regarded as + authority in South Carolina) acknowledges, "that there is no + doubt but that if we in the South, were relieved of this + population, it would be better for our southern cities, where + they principally reside." Nothing can be more plain then, than + that the Colonization Society, in its efforts to remove the free + people of color, is accomplishing a work to which the citizens + of the South, whether friends or foes to the Society, have given + their decided approbation.'--[Idem, vol. vi. p. 205.] + + + 'If, as is most confidently believed, the colonization of the + free people of color will render the slave who remains in + America more obedient, more faithful, more honest, and, + consequently, _more useful to his master_,' &c.--[Second Annual + Report.] + + + 'There was but one way, [to avert danger,] but that might be + made effectual, fortunately! It was to PROVIDE AND KEEP OPEN A + DRAIN FOR THE EXCESS BEYOND THE OCCASIONS OF PROFITABLE + EMPLOYMENT. Mr Archer had been stating the case in the + supposition, that after the present class of free blacks had + been exhausted, by the operation of the plan he was + recommending, others would be supplied for its action, in the + proportion of the excess of colored population it would be + necessary to throw off, by the process of voluntary manumission + or sale. This effect must result inevitably from the + depreciating value of the slaves ensuing their disproportionate + multiplication. _The depreciation would be relieved and retarded + at the same time, by the process._ The two operations would aid + reciprocally, and sustain each other, and both be in the highest + degree beneficial. It was on the ground of interest, therefore, + the most indisputable _pecuniary interest_, that he addressed + himself to the people and Legislatures of the slaveholding + States.'--[Speech of Mr Archer.--Fifteenth Annual Report.] + + + 'Every motive which operates on the minds of slaveholders, + tending to make the colonization of the free blacks an object of + _interest_ to them, should operate in an equal degree to secure + the hearty co-operation of the government of every slaveholding + State.'--[African Repository, vol. vii. p. 176.] + + + 'None are obliged to follow our example; AND THOSE WHO DO NOT, + WILL FIND THE VALUE OF THEIR NEGROES INCREASED BY THE DEPARTURE + OF OURS.'--[An advocate of colonization in the Western (Ky.) + Luminary.] + + + 'So far from its having a dangerous tendency, when properly + considered, it will be viewed as AN ADDITIONAL GUARD TO OUR + PECULIAR SPECIES OF PROPERTY.'--[An advocate of the Society in + the New-Orleans Argus.] + + + 'The slaveholder, who is in danger of having his slaves + contaminated by their free friends of color, will not only be + relieved from this danger, but THE VALUE OF HIS SLAVE WILL BE + ENHANCED.'--[A new and interesting View of Slavery. By + Humanitas, a colonization advocate. Baltimore, 1820.] + +It is perfectly obvious, that whatever tends to weaken and depress the +present system, must render the holding of slaves less desirable, and +the prospect of emancipation more auspicious. Cherishing this +conviction, thousands of individuals in this country, and tens of +thousands in Great Britain, are led by conscientious motives to abstain +from the use of productions raised by slave labor, and to prefer those +only which are the fruits of the toil of freemen. They believe in the +soundness of the axiom, that 'the receiver is as bad as the thief;' and +knowing that the slaves are held in bondage not on the ground of +benevolence, or because their liberation would endanger the public +safety, but _because they are profitable to their owners_, they also +believe that the consumers of slave goods contribute to a fund for +supporting slavery with all its abominations; that they are the Alpha +and the Omega of the business; that the slave-trader, the slave-owner, +and the slave-driver, are virtually the agents of the consumer, for by +holding out the temptation, he is the original cause, the first mover in +the horrid process; that we are imperiously called upon to refuse those +articles of luxury, which are obtained at an absolute and lavish waste +of the blood of our fellow men; that a merchant, who loads his vessel +with the proceeds of slavery, does nearly as much in helping forward the +slave trade, as he who loads his vessel in Africa with slaves--they are +both twisting the same rope at different ends; that our patronage is +putting an immense bribe into the hands of the slaveholders to kidnap, +rob and oppress; that, were it not for this, they would be compelled by +sheer necessity to liberate their slaves--for as soon as slave labor +becomes unprofitable, the horrid system cannot be upheld. + +None of these scruples, to my knowledge, are entertained by +colonizationists: their only aim and anxiety seem to be, 'to prune and +nourish the system,'--not to overthrow it; to increase the avarice of the +planters by rendering the labor of their bondmen more productive,--not +to abridge and starve it; to remove the cause of those apprehensions +which might lead them to break the fetters of their victims,--not to +perpetuate it; 'to provide (I quote the confession of the last +distinguished proselyte to the Society, Mr Archer of Virginia) and to +keep open a drain for the _excess of increase beyond the occasions of_ +PROFITABLE EMPLOYMENT,'--not to make slave labor ruinous to the +planters. + +By removing whatever number of slaves it be, from this country, the +number which remains must be diminished--and the more the number which +remains is diminished, the more helpless will they become, the less will +be the hope of their ever recovering their own liberty, and the more and +the longer they will be trampled upon. + +The greater the number of slaves transported, _the greater will be the +value of the labor of those who remain_; the more valuable their labor +is, _the greater will be the temptation to over-labor them, and the +more, of course, they will be oppressed_.[M] + +The increase of the free colored population disturbs the security of the +planters, and forces many to manumit their slaves through sheer terror. +The expatriation of this class, therefore, manifestly tends to quiet the +apprehensions of the oppressors, to rivet more firmly the chains of the +slaves, to make their services in higher demand, and to render even +their gradual emancipation impracticable. + +Thus the American Colonization Society is the _apologist_, the _friend_, +and the _patron_ of SLAVEHOLDERS and SLAVERY! + +FOOTNOTES: + +[M] Stuart's Circular. + + + + +SECTION V. + +THE AMERICAN COLONIZATION SOCIETY IS THE ENEMY OF IMMEDIATE ABOLITION. + + +It follows, as a necessary consequence, that a Society which is not +hostile to slavery, which apologises for the system and for +slaveholders, which recognises slaves as rightful property,[N] and which +confessedly increases their value, is _the enemy of immediate +abolition_. This, I am aware, in the present corrupt state of public +sentiment, will not generally be deemed an objectionable feature; but I +regard it with inexpressible abhorrence and dismay. + +Since the deception practised upon our first parents by the old serpent, +there has not been a more fatal delusion in the minds of men than that +of the gradual abolition of slavery. _Gradual_ abolition! do its +supporters really know what they talk about? Gradually abstaining from +what? From sins the most flagrant, from conduct the most cruel, from +acts the most oppressive! Do colonizationists mean, that slave-dealers +shall purchase or sell a few victims less this year than they did the +last? that slave-owners shall liberate one, two or three out of every +hundred slaves during the same period? that slave-drivers shall apply +the lash to the scarred and bleeding backs of their victims somewhat +less frequently? Surely not--I respect their intelligence too much to +believe that they mean any such thing. But if any of the slaves should +be exempted from sale or purchase, why not all? if justice require the +liberation of the few, why not of the many? if it be right for a driver +to inflict a number of lashes, how many shall be given? Do +colonizationists mean that the practice of separating the husband from +the wife, the wife from the husband, or children from their parents, +shall come to an end by an almost imperceptible process? or that the +slaves shall be defrauded of their just remuneration, less and less +every month or every year? or that they shall be under the absolute, +irresponsible control of their masters? Oh no! I place a higher value +upon their good sense, humanity and morality than this! Well, then, they +would immediately break up the slave traffic--they would put aside the +whip--they would have the marriage relations preserved inviolate--they +would not separate families--they would not steal the wages of the +slaves, nor deprive them of personal liberty! This is +abolition--_immediate abolition_. It is simply declaring that slave +owners are bound to fulfil--now, without any reluctance or delays--the +golden rule, namely, to do as they would be done by; and that, as the +right to be free is inherent and inalienable in the slaves, there ought +now to be a disposition on the part of the people to break their +fetters. All the horrid spectres which are conjured up, on this subject, +arise from a confusion of the brain, as much as from a corruption of the +heart. + +I utterly reject, as delusive and dangerous in the extreme, every plea +which justifies a procrastinated and an indefinite emancipation, or +which concedes to a slave owner the right to hold his slaves as +_property_ for any limited period, or which contends for the gradual +preparation of the slaves for freedom; believing all such pretexts to be +a fatal departure from the high road of justice into the bogs of +expediency, a surrender of the great principles of equity, an +indefensible prolongation of the curse of slavery, a concession which +places the guilt upon any but those who incur it, and directly +calculated to perpetuate the thraldom of our species. + +Immediate abolition does not mean that the slaves shall immediately +exercise the right of suffrage, or be eligible to any office, or be +emancipated from law, or be free from the benevolent restraints of +guardianship. We contend for the immediate personal freedom of the +slaves, for their exemption from punishment except where law has been +violated, for their employment and reward as free laborers, for their +exclusive right to their own bodies and those of their own children, for +their instruction and subsequent admission to all the trusts, offices, +honors and emoluments of intelligent freemen. Emancipation will increase +and not destroy the value of their labor; it will also increase the +demand for it. Holding out the stimulus of good treatment and an +adequate reward, it will induce the slaves to toil with a hundred fold +more assiduity and faithfulness. Who is so blind as not to perceive the +peaceful and beneficial results of such a change? The slaves, if freed, +will come under the watchful cognizance of law; they will not be idle, +but _avariciously_ industrious; they will not rush through the country, +firing dwellings and murdering the inhabitants; for freedom is all they +ask--all they desire--the obtainment of which will transform them from +enemies into friends, from nuisances into blessings, from a corrupt, +suffering and degraded, into a comparatively virtuous, happy and +elevated population. + +Nor does immediate abolition mean that any compulsory power, other than +moral, should be used in breaking the fetters of slavery. It calls for +no bloodshed, or physical interference; it jealously regards the welfare +of the planters; it simply demands an entire revolution in public +sentiment, which will lead to better conduct, to contrition for past +crimes, to a love instead of a fear of justice, to a reparation of +wrongs, to a healing of breaches, to a suppression of revengeful +feelings, to a quiet, improving, prosperous state of society! + +Now see with what earnestness and inveteracy the friends of the +Colonization Society oppose immediate abolition! + + 'It appears, indeed, to be the only feasible mode by which we + can remove that stigma as well as _danger_ from among us. Their + sudden and entire freedom would be a fearful, and perhaps + dreadful experiment, destructive of all the ends of liberty, for + which their condition would unfit them, and which they would + doubtless greatly abuse. Even their release, at apparently + proper intervals, but uncontrolled as to their future habits and + location, would be a very hazardous charity. Their gradual + emancipation, therefore, under the advantages of a free + government, formed, in their native land, by their own hands, + offering all the rewards usual to industry and economy, and + affording the means of enjoying, in comfort, a reputable and + free existence, is the only rational scheme of relieving them + from the bondage of their present condition.' * * * 'To + eradicate or remove the evil _immediately_, is impossible; nor + can any law of conscience govern necessity.'--[Af. Rep. vol. i. + pp. 89, 258.] + + + 'Vaunt not over us, dear brethren of the north, we inherited the + evil from our forefathers, and we really do not think you do + your brethren any good, or that you serve the interests of the + people of color, when you recommend and enforce premature + schemes of emancipation.' * * * 'The operation, we were aware, + must be--and, for the interests of our country, ought to be + gradual.' * * * 'According to one, (that rash class which, + without a due estimate of the fatal consequence, would forthwith + issue a decree of general, immediate, and indiscriminate + emancipation,) it was a scheme of the slaveholder to perpetuate + slavery.'--[Idem, vol. ii. pp. 12, 254, 336.] + + + 'Slavery, in its mildest form, is an evil of the darkest + character. Cruel and unnatural in its origin, no plea can be + urged in justification of its continuance, but the plea of + necessity--not that necessity which arises from our habits, our + prejudices, or our wants; but the necessity which requires us to + submit to existing evils, rather than substitute, by their + removal, others of a more serious and destructive character. It + was this which produced the recognition of slavery in the + constitution of our country; it is this which has justified its + continuance to the present day; and it is in this only that we + can find a palliation for the rigors of our laws, which might + otherwise be considered as the cruel enactments of a dark and + dismal despotism. There have not, I am aware, been found wanting + individuals to deny both the existence and the obligations of + such a necessity. There are men, actuated in some instances, by + a blind and mistaken enthusiasm, and in others, by a spirit of + mischievous intent, loudly calling on us, in the names of + justice and humanity, for the immediate and unqualified + emancipation of our slaves. To men of this description, it is in + vain to point out the inevitable effects of such a course, as + well on the objects of their real or pretended solicitude, as on + the community in which they exist. It is in vain to assure them, + that while the preservation of the latter would require a policy + even more rigorous than pertains to slavery itself, the + short-lived and nominal freedom of the former must end in their + ultimate and utter extinction. All this is of no consequence. + Provided slavery be abolished in name, it matters not what + horrors may be substituted in its room.' * * * 'The scope of the + Society is large enough, but it is in no wise mingled or + confounded with the broad sweeping views of _a few fanatics_ in + America, who would urge us on to the sudden and total abolition + of slavery.'--[Af. Rep. vol. iii. pp. 15, 197.] + + + 'What is to be done? Immediate and universal emancipation will + find few, if any advocates, among judicious and reflecting men.' + * * * 'There is a portion of our brethren, who have been + laboring for many years, with the most benevolent intentions, + but, as I conceive, with erroneous views, in the cause of + abolition.' * * * 'The Colonization Society, as such, have + renounced wholly the name and the characteristics of + abolitionists.' * * * 'INTO THEIR ACCOUNTS THE SUBJECT OF + EMANCIPATION DOES NOT ENTER AT ALL.' * * * 'Here, that race is + in every form a curse, and if the system, so long contended for + by the uncompromising abolitionist, could prevail, its effect + would be to spread discord and devastation from one end of the + Union to the other.'--[Idem, vol. iv. pp. 202, 303, 306, 363.] + + + 'With a writer in the Southern Review we say, "the situation of + the people of these States was not of their own choosing. When + they came to the inheritance, it was subject to this mighty + incumbrance, and it would be criminal in them to ruin or waste + the estate, to get rid of the burden at once." With this writer + we add also, in the language of Capt. Hall, that the + "slaveholders ought not (immediately) to disentangle themselves + from the obligations which have devolved upon them, as the + masters of slaves." We believe that a master _may_ sustain his + relation to the slave, with as little criminality as the slave + sustains his relation to the master. But we feel little sympathy + for those who, in the language of Mr Harrison of Virginia, + "still look upon their slaves in the light in which most men + regarded them when the slave trade was legitimate. Of those, + wherever they are, who hold their slaves with that same + sentiment which impelled the kidnapper when he forcibly bore + them off, I know not how morality can distinguish them from the + original wrong-doers, pirates by nature, and pirates by + civilized law." That the system of slavery must exist + temporarily in this country, we as firmly believe, as that for + its existence a single moment, there can be offered justly no + plea but necessity. Were the very spirit of angelic charity to + pervade and fill the hearts of all the slaveholders in our land, + it would by no means require that all the slaves should be + instantaneously liberated.'--[Af. Rep. vol. v. p. 329.] + + + 'The long established habits of the South, the attachments which + are frequently found subsisting between the proprietor and his + servants, together with the difficulty of substituting at once + white for slave labor, and the derangement which would ensue in + the domestic concerns of life, would not merely make general + emancipation at once inexpedient, but the attempt would denote + the extremity of madness and folly, and convulse this government + to its centre.'--[Idem, vol. vi. p. 291.] + + + 'The Society, meeting the objections of the _abolition + enthusiast_, in a like spirit of mildness and forbearance, + assures him of their equal devotion to the pure principles of + liberty and the powerful claims of humanity. We know, say they, + and we deplore the evil of slavery as the deadliest curse to our + common country. We see, and we lament its demoralizing effects + upon the children of our affections, from the budding innocence + of infancy, to the full maturity of manhood. But, we have not, + we do not, and _we will not_ interfere with this delicate, this + important subject. There are rights to be respected, prejudices + to be conciliated, fears to be quelled, and safety to be + observed in all our operations. And we protest, _most solemnly + protest_, against the adoption of your views, as alike + destructive of the ends of justice, of policy, and of humanity. + No wild dream of the wildest enthusiast was ever more + extravagant than that of turning loose upon society two millions + of blacks, idle and therefore worthless, vicious and therefore + dangerous, ignorant and therefore incapable of appreciating and + enjoying the blessings of freedom. Could _your_ wishes be + realized, your gratulation would be quickly changed into + mourning, your joy into grief, and your labor of love into + visits of mercy to our jails and our penitentiaries, to the + abodes of vice and the haunts of poverty. Come, ye + abolitionists, away with your _wild enthusiasm_, your _misguided + philanthropy_.'--[African Repository, vol. vii. p. 101.] + + + 'The Colonization Society is removing the greatest obstacles in + the way of emancipation; but none, we think, who is acquainted + with the circumstances and condition of our southern States, + _and who has any conscience or humanity_, would deem it + expedient or christian to dissolve instantaneously all the ties + which unite masters and slaves.'--[Idem, vol. vii. p. 186.] + + + 'It is not right that men should be free, when their freedom + will prove injurious to themselves and others.' * * 'He has + encountered determined opposition from several individuals, who + are so reckless and fanatical as to require the instantaneous + remedying of an acknowledged evil, which may be remedied + gradually, with safety, but which cannot be remedied immediately + without jeopardizing all the interests of all parties + concerned.'--[Idem, p. 202, 280.] + + + 'He was quite sure that in the Northern States, there was no + opinion generally prevailing, that immediate, absolute, and + universal emancipation was desirable. There might be, said Mr + Storrs, some who are actuated by pure motives and benevolent + views, who considered it practicable; but he might say with + confidence, that very few, if any, believed that it would be + truly humane or expedient to turn loose upon the community more + than a million of persons, totally destitute of the means of + subsistence, and altogether unprepared in every moral point of + view, to enjoy or estimate their new privileges. Such a + cotemporaneous emancipation of the colored population of the + Southern States could only bring a common calamity on all the + States, and the most severe misery on those who were to be thus + thrown upon society, under the most abject, helpless and + deplorable circumstances.'--[Speech of Hon. Mr Storrs.--Twelfth + Annual Report.] + + + 'The condition of a slave suddenly emancipated, and thrown upon + his own resources, is very far from being improved; and, however + laudable the feeling which leads to such emancipation, its + policy and propriety are at least questionable.'--[Report of the + Pennsylvania Colonization Society.] + + + 'We may, therefore, fairly conclude the object of immediate + universal emancipation wholly unattainable, or, if attainable, + at too high a price.'--[Mathew Carey's Essays.] + + + 'Observation has fully convinced them that emancipation has + often proved injurious to both: consequently laws have been + enacted in several of the States to discourage, if not to + prevent it. The public safety and interest, as well as + individual happiness, seemed to require of legislatures the + adoption of such a measure. For, it appeared highly probable + that the manumitted would not only be poor and wretched, but + likewise a public nuisance; and perhaps at some future day, form + the nucleus of rebellion among those unhappy persons still in + slavery.'--[A colonization advocate in the Middletown + (Connecticut) Gazette.] + + + 'To our mind, it is clearly the doctrine of the Bible, that + there may be circumstances, in which the immediate and universal + emancipation of slaves is not a duty. Demanding instantaneous + and universal emancipation, and denouncing every instance of + _holding_ slaves as a crime, is not the way to bring it to pass. + If such a course proceeds from a right spirit, it is from a + right spirit misinformed.'--[Vermont Chronicle.] + + + 'When the writer visited England from the colonies, he was + constantly astonished to find the Wilberforceans, or saints, as + they were called, influenced by the _wildest enthusiasm_ upon + the sublime theory of liberty; urging _immediate emancipation_ + of the slave, and yet totally uninformed as to its destructive + consequences to their future welfare, in their present + uneducated condition, without some provision being made to so + enlighten them that they may be enabled to estimate religions + obligations and distinguish between right and wrong; otherwise + it would be indispensable to have strong military posts and + constant martial law to preserve order, and prevent a murderous + anarchy and lawless confusion. It is not anticipated that this + state of things could ever be consummated in the United States; + but it may afford a very salutary lesson in guiding our + consideration of similar occurrences that may take place.' + + --[From a colonization pamphlet, entitled 'Remarks upon a plan + for the total abolition of slavery in the United States. By a + Citizen of New-York.'] + + + 'We do not wish to be understood, as sanctioning the measures + now pursued with respect to the subject of slavery, by some + misguided enthusiasts in the northern and eastern sections of + the United States. Were the measures they advocate with so much + heat, to be adopted, a heavier curse could hardly fall upon our + country. Their operation, we feel fully satisfied, would work + the ruin of those, whom these imprudent advocates of instant and + total emancipation, wish primarily to benefit. We have always + regarded these advocates for the instantaneous abolition of + slavery, in all cases, as doing more injury to our colored + population than any other class of men in the community. The + slaves of this country cannot be at once emancipated. It is + folly, it is madness to talk of it. From the very nature of the + case, in justice to that deeply injured class, in justice to + ourselves, the work must be gradual.' * * * 'We cannot doubt the + ultimate success of the American Colonization Society. And + however much some of the clamorous advocates of instant, + immediate abolition may vent their rage against this noble + institution, it will prosper, it will flourish. Our intelligent + community are beginning to see that the American Colonization + Society presents _the only door of hope_ to the + republic.'--[Western Luminary.] + + + 'But _what_ shall be done? Some--and their motives and + philanthropic zeal are worthy of all honor--plead for immediate + emancipation. But Mr Ladd had seen enough to know that _that_ + would be a curse to all parties. He acknowledged a difficulty + here; _but it is a difficulty that often occurs in morals_. When + we have gone far in a wrong road, it often happens that we + cannot in a moment put ourselves in the right one. One penalty + of such a sin is, that it clings to us, and cannot be shaken off + at once with all its bitter consequences by a mere + volition.'--[Speech of William Ladd, Esq.] + + + 'The warmest friend to the abolition of slavery, while he + deplores the existence of the evil, must admit the necessity of + cautious and gradual measures to remove it. The inhabitants of + the South cannot, and ought not, suddenly to emancipate their + slaves, to remain among them free. Such a measure would be no + blessing to the slaves, but the very madness of self-destruction + to the whites. In the South, the horrid scenes that would too + certainly follow the liberation of their slaves, are present to + every imagination, to stifle the calls of justice and humanity. + A fell spirit of avarice is thus invigorated and almost + justified, by the plea of necessity.'--[First Annual Report of + the New Jersey Col. Soc.] + + + 'The impropriety and impolicy of manumitting slaves, _in any + case_, in our country, one would suppose, must be apparent to + all. It is not a little astonishing that individuals acquainted + with the facts, and the evils brought upon society by the free + black population, should persist in declaring that duty and + humanity call upon us to give the slaves their freedom. It + really appears to me that there is entirely too much "namby + pamby sentimentality" and affected feeling exhibited respecting + the condition of slaves. Do these individuals believe that + benevolence and humanity command us to turn loose upon society a + set of persons who confessedly only serve to swell the amount of + crime, while they add nothing to the industry, to the wealth, or + the strength of the country? Because abstractedly considered, + man has no right to hold his fellow man in bondage, shall we + give up our liberty, and the peace of society, in order that + this principle may not be violated? The fact is, _the negroes + are happier when kept in bondage_. In their master they find a + willing and efficient protector, to guard them from injury and + insult, to attend to them when sick and in distress, and to + provide for their comfort and support, when old age overtakes + them. When in health, they are well fed and clothed, and by no + means, in common cases, are they hardly worked.'--[A warm + advocate of African Colonization in the Alexandria Gazette.] + + + 'But there are other difficulties in the way of immediate + emancipation. We believe that no one, who has taken charge of an + infant, and made a cripple of him, either in his feet, his + hands, or his mind, so that when he is of mature age, he is + unable to take care of himself, has a right to turn him out of + doors, to perish or destroy himself, and call it, giving him his + liberty. After having reduced him to this condition, he is bound + to afford him the support and protection, which he has rendered + necessary. + + 'This appears to us to be the true relation of the southern + planters to their slaves. Not that the southern planters have + generally been guilty of personal cruelty; but such has been the + general result of the system acted upon, and such the relation + growing out of it. The slaves have grown up, under the eye of + their masters, unable to take care of themselves; and their + masters, for whose comfort and convenience this has been done, + are bound to provide for them. + + 'Nor do we think that the exhortation, to "do right and trust + Providence," applies at all to this case; for the very question + is, "what is right?" Would it be right for the slave merchant, + in the midst of the Atlantic, to knock the manacles from his + prisoners and throw them overboard, and call this, giving them + their liberty and trusting Providence with the result? But how + else could he reduce the doctrine of immediate and complete + emancipation to practice?'--[Vermont Chronicle.] + +The miserable sophistry contained in the foregoing extracts scarcely +needs a serious refutation. 'To say that immediate emancipation will +only increase the wretchedness of the slaves, and that we must pursue a +system of _gradual_ abolition, is to present to us the double paradox, +that we must continue to do evil, in order to cure the evil which we are +doing; and that we must continue to be unjust, and to do evil, that good +may come.' The fatal error of _gradualists_ lies here: They talk as if +the friends of abolition contended only for the emancipation of the +slaves, without specifying or caring what should be done with or for +them! as if the planters were invoked to cease from one kind of villany, +only to practise another! as if the manumitted slaves must necessarily +be driven out from society into the wilderness, like wild beasts! This +is talking nonsense: it is a gross perversion of reason and common +sense. Abolitionists have never said, that mere manumission would be +doing justice to the slaves: they insist upon a remuneration for years +of unrequited toil, upon their employment as free laborers, upon their +immediate and coefficient instruction, and upon the exercise of a +benevolent supervision over them on the part of their employers. They +declare, in the first place, that to break the fetters of the slaves, +and turn them loose upon the country, without the preservative +restraints of law, and destitute of occupation, would leave the work of +justice only half done; and, secondly, that it is absurd to suppose that +the planters would be wholly independent of the labor of the blacks--for +they could no more dispense with it next week, were emancipation to take +place, than they can to-day. The very ground which they assume for their +opposition to slavery,--that it necessarily prevents the improvement of +its victims,--shows that they contemplate the establishment of schools +for the education of the slaves, and the furnishing of productive +employment, immediately upon their liberation. If this were done, none +of the horrors which are now so feelingly depicted, as the attendants of +a sudden abolition, would ensue. + +But we are gravely told that education must _precede_ emancipation. The +logic of this plea is, that intellectual superiority justly gives one +man an oppressive control over another! Where would such a detestable +principle lead but to practices the most atrocious, and results the most +disastrous, if carried out among ourselves? Tell us, ye hair-splitting +sophists, the exact quantum of knowledge which is necessary to +constitute a freeman. If every dunce should be a slave, your servitude +is inevitable; and richly do you deserve the lash for your obtuseness. +Our white population, too, would furnish blockheads enough to satisfy +all the classical kidnappers in the land. + +The reason why the slaves are so ignorant, is because they are held in +bondage; and the reason why they are held in bondage, is because they +are so ignorant! They ought not to be freed until they are educated; and +they ought not be educated, because on the acquisition of knowledge they +would burst their fetters! Fine logic, indeed! How men, who make any +pretensions to honesty or common sense, can advance a paradox like this, +is truly inexplicable. 'I never met with a man yet,' says an able writer +in Kentucky, 'who impliedly admits the enslaving of human beings as +consistent with the exercise of christian duties, who could talk or +write ten minutes on the subject, without expressing nonsense, or +contradicting himself, or advancing heresy which would expose him to +censure on any other subject.' In this connexion, I make the following +extract from the Report of the _Dublin Negro's Friend Society_, of which +WILBERFORCE is President, and CLARKSON Vice President: + + 'They do not recognize the false principle, that education, as a + preparation for freedom, must precede emancipation; or that an + amelioration of the slaves' condition should be a substitute for + it: on the contrary, THEY INSIST UPON UNPROCRASTINATED + EMANCIPATION, as a right which is unrighteously withheld, and + the restoration of which is, in their opinion, the first and + most indispensable step to all improvement, and absolutely + essential to the application of the only remedy for that moral + debasement, in which slavery has sunk its victims.' + +I cannot portray the absurdity of the doctrine of gradual abolition, and +the danger and folly of attempting to mitigate the system of slavery, +more strikingly, than by presenting the following eloquent extracts from +a speech of the Rev. Dr. Thomson of Edinburgh, one of the most learned +and able divines in Great Britain, whose sudden death was recorded in +the newspapers a few months since: + + 'The word _immediate_ may no doubt be considered as a strong + word; but you will observe that it is used as contrasted with + the word _gradual_. And were I to criticise the term _gradual_ + as certain opponents have treated the term _immediate_, I could + easily, by the help of a little quibbling, bring you to the + conclusion, that as hitherto employed it means that the + abolition is never to take place, and that, by putting it into + their petition, they are to be understood as deprecating rather + than asking the emancipation of the slaves. "_Immediate_," they + argue, "evanishes as soon as you utter it; it is gone before + your petition reaches parliament." How absurd! If I should say + to my servant while engaged in work, "You must go to the south + side of the town with a message for me _immediately_," is it + indeed implied in the order I have given him, that he could not + fulfil it, unless he set off without his hat, without his coat, + without his shoes, without those habiliments which are requisite + for his appearing decently in the streets of Edinburgh, and + executing the task that I had assigned him? The meaning of the + word as used by us is perfectly clear, and cannot be + misapprehended by any one: it is not to be made a subject of + metaphysical animadversion: it is to be considered and + understood under the direction of common sense, and especially + as modified and expounded by those statements with which it is + associated both in our resolutions and in the petition; and + viewed in that light, _immediate abolition_ is not merely an + intelligible phrase, but one that does not warrant a particle of + the alarm which some have affected to take at it, and is not + liable to any one of those objections which some have been + pleased to make to it. + + 'To say that we will come out of the sin by degrees--that we + will only forsake it slowly, and step by step--that we will + pause and hesitate and look well about us before we consent to + abandon its gains and its pleasures--that we will allow another + age to pass by ere we throw off the load of iniquity that is + lying so heavy upon us, lest certain secularities should be + injuriously affected--and that we will postpone the duty of + "doing justly and loving mercy," till we have removed every + petty difficulty out of the way, and got all the conflicting + interests that are involved in the measure reconciled and + satisfied;--to say this, is to trample on the demands of moral + obligation, and to disregard the voice which speaks to as from + heaven. The path of duty is plain before us; and we have nothing + to do but to enter it at once, and to walk in it without turning + to the right hand or to the left. Our concern is not with the + result that may follow our obedience to the divine will. Our + great and primary concern is to obey that will. God reigns over + his universe in the exercise of infinite perfection: he commands + us to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke; and + submitting, without procrastination, and without any attempts at + compromise, to that command, we may be assured that he will take + care of all the effects that can be produced by compliance with + his authority, and give demonstration to the truth that + obedience to his behests is our grand and only security for a + prosperous lot. + + 'We are by no means indifferent to the expediency of the case. + On the contrary, we think ourselves prepared to prove, by fair + reasoning and by ascertained fact, that the expediency of the + thing is all on our side; that immediate abolition is the only + secure and proper way of attaining the object which we all + profess to have in view; that to defer the measure to a distant + period, and to admit the propriety of getting at it by a course + of mitigation, is the surest mode of frustrating every hope we + might otherwise entertain, and giving over the slaves to + interminable bondage.' * * * + + 'I do not deny, Sir, that the evils of practical slavery may be + lessened. By parliamentary enactments, by colonial arrangements, + by appeals to the judgment and feelings of planters, and by + various other means, a certain degree of melioration _may_ be + secured. But I say, in the first place, that, with all that you + can accomplish, or reasonably expect, of mitigation, you cannot + alter the nature of slavery itself. With every improvement you + have superinduced upon it, you have not made it less debasing, + less cruel, less destructive, in its essential character. The + black man is still the _property_ of the white man. And that one + circumstance not only implies in it the transgression of + inalienable right and everlasting justice, but is the fruitful + and necessary source of numberless mischiefs, the very thought + of which harrows up the soul, and the infliction of which no + superintendence of any government can either prevent or control. + Mitigate and keep down the evil as much as you can, still it is + there in all its native virulence, and still it will do its + malignant work in spite of you. The improvements you have made + are merely superficial. You have not reached the seat and vital + spring of the mischief. You have only concealed in some measure, + and for a time, its inherent enormity. Its essence remains + unchanged and untouched, and is ready to unfold itself whenever + a convenient season arrives, notwithstanding all your + precaution, and all you vigilance, in those manifold acts of + injustice and inhumanity, which are its genuine and its + invariable fruits. You may white-wash the sepulchre,--you may + put upon it every adornment that fancy can suggest,--you may + cover it over with all the flowers and evergreens that the + garden or the fields can furnish, so that it will appear + beautiful outwardly unto men. But it is a sepulchre still,--full + of dead men's bones and of all uncleanness. Disguise slavery as + you will,--put into the cup all the pleasing and palatable + ingredients which you can discover in the wide range of nature + and of art,--still it is a bitter, bitter draught, from which + the understanding and the heart of every man, in whom nature + works unsophisticated and unbiassed, recoils with unutterable + aversion and abhorrence. Why, Sir, slavery is the very Upas tree + of the moral world, beneath whose pestiferous shade all + intellect languishes, and all virtue dies. And if you would get + quit of the evil, you must go more thoroughly and effectually to + work than you can ever do by any or by all of those palliatives, + which are included under the term "mitigation." The foul + sepulchre must be taken away. The cup of oppression must be + dashed to pieces on the ground. The pestiferous tree must be cut + down and eradicated; it must be, root and branch of it, cast + into the consuming fire, and its ashes scattered to the four + winds of heaven. It is thus you must deal with slavery. You must + annihilate it,--annihilate it now,--and annihilate it for ever. + + 'Get your mitigation. I say in the second place, that you are + thereby, in all probability farther away than ever from your + object. It is not to the Government or the Parliament at home + that you are to look--neither is it to the legislatures and + planters abroad that you are to look--for accomplishing the + abolition of negro slavery. Sad experience shows that, if left + to themselves, they will do nothing efficient in this great + cause. It is to the sentiments of the people at large that you + are to look, to the spread of intellectual light, to the + prevalence of moral feeling, to the progress, in short, of + public opinion, which, when resting on right principles and + moving in a right direction, must in this free and Christian + country prove irresistible. But observe, Sir, the public mind + will not be sufficiently affected by the statement of abstract + truths, however just, or by reasonings on the tendencies of a + system, however accurate. It must be more or less influenced by + what is visible, or by what is easily known and understood of + the actual atrocities which accompany slavery, wherever it is + left to its own proper operation. Let it be seen in its native + vileness and cruelty, as exhibited when not interfered with by + the hand of authority, and it excites universal and unqualified + detestation. But let its harsher asperities be rubbed off; take + away the more prominent parts of its iniquity; see that it look + somewhat smoother and milder than it did before; make such + regulations as ought, if faithfully executed, to check its + grosser acts of injustice and oppression; give it the appearance + of its being put under the humanizing sway of religious + education and instruction; do all this, and you produce one + effect at least,--you modify the indignation of a great number + of the community; you render slavery much less obnoxious; you + enable its advocates and supporters to say in reply to your + denunciations of its wickedness, "O, the slaves are now + comfortable and happy; they do not suffer what they did; they + are protected and well treated," and in proof of all this, they + point to what are called "mitigations." But mark me, Sir; under + these mitigations, slavery still exists, ready at every + convenient season to break forth in all its countless forms of + inhumanity; meanwhile the public feeling in a great measure + subsides; and when the public feeling--such an important and + indispensable element in our attempts to procure abolition--is + allowed to subside, tell me, Sir, when, and where, and by what + means it is again to be roused into activity. I must say, for + one, that though I sympathize with my sable brethren, when I + hear of them being spared even one lash of the cart-whip; yet + when I take a more enlarged view of their condition--when I + consider the nature of that system under which they are placed, + and when I look forward to their deliverance, and the means by + which alone it is to be effected, I am tempted, and almost if + not altogether persuaded, to deprecate that insidious thing + termed "mitigation," because it directly tends to perpetuate the + mighty evil, which will by and by throw off the improvements by + which it is glossed over as quite unnatural to it, will + ultimately grow up again into all its former dreadfulness, and + continue to wither and crush beneath it, all that is excellent + and glorious in man. + + 'But if our rulers and legislators will undertake to emancipate + the slaves, and do it as it ought to be done, immediately, I beg + those who set themselves against such a measure, to point out + the danger, and to prove it. The _onus_ lies upon _them_. And + what evidence do they give us? Where is it to be found? In what + circumstance shall we discover it? From what principles and + probabilities shall we infer it? We must not have mere + hypothesis--mere allegations--mere fancied horrors, dressed up + in frightful language. We must have proof to substantiate, in + some good measure, their theory of rebellion, warfare, and + blood. If any such thing exists, let them produce it' * * * 'But + if you push me, and still urge the argument of insurrection and + bloodshed, for which you are far more indebted to fancy than to + fact, as I have shown you, then I say, be it so. I repeat that + maxim, taken from a heathen book, but pervading the whole Book + of God, _Fiat justitia_--_ruat cælum_. Righteousness, Sir, is + the pillar of the universe. Break down that pillar, and the + universe falls into ruin and desolation. But preserve it, and + though the fair fabric may sustain partial dilapidations, it may + be rebuilt and repaired--it _will_ be rebuilt, and repaired, and + restored to all its pristine strength, and magnificence, and + beauty. If there must be violence, let it even come, for it will + soon pass away--let it come and rage its little hour, since it + is to be succeeded by lasting freedom, and prosperity and + happiness. Give me the hurricane rather than the pestilence. + Give me the hurricane, with its thunder, and its lightning, and + its tempest;--give me the hurricane, with its partial and + temporary devastations, awful though they be;--give me the + hurricane, with its purifying, healthful, salutary + effects;--give me that hurricane, infinitely rather than the + noisome pestilence, whose path is never crossed, whose silence + is never disturbed, whose progress is never arrested, by one + sweeping blast from the heavens; which walks peacefully and + sullenly through the length and breadth of the land, breathing + poison into every heart, and carrying havoc into every home, + enervating all that is strong, defacing all that is beautiful, + and casting its blight over the fairest and happiest scenes of + human life--and which, from day to day, and from year to year, + with intolerant and interminable malignity, sends its thousands + and its tens of thousands of hapless victims into the + ever-yawning and never-satisfied grave!' + +It is said, by way of extenuation, that the present owners of slaves are +not responsible for the origin of this system. I do not arraign them for +the crimes _of their ancestors_, but for the constant perpetration and +extension of similar crimes. The plea that the evil of slavery was +entailed upon them, shall avail them nothing: in its length and breadth +it means that the robberies of one generation justify the robberies of +another! that the inheritance of stolen property converts it into an +honest acquisition! that the atrocious conduct of their fathers +exonerates them from all accountability, thus presenting the strange +anomaly of a race of men incapable of incurring guilt, though daily +practising the vilest deeds! Scarcely any one denies that blame attaches +somewhere: the present generation throws it upon the past--the past, +upon its predecessor--and thus it is cast, like a ball, from one to +another, down to the first importers of the Africans! 'Can that be +_innocence_ in the temperate zone, which is the _acme of all guilt_ near +the equator? Can that be _honesty_ in one meridian of longitude, which, +at one hundred degrees east, is the _climax of injustice_?' Sixty +thousand infants, the offspring of slave-parents, are annually born in +this country, and doomed to remediless bondage. Is it not as atrocious a +crime to kidnap these, as to kidnap a similar number on the coast of +Africa? + +It is said, moreover, that we ought to legislate prospectively, on this +subject; that the fetters of the present generation of slaves cannot be +broken; and that our single aim should be, to obtain the freedom of +their offspring, by fixing a definite period after which none shall be +born slaves. But this is inconsistent, inhuman and unjust. The following +extracts from the speech of the Rev. Dr. Thomson are conclusive on this +point: + + + 'In the first place, it amounts to an indirect sanction of the + continued slavery of all who are now alive, and of all who may + be born before the period fixed upon. This is a renunciation of + the great moral principles upon which the demand for abolition + proceeds. It consigns more than 800,000 human beings to bondage + and oppression, while their title to freedom is both + indisputable and acknowledged. And it is not merely an + inconsistency on the part of the petitioners, and a violation of + the duty which they owe to such a multitude of their fellow-men, + but it weakens or surrenders the great argument by which they + enforce their application for the extinction of colonial + slavery. + + 'Besides, it is vain to expect that the planters will acquiesce + in such a prospective measure, any more than in the liberation + of the existing slaves, for the progeny of the existing slaves + must be considered by them as much a part of their property as + these slaves themselves. And they would regard it equally unjust + to deprive them of what is hereafter to be produced from their + own slave stock, as it would be to deprive a farmer, by an + anticipating law of all the foals and of all the calves that + might be produced in his stable and in his cow-house, after a + given specified date. + + 'We must be true to our own maxims, which are taken from the + word of God; and ask for all that we are entitled to have on the + ground of justice and humanity, and be contented with nothing + less. + + 'In the second place, the plan objected to is not merely an + acquiescence in the continuance of crime, it is a violation of + the best feelings of our nature. For, let any man but reflect on + the circumstance of children being born to slavery, merely + because they came into the world the last hour of December 1830, + instead of the first hour of January 1, 1831--and of children in + the same family, brothers and sisters--some of them destined to + bondage for life, and others gifted with freedom, for no other + reason than that the former were born before, and the latter + after, a particular day of a particular year--and of parents + being unjustly and inhumanly flogged in the very sight of their + offspring arbitrarily made free, while they are as arbitrarily + kept slaves--let any man but reflect on those things, and unless + the sensibilities of his heart be paralysed even to deadness, he + must surely revolt at such a cruel and cold blooded allotment in + the fortune of those little ones, and be satisfied with nothing + short of the emancipation of the whole community, without a + single exception. + + 'In the third place, supposing all children born after January + 1, 1831, were declared free, how are they to be educated? That + they may be prepared for the enjoyment of that liberty with + which you have invested them, they must undergo a particular and + appropriate training. So say the _gradualists_. Very well; under + whom are they to get this training? Are they to be separated + from their parents? Is that dearest of natural ties to be broken + asunder? Is this necessary for your plan? And are not you thus + endeavoring to cure one species of wickedness by the + instrumentality of another? But if they are to be left with + their parents and brought up under their care, then either they + will be imbued with the faults and degeneracies that are + characteristic of slavery, and consequently be as unfit for + freedom as those who have not been disenthralled: or they will + be well nurtured and well instructed by their parents, and this + implies a confession that their parents themselves are + sufficiently prepared for liberty, and that there is no good + reason for withholding from them, the boon that is bestowed upon + their children. + + 'Whatever view, in short, we take of the question, the + prospective plan is full of difficulty or contradictions, and we + are made more sensible than ever that there is nothing left for + us, but to take the consistent, honest, uncompromising course of + demanding the abolition of slavery with respect to the present, + as well as to every future generation of the negroes in our + colonies.' + +We are told that 'it is not right that men should be free, when their +freedom will prove injurious to themselves and others.' This has been +the plea of tyrants in all ages. If the immediate emancipation of the +slaves would prove a curse, it follows that slavery is a blessing; and +that it cannot be unjust, but benevolent, to defraud the laborer of his +hire, to rank him as a beast, and to deprive him of his liberty. But +this, every one must see, is at war with common sense, and avowedly +doing evil that good may come. This plea must mean, either that a state +of slavery is more favorable to the growth of virtue and the +dispensation of knowledge than a state of freedom--(a glaring +absurdity)--or that an immediate compliance with the demands of justice +would be most unjust--(a gross contradiction.) + +It is boldly asserted by some colonizationists, that '_the negroes are +happier when kept in bondage_,' and that 'the condition of the great +mass of emancipated Africans is one in comparison with which the +condition of the slaves is _enviable_.' What is the inference? Why, +either that slavery is not oppression--(another paradox)--or that real +benevolence demands the return of the free people of color to their +former state of servitude. Every kidnapper, therefore, is a true +philanthropist! Our legislature should immediately offer a bounty for +the body of every free colored person! The colored population of +Massachusetts, at $200 for each man, woman and child, would bring at +least _one million three hundred thousand dollars_. This sum would +seasonably replenish our exhausted treasury. The whole free colored +population of the United States, at the same price, (which is a low +estimate,) would be worth _sixty-five millions of dollars_!! Think how +many churches this would build, schools and colleges establish, +beneficiaries educate, missionaries support, bibles and tracts +circulate, railroads and canals complete, &c. &c. &c.!!! + +The Secretary of the Colonization Society assures us, (vide the African +Repository, vol. v. p. 330,) that '_were the very spirit of angelic +charity to pervade and fill the hearts of all the slaveholders in our +land, it would by no means require that all the slaves should be +instantaneously liberated_'!!--i. e. should the slaveholders become +instantaneously metamorphosed into angels, they would still hold the +rational creatures of God as their _property_, and yet commit no sin! +Think, for one moment, of an angel in the capacity of a +man-stealer--feeding his victims upon a peck of corn per week, or three +bushels of corn and a few herrings every 'quarter-day,' as a +compensation for their severe labor--flourishing a cowskin over their +heads, and applying it frequently to their naked bodies! Think of him +selling parents from children, and children from parents, at private +sale or public auction! + +Many slaveholders are giving up their slaves from conscientious motives; +they cannot, they dare not longer keep them in servitude; they believe +that the law of God has a higher claim upon their obedience than the +laws of their native State. Now suppose all the owners of slaves in our +land should be suddenly and simultaneously convicted of sin, and moved +to repentance in a similar manner, and should say to their slaves, 'God +forbid that we should longer call you our property, or place you on a +level with our cattle, or defraud you of your just dues, or sell you or +your wives or children to others, or deny you the means of instruction, +or lacerate your bodies! henceforth you are free--but you want +employment, and we need laborers--go and work as freemen, and be paid as +freemen!'--suppose, I say, a case like this should happen, and a troop +of _gradualists_ should surround these penitent oppressors, and cry, +'Were the very spirit of angelic charity to pervade and fill your +hearts, it would by no means require that all your slaves should be +instantaneously liberated--your throats will be cut, your houses +pillaged, and desolation will stalk through the land, if you carry your +mad purpose into effect--emancipate by a slow, imperceptible +process!'--how would this advice sound? What should be their reply? +Clearly this: 'Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto +men more than unto God, judge ye.' Here would be presented a strange +spectacle indeed--one party confessing and resolving to forsake their +sins, and another urging them to disregard the admonitions of +conscience, and to leave off sinning by degrees! To be sure, a few, a +very few, would be _generously_ allowed to reform _instanter_! + +Those who prophesy evil, and only evil, concerning immediate abolition, +absolutely disregard the nature and constitution of man, as also his +inalienable rights, and annihilate or reverse the causes and effects of +human action. They are continually fearful lest the slaves, in +consequence of their grievous wrongs and intolerable sufferings, should +attempt to gain their freedom by revolution; and yet they affect to be +equally fearful lest a general emancipation should produce the same +disastrous consequences. How absurd! They _know_ that oppression must +cause rebellion; and yet they pretend that a removal of the cause will +produce a bloody effect! This is to suppose an effect without a cause, +and, of course, is a contradiction in terms. Bestow upon the slaves +personal freedom, and all motives for insurrection are destroyed. Treat +them like rational beings, and you may surely expect rational treatment +in return: treat them like beasts, and they will behave in a beastly +manner. + +Besides, precedent and experience make the ground of abolitionists +invulnerable. In no single instance where their principles have been +adopted, has the result been disastrous or violent, but beneficial and +peaceful even beyond their most sanguine expectations. The immediate +abolition of slavery in Mexico, in Colombia, and in St. Domingo,[O] was +eminently preservative and useful in its effects. The manumitted slaves +(numbering more than two thousand,) who were settled in Nova Scotia, at +the close of our revolutionary war, by the British government, 'led a +harmless life,' says Clarkson, 'and gained the character of an +industrious and honest people from their white neighbors.' A large +number who were located at Trinidad, as free laborers, at the close of +our last war, 'are now,' according to the same authority, 'earning their +own livelihood, and with so much industry and good conduct, that the +calumnies originally spread against them have entirely died away.' +According to the Anti-Slavery Reporter for January, 1832, three thousand +prize negroes at the Cape of Good Hope had received their freedom--four +hundred in one day; 'but not the least difficulty or disorder occurred: +servants found masters, masters hired servants--all gained homes, and at +night scarcely an idler was to be seen.' + +These and many other similar facts show conclusively the safety of +immediate abolition. Gradualists can present, in abatement of them, +nothing but groundless apprehensions and criminal distrust. The argument +is irresistible. + +FOOTNOTES: + +[N] The slaves, they say, are their _property_. Once admit this, and all +your arguments for interference are vain, and all your plans for +amelioration are fruitless. The whole question may be said to hang upon +this point. If the slaves are not property, then slavery is at an end. +The slaveholders see this most clearly; they see that while you allow +these slaves to be their _property_, you act inconsistently and +oppressively in intermeddling, as you propose to do, with what is theirs +as much as any other of their goods and chattels: you must proceed, +therefore, in your measures for amelioration, as you call it, with +'hesitating steps and slow;' and there is nothing you can do for +restraining punishment, for regulating labor, for enforcing manumission, +for introducing education and Christianity, which will not be met with +the remonstrance, undeniably just by your own concessions, that you are +encroaching on the sacred rights of property,--the slaveholders see all +this, and they can employ it to paralyse and defeat all your efforts to +get at emancipation, and to prepare for it. It is on this account, that +I wish it settled in your minds, as a fixed and immutable principle, +that there is and can be no property of man in man. Adopt this +principle, and give it that ascendency over your minds to which it is +entitled;--and slavery is swept away.--_Speech of Rev. Dr Thomson of +Edinburgh._ + +[O] The history of the Revolution in St Domingo is not generally +understood in this country. The result of the instantaneous emancipation +of the slaves, in that island, by an act of the Conventional Assembly of +France in the month of February, 1794, settles the controversy between +the _immediatists_ and _gradualists_. 'After this public act of +emancipation,' says Colonel Malenfant, who was resident in the island at +the time, 'the negroes _remained quiet_ both in the South and in the +West, and _they continued to work upon all the plantations_.' 'Upon +those estates which were abandoned, _they continued their labors_, where +there were any, even inferior agents, to guide them; and on those +estates, where no white men were left to direct them, they betook +themselves to the planting of provisions; but upon _all the plantations_ +where the whites resided, the blacks _continued to labor as quietly as +before_.' 'On the Plantation Gourad, consisting of more than four +hundred and fifty laborers, _not a single negro refused to work_; and +yet this plantation was thought to be under the worst discipline and the +slaves the most idle of any in the plain.' General Lacroix, who +published his 'Memoirs for a History of St Domingo,' at Paris, in 1819, +uses these remarkable words: 'The colony marched, _as by enchantment_, +towards its ancient splendor; _cultivation prospered_; every day +produced perceptible proofs of its progress. The city of the Cape and +the plantations of the North rose up again visibly to the eye.' General +Vincent, who was a general of a brigade of artillery in St Domingo, and +a proprietor of estates in that island, at the same period, declared to +the Directory of France, that 'every thing was _going on well in St +Domingo_. The proprietors were in peaceable possession of their estates; +cultivation was making rapid progress; _the blacks were industrious, and +beyond example happy_.' So much for the horrible concomitants of a +general emancipation! So much for the predicted indolence of the +liberated slaves! Let confusion of face cover all abolition alarmists in +view of these historical facts! This peaceful and prosperous state of +affairs continued from 1794, to the invasion of the island by Leclerc in +1802. The attempt of Bonaparte to reduce the island to its original +servitude was the sole cause of that sanguinary conflict which ended in +the total extirpation of the French from its soil.--[Vide Clarkson's +'Thoughts on the Necessity of Improving the Condition of the Slaves in +the British Colonies,' &c.] + + + + +SECTION VI. + +THE AMERICAN COLONIZATION SOCIETY IS NOURISHED BY FEAR AND SELFISHNESS. + + +The reader will find on the fifth page of my introductory remarks, the +phrase 'naked terrors;' by which I mean, that, throughout all the +speeches, addresses and reports in behalf of the Society, it is +confessed, in language strong and explicit, that an irrepressible and +agonizing fear of the influence of the free people of color over the +slave population is the primary, essential and prevalent motive for +colonizing them on the coast of Africa--and not, as we are frequently +urged to believe, a desire simply to meliorate their condition and +civilize that continent. On this point, the evidence is abundant. + + 'In reflecting on the utility of a plan for colonizing the free + people of color, with whom our country abounds, it is natural + that we should be first struck by its tendency to confer a + benefit on ourselves, by ridding us of a population for the most + part idle and useless, and too often vicious and mischievous.' + * * * 'Such a class must evidently be a burden and a nuisance to + the community; and every scheme which affords a prospect of + removing so great an evil must deserve to be most favorably + considered. + + 'But it is not in themselves merely that the free people of + color are a nuisance and burthen. They contribute greatly to the + corruption of the slaves, and to aggravate the evils of their + condition, by rendering them idle, discontented and disobedient. + This also arises from the necessity under which the free blacks + are, of remaining incorporated with the slaves, of associating + habitually with them, and forming part of the same class in + society. The slave seeing his free companion live in idleness, + or subsist however scantily or precariously by occasional and + desultory employment, is apt to grow discontented with his own + condition, and to regard as tyranny and injustice the authority + which compels him to labor.[P] + + 'Great, however, as the benefits are, which we may thus promise + ourselves, from the colonization of the free people of color, by + its tendency to prevent the discontent and corruption of our + slaves,' &c. * * 'The considerations stated in the first part of + this letter, have long since produced a thorough conviction in + my mind, that the existence of a class of free people of color + in this country is highly injurious to the whites, the slaves + and the free people of color themselves: consequently that all + emancipation, to however small an extent, which permits the + persons emancipated to remain in this country, is an evil, which + must increase with the increase of the operation, and would + become altogether intolerable, if extended to the whole, or even + to a very large part of the black population. I am therefore + strongly opposed to emancipation, in every shape and degree, + unless accompanied by colonization.'--[General Harper's + Letter--First Annual Report, pp. 29, 31, 32, 33, 36.] + + + 'The slaves would be greatly benefitted by the removal of the + free blacks, who now corrupt them and render them + discontented.'--[Second An. Rep.] + + + 'What are these objects? They are in the first place to aid + ourselves, by relieving us from a species of population pregnant + with future danger and present inconvenience.'--[Seventh + Report.] + + + 'They are dangerous to the community, and this danger ought to + be removed. Their wretchedness arises not only from their + bondage, but from their political and moral degradation. The + danger is not so much that we have a million and a half of + slaves, as that we have in our borders nearly two millions of + men who are necessarily any thing rather than loyal + citizens--nearly two millions of ignorant and miserable beings + who are banded together by the very same circumstances, by which + they are so widely separated in character and in interest from + all the citizens of our great republic.'--[Seventh Annual + Report.] + + + 'It may be safely assumed, that there is not an individual in + the community, who has given to the subject a moment's + consideration, who does not regard the existence of the free + people of color in the bosom of the country, as an evil of + immense magnitude, and of a dangerous and alarming tendency. + Their abject and miserable condition is too obvious to be + pointed out. All must perceive it, and perceiving it, cannot but + lament it. But their deplorable condition is not more obvious to + the most superficial observer, than is (what is far worse, and + still more to be dreaded,) the powerful and resistless influence + which they exert over the slave population. While their + character remains what it now is, (and the laws and structure of + the country in which they reside, prevent its permanent + improvement,) this influence must of necessity be baneful and + contaminating. Corrupt themselves, like the deadly Upas, they + impart corruption to all around them. Their numbers too, are + constantly and rapidly augmenting. Their annual increase is + truly astonishing, certainly unexampled. The dangerous + ascendency which they have already acquired over the slaves, is + consequently increasing with every addition to their numbers; + and every addition to their numbers is a subtraction from the + wealth and strength, and character, and happiness, and safety of + the country. And if this be true, as it unquestionably is, the + converse is also true; the danger of their undue influence will + lessen with every diminution of their numbers; and every + diminution of their numbers must add, and add greatly, to the + prosperity of the country.'--[Twelfth Annual Report.] + + + 'Another reason is, the pressing and vital importance of + relieving ourselves, as soon as practicable, from this most + dangerous element in our population.' * * 'We all know the + effects produced on our slaves by the fascinating, but delusive + appearance of happiness, exhibited in some persons of their own + complexion, roaming in idleness and vice among them. By removing + the most fruitful source of discontent from among our slaves, we + should render them more industrious and attentive to our + commands.'--[Fourteenth Annual Report.] + + + 'What is the free black to the slave? A standing perpetual + incitement to discontent. Though the condition of the slave be a + thousand times the best--supplied, protected, instead of + destitute and desolate--yet, the folly of the condition, held to + involuntary labor, finds, always, allurement, in the spectacle + of exemption from it, without consideration of the adjuncts of + destitution and misery. The slave would have then, little + excitement to discontent but for the free black.'--[Fifteenth + Annual Report.] + + + 'The evils which arise from the communication of the free people + of color with our slaves, must be obvious to every reflecting + mind; and the consequences which may result from this + communication at some future day, when circumstances are more + favorable to their views, are of a more alarming character. Sir, + circumstances must have brought us to the conclusion, if our + observation had not enabled us to make the remark, that it is + natural for our slaves, so closely allied to the free black + population by national peculiarities, and by relationship, to + make a comparison between their respective conditions, and to + repine at the difference which exists between them. This is a + serious evil, and can only be removed _by preventing the + possibility of a comparison_. + + 'By removing these people, we rid ourselves of a large party who + will always be ready to assist our slaves in any mischievous + design which they may conceive; and who are better able, by + their intelligence, and the facilities of their communication, + to bring those designs to a successful termination.'--[African + Repository, vol. i. p. 176.] + + + 'The labors of the Colonization Society appear to us highly + deserving of praise. The blacks, whom they carry from the + country, belong to a class far more noxious than the slaves + themselves. They are free without any sense of character to + restrain them, or regular means of obtaining an honest + livelihood. Most of the criminal offences committed in the + southern States are chargeable to them, and their influence over + the slaves is pernicious and alarming.' * * * 'What is the true + nature of the evil of the existence of a portion of the African + race in our population? It is not that there are some, but that + there are so many among us of a different caste, of a different + physical, if not moral, constitution, who never can amalgamate + with the great body of our population. In every country, persons + are to be found varying in their color, origin and character, + from the native mass. But this anomaly creates no inquietude or + apprehension, because the exotics, from the smallness of their + number, are known to be utterly incapable of disturbing the + general tranquillity. Here, on the contrary, the African part of + our population bears so large a proportion to the residue of + European origin, as to create the most lively apprehension, + especially in some quarters of the Union. Any project, + therefore, by which, in a material degree, the dangerous element + in the general mass, can be diminished or rendered stationary, + deserves deliberate consideration.'--[African Repository, vol. + ii. pp. 27, 338.] + + + 'Made up, for the most part, either of slaves or of their + immediate descendants; elevated above the class from which it + has sprung, only by its exemption from domestic restraint; and + effectually debarred by the law, from every prospect of equality + with the actual freemen of the country; it is a source of + perpetual uneasiness to the master, and of envy and corruption + to the slave.' * * 'To remove these persons from among us, will + increase the _usefulness_, and improve the moral character of + those who remain in servitude, and _with whose labors the + country is unable to dispense_. That instances are to be found + of colored free persons, upright and industrious, is not to be + denied. But the greater portion, as is well known, are a source + of malignant depravity to the slaves on the one hand, and of + corrupt habits to many of our white population on the other. The + arts of subsistence with many of them, are incompatible with the + security of property.' * * * 'I am a Virginian--I dread for her + the corroding evil of this numerous caste, and I tremble for the + danger of a disaffection spreading through their seductions, + among our servants.' * * * 'Are they vipers, who are sucking our + blood? we will hurl them from us. It is not sympathy alone,--not + sickly sympathy, no, nor manly sympathy either,--which is to act + on us; but vital policy, self-interest, are also enlisting + themselves on the humane side in our breasts.'--[African + Repository, vol. iii. pp. 10, 67, 197, 201.] + + + 'All must concur in regarding the present condition of the free + colored race in America as inconsistent with its future social + and political advancement, and, where slavery exists at all, as + calculated to aggravate its evils without any atoning good. + Among those evils, the most obvious is the restraint imposed + upon emancipation by the laws of so many of the slaveholding + States: laws, deriving their recent origin from the obvious + manifestation which the increase of the free colored population + has furnished, of the inconvenience and danger of multiplying + their number where slavery exists at all.' * * * 'By the success + of this scheme, our country will be enriched. The free blacks + constitute a material spoke in that wheel which is crushing down + the wealth of our land. The moment we carry this plan into + vigorous prosecution, we shall call many of our countrymen to a + state of comparative wealth. The removal of the annual increase + of our colored population, would give to our mariners a + considerable scope of employment, whilst the trade of the Colony + would be a source of profit.' * * 'It places the attainment of + the grand object in view, that is, to withdraw from the United + States annually, so many of the colored population, and provide + them a comfortable home and all the advantages of civilization + in Africa, _as will make the number here remain stationary_.' + * * * 'Let us recur to the principle abovementioned--that every + black family occupies the room of a white family. On this + principle we are lost, if we suffer the colored population to + multiply, unchecked, upon our hands; because they will increase + faster than the whites, and will crowd them out of all the + Southern country. But on the same principle we are saved, if by + any means of colonization, we can retard the increase of the + blacks, and gain ground on them in the South. That we can do + with ease, if our people will unite in prosecuting the scheme. + Every family taken from the blacks, will add also a family to + the whites, and make an actual difference of two families in our + favor. This exchange will leave fewer blacks to remove, while + it will increase our ability to remove them. Self-interest and + self-preservation furnish motives enough to excite our + exertions.' * * 'By thus repressing the rapid increase of + blacks, the white population would be enabled to reach and soon + overtop them. The consequence would be security.'--[African + Repository, vol. iv. pp. 53, 141, 271, 276, 344.] + + + 'The existence of a class of men in the bosom of the community, + who occupy a middle rank between the citizen and the slave--who + encountering every positive evil incident to each condition, + share none of the benefits peculiar to either, has been long + clearly seen and deeply deplored by every man of observation. + The master feels it in the unhappy influence which the free + blacks have upon the slave population. The slave feels it in the + restless, discontented spirit which his association with the + free black engenders.' * * * * 'But, there is yet a more + important and alarming view, in which this subject necessarily + presents itself to the mind of every Virginian. A community of + the character that has been described, with this additional + peculiarity, that it differs from the class from which it has + sprung, only in its exemption from _the wholesome restraints of + domestic authority_, is found in the midst of a numerous and + rapidly increasing slave population; and while its partial + freedom, trammelled, as it is, by the necessary rigors of the + law, is nevertheless sufficiently attractive, to be a source of + uneasiness and dissatisfaction to those who have not attained to + its questionable privileges, its exemption from the prompt and + efficient inquisition appertaining to slavery, makes it an + important instrument in the corruption and seduction of those, + who yet remain the property of their masters.' * * * 'Who would + not rejoice to see our country liberated from her black + population? Who would not participate in any efforts to restore + those children of misfortune to their native shores, and kindle + the lights of science and civilization through Africa? Who that + has reflection, does not tremble for the political and moral + well-being of a country, that has within its bosom, a growing + population, bound to its institutions by no common sympathies, + and ready to fall in with any faction that may threaten its + liberties?' * * * 'The existence of this race among us; a race + that can neither share our blessings nor incorporate in our + society, is already felt to be a curse; and though the only + curse entailed on us, if left to take its course, it will become + the greatest that could befal the nation. + + 'Shall we then cling to it, and by refusing the timely expedient + now offered for deliverance, retain and foster the _alien + enemies_, till they have multiplied into such greater numbers, + and risen into such mightier consequence as will for ever bar + the possibility of their departure, and by barring it, bar also + the possibility of fulfilling our own high destiny?' * * 'The + object of this Society is two-fold; for while it immediately and + ostensibly directs its energies to the amelioration of the + condition of the free people of color, it relieves our country + from an unprofitable burden, and which, if much longer submitted + to, may record upon our history the dreadful cries of vengeance + that but a few years since were registered in characters of + blood at St. Domingo.' * * 'It is the removal of the _free_ + blacks from among us, that is to save us, sooner or later, from + those dreadful events foreboded by Mr Jefferson, or from the + horrors of St. Domingo. The present number of this unfortunate, + degraded, and anomalous class of inhabitants cannot be much + short of half a million; and the number is fast increasing. They + are emphatically a mildew upon our fields, a scourge to our + backs, and a stain upon our escutcheon. To remove them is mercy + to ourselves, and justice to them.'--[African Repository, vol. + v. pp. 28, 51, 88, 278, 304, 348.] + + + 'All admit the utility of the separation of the free people of + color from the residue of the population of the United States, + if it be practicable. It is desirable for them, _for the slaves + of the United States_, and for the white race. The vices of this + class do not spring from any inherent depravity in their natural + constitution, but from their unfortunate situation. Social + intercourse is a want which we are prompted to gratify by all + the properties of our nature. And as they cannot obtain it in + the better circles of society, nor always among themselves, + they resort to slaves and to the most debased and worthless of + the whites. Corruption, and all the train of petty offences, are + the consequences. Proprietors of slaves in whose neighborhood + any free colored family is situated, know how infectious and + pernicious this intercourse is.' * * * 'Who, if this promiscuous + residence of whites and blacks, of freemen and slaves, is for + ever to continue, can imagine the servile wars, the carnage and + the crimes which will be its probable consequences, without + shuddering with horror?' * * 'It were madness to shut our eyes + to these facts and conclusions. This rapid increase of the + blacks is as certain as the progress of time. The fatal + consequences of that increase, if it be not checked, are equally + so. Something must be done. The American Colonization Society + proposes a remedy--the removal to Africa of the blacks who are + free, or shall hereafter become so, with their consent.' * * + 'The colored population is considered by the people of Tennessee + and Alabama in general, as an immense evil to the country--but + the free part of it, by all, as the greatest of all evils.... + They feel severely the effects of the deleterious influence + which the free negroes exert upon the slaves--and they look, + moreover, into futurity, and there they behold an appalling + scene--in less than one hundred years, (a short time, we should + hope, in the life of this republic,) 16,000,000 of blacks.' + * * * * 'Since the recent revolution in the island of St. Domingo, + which has placed it in the hands of the African race, it was + thought by some that there an asylum might be found for this + part of our population. But to that place there were also + serious objections, which would prevent its adoption to any + considerable extent. The nearness of that Island to our southern + borders, and the evil consequences that might result from + embodying the free persons of color in the vicinity of those + parts of the United States, where slaves are so numerous, + forbade the friends of humanity to provide a home for them in + that Island.'--[African Repository, vol. vi. pp. 17, 23, 68, 77, + 226.] + + + 'The existence, within the very bosom of our country, of an + anomalous race of beings, the most debased upon earth, who + neither enjoy the blessings of freedom, nor are yet in the bonds + of slavery, is a great national evil, which every friend of his + country most deeply deplores. They constitute a large mass of + human beings, who hang as a vile excrescence upon society--the + objects of a low debasing envy to our slaves, and to ourselves + of universal suspicion and distrust.' * * 'If this process were + continued a second term of duplication, it would produce the + extraordinary result of forty white men to one black in the + country--a state of things in which we should not only cease to + feel the burdens which now hang so heavily upon us, but actually + regard the poor African as an object of curiosity, and not + uneasiness.' * * 'Enough, under favorable circumstances, might + be removed for a few successive years--if young _females_ were + encouraged to go--to keep the whole colored population in + check.'--[African Repository, vol. vii. pp. 230, 232, 246.] + + + 'The existence of such a population among us is a most manifest + evil. And every year adds to its threatening aspect. They are + more than a sixth of our population! Their ratio of increase + exceeds that of the whites. They have all the lofty and immortal + powers of man. And the time must arrive, when they will + fearlessly claim the prerogatives of man. They may do it in the + spirit of revenge. They may do it in the spirit of desperation. + And the result of such a mustering of their energies--who can + look at it even in distant prospect without horror? Almost as + numerous are they now, as our whole population when this nation + stood forth for freedom in a contest with the mightiest power of + the civilized world. And if nothing is done to _arrest their + increase_, we shall have in twenty years four millions of + slaves; in forty years eight millions; in sixty years sixteen + millions, and a million of free blacks;--seventeen millions of + people; seven millions more than our present white + population;--enough for a powerful empire! And how can they be + governed? Who can foretel those scenes of carnage and terror + which our own children may witness, unless a seasonable remedy + be applied? The remedy is now within our reach. _We can stop + their increase_; we can diminish their number.'--[Rev. Baxter + Dickinson's Sermon delivered at Springfield, Mass. in 1829.] + + + 'We have a numerous people, who, though they are among us, are + not of us; who are aliens and outcasts in the land of their + birth. A people whose condition is degraded and miserable; who, + so far from adding to our national strength, are an element of + weakness, and detract from the amount of human effort. A people, + whose condition, while it excites our commiseration, must awaken + our fears.' * * 'Those persons of color who have been + emancipated, are only nominally free; and the whole race, so + long as they remain among us, and whether they be slaves or + free, must _necessarily_ be kept in a condition full of + wretchedness to them and full of danger to the whites. This view + of the subject is rendered the more alarming by the rapid + increase of this portion of our population.'--[Second Annual + Report of the New-York State Colonization Society, pp. 4, 34.] + + + 'We would ask, whence have the troubles, which have taken place + among the slaves of Louisiana, originated? Trace the causes, and + we will invariably find them to have proceeded from the + suggestions and officious interferences of the free blacks. + Their very existence in our limits, enjoying supposed + independence, excites the envy and dissatisfaction of the + slaves. The latter naturally inquire, why is it, that persons of + the same color, are permitted to possess more privileges than + they do?... We know the danger to which we are exposed from such + a class of beings living in the very heart of our population, + and increasing greatly every year.'--[An advocate of the Society + in the New-Orleans Argus.] + + + 'Among us the free negroes are multiplying rapidly; both + conscience and religion, as well as propagation, increase them, + and, unless instant and decisive steps are taken to prevent + their increase, you will soon have 50,000 _determined and + vengeful enemies_ in the heart of your country, protected there + by the constitution, forsooth, by which it seems we are + forbidden to expel the free negroes, or to prevent farther + importations of this deadly pest in the persons of + slaves.'--[Louisville Focus.] + + + 'Will not the people of the United States be induced to do + something to remove their colored population? I refer to their + condition, whether bond or free. They are wretched and + dangerous, and should be removed. And the danger arises, not + because we have thousands of slaves within our borders, but + because there are nearly two millions of colored men, who are by + necessity any thing rather than loyal citizens.'--[Address by + Gabriel P. Disosway, Esq.] + + + 'It is not now a novel or a debateable proposition, that slavery + is a great moral and political curse. It is equally clear that + its multitudinous evils are greatly increased by the existence + among us of a mongrel population, who, freed from the shackles + of bondage, yet bear about them the badge of inferiority, + stamped upon them indelibly by the hand of nature, and are + therefore deprived of those rights of citizenship, without which + they must necessarily be a degraded caste--depraved in morals + and vicious in conduct, and _exercising a mischievous and + dangerous influence over those to whom they are nominally + superior_. Their mere existence among the slaves is sufficient, + of itself, to excite in the bosoms of the latter a feeling of + dissatisfaction with their own condition, apparently worse, + because of the coercion to labor which it imposes; but + essentially better, because of the comforts which that labor + procures, and of which the idle and dissolute habits of the free + negro almost invariably deprive him. The slave, however, is not + capable of reasoning correctly, if he reasons at all, on these + truths. He envies the free negro his idleness, and his freedom + from restraint, with all its attendant disadvantages of poverty + and disease, crime and punishment--and hence, he will sometimes + indulge the delusive dream of effecting his own emancipation by + the murder of those who hold him in bondage. Take away from him + this cause of dissatisfaction, and this incentive to + insurrection, and then these "impracticable hopes," which now + sometimes flit before his imagination, will no longer embitter + his hours of labor, and urge him to the commission of those + horrid deeds of massacre, which, though they may glut a + momentary revenge, must result disastrously, not only to the + slaves engaged immediately in their perpetration, but to all + that unfortunate race. Our true interests require that they + shall remove from among us--and no longer be a source of + disquietude to the whites, _of envy to the slaves_, and of + degradation to themselves.'--[Lynchburg (Va.) Virginian.] + + + 'For the most conclusive reasons this removal should be to + Africa. If it be to the West Indies, to Texas, to Canada, then, + how strong and various the objections to building up, in the + vicinity of our own nation, a mighty empire, from a race of men, + _so unlike ourselves_? But, if the removal be to Africa, then it + is to a _happy distance_ from us and to their father land.... + Then let it aid in removing that population, which, under its + peculiar relation to the whites, and under its degrading social + and civil disabilities, is a most fruitful source of national + dishonor, demoralization, weakness and _horrid + danger_.'--[Memorial of the New-York State Colonization + Society.] + + + 'The males removed should be persons between 16 and 17 years of + age; the females between 13 and 14. Now as a number would be + annually removed equal to the whole increase, and as that number + would be composed of individuals, of such ages that their + removal would affect the future increase of the race in the + greatest possible degree, I believe that their numbers would not + only not increase, but would diminish. And the number removed + might be increased as the proportion of white persons in the + State became greater, until the removal reached a point at which + all the males who attained the age of sixteen, and all the + females who attained the age of fourteen, in any given year, + would during that year be removed.'--[Petersburg (Va.) Times.] + + + 'They are well calculated to render the slaves sullen, + discontented, unhappy and refractory--and the masters + suspicious, fearful of consequences, and disposed to enhance the + rigor of the condition of their slaves, in order to avert the + dangers that appear to impend over them from the promulgation of + the anti-slavery doctrines; thus, in this case, as in so many + others, the imprudent zeal of friends is likely to produce as + much substantial injury as the animosity of decided enemies + could accomplish.'--[Mathew Carey's Essays.] + + + 'Hatred to the whites is, with the exception in some cases of an + attachment to the person and family of the master, nearly + universal among the black population. We have then a foe, + cherished in our very bosoms--a foe willing to draw our + life-blood whenever the opportunity is offered, and, in the mean + time, intent upon doing us all the mischief in his + power.'--[Southern Religious Telegraph.] + +Does the reader wish for any additional proof that the governing motive +of the American Colonization Society is fear--undisguised, _excessive_ +FEAR? Language is altogether inadequate to express my indignation and +contempt, in view of such a heartless and cowardly exhibition of +sentiment. There is a deep sense of guilt, an awful dread of +retribution, manifested in the foregoing extracts; but we perceive no +evidence of contrition for past or present injustice, on the part of +those terror-stricken plotters. Instead of returning to those, whom +they have so deeply injured, 'with repenting and undissembling love;' +instead of seeking to conciliate and remunerate the victims of their +prejudice and oppression; instead of resolving to break the yoke of +servitude and let the oppressed go free; it seems to be their only +anxiety and aim to outwit the vengeance of Heaven, and strengthen the +bulwarks of tyranny, by expelling the free people of color from our +shores, and effecting such a diminution of the number of slaves as shall +give the white population a triumphant and irresistible superiority! +'_Check the increase!_' is their cry--'let us retain in everlasting +bondage as many as we can, _safely_; but the proportion must be at least +ten millions of ourselves to two millions of our vassals, else we shall +live in jeopardy! To do justly is not our intention; we only mean to +remove the surplus of our present stock; we think we shall be able, by +this prudent device, to oppress and rob with impunity. Our present +wailing is not for our heinous crimes, but only because our avarice and +cruelty have carried us beyond our ability to protect ourselves: we +lament, not because we hold so large a number in fetters of iron, but +because we cannot safely hold more!' + +Ye crafty calculators! ye hard-hearted, incorrigible sinners! ye greedy +and relentless robbers! ye contemners of justice and mercy! ye +trembling, pitiful, pale-faced usurpers! my soul spurns you with +unspeakable disgust. Know ye not that the reward of your hands shall be +given you? 'Wo unto them that decree unrighteous decrees, and that write +grievousness which they have prescribed; to turn aside the needy from +judgment, and to take away the right from the poor, that widows may be +their prey, and that they may rob the fatherless! And what will ye do in +the day of visitation, and in the desolation which shall come from far? +to whom will ye flee for help? and where will ye leave your +glory?'--'What mean ye that ye beat my people to pieces, and grind the +face of the poor? saith the Lord God of hosts.'--'Behold, the hire of +the laborers which have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept +back by fraud, crieth; and the cries of them which have reaped are +entered into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth.' Repent! repent! _now_, +in sackcloth and ashes. Think not to succeed in your expulsive crusade; +you cannot hide your motives from the Great Searcher of hearts; and if a +sinful worm of the dust, like myself, is fired with indignation at your +dastardly behaviour and mean conspiracy to evade repentance and +punishment, how must the anger of Him, whose holiness and justice are +infinite, burn against you? Is it not a fearful thing to fall into the +hands of the living God? You may plot by day and by night; you may heap +together the treasures of the land, and multiply and enlarge your +combinations, to extricate yourselves from peril; but _you cannot +succeed_. Your only alternative is, either to redress the wrongs of the +oppressed _now_, and humble yourselves before God, or prepare for the +chastisements of Heaven. I repeat it--REPENTANCE or PUNISHMENT must be +yours. + +There are several points upon which I wish to fasten the attention of +the reader: + +1. The inhumanity and craftiness of these propositions for the removal +of the free people of color. + +It will be seen that the conspirators have taxed their ingenuity to the +utmost, to ascertain the exact number of emigrants which must be +transported annually, the amount of money that must be raised, the +persons that must be selected, the number of vessels that must be +employed, &c. &c. It is their determination, if the necessary means can +be obtained, to transport the annual increase of our colored population; +but in this calculation we find no allowance made for unwillingness or +resistance on the part of those who are the objects of their +supervision. It is taken for granted that all will be induced to go into +exile, or must be made willing compulsorily. Nothing else is +contemplated but their entire expulsion. In order to insure a reduction +of this 'alarming increase,' and effectually to check the fruitfulness +of generation, even the unmanly and scandalous proposition is made to +remove principally those of both sexes who are just come to the age of +puberty! The system of _espionage_, established by Napoleon to prevent +the possibility of a successful conspiracy, was not more detestable and +observant than is this violent and unnatural project. 'If young +_females_ were encouraged to go'!--why, then they could not propagate +here! Infamous calculation! + +2. The principal object avowed for the removal of the free people of +color, is, their corruptive and dangerous influence over the slave +population. + +It is demonstrated, then, beyond disputation, that this removal will +infuse new strength into the tottering system of slavery, tighten the +grasp of the masters upon the throats of the slaves, lull them into a +profound and quiet sleep, postpone the hour of emancipation, and enhance +the security and value of slave property. The terror of mind which calls +for this separation cannot be benevolence, and the combination which +seeks to effect it cannot merit support. It were folly to hope that the +owners of slaves will ultimately emancipate them, from conscientious +motives. In the first place, they affect to be innocent in holding their +victims in servitude; secondly, they are assured by their colonization +brethren that they are not guilty of oppression, but, on the contrary, +are watchful guardians; and lastly, they are obstinate in shutting their +eyes upon the light, and kindle into a rage on being arraigned for their +tyrannous conduct. Our only ground of hope, then, is in increasing the +difficulty of holding their slaves, in multiplying the causes of their +apprehensions, in destroying the value of slave labor, and in making +their situation full of disquietude and distress. Such a course is not +inconsistent with benevolence--such a course we are obligated to pursue, +as we value the present and everlasting welfare of the oppressor and the +oppressed, and desire to have a conscience void of offence toward God +and toward man. It may--it _must_ be effected by a scrupulous abstinence +from the productions of slavery; by encouraging planters to cultivate +their lands by the hands of free laborers; by educating our free colored +population, and placing them on an equality with ourselves; and by +constantly exhibiting the criminality of holding rational and immortal +beings in servile bondage. Thus, and thus only, shall we be able to +liberate our enslaved countrymen. + +3. Consider the inevitable consequence of these reiterated and malignant +statements, with regard to the habits and designs of the free people of +color. + +First, it deters a large number of masters from liberating their slaves, +and hence directly perpetuates the evils of slavery: it deters them for +two reasons--an unwillingness to augment the wretchedness of those who +are in servitude by turning them loose upon the country, and a dread of +increasing the number of their enemies. It creates and nourishes the +bitterest animosity against the free blacks. It has spread an alarm +among all classes of society, in all parts of the country; and, acting +under this fearful impulse, they begin to persecute, believing +self-preservation imperiously calls for this severe treatment. The +legislative enactment of Ohio, which not long since drove many of the +colored inhabitants of that State into Upper Canada, was the legitimate +fruit of the anathemas of the Colonization Society. A bill has been +reported in the same legislature for preventing free people of color +from participating in the benefit of the common school fund, in order to +hasten their expulsion from the State! Other States are multiplying +similar disabilities, and hanging heavier weights upon their free +colored population. The Legislature of Louisiana has enacted that +whosoever shall make use of language, in any public discourse, from the +bar, the bench, the pulpit, the stage, or in any other place whatsoever +shall make use of language, in any private discourses, or shall make use +of signs or actions having a tendency to produce discontent among the +colored population, shall suffer imprisonment at hard labor, not less +than three years, nor more than twenty-one years, or DEATH, at the +discretion of the court!! It has also prohibited the instruction of the +blacks in Sabbath Schools--$500 penalty for the first offence--DEATH for +the second!! The Legislature of Virginia has passed a bill which +subjects all free negroes who shall be convicted of remaining in the +commonwealth contrary to law, to the liability of _being sold by the +sheriff_. All meetings of free negroes, at any school-house or +meeting-house, for teaching them reading or writing, are declared an +unlawful assembly; and it is made the duty of any justice of the peace +to issue his warrant to enter the house where such unlawful assemblage +is held, for the purpose of apprehending or dispersing such free +negroes. A fine is to be imposed on every white person who instructs at +such meetings. All emancipated slaves, who shall remain more than twelve +months, contrary to law, shall revert to the executors as assets. Laws +have been passed in Georgia and North Carolina, imposing a heavy tax or +imprisonment on every free person of color who shall come into their +ports in the capacity of stewards, cooks, or seamen of any vessels +belonging to the non-slaveholding States. The Legislature of Tennessee +has passed an act forbidding free blacks from coming into the State to +remain more than twenty days. The penalty is a fine of from ten to fifty +dollars, and confinement in the penitentiary from one to two years. +Double the highest penalty is to be inflicted after the first offence. +The act also prohibits manumission, without an immediate removal from +the State. The last Legislature of Maryland passed a bill, by which no +free negro or mulatto is allowed to emigrate to, or settle in the State, +under the penalty of fifty dollars for every week's residence therein; +and if he refuse or neglect to pay such fine, he shall be committed to +jail and sold by the sheriff at public sale; and no person shall employ +or harbor him, under the penalty of twenty dollars for every day he +shall be so employed, hired or harbored! It is not lawful for any free +blacks to attend any meetings for religious purposes, unless conducted +by a _white_ licensed or ordained preacher, or some respectable white +person duly authorised! All free colored persons residing in the State, +are compelled to register their names, ages, &c. &c.; and if any negro +or mulatto shall remove from the State, and remain without the limits +thereof for a space longer than thirty consecutive days, unless before +leaving the State he deposits with the clerk of the county in which he +resides, _a written statement of his object in doing so_, and his +intention of returning again, or unless he shall have been detained by +sickness or coercion, _of which he shall bring a certificate_, he shall +be regarded as a resident of another State, and be subject, if he +return, to the penalties imposed by the foregoing provisions upon free +negroes and mulattoes of another State, migrating to Maryland! It is not +lawful for any person or persons to purchase of any free negro or +mulatto any articles, unless he produce a certificate from a justice of +the peace, or three respectable persons residing in his neighborhood, +that he or they have reason to believe, and do believe, that such free +negro or mulatto came honestly and bona fide into possession of any +such articles so offered for sale! A bill has been reported to the +Legislature of Pennsylvania, which enacts, that from and after a +specified time, no negro or mulatto shall be permitted to emigrate into +and settle in that State, without entering into bond in the penal sum of +_five hundred dollars_, conditioned for his good behavior. If he neglect +or refuse to comply with this requisition, such punishment shall be +inflicted upon him as is now directed in the case of vagrants. Free +colored residents are not to be allowed to migrate from one township or +county to another, without producing a certificate from the Clerk of the +Court of Quarter Sessions, or a Justice of the Peace, or an Alderman! +The passage of a similar law has been urged even upon the Legislature of +Massachusetts by a writer in the Salem Gazette! + +All these proscriptive measures, and others less conspicuous but equally +oppressive,--which are not only flagrant violations of the Constitution +of the United States, but in the highest degree disgraceful and +inhuman,--are resorted to, (to borrow the language of the Secretary in +his Fifteenth Annual Report,) 'for the more complete accomplishment of +the great objects of the American Colonization Society'!! + +I appeal to the candor and common sense of the reader, if this grievous +persecution be not justly chargeable to the Society? It is constantly +thundering in the ears of the slave States--'Your free blacks +contaminate your slaves, excite their deadliest hate, and are a source +of _horrid danger_ to yourselves! They must be removed, or your +destruction is inevitable!' What is their response? Precisely such as +might be expected--'We know it; we dread the presence of this class; +their influence over our slaves weakens our power, and endangers our +safety; they must, _they shall_ be expatriated, or be crushed to the +earth if they remain!' It says to the free States--'Your colored +population can never be rendered serviceable, intelligent or loyal; they +will only, and always, serve to increase your taxes, crowd your +poor-houses and penitentiaries, and corrupt and impoverish society!' +Again, what is the natural response?--'It is even so; they are offensive +to the eye, and a pest in community; theirs is now, and must inevitably +be, without a reversal of the laws of nature, the lot of vagabonds; it +were useless to attempt their intellectual and moral improvement among +ourselves; and therefore be this their alternative--either to emigrate +to Liberia, or remain for ever a despicable caste in this country!' + +Hence the enactment of those sanguinary laws, to which reference has +been made: hence, too, the increasing disposition which is every where +seen to render the situation of the free blacks intolerable. Never was +it so pitiable and distressing--so full of peril and anxiety--so +burdened with misery, despondency and scorn; never were the prejudices +of society so virulent and implacable against them; never were their +prospects so dark, and dreary, and hopeless; never was the hand of power +so heavily laid upon their limbs; never were they so restricted in +regard to locomotion and the advantages of education, as at the present +time. Athwart their sky scarcely darts a single ray of light--above and +around them darkness reigns, and an angry tempest is mustering its +fearful strength, and 'thunders are uttering their voices.' Treachery is +seeking to decoy, and violence to expel them. For all this, and more +than this, and more that is to come, the American Colonization Society +is responsible. And no better evidence is needed than this: THEIR +PERSECUTION, TRADUCEMENT AND WRETCHEDNESS INCREASE IN EXACT RATIO WITH +THE INFLUENCE, POPULARITY AND EXTENSION OF THIS SOCIETY! The fact is +undeniable, and it is conclusive. For it is absurd to suppose, that as +the disposition and ability of an association to alleviate misery +increase, so will the degradation and suffering of the objects of its +charities. + +The assertion that the free blacks corrupt the morals of the slaves, is +too ludicrous to need a serious refutation. Corrupt the morals of those +who are recognized and treated as brutes, and who know as little of the +laws of God as of the laws of the land! Immaculate creatures! The system +of slavery is constantly developing new excellencies: it is, we now +perceive, the protector of virtue, the enemy of vice, and a purifier of +the soul! + +But something more indiscreet and preposterous than this, is advanced +for our admiration. We are gravely assured, first, by a New-England +clergyman, that, generally, the condition of the free man of color 'is +one in comparison with which the condition of the slave is _enviable_;' +and, secondly, by the last distinguished convert to the Colonization +Society--the Hon. Mr. Archer of Virginia--'the condition of the slave is +_a thousand times_ the best, [the disparity is wonderful!]--_supplied_, +_protected_, instead of _destitute_ and _desolate_'![Q] Let us draw a +brief comparison. The limbs of the free black are fetterless; he is +controlled by no brutal driver; he bleeds not under the lash; he is his +own master; his wife and children cannot be torn from his arms; he +enjoys the fruits of his own labor; he can improve his own mind, make +his own bargains, manage his own business, go from place to place, and +assert his own rights. The situation and privileges of the slave are +exactly the reverse. Reader, are they 'enviable'--'a thousand times the +best'--in comparison with those of the former? I do not mean to say that +there are no instances in which the slave fares as well as the free man +of color; but the argument of these apologists implies that a state of +slavery is superior to a state of freedom, or it is worthless. + +4. It appears, from the quotations that have been given, that the only +reason why the free blacks are not colonized in the 'far West,' or in +Canada, or Hayti, or Mexico, is, because their proximity to the slave +States might prove detrimental. If they could be sent to any or to all +these places, without any danger to ourselves, why then all objections +would cease. This confession places the hypocrisy of this Society in +bold relief. It pretends to be anxious to evangelize benighted Africa, +and stop the slave trade; but only assure it that the blacks may be +safely colonized nearer home, and Africa might still continue to grope +in darkness, and the slave trade to increase in enormity, and its bowels +of compassion would speedily cease to yearn!--Hence it is that the rapid +enlargement of the Wilberforce Settlement in Upper Canada so disturbs +the repose of the advocates of African colonization; and many of them +would rejoice at its overthrow. + +FOOTNOTES: + +[P] How very strange that the slave should 'regard as tyranny and +injustice the authority which compels him to labor' without +recompense!!! + +[Q] Paupers and criminals are supplied and _protected_. How invidious to +treat them so generously, and leave honest, hard-working men exposed to +destitution and abandonment! They ought to be sent to the poor-house or +penitentiary forthwith. + + + + +SECTION VII. + +THE AMERICAN COLONIZATION SOCIETY AIMS AT THE UTTER EXPULSION OF THE +BLACKS. + + +The implacable spirit of this Society is most apparent in its +determination not to cease from its labors, until our whole colored +population be expelled from the country. The following is the evidence +in confirmation of this charge: + + 'How came we by this population? By the prevalence for a century + of a guilty commerce. And will not the prevalence for a century + of a restoring commerce, place them on their own shores? Yes, + surely!'--[African Repository, vol. i. p. 347.] + + + 'For several years the subject of abolition of slavery has been + brought before you. I am decidedly opposed to the project + recommended. NO SCHEME OF ABOLITION WILL MEET MY SUPPORT, THAT + LEAVES THE EMANCIPATED BLACKS AMONG US. Experience has proved, + that they become a corrupt and degraded class, as burthensome to + themselves as they are hurtful to the rest of society. To permit + the blacks to remain amongst us, after their emancipation, would + be to aggravate and not to cure the evil.'--[Idem, vol. ii. pp. + 188, 189.] + + + 'We would say, LIBERATE THEM ONLY ON CONDITION OF THEIR GOING TO + AFRICA OR TO HAYTI.'--[Idem, vol. iii. p. 26.] + + + '_I am not complaining of the owners of slaves_; IT WOULD BE AS + HUMANE TO THROW THEM FROM THE DECKS IN THE MIDDLE PASSAGE, AS TO + SET THEM FREE IN OUR COUNTRY.' * * * 'The Colonization Society, + I undertake to show, presents such a scheme. Slaveholders have + given it their approbation; they will approve it, and they can + approve of no other. _Any scheme of emancipation without + colonization_, they know and see and feel to be productive of + nothing but evil; evil to all whom it affects: to the white + population, to the slaves, to the _manumitted themselves_.' * * + 'Throughout the slaveholding States there is a strong objection, + even among the warmest friends of the African race, to slaves + being liberated and allowed to remain among us; and some States + have enacted laws against it. _The objection is, in our + individual opinion, well founded._'--[Idem, vol. iv. pp. 226, + 300, 340.] + + + 'In connexion with this subject, your memorialists beg leave to + mention, that by an act of the Virginia Legislature, passed in + 1805, emancipated slaves forfeit their freedom by remaining for + a longer period than twelve months, within the limits of the + Commonwealth. This law, odious and unjust as it may at first + view appear, and hard as it may seem to bear upon the liberated + negro, was doubtless dictated by sound policy, and _its repeal + would be regarded by none with more unfeigned regret, than by + the friends of African Colonization_. It has restrained many + masters from giving freedom to their slaves, and has thereby + contributed to check the growth of an evil _already too great + and formidable_.' * * 'Under the influence of a policy, already + referred to, _and justified by the necessity from which it + sprung_, the laws of Virginia have prohibited emancipation + within the limits of the State, but on condition of the early + removal of the individual emancipated.' * * 'While hundreds, + perhaps we might say thousands, of the free colored people, are + seeking a passage to Liberia; hundreds who hold slaves, would + willingly set them at liberty, were the means of their removal + provided. And till those means are provided, the liberation of + the slave would neither be a blessing to himself, nor the + public. His liberty under any circumstances may be a debt due, + in the abstract, to the claims of human nature; but when applied + to him individually, it would be a calamity. We cannot conceive + of a more deplorable state of society, than what our + slaveholding states would present, with their black population + afloat, without a home, without the means of subsistence, and + without those self-relying habits, which might lead them to + obtain an independent livelihood. _It is not therefore incumbent + upon those who hold slaves, to set them at liberty, till some + means are provided for their removal, or at least for their + subsistence._ They owe it neither to themselves, to their + country, nor the unfortunate beings around them.' * * * 'Those + slaves still in my possession, I cannot conscientiously + emancipate, unless they shall be removed by the Society to + Liberia.'--[Idem, vol. v. pp. 20, 53, 89, 177.] + + + 'If the question were submitted, whether there should be either + immediate or gradual emancipation of all the slaves in the + United States, _without their removal or colonization_, painful + as it is to express the opinion, I HAVE NO DOUBT THAT IT WOULD + BE UNWISE TO EMANCIPATE THEM.' * * 'Is our posterity doomed to + endure forever not only all the ills flowing from the state of + slavery, but all which arise from incongruous elements of + population, separated from each other by invincible prejudices, + and by natural causes? Whatever may be the character of the + remedy proposed, we may confidently pronounce it inadequate, + unless it provides efficaciously for the _total_ and _absolute_ + separation, by an extensive space of water or of land, at least, + of the white portion of our population from that, which is free, + of the colored.' * * 'Who, if this promiscuous residence of + whites and blacks, of freemen and slaves, is forever to + continue, can imagine the servile wars, the carnage and the + crimes which will be its probable consequences, without + shuddering with horror?' * * 'Gentlemen of the highest + respectability from the South, assure us, that there is among + the owners of slaves a very extensive and increasing desire to + emancipate them. Their patriotism, their humanity, nay their + self-interest, prompt to this; but it is not expedient, it is + not safe to do it, _without being able to remove them_.' * * + 'How important it is, as it respects our character abroad, that + we hasten to _clear our land of our black population_!' + + 'Some benevolent minds in the overflowings of their + philanthropy, advocate amalgamation of the two classes, saying, + let the colored class be freed, and remain among us as denizens + of the Empire; surely all classes of mankind are alike descended + from the primitive parentage of Eden, then why not intermingle + in one common society as friends and brothers. _No, Sir, no._ I + hope to prove at no very distant day, that a Southron can make + sacrifices for the cause of Colonization beyond seas; but for a + Home Department in those matters, I repeat, _no, Sir, no_. What + right, I demand, have the children of Africa to an homestead in + the white man's country?'[R] + + 'Let the regenerated African rise to Empire; nay, let Genius + flourish, and Philosophy shed its mild beams to enlighten and + instruct the posterity of Ham, returning "redeemed and + disenthralled," from their long captivity in the New World. But, + Sir, be all these benefits enjoyed by the African race under the + shade of their native palms. _Let the Atlantic billow heave its + high and everlasting barrier between their country and ours._ + Let this fair land, which the white man won by his chivalry, + which he has adorned by the arts and elegancies of polished + life, be kept sacred for his descendants, untarnished by the + footprint of him who hath ever been a slave.'--[Idem, vol. vi. + pp. 5, 12, 23, 110, 364, 371, 372.] + + + 'The idea of emancipating our slaves, and _permitting them to + remain within the limits of the U. S._ whether as a measure of + humanity or of policy, is most decisively reprobated by + universal public sentiment.... Does any man in his senses desire + this population to remain among us? If the whole community could + reply, IT WOULD RESPOND IN ONE UNIVERSAL NEGATIVE.'--[Idem, vol. + vii. pp. 230, 231.] + + + 'In reflecting on the utility of a plan for colonizing the free + people of color, with whom our country abounds, it is natural + that we should be first struck by its tendency to confer a + benefit on ourselves, _by ridding us of a population_ for the + most part idle and useless, and too often vicious and + mischievous.... All emancipation, to however small an extent, + _which permits the persons emancipated to remain in this + country_, is an evil, which must increase with the increase of + the operation, and would become altogether intolerable, if + extended to the whole, or even to a very large part, of the + black population. I am therefore strongly opposed to + emancipation, in every shape and degree, _unless accompanied by + colonization_.'--[First Annual Report.] + + + 'They will annex the condition that the emancipated SHALL LEAVE + THE COUNTRY.'--[Second Annual Report.] + + + 'They require that the _whole mass_ of free persons of color, + and those who may become such with the consent of their owners, + _should be progressively removed_ from among us, as fast as + their own consent can be obtained, and as the means can be found + for their removal and for their proper establishment in Africa. + Nothing short of this progressive but complete removal can + accomplish the great objects of this measure, in relation to the + security, prosperity, and happiness of the United + States.'--[Seventh Annual Report.] + + + 'Is it either safe or prudent to retain amongst us a large + population, on whom we can place no reliance, but from the + control which the laws exercise over it? Can this class be + animated by any feelings of patriotism towards a country by + which they feel themselves oppressed?'--[Ninth Annual Report.] + + + 'Colonization, to be correct, must be beyond seas.--Emancipation, + _with the liberty to remain on this side of the Atlantic_, IS + BUT AN ACT OF DREAMY MADNESS!'--[Thirteenth Annual Report.] + + + 'Has our country the resources demanded for the accomplishment + of an object of such magnitude? The transportation of more than + two millions of souls to a remote country is indeed an object of + formidable aspect. It obviously cannot be accomplished at once. + But that the number can be gradually diminished, _till utterly + extinguished_, may be made to appear, it is believed, from a + little arithmetical calculation....' 'It has been said that the + entire shipping of the country, both public and private, would + hardly be competent for an object of this magnitude. But careful + calculation has proved, that one eighteenth of the mercantile + shipping alone, entirely devoted to the enterprise, is competent + to carry it into complete consummation. And why might not our + brilliant and growing _navy_ aid to some extent the humane and + patriotic cause? If necessary, why might not _the marine of + other lands_ be chartered? Strange indeed it is if shipping + enough could be found half a century ago to reduce hundreds of + thousands of this race in a single year to a wretched vassalage, + and in this age of augmented light, and wealth, and improvement + in every art, enough cannot be found for the single benevolent + object before us!'--[Rev. Baxter Dickinson's Sermon delivered in + Springfield in 1829.] + + + 'How much soever we may regret that so little is done for the + intellectual and moral improvement of the free colored + population, as the surest preventive against crime, still we + must acknowledge it is in vain to attempt raising their + character to a level with that of the other inhabitants. They + must find an asylum beyond the influence of the white + population, or the majority of them will _ever be found unworthy + of the boon of freedom_. There must be that asylum for them, or + we despair of ever being able to improve materially their + condition, or to eradicate slavery from our soil, and thus + prevent the awful catastrophe which threatens our republic. They + must be furnished with facilities to leave this country and + establish themselves in a community of their own.'--'I have + alluded to the difficulties which are presented to the minds of + benevolent and conscientious slaveholders, wishing to manumit + their slaves. From what has been said, it is evident that unless + some drain is opened to convey out of the country the + emancipated, the laws which relate to emancipation, must + continue in force with all their rigor. Without this drain, we + can hope for no repeal, or relaxation of those laws where the + slaves are very numerous. The mass of slaveholders can never let + go their hold on their slaves, and suffer them, ignorant, + vicious and treacherous, to roam at large. If no drain is + opened, necessity will compel them, as their slaves increase, + and consequently the danger, to add statute to statute in regard + to their slaves, until it be found necessary to arm one part of + the population to control the other. I may add, that as bitter + an enemy as I am to slavery, I cannot greatly desire that these + laws should be relaxed--that slavery should be abolished, + _unless its unfortunate and degraded subjects can be removed + from the country_. If this is not effected, whatever may be our + views and wishes on this subject, I am confident that + slaveholders will justify themselves in resorting to almost any + measures to keep their slaves in entire subjection.'--[An + advocate of the Society in the Middletown (Ct.) Gazette.] + + + 'To talk of emancipating the slave population of these States + without providing them with an asylum, is truly idle. The free + blacks already scattered through the country, are a dangerously + burthensome order of people. They cannot amalgamate with the + population--the ordinances of nature are against it. They must, + in the main, be a degraded order, hanging loosely upon + society.'--[Idem.] + + + 'The slaves _are_ in their possession--they are entailed upon + them by their ancestors. And can they set them free, _and still + suffer them to remain in the country_? Would this be + policy?--Would it be safe? NO. When they can be transported to + the soil from whence they were derived--by the aid of the + Colonization Society, by government, by individuals, or by any + other means--then let them be emancipated, and not + before.'--[Lowell (Mass.) Telegraph.] + + + 'Avarice and iniquity have torn from that injured continent, + within thirty years, no less than 1,500,000 slaves; and cannot + humanity, religion, and justice, restore an equal number in the + same time? If we desire to accomplish this work, it is plain + that we can do it, and that too with a sum contemptible when + compared with the magnitude of the evil.'--[Address of Gabriel + P. Disosway.] + + + 'We thank God that the ultimate accomplishment of the great + scheme of colonization is now placed beyond a doubt, in + Maryland; and that the day is not even distant when _the whole + of our colored population_ will have transferred themselves, by + our assistance, from slavery or degradation here, to peace, and + plenty, and power, and prosperity, and liberty, and + independence, in a land which Providence originally gave + them.'--[Baltimore Gazette.] + + + 'It tends, and may powerfully tend, to rid us gradually and + entirely, in the United States, of slaves and slavery: a great + moral and political evil, of increasing virulence and extent, + from which much mischief is now felt, and very great calamity in + future is justly apprehended.'--[First Annual Report.] + + + 'What can be done to mitigate or prevent the existing and + apprehended evils, resulting from our black population? + EMANCIPATION, WITHOUT REMOVAL FROM THE COUNTRY, IS OUT OF THE + QUESTION.' * * 'As long as our present feelings and prejudices + exist, the abolition of slavery cannot be accomplished without + the removal of the blacks--THEY CANNOT BE EMANCIPATED AS A + PEOPLE, AND REMAIN AMONG US.'--[Second Annual Report of the + New-York State Col. Soc.] + + + 'It would gladly, however, grasp at a still grander object--that + of restoring to the land of their fathers the whole colored race + within our borders. Nor probably will it be satisfied to rest + from its labors, till this object, in all its magnitude, is + accomplished.'--[Rev. Baxter Dickinson's Sermon.] + + + 'It must appear evident to all, that every endeavor to divert + the attention of the community, or even a portion of the means, + which the present crisis to imperatively calls for, from the + Colonization Society, to measures calculated to bind the colored + population to this country and seeking to raise them (_an + impossibility_) to a level with the whites, whether by founding + colleges or in any other way, tends directly in the proportion + that it succeeds, to counteract and thwart the whole plan of + colonization. Although none would rejoice more than myself to + see this unhappy race elevated to the highest scale of human + being, it has always seemed to me that this country was not the + theatre for such a change. Far happier they, far happier we, had + they never touched our soil, or breathed our air. As it is, to + attain solid happiness and permanent respectability, they should + now remove to a more congenial clime.'--[New Haven Religious + Intelligencer for July, 1831.] + + + 'The recent murderous movements of the people of color in some + of the southern States, evinces the dreadful consequences of + slavery, and the absolute necessity of colonizing all free + blacks immediately, and of manumitting and colonizing slaves as + fast as circumstances will justify the measure. We believe, and + have for many years, that this is the only course, which will + ensure prosperity and safety to our southern + brethren.'--[New-Hampshire Observer.] + + + 'The removal annually of one hundred thousand, it may be safely + calculated, would sink the parent stock forty thousand in each + year, and this in thirty years would reduce the blacks of the + Union to a very small number--perhaps not one would + remain.'--[National (Ohio) Historian.] + + + 'We will demonstrate, that the conveyance of the present annual + increase would, in less than thirty years, remove the whole to + Africa. Let all, for instance, born in any single year, say of + the age of twenty, be removed to Africa; and in each succeeding + year, let all of that age be removed in the same manner.--Then, + admitting, what is far too much to admit, that a generation + lasts fifty years, on an average, the generation on the stage + when the process commenced, would have become extinct at the end + of thirty years, and all their increase or offspring would have + been removed to Africa. Thirty years would, even in this way, + clear them entirely from this country.--But there are two + circumstances which would, in fact, make the time much shorter. + + '1. It is known that a generation lasts but a little more than + thirty years. The generation, then, on the stage at the + commencement of the process, would virtually be extinct in a + little more than ten years. 2. By the removal of the most + prolific part, the annual increase would itself be diminished + more than a thirtieth part, in each successive year; that is, it + would be diminished in an arithmetical ratio, so that it would + be reduced to nothing before the arrival of the thirtieth + year.'--[American Spectator.] + + + 'It is "a consummation devoutly to be wished," that we should + get clear of the free people of color now, and as they are + successively liberated, as well on their own account as ours; + and I trust and hope, we shall both have the pleasure to see a + moral certainty of the removal of all these poor people back to + the same country from which their ancestors were + taken.'--[African Repository, vol. iii. p. 311.] + + + 'Neither do we consider liberty worth their acceptance, _unless + they can be sent out of the country_. There is no doubt that a + large proportion of the slaves enjoy life quite as well as those + who are free.'--[Oxford (Me.) Observer.] + + + 'It is estimated that there are 2,350,680 blacks in the United + States, 339,360 of whom are free denizens of this republic. The + object of this Society is THE REMOVAL OF THESE TO + AFRICA.'--[New-York Standard.] + + + 'We hope to make it for the interest of the owners, in some way, + to part with their slaves;--not to be let loose among our white + population, but to be carried back to the land of their + fathers.'--[N. Y. Journal of Commerce.] + + + 'If they are to be placed above their present degraded + condition, they must be removed to a country where they can rise + as high as any man--be eligible to any office--then you will see + them rise with the rapidity of the tide.'--[Southern Religious + Telegraph.] + + + 'God has put a mark upon the black man.' ... 'The God of Nature + intended they should be a _distinct_, free and independent + community.'--[New-Haven Palladium.] + + + 'We do not ask that the provisions of our Constitution and + statute book should be so modified as to relieve and exalt the + condition of the colored people, _whilst they remain with us_. + LET THESE PROVISIONS STAND IN ALL THEIR RIGOR, to work out the + ultimate and unbounded good of this people. Persuaded that their + condition here is not susceptible of a radical and permanent + improvement, WE WOULD DEPRECATE ANY LEGISLATION THAT SHOULD + ENCOURAGE THE VAIN AND INJURIOUS HOPE OF IT.'--[Memorial of the + New-York State Colonization Society.] + + + 'Let the wise and good among us unite in removing the blacks + from the country. Would it not be expedient for the properly + constituted authorities to prevent the manumission of slaves in + every case, unless provision is made, at the same time, to + secure their removal from the country?'--[Alexandria Gazette.] + + + 'We should be in favor of the abolition of slavery, if its + abolishment could be effected with safety, and the colored + population sent back to Africa; but merely to have them obtain + freedom and let loose upon society, would be the greatest curse + that could befal _them_ or _community_.'--[Essex Chronicle and + County Republican.] + + + 'THE ABOLITION OF SLAVERY WAS NO OBJECT OF DESIRE TO HIM, UNLESS + ACCOMPANIED BY COLONIZATION. So far was he from desiring it, + unaccompanied by this condition, that HE WOULD NOT LIVE IN A + COUNTRY WHERE THE ONE TOOK PLACE WITHOUT THE OTHER'!!!--[Mr + Mercer's Speech in Congress.] + +In order to wipe off the reproach due to this violent expulsion, it was +necessary, on the part of the Society, to find some pretext that would +not only seem to justify but confer credit on the measure. Accordingly, +it agreed to represent the colored inhabitants of the United States as +aliens and foreigners, who, cast upon our shores by a cruel fatality, +were sighing to return to their native land. 'Poor unfortunate +exiles!'--how touching the appeal, how powerful the motive to assist, +how likely to excite the compassion of the nation! Ah! what an air of +disinterested benevolence, of generous compassion, of national +attachment, must such an enterprise wear in the eyes of the world! Who +that loved his own country, and deprecated an eternal absence from it, +could refuse to help in restoring the unfortunate Africans to their +long-estranged home? Such was, and is, and is likely to be, the artifice +resorted to, in order to cover a base conspiracy, and give popularity to +one of the wildest and most disgraceful crusades the world has ever +witnessed. Let the following evidence suffice: + + 'At no very distant period, we should see all the free colored + people in our land transferred to _their own country_.' * * 'Let + us send them back to _their native land_.' * * 'By returning + them to _their own ancient land_ of Africa, improved in + knowledge and in civilization, we repay the debt which has so + long been due them.'--[African Repository, vol. i. pp. 65, 146, + 176.] + + + 'And though we may not live to see the day when the sons of + Africa shall have returned to _their native soil_,' &c. * * 'To + found in Africa an empire of christians and republicans; to + reconduct the blacks to _their native land_,' &c.--[Idem, pp. + 13, 375.] + + + 'Who would not rejoice to see our country liberated from her + black population? Who would not participate in any efforts to + restore those children of misfortune to _their native shores_?' + * * 'The colored population of this country can never rise to + respectability here; in _their native soil_ they can.' * * 'The + only remedy afforded is, to colonize them in _their mother + country_.' * * 'They would go to that _home_ from which they + have been long absent.' * * 'Shall we ... retain and foster the + _alien enemies_?'--[Idem, 88, 179, 185, 237.] + + + 'Be all these benefits enjoyed by the African race under the + shade of their native palms.'--[Idem, vol. vi. p. 372.] + + + 'We have a numerous people, who, though they are among us, _are + not of us_.'--[Second Annual Report of the N. Y. State Col. + Soc.] + + + 'Among us is a growing population of _strangers_.' * * 'It will + furnish the means of granting to _every African exile_ among us + a happy home in the land of his fathers.'--[Rev. Baxter + Dickinson's Sermon.] + + + 'Africa is indeed inviting her long exiled children to return to + her bosom.'--[Circular of Rev. Mr Gurley.] + +Nothing could be more invidious or absurd than the foregoing +representation. The great mass of our colored population were born in +this country. This is their native soil; here they first saw the light +of heaven, and inhaled the breath of life; here they have grown from +infancy to manhood and old age; from these shores they have never +wandered; they are the descendants of those who were forcibly torn from +Africa two centuries ago; their fathers assisted in breaking the yoke of +British oppression, and achieving that liberty which we prize above all +price; and they cherish the strongest attachment to the land of their +birth. Now, as they could not have been born in two countries, and as +they were certainly born here, it follows that Africa is not their +native home, and, consequently, that the Society has dealt in romance, +or something more culpable, in representing them as strangers and +aliens. It might as rationally charge them with being natives of Asia or +Europe, or with having descended from the regions of the moon. To see +ourselves gravely represented in a British periodical as natives of +Great Britain, I doubt not would create great merriment; and a scheme +for our transportation would add vastly to our sport. + +'But,' we are told, 'God has put a mark upon the black man.' True; and +he has also put a mark upon every man, woman and child, in the world; so +that every one differs in appearance from another--is easily +identified--and, to make the objection valid, should occupy a _distinct_ +portion of territory, be himself a nation, enact his own laws, and live +in perpetual solitude! The difference between a black and a white skin +is not greater than that between a white and a black one. In either +case, the mark is distinctive; and the blacks may as reasonably expel +the whites, as the whites the blacks. To make such a separation we have +no authority; to attempt it, would end only in disappointment; and, if +it were carried into effect, those who are clamorous for the measure +would be among the first to be cast out. The all-wise Creator, having +'made of _one blood_ all nations of men to dwell on all the face of the +earth,' it is proper for them to associate freely together; and he is a +proud worm of the dust who is ashamed to acknowledge this common +relationship. + +Again we are told: 'The God of Nature intended the blacks should be a +_distinct_ community.' But has he been frustrated in his intentions? +Where is the proof of such purpose? Let us have something more than the +_ipse dixit_ of the Society. Yes, we are seriously assured that Nature +has played falsely! Colored persons were born by mistake in this +country: they should have been born in Africa! We must therefore rectify +the error, with all despatch, by transporting them to their _native +soil_! Truly, a most formidable enterprise! There occur at least sixty +thousand of such _mistakes_, annually; while the Society has corrected +only about two thousand in fourteen years! But--courage! men engaged in +a laudable enterprise should never despair! + +There are some difficulties, however, in the accomplishment of this +mighty task, which cannot be easily overcome. Granting the position +assumed by colonizationists, that the _blacks_ and the _whites_ should +occupy different countries, how do they intend to dispose of that +numerous and rapidly increasing class who are neither white nor black, +called mulattoes? We have not been informed to what country they belong; +but the point ought to be settled before any classification be made. +Colonizationists must define, moreover, the exact shade of color which +is to retain or banish individuals; for every candid mind will admit, +that it would be as unnatural to send _white_ blood to Africa, as to +keep _black_ blood in America. 'If the color of the skin is to give +construction to our constitution and laws, let us, at once, begin the +work of excision. Let us raise an army of pure whites, if such an army +can be found; and let us drive out and transport to foreign climes, men, +women and children, who cannot bring the most satisfactory vouchers, +that their veins are flowing with the purest English blood. Indeed, let +us shut up our ports against our own mariners, who are returning from an +India voyage, and whose cheeks and muscles could not wholly withstand +the influence of the breezes and tropics to which they were exposed. Let +us make every shade of complexion, every difference of stature, and +every contraction of a muscle, a Shibboleth, to detect and cut off a +brother Ephraimite, at the fords of Jordan. Though such a crusade would +turn every man's sword against his fellow; yet, it might establish the +right of precedence to different features, statures and colors, and +oblige some friends of colonization to test the feasibility and equity +of their own scheme.' + +If I must become a colonizationist, I insist upon being consistent: +there must be no disagreement between my creed and practice. I must be +able to give a reason why all our tall citizens should not conspire to +remove their more diminutive brethren, and all the corpulent to remove +the lean and lank, and all the strong to remove the weak, and all the +educated to remove the ignorant, and all the rich to remove the poor, as +readily as for the removal of those whose skin is 'not colored like my +own;' for Nature has sinned as culpably in diversifying the size as the +complexion of her progeny, and Fortune in the distribution of her gifts +has been equally fickle. I cannot perceive that I am more excusable in +desiring the banishment of my neighbor because his skin is darker than +mine, than I should be in desiring his banishment because he is a +smaller or feebler man than myself. Surely it would be sinful for a +black man to repine and murmur, and impeach the wisdom and goodness of +God, because he was made with a sable complexion; and dare I be guilty +of such an impeachment, by persecuting him on account of his color? I +dare not: I would as soon deny the existence of my Creator, as quarrel +with the workmanship of his hands. I rejoice that he has made one star +to differ from another star in glory; that he has not given to the sun +the softness and gentleness of the moon, nor to the moon the intensity +and magnificence of the sun; that he presents to the eye every +conceivable shape, and aspect, and color, in the gorgeous and +multifarious productions of Nature; and I do not rejoice less, but +admire and exalt him more, that, notwithstanding he has made of one +blood the whole family of man, he has made the whole family of man to +differ in personal appearance, habits and pursuits. + +I protest against sending any to Africa, in whose blood there is any +mixture of our own; for, I repeat it, white blood in Africa would be as +repugnant to Nature, as black blood is in this country. Now; most +unfortunately for colonizationists, the spirit of amalgamation has been +so active for a long series of years,--especially in the slave +States,--that there are comparatively few, besides those who are +annually smuggled into the south from Africa, whose blood is not tainted +with a foreign ingredient. Here, then, is a difficulty! What shall be +done? All black blood _must_ be sent to Africa; but how to collect it is +the question. What shall be done! Why, we must resort to _phlebotomy_! + + 'Therefore, prepare thee to cut off the flesh. + ---------------- nor cut thou less nor more, + But just a pound of flesh: if thou tak'st more, + Or less, than just a pound,--be it but so much + As makes it light, or heavy, in the substance, + Or the division of the twentieth part + Of one poor scruple; nay, if the scale do turn + But in the estimation of a hair, + Thou diest, and all thy goods are confiscate!' + +The colonization crusade cannot now fail of being popular. Phlebotomy +being agreed to as a _dernier resort_, I shall briefly enumerate some of +the various professions and classes which may expect to derive no +inconsiderable gain from its execution; for as our government, in +conjunction with benevolent associations, is to appropriate millions of +dollars to accomplish this object, the pay will be sure and liberal. + +In the first place, there will be more than a million patients, for +whose accommodation hospitals must be erected. These hospitals will +employ brick-makers, masons, carpenters, painters, glaziers, &c. &c. +&c.; of course, the approval of a large body of mechanics is readily +secured. + +Physicians will next obtain an extensive practice. Their patients, in +consequence of a free application of the lancet, must necessarily be +debilitated, and can be kept 'quite low' until a long score of charges +be run up against the government. + +Among so many patients and so much unavoidable sickness, druggists and +apothecaries will obtain a profitable sale for their medicines. Nurses +will be next in demand, who may expect high wages. Even the lowly +washers of soiled clothes will find the life-blood of the victims +'coined into drachms' for their reward. It is highly probable that many +of the patients may die under the expurgatory process, and hence sextons +and coffin-makers may calculate upon good times. With death come +mourning and lamentation, and 'weeds of wo.' Dealers in crape will +doubtless secure a handsome patronage. Lawyers may hope to profit by the +demise of those who possess property. Indeed, almost every class in +community must, to a greater or less extent, feel the beneficial effects +of this philanthropic but novel experiment. The blood, taken from the +veins of the blacks, may be transfused into our own, and the general +pulse acquire new vigor. + +Supposing a majority of the patients should recover, three other classes +will thrive by their expulsion--namely, ship-builders, merchants and +seamen. As our vessels are all occupied in profitable pursuits, new ones +must be built--freights will rise--and the wages of seamen be +proportionably enhanced.--But a truce to irony. + +The American Colonization Society, in making the banishment of the +slaves the condition of their emancipation, inflicts upon them an +aggravated wrong, perpetuates their thraldom, and disregards the claims +of everlasting and immutable justice. The language of its most +distinguished supporters is, 'Emancipation, with the liberty to remain +on this side of the Atlantic, is but an act of dreamy +madness'--'Emancipation, without removal from the country, is out of the +question'--'All emancipation, to however small an extent, which permits +the person emancipated to remain in this country, is an evil'--'They +cannot be emancipated as a people, and remain among us.' Thus the +restoration of an inalienable right, and an abandonment of robbery and +oppression, are made to depend upon the practicability of transporting +more than one sixth portion of our whole population to a far distant and +barbarous land! It is impossible to imagine a more cruel, heaven-daring +and God-dishonoring scheme. It exhibits a deliberate and perverse +disregard of every moral obligation, and bids defiance to the +requisitions of the gospel. + +Listen to the avowal of Mr Mercer of Virginia, one of the main pillars +and most highly extolled supporters of the Society: 'The abolition of +slavery was no object of desire to him, unless accompanied by +colonization. So far was he from desiring it, unaccompanied by this +condition, that _he would not live in a country where the one took place +without the other_'! This language may be correctly rendered thus: 'I +desire to see two millions of human beings plundered of their rights, +and subjected to every species of wrong and outrage, _ad infinitum_, if +they cannot be driven out of the country. I am perfectly willing to live +with them while they are treated worse than cattle,--ignorant, vicious, +and wretched,--and while they are held under laws which forbid their +instruction; and not only am I willing thus to live, but I am determined +to practise the same oppression. But, if they should be emancipated with +liberty to remain here, and placed in a situation favorable to their +moral and intellectual improvement--a situation in which they could be +no longer bought and sold, lacerated and manacled, defrauded and +oppressed--I would abandon my native land, and never return to her +shores.' And this is the language of a _philanthropist_! and this the +moral principle of the boasted champion of the American Colonization +Society! Whose indignation does not kindle, whose astonishment is not +profound, whose disgust is not excited, in view of these sentiments? + +But this is not the acme of colonization insanity. The assertion is made +by a highly respectable partisan, and endorsed by the organ of the +Society, that '_it would be as humane to throw the slaves from the decks +in the middle passage_, [i. e. into the ocean,] _as to set them free in +our country_'!!! And even Henry Clay, who is an oracle in the cause, has +had the boldness to declare, that the slaves should be held in +everlasting servitude if they cannot be colonized in Africa!! And this +sentiment is echoed by another, who says, 'Liberate them only on +condition of their going to Africa or Hayti'! + +I will not even seem to undervalue the good sense and quick perception +of the candid and intelligent reader, by any farther endeavors to +illustrate the sacrifice of principle and inhumanity of purpose which +are contained in the extracts under the present section. With so strong +an array of evidence before him, no one, who is not mentally blind or +governed by prejudice, can fail to rise from its perusal with amazement +and abhorrence, and a determination to assist in overthrowing a +combination which is based upon the rotten foundation of expediency and +violence. + +The Colonization Society expressly denies the right of the slaves to +enjoy freedom and happiness in this country; and this denial +incontestibly tends to rivet their fetters more firmly, or make them the +victims of a relentless persecution. + +FOOTNOTES: + +[R] What right have we to an homestead in the red man's country? Let us +return to the land of our fathers, and leave this soil untarnished by +the footprint of him who hath a white skin! What right have the hosts of +foreign emigrants, who are flocking to our shores, to an homestead among +ourselves? + + + + +SECTION VIII. + +THE AMERICAN COLONIZATION SOCIETY IS THE DISPARAGER OF THE FREE BLACKS. + + +The leaders in the African colonization crusade seem to dwell with a +malignant satisfaction upon the poverty and degradation of the free +people of color, and are careful never to let an opportunity pass +without heaping their abuse and contempt upon them. It is a common +device of theirs to contrast the condition of the slaves with that of +this class, and invariably to strike the balance heavily in favor of the +former! In this manner, thousands are led to look upon slavery as a +benevolent system, and to deprecate the manumission of its victims. +Nothing but a love of falsehood, or an utter disregard of facts, could +embolden these calumniators to deal so extensively in fiction. What! the +slaves more happy, more moral, more industrious, more orderly, more +comfortable, more exalted, than the free blacks! A more enormous +exaggeration, a more heinous libel, a wider departure from truth, was +never fabricated, or uttered, or known. The slaves, as a body, are in +the lowest state of degradation; they possess no property; they cannot +read; they are as ignorant, as their masters are reckless, of moral +obligation; they have no motive for exertion; they are thieves from +necessity and usage; their bodies are cruelly lacerated by the +cart-whip; and they are disposable property. And yet these poor +miserable, perishing, mutilated creatures are placed above our free +colored population in dignity, in enjoyment, in privilege, in +usefulness, in respectability!! + + 'There is a class, however, more numerous than all these, + introduced amongst us by violence, notoriously ignorant, + degraded and miserable, mentally diseased, broken-spirited, + _acted upon by no motives to honorable exertions_, SCARCELY + REACHED IN THEIR DEBASEMENT BY THE HEAVENLY LIGHT; yet where is + the sympathy and effort which a view of their condition ought to + excite? They wander unsettled and unbefriended through our land, + or sit indolent, abject and sorrowful, by the "streams which + witness their captivity." Their freedom is _licentiousness_, and + to many RESTRAINT WOULD PROVE A BLESSING. To this remark there + are exceptions; exceptions proving that to change their state + would be to elevate their character; that virtue and enterprise + are absent, only, because absent are the causes which create the + one, and the motives which produce the other.'--[African + Repository, vol. i. p. 68.] + + + 'Free blacks are a greater nuisance than even slaves + themselves.' * * * 'They knew that where slavery had been + abolished it had operated to the advantage of the masters, not + of the slaves: they saw this fact most strikingly illustrated in + the case of the free negroes of Boston. If, on the anniversary + celebrated by the free people of color, of the day on which + slavery was abolished, they looked abroad, what did they see? + Not freemen, in the enjoyment of every attribute of freedom, + with the stamp of liberty upon their brows! No, Sir; they saw a + ragged set, crying out liberty! for whom liberty had nothing to + bestow, and whose enjoyment of it was but in name. He spoke of + the great body of the blacks; there were some few honorable + exceptions, he knew, which only proved what might be done for + all.'--[African Repository, vol. ii. p. 328.] + + + 'Although there are individual exceptions distinguished by high + moral and intellectual worth, yet the free blacks in our country + are, as a body, more vicious and degraded than any other which + our population embraces.' * * * 'If, then, they are a useless + and dangerous species of population, we would ask, is it + generous in our southern friends to burthen us with them? + Knowing themselves the evils of slavery, can they wish to impose + upon us an evil scarcely less tolerable? We think it a mistaken + philanthropy, which would liberate the slave, unfitted by + education and habit for freedom, and cast him upon a merciless + and despising world, where his only fortune must be poverty, his + only distinction degradation, and his only comfort + insensibility.' * * * 'I will look no farther when I seek for + the _most degraded, the most abandoned race on the earth_, but + rest my eyes on this people. What but sorrow can we feel at the + _misguided piety_ which has set free so many of them by + death-bed devise or sudden conviction of injustice? Better, far + better, for us, had they been kept in bondage, where the + opportunity, the inducements, the necessity of vice would not + have been so great. Deplorable necessity, indeed, to one borne + down with the consciousness of the violence we have done. Yet I + am clear that, whether we consider it with reference to the + welfare of the State, or the happiness of the blacks, it were + better to have left them in chains, than to have liberated them + to receive such freedom as they enjoy, and greater freedom _we + cannot, must not_ allow them.' * * 'There is not a State in the + Union not at this moment groaning under the evil of this class + of persons, a curse and a contagion whereever they reside.' * * + 'The increase of a free black population among us has been + regarded as a greater evil than the increase of + slaves.'--[African Repository, vol. iii. pp. 24, 25, 197, 203, + 374.] + + + 'Mr. Mercer adverted to the situation of his native State, and + the condition of the free black population existing there, whom + he described as a horde of miserable people--the objects of + universal suspicion; _subsisting by plunder_.'--[Idem, vol. iv. + p. 363.] + + + 'They leave a country in which though born and reared, they are + strangers and aliens; where _severe necessity_ places them in a + class of degraded beings; where they are free without the + blessings and privileges of liberty; where in ceasing to be + slaves of one, they have become subservient to many; where, + neither freemen nor slaves, but placed in an anomalous grade + which they do not understand and others disregard; where no kind + instructer, no hope of preferment, no honorable emulation + prompts them to virtue or deters from vice; their industry + waste, not accumulation; their regular vocation, any thing or + nothing as it may happen; their greater security, sufferance; + their highest reward, forgiveness; vicious themselves and the + cause of vice in others; discontented and exciting discontent; + scorned by one class and _foolishly envied by another_; thus, + and WORSE CIRCUMSTANCED, they, cannot but choose to + move.'--[Idem, vol. v. p. 238.] + + + 'Of all the descriptions of our population, _and of either + portion of the African race_, the free people of color are, by + far, as a class, the MOST CORRUPT, DEPRAVED, AND ABANDONED. The + laws, it is true, proclaim them free; but prejudices, more + powerful than any laws, deny them the privileges of freemen. + They occupy a middle station between the free white population + and the slaves of the United States, and the tendency of their + habits is to corrupt both.' * * * 'That the free colored + population of our country is a great and constantly increasing + evil must be readily acknowledged. Averse to labor, with no + incentives to industry or motives to self-respect, they maintain + a precarious existence by petty thefts and plunder, themselves, + or by inciting our domestics, not free, to rob their owners to + supply their wants.' * * * 'If there is in the whole world, a + more wretched class of human beings than the free people of + color in this country, I do not know where they are to be found. + They have no home, no country, no kindred, no friends. They are + lazy and indolent, because they have no motives to prompt them + to be industrious. They are in general destitute of principle, + because they have nothing to stimulate them to honorable and + praise-worthy conduct. Let them be maltreated ever so much, the + law gives them no redress unless some white person happens to be + present, to be a witness in the case. If they acquire property, + they hold it by the courtesy of every vagabond in the country; + and sooner or later, are sure to have it filched from + them.'--[Idem, vol. vi. pp. 12, 135, 228.] + + + 'The existence, within the very bosom of our country, of an + anomalous race of beings, THE MOST DEBASED UPON EARTH, who + neither enjoy the blessings of freedom, nor are yet in the bonds + of slavery, is a great national evil, which every friend of his + country most deeply deplores.... Tax your utmost powers of + imagination, and you cannot conceive one motive to honorable + effort, which can animate the bosom, or give impulse to the + conduct of a free black in this country. Let him toil from youth + to age in the honorable pursuit of wisdom--let him store his + mind with the most valuable researches of science and + literature--and let him add to a highly gifted and cultivated + intellect, a piety pure, undefiled, and "unspotted from the + world"--it is all nothing: he would not be received into the + very lowest walks of society. If we were constrained to admire + so uncommon a being, our very admiration would mingle with + disgust, because, in the physical organization of his frame, we + meet an insurmountable barrier, even to an approach to social + intercourse, and in the Egyptian color, which nature has stamped + upon his features, a principle of repulsion so strong as to + forbid the idea of a communion either of interest or of feeling, + as utterly abhorrent. Whether these feelings are founded in + reason or not, we will not now inquire--perhaps they are not. + But education and habit, and prejudice have so firmly riveted + them upon us, that they have become as strong as nature + itself--and to expect their removal, or even their slightest + modification, would be as idle and preposterous as to expect + that we could reach forth our hands, and remove the mountains + from their foundations into the vallies, which are beneath + them.'--[African Repository, vol. vii. pp. 230, 331.] + + + 'We have been charged with wishing only to remove our free + blacks, that we may the more effectually rivet the chains of the + slave. But the class we first seek to remove, are neither + freemen nor slaves; _but between both_, AND MORE MISERABLE THAN + EITHER.' * * * 'Who is there, that does not know something of + the condition of the blacks in the northern and middle States? + They may be seen in our cities and larger towns, wandering like + foreigners and outcasts, in the land which gave them birth. They + may be seen in our penitentiaries, and jails, and poor-houses. + They may be found inhabiting the abodes of poverty, and the + haunts of vice. But if we look for them in the society of the + honest and respectable--if we visit the schools in which it is + our boast that the meanest citizen can enjoy the benefits of + instruction--we might also add, if we visit the sanctuaries + which are open for all to worship,[S] and to hear the word of + God; we shall not find them there.' * * 'Leaving slavery and its + subjects for the moment entirely out of view, there are in the + United States 238,000 blacks denominated free, but whose freedom + confers on them, we might say, no privilege but the _privilege + of being more vicious and miserable than slaves can + be_.'--[Seventh Annual Report, pp. 12, 87, 99.] + + + 'Placed midway between freedom and slavery, they know neither + the incentives of the one, nor the restraints of the other; but + are alike injurious by their conduct and example, to all other + classes of society.'--[Eight Annual Report.] + + + 'Of all classes of our population, the most vicious is that of + the free colored. It is the inevitable result of their moral, + political, and civil degradation. Contaminated themselves, they + extend their vices to all around them, to the slaves and to the + whites.'--[Tenth Annual Report.] + + + 'The question arises, where shall these outcasts go? Ohio, and + the free States of the West, which formerly invited them into + their bosom, no longer offer them a welcome home. Disgusted with + their laziness and vice, the inevitable concomitants of the + anomalous relation in which they stand to society, the + authorities of those States are seeking to get rid of what they + find, too late, to be a curse to any settlement of whites--a + thriftless race of vagabonds, whose footsteps are the sure + precursors of indigence and crime. One of the most intelligent + gentlemen of Ohio, (Mr Charles Hammond,) in a recent notice of + this subject, says, "This dangerous class of population has + increased considerably within a few years past, and the slaves + States cannot too soon adopt efficient measures to get rid of + it. Emigrations to Liberia ought to be provided for, and + insisted upon, and the legislatures should pass laws to prevent + emancipation, without adequate provision for the transportation + of the manumitted."'--[Lynchburg Virginian.] + + + 'As it is now, they are for the most part in a debased and + wretched condition. They have the vices of our community without + its virtues. And what is worse, I speak of the majority, they + have no desire to rise from their state of abject depression--no + wish to gain a respectable elevation of character. Consequently + it is difficult, if not impossible, to present them motives + Which shall incite them to enter on a course of industry and + virtue.' * * * 'Bound by no political ties to the community in + which they dwell, and excluded for the most part from exercising + the rights and privileges of freemen, on the ground of their + alleged inferiority and worthlessness, they have no inducements + to abandon lives of indolence, sensuality and recklessness, or + to support the laws and institutions of the government placed + over them. Nothing but the fear of suffering the penalty of + violated law, can prevent them from preying on those among whom + they live.'--[Middletown (Ct.) Gazette.] + + + 'They have taken the free black that, as a class, dwells among + us a living nuisance, nominally free, but bowed to the ground by + public opinion--IN ONE PART OF THE COUNTRY DULL AS A BRUTISH + BEAST, IN ANOTHER THE WILD STIRRER UP OF SEDITION AND + INSURRECTION--they have shewn him to be capable of quiet and + judicious self-government.-- ... We cannot shut our eyes any + longer upon the disadvantages of our black population, whether + in slavery or freedom. It is a sword perpetually suspended over + our heads by a single hair; it is the fountain of bitter waters + that poisons all our enjoyments.'--[Speeches of J. R. Townsend, + Esq. and W. W. Campbell, Esq. New-York city.] + + + 'The fact was most glaring, without an inquiry, that the same + shackles which bound them, fastened them also to the resources + of the soil, and the interests of the community; and when these + were broken, and the incentives of authority removed, the weight + of ignorance, the want of better incentives, and the fatal and + untried power of grateful but ruinous idleness, sunk them to a + state, which, however elevated in theory, was in fact more + degraded and more miserable than that of bondage. In addition to + all this, pauperism, with the numerous evils of corrupt and + corrupting indolence, threatened to impose its sluggish weight + upon a groaning community. Hence, the progress of emancipation + was, for the time, most righteously arrested.'--[Address of the + Board of Managers of the African Education Society.] + + + 'Who are the free people of color in the United States? In what + circumstances does philanthropy find them! There are indeed + individuals and families, who are sober, industrious, pious. But + what are the remainder, the mass? Every one knows that their + condition is deep and wretched degradation; but, only a few have + ever formed any accurate conception of the reality. The fact is, + that as a class they are branded. They have no home, no country, + no such personal interest in the welfare of the community, as + gives a certain degree of manliness to almost every white + man.... Three hundred thousand freemen in this country, are + freemen only in name, forming only little else than a mass of + pauperism and crime.... Here the black man is paralysed and + crushed by the constant sense of inferiority. He has no + effectual incentives to manly enterprise. He stands in a + degraded class of society; and out of that class he never dreams + of rising.'--[Christian Spectator.] + + + 'This is the true condition of the free colored population of + our land. They are placed mid way between freedom and slavery; + they feel neither the moral stimulants of the one, nor the + restraints of the other, and are alike injurious to every other + class of the community.'--[Southern Religious Telegraph.] + +I repel these charges against the free people of color, as unmerited, +wanton and untrue. It would be absurd to pretend, that, as a class, +they maintain a high character: it would be equally foolish to deny, +that intemperance, indolence and crime prevail among them to a mournful +extent. But I do not hesitate to assert, from an intimate acquaintance +with their condition, that they are more temperate and more industrious +than that class of whites who are in as indigent circumstances, but who +have certainly far greater incentives to labor and excel; that they are +superior in their habits to the hosts of foreign emigrants who are +crowding to our shores, and poisoning our moral atmosphere; and that +their advancement in intelligence, in wealth, and in morality, +considering the numberless and almost insurmountable difficulties under +which they have labored, has been remarkable. I am informed that +twenty-five or thirty years ago, the colored inhabitants of Philadelphia +scarcely owned a dollar's worth of real estate, whereas they now own +enough to amount to hundreds of thousands of dollars. This fact speaks +volumes in praise of their industry and economy; for, be it remembered, +they have had to accumulate this property in small sums, by shaving the +beards, cleaning the boots and clothes, and being the servants of their +white contemners, and in other menial employments. In Baltimore, +Philadelphia, New-York, and other places, there are several colored +persons whose individual property is worth from ten thousand to one +hundred thousand dollars;[T] and in all those cities, there are primary +and high schools for the education of the colored +population--flourishing churches of various denominations--and numerous +societies for mutual assistance and improvement, &c. In Philadelphia +alone, I believe, there are nearly fifty colored associations for +benevolent, literary, scientific and moral purposes.[U] Yet these are +the people of whom it is said, 'they are acted upon by no motives to +honorable exertions;' that they are 'scarcely reached in their +debasement by the heavenly light' (almost a denial of the power of the +Holy Ghost); that 'their freedom is licentiousness;' that 'they are a +greater nuisance than even the slaves themselves;' that they are 'the +most degraded, the most abandoned race on the earth;' that they are +'worse circumstanced than the slave population;' that they have 'no +privilege but the privilege of being more vicious and miserable than +slaves can be;' and that they are 'a thriftless race of vagabonds, whose +footsteps are the sure precursors of indigence and crime.' And these +false and infamous charges are brought against them by a Society which +professes to cherish for them the highest regard, and to be anxious to +give them respectability in the eyes of the world! + +The truth is, the traducers of the free blacks have no adequate +conception of the amount of good sense, sterling piety, moral honesty, +virtuous pride of character, and domestic enjoyment, which exists among +this class. The spirited remarks of the colored citizens of New-York, in +their address to the public, (_vide_ PART II. p. 16,) in reference to +their calumniators, are exceedingly apposite: 'Their patrician +principles prevent an intercourse with men in the middle walks of life, +among whom a large portion of our people may be classed. We ask them to +visit the dwellings of the respectable part of our people, and we are +satisfied that they will discover more civilization and refinement, than +will be found among the same number of white families of an equal +standing.' A personal examination enables me to say that this challenge +is neither presumptuous nor boastful. I confess, I have been most +agreeably, nay, wonderfully disappointed, in my intercourse with them, +which is daily elevating them in my estimation. Many of their number I +proudly rank among my most familiar friends and correspondents. + +With regard to the 'ragged set in Boston, crying out liberty!' every +candid resident will testify that this is a libellous representation; +that our free blacks are a quiet, orderly, well-dressed, and (as far as +they can obtain employment) industrious class of citizens; and that +their improvement is rapid and constant. Every curious observer who +visits their houses of worship, will be surprised at the general +neatness of attire and propriety of manners of the worshippers. 'A +ragged set,' forsooth! The slander may be uttered in the city of +Washington, at an anniversary of the American Colonization Society; but +no man, who regards his character for veracity and intelligence, _dare_ +publish it in Boston. + +The effects of this reiterated abuse are eminently mischievous. It +serves to kindle the fires of persecution, to strengthen prejudice, to +drive its victims to despair, and to increase the desire for their +banishment. 'Tax your utmost powers of imagination,' says one of the +colonization advocates, 'and you cannot conceive _one motive_ to +honorable effort, which can animate the bosom, or give impulse to the +conduct of the free black in this country'! Is this language calculated +to allay animosity, or beget confidence, or suppress contempt, or heal +division, or excite sympathy? Far otherwise. Are there not thousands of +living witnesses to prove the falsity of this assertion; thousands who +adorn the doctrine of God their Saviour, and whose 'motives to honorable +effort' are higher than heaven and vast as eternity; thousands, who, +though their enemies spare no efforts to crush them in the dust, and in +despite of mountains of difficulties, rise up with a giant's strength to +respectability and usefulness? 'No motive to honorable effort'! Perish +the calumny! + +Again, they are stigmatized as the 'wild stirrers up of sedition and +insurrection.' This charge is even more malignant than the other, and +utterly groundless. Its propagation, however, tends directly to excite a +persecution which may drive the accused to sedition, in self-defence. +There is no evidence that any free man of color was enlisted in the late +bloody struggle in Virginia, or in any manner accessary thereto. On the +contrary, it was deprecated by our colored citizens generally, not only +on account of its sanguinary acts, but because they knew it would +operate to their own disadvantage by being placed to their account. The +following honorable expression of feeling was made at a public meeting +of the people of color in Wilmington, Delaware, about that period: + + 'The subscribers, having a knowledge of the alarm which prevails + in the minds of some of the citizens of this place, on account + of various reports which some mischievous person or persons have + circulated, in regard to the colored population, beg leave to + represent, on behalf of themselves and brethren, that having + made inquiry into the subject, they have found said reports to + be without the least foundation; and they owe it to themselves + further to declare, that, so far from any disposition on the + part of the colored people to disturb the peace and good order + of the community, they are, on the contrary, fully aware that it + consists not less with their interests than their duty to + refrain from every art that would excite commotion or disorder, + in which the colored people would have every thing to lose and + nothing to gain. We have been treated by the citizens of + Wilmington and its vicinity with kindness, for which we ought to + be grateful, and it is our solemn purpose to pursue such a + course of conduct as may merit a continuance of their favor and + confidence. Should any among us be found so wicked and blinded + as to enter into plots and contrivances, inimical to the present + harmony, we thus solemnly pledge ourselves to our white friends + and neighbors, that we will be among the first to sound the + alarm, and unite in effecting their apprehension and + suppression.' + +The free colored citizens of Baltimore, Maryland, also came out unitedly +in the following pacific and truly exemplary spirit: + + 'Whereas, there has prevailed in this city, during the past + week, a very unpleasant excitement, originating from suspicions + and reports totally without foundation, and highly derogatory to + our good sense; and whereas this excitement, though + unnecessarily created, may, in its ultimate tendency, prove + prejudicial to the interests of the free colored population of + this State. Therefore, + + 'Resolved, That we challenge the most rigid investigation as to + the truth of those evil reports, which have recently been so + industriously propagated in this city by the credulous, and + those who are totally unacquainted with the character of colored + Baltimoreans. + + 'Resolved, That we are not so reckless of our true interest, so + blind to utter helplessness--not to say so devoid of humanity, + as to entertain the hostile designs, or to cherish the fiendish + passions, which it seems have been, by the unthinking, so + unjustly attributed to us. + + 'Resolved, That we have been too long in the land of bibles, and + temples, and ministers, to look upon blood and carnage with + complacency--that we have been too long in this enlightened + metropolis, to think of the amelioration of our condition, in + any other way than that sanctioned by the Gospel of Peace. + + 'Resolved, That we rely upon a peaceable and upright conduct, for + a continuance of that favor and protection which we have + hitherto enjoyed, and which, the liberal, the wise, and the + good, are ever ready to accord.' + +How impolitic, then, as well as unjust, to brand this meek and +magnanimous class as 'the wild stirrers up of sedition and +insurrection'! + +This treatment, I repeat, is impolitic--nay, suicidal. To abuse, +proscribe and exasperate them, to trample them under our feet, to goad +them on the right hand and on the left, is not the way to secure their +loyalty, but rather to make them revengeful, desperate and seditious. +Our true policy is, to meliorate their condition, invigorate their +hopes, instruct their ignorant minds, admit them to an equality of +privileges with ourselves, nourish and patronise their genius, and, by +giving them mechanical trades and mercantile advantages, open to them +the avenue to competence and wealth. We shall thus make them contented +and happy, and place them in a situation which will lead them still more +heartily to deprecate any insurrectionary movements among our slave +population. The following is the conciliatory and generous language of +a man, who has been denounced as a blood-hound and a monster. It will be +well for us if we profit by it. + + 'Americans! notwithstanding you have and do continue to treat us + more cruel than any heathen nation ever did a people it had + subjected to the same condition that you have us, let us reason. + Had you not better take our body, while you have it in your + power, and while we are yet ignorant and wretched, not knowing + but little, give us education, and teach us the pure religion of + our Lord and Master, which is calculated to make the lion lie + down in peace with the lamb, and which millions of you have + beaten us nearly to death for trying to obtain since we have + been among you, and thus at once gain our affection while we are + ignorant? Throw away your fears and prejudices then, and + enlighten us and treat us like men, and we will like you more + than we do now hate you. And tell us now no more about + colonization; for America is as much our country as it is yours. + Treat us like men, and there is no danger but we will all live + in peace and happiness together; for we are not, like you, + hard-hearted, unmerciful, and unforgiving. What a happy country + this will be, if the whites will listen! What nation under + heaven, will be able to do any thing with us, unless God gives + us up into its hand? But, Americans, I declare to you, while you + keep us and our children in bondage, and treat us like brutes, + to make us support you and your families, we cannot be your + friends. You do not look for it, do you? Treat us then like men, + and we will be your friends. And there is not a doubt in my + mind, but that the whole of the past will be sunk into oblivion, + and we yet, under God, will become a united and happy + people.'[V] + +FOOTNOTES: + +[S] A cruel taunt. The wonder is not that colored persons do not more +generally visit our sanctuaries, but that they _ever_ should attend. If +they go, they are thrust into obscure, remote and unseemly pens or +boxes, as if they were not embraced in the offers of redeeming love, and +were indeed a part of the brute creation. It is an awful commentary upon +the pride of human nature. I never can look up to these scandalous +retreats for my colored brethren, without having my soul overwhelmed +with emotions of shame, indignation and sorrow. No black man, however +virtuous, respectable or pious he may be, can own or occupy a pew in a +central part of any of our houses of worship. And yet it is +reproachfully alleged--by a clergyman, too!--that 'if we visit the +sanctuaries which are _open to all_ (!) to worship, and to hear the word +of God, we shall not find them there'! No--I hope they will respect +themselves and the religion of Jesus more, than to occupy the places +alluded to. + +[T] Francis Devany, the colored sheriff of Liberia, is reputed by +colonizationists to be worth property to the value of twenty-five +thousand dollars; and they have trumpeted the fact all over the country, +and so repeatedly as almost to lead one to imagine that he is the +greatest and wealthiest man in all the world! James Forten, the +reputable colored sail-maker of Philadelphia,--a gentleman of highly +polished manners and superior intelligence,--with whom Devany worked as +a journeyman, can _buy him out_ three or four times over. Joseph Cassey, +another estimable and intelligent man of color, or the widow of Bishop +Allen, both of Philadelphia, can purchase him. I mention their names, +not to extol them, but simply to show, that what begets fame in Liberia +is unproductive here. + +[U] The following statement, recently published in the Philadelphia +'Friend and Advocate of Truth,' is very creditable to the colored +inhabitants of that city: + + 'Many erroneous opinions have prevailed, with regard to the true + character and condition of the free colored people of + Pennsylvania. They have been represented as an idle and + worthless class, furnishing inmates for our poor-houses and + penitentiaries. A few plain facts are sufficient to refute these + gratuitous allegations. In the city and suburbs of Philadelphia, + by the census of 1830, they constituted about eleven per cent., + or one ninth of the whole population. From the account of the + guardians of the poor, printed by order of the board, it appears + that of the out-door poor receiving regular weekly supplies, in + the first month, 1830, the time of the greatest need, the people + of color were about one to twenty-three whites; or not quite + four per cent., a disproportion of whites to colored, of more + than two to one in favor of the latter. When it is considered + that they perform the lowest offices in the community--that the + avenues to what are esteemed the most honorable and profitable + professions in society, are in a great measure, if not wholly + closed against them, these facts are the more creditable to + them. One cause of this disproportion, which we presume is but + little known, but which is worthy of special notice, will be + found in the numerous societies among themselves for mutual aid. + These societies expended, in one year, about six thousand + dollars for the relief of the sick and the indigent of their own + color, from funds raised among themselves. Besides, the taxes + paid by the colored people of Philadelphia, exceed in amount the + sums expended out of the funds of the city for the relief of + their poor.' + +It is also a fact that the proportion of whites in the alms-house in +New-York is greater than that of the blacks. I am aware that other +evidence, of a different kind, may be adduced in other places; but it is +in the highest degree unfair to measure the whole body of blacks by the +whole body of whites--for the privileges and advantages of the whites +are as ten thousand to one: they monopolise almost every branch of +business and every pursuit of life--they have all the means necessary to +make men virtuous, intelligent, active, and opulent. Far different is +the situation of the free blacks. How slender are their means! how mean +and limited their occupations! how inferior their advantages! Almost +every avenue to wealth, preferment and usefulness, is closed against +them. How are they persecuted! how avoided in the streets! how excluded +from the benefits of society! To point at them the finger of scorn, to +taunt them for their inferiority or helplessness, is like putting out +the eyes and clipping the wings of the eagle, and then reproaching him +because he can neither see nor fly. To boast of our superior refinement, +intelligence and virtue, is the extreme of vainglory, and adding insult +to injury. Shame! shame! + + + + +SECTION IX. + +THE AMERICAN COLONIZATION SOCIETY DENIES THE POSSIBILITY OF ELEVATING +THE BLACKS IN THIS COUNTRY. + + +The detestation of feeling, the fire of moral indignation, and the agony +of soul which I have felt kindling and swelling within me, in the +progress of this review, under this section reach the acme of intensity. +It is impossible for the mind to conceive, or the tongue to utter, or +the pen to record, sentiments more derogatory to the character of a +republican and Christian people than the following: + + 'Introduced as this class has been, in a way which cannot be + justified, injurious in its influence to the community, degraded + in character and miserable in condition, _forever excluded_, by + public sentiment, by law and by a physical distinction, from the + most powerful motives to exertion,' &c. * * 'In addition to all + the causes which tend to pollute, to degrade and render them + miserable, there are principles of _repulsion_ between them and + us, which can _never_ be overcome.' * * 'Their bodies are free, + their minds enslaved. They can neither bless their brethren in + servitude, nor rise from their own obscurity, nor add to the + purity of our morals, nor to our wealth, nor to our political + strength.' * * 'Let us recollect that our fathers have placed + them here; and that our prejudices, prejudices _too deep to be + eradicated_ while they remain among us, have produced the + standard of their morals.' * * 'Nor will it be questioned that + their establishment on the African coast ... will confer on them + invaluable blessings which _in this country_ they can _never_ + enjoy.' * * 'They _must be_ hewers of wood and drawers of water. + Do what they will, there is but this one prospect before + them.'--[African Repository, vol. 1, pp. 34, 144, 162, 176, 226, + 317.] + + + 'Shut out from the privileges of citizens, separated from us by + the _insurmountable_ barrier of color, they can _never_ + amalgamate with us, but must remain _for ever_ a distinct and + inferior race, repugnant to our republican feelings, and + dangerous to our republican institutions.' * * * 'It is not that + there are some, but that there are so many among us of a + different physical, if not moral, constitution, who _never_ can + amalgamate with the great body of our population.'--[African + Repository, vol. ii. pp. 188, 189, 338.] + + + 'In consequence of his own inveterate habits, and the no less + inveterate prejudices of the whites, it is a sadly demonstrated + truth, that the negro _cannot, in this country_, become an + enlightened and useful citizen. Driven to the lowest stratum of + society, and enthralled there for melancholy ages, his mind + becomes proportionably grovelling, and to gratify his animal + desires is his most exalted aspiration.' * * 'The negro, _while + in this country_, will be treated as an inferior being.' * * + 'Our slavery is such, as that no device of our philanthropy for + elevating the wretched subjects of its debasement to the + ordinary privileges of men, can descry one cheering glimpse of + hope that our object can _ever_ be accomplished. The very + commencing act of freedom to the slave, is to place him in a + condition still worse, if possible, both for his moral habits, + his outward provision, and for the community that embosoms him, + than even that, deplorable as it was, from which he has been + removed. He is now a freeman; but his complexion, his features, + every peculiarity of his person, pronounce to him another + doom,--that every wish he may conceive, every effort he can + make, shall be _little better than vain_. Even to every talent + and virtuous impulse which he may feel working in his bosom, + obstacles stand in impracticable array; not from a defect of + essential title to success, but from _a positive external law, + unreasoning and irreversible_.' * * 'The elevation of a degraded + class of beings to the privileges of freemen, which, though + free, they can _never_ enjoy, and to the prospects of a happy + immortality.' * * 'They again most solemnly repeat to the free + colored people of Virginia their belief, that _in Africa alone_ + can they enjoy that complete emancipation from a degrading + inequality, which in a greater or less degree pervades the + United States, if not in the laws, in the whole frame and + structure of society, and which in its effects on their moral + and social state is scarcely less degrading than slavery + itself.'--[African Repository, vol. iii. pp. 25, 26, 66, 68, + 345.] + + + 'But there is one large class among the inhabitants of this + country--degraded and miserable--whom none of the efforts in + which you are accustomed to engage, can materially benefit. + Among the twelve millions who make up our census, two millions + are Africans--separated from the possessors of the soil by + birth, _by the brand of indelible ignominy_, by prejudices, + mutual, deep, _incurable_, by an _irreconcileable diversity of + interests_. They are aliens and outcasts;--they are, as a body, + degraded beneath the influence of nearly all the motives which + prompt other men to enterprise, and almost below the sphere of + virtuous affections. Whatever may be attempted for the general + improvement of society, their wants are untouched.--Whatever may + be effected for elevating the mass of the nation in the scale of + happiness or of intellectual and moral character, their + degradation is the same--dark, and deep, and _hopeless_. + Benevolence seems to overlook them, or struggles for their + benefit in vain. Patriotism forgets them, or remembers them only + with shame for what has been, and with dire forebodings, of what + is yet to come.' * * 'It is taken _for granted_ that in present + circumstances, any effort to produce a general and thorough + amelioration in the character and condition of the free people + of color must be to a great extent fruitless. In every part of + the United States there is a broad and _impassible_ line of + demarcation between every man who has _one drop_ of African + blood in his veins and every other class in the community. The + habits, the feelings, all the prejudices of society--prejudices + which neither _refinement_, nor _argument_, nor _education_, nor + _religion_ itself can subdue--mark the people of color, whether + bond or free, as the subjects of a degradation _inevitable_ and + _incurable_. The African in this country belongs by birth to the + very lowest station in society; and from that station _he can + never rise_, BE HIS TALENTS, HIS ENTERPRISE, HIS VIRTUES WHAT + THEY MAY.... They constitute a class by themselves--a class out + of which _no individual can be elevated_, and below which, none + can be depressed. And this is the difficulty, the invariable and + insuperable difficulty in the way of every scheme for their + benefit. Much can be done for them--much has been done; but + still they are, and, _in this country_, ALWAYS MUST BE a + depressed and abject race.'--[African Repository, vol. iv. pp. + 117, 118, 119.] + + + 'The distinctive complexion by which it is marked, _necessarily_ + debars it from all familiar intercourse with the more favored + society that surrounds it, and of course denies to it _all hope_ + of either social or political elevation, by means of individual + merit, however great, or individual exertions, however + unremitted.' * * 'It is deemed unnecessary to repeat what has + already been said, of the character of the population in + question, of its _hopeless degradation_, and its baneful + influence, in the situation in which it is now placed.' * * * + 'The colored population of this country can _never_ rise to + respectability and happiness here.' * * 'It was at an early + period seen and acknowledged, that neither the objects of + benevolence nor the interests of the nation could be materially + benefitted by any plan or measures that permitted them to remain + within the United States.' * * 'They leave a country in which + though born and reared, they are strangers and aliens; where + severe necessity places them in a class of degraded beings.' * * + 'With us they have been degraded by slavery, and STILL FURTHER + DEGRADED _by the mockery of nominal freedom_. We have + endeavored, but endeavored in vain, to restore them either to + self-respect, or to the respect of others. _It is not our fault + that we have failed_; it is not theirs. It has resulted from a + cause over which neither they, nor we, can ever have control. + _Here_, therefore, they must be _for ever debased_: more than + this, they must be _for ever useless_; more even than this, they + must be FOR EVER A NUISANCE, from which it were a blessing for + society to be rid. And yet they, and they only, are qualified + for colonizing Africa.' * * * 'Whether bond or free, their + presence will be _for ever a calamity_. Why then, in the name of + God, should we hesitate to encourage their departure? The + existence of this race among us; a race that can neither share + our blessings nor incorporate in our Society, is already felt to + be a curse.'--[African Repository, vol. v. pp. 51, 53, 179, 234, + 238, 276, 278.] + + + 'Is our posterity doomed to endure for ever not only all the + ills flowing from the state of slavery, but all which arise from + incongruous elements of population, separated from each other by + _invincible prejudices_, and by natural causes?' * * 'Here + _invincible prejudices_ exclude them from the enjoyment of the + society of the whites, and deny them all the advantages of + freemen. The bar, the pulpit, and our legislative halls are shut + to them by the irresistible force of public sentiment. No + talents however great, no piety however pure and devoted, no + patriotism however ardent, can secure their admission. They + constantly hear the accents, and behold the triumphs, of a + liberty _which here they can never enjoy_.' * * 'It is against + this increase of colored persons, who take but a nominal freedom + here, and _cannot rise_ from their degraded condition, that this + Society attempts to provide.' * * 'They may be emancipated; but + emancipation _cannot elevate their condition_ or augment their + capacity for self-preservation.--Want and suffering will + gradually diminish their numbers, and they will disappear, as + the inferior has always disappeared, before the superior race.' + * * 'Our great and good men purposed it primarily as a system of + relief for two millions of fellow men in our own county--a + population dangerous to ourselves and _necessarily degraded + here_.' * * 'The free blacks, by the moral necessity of their + civil disabilities, are and _must for ever be a + nuisance_--equally, and more to the owner of slaves, than to + other members of the community.'--[African Repository, vol. vi. + pp. 12, 17, 82, 168, 295, 368.] + + + 'Incorporated into our country as freemen, yet separated from it + by odious and degrading distinctions, they feel themselves + condemned to a hopeless and debasing inferiority. They know that + their very complexion will _for ever_ exclude them from the + rank, the privileges, the honors, of freemen. No matter how + great their industry, or how abundant their wealth--no matter + what their attainments in literature, science or the arts--no + matter how correct their deportment or what respect their + characters may inspire, they can never, NO, NEVER be raised to a + footing of equality, not even to a familiar intercourse with the + surrounding society.' * * 'To us it seems evident that the man + of color may as soon _change his complexion_, as rise above all + sense of past inferiority and debasement in a community, from + the social intercourse of which, he must expect to be in a great + measure excluded, not only until prejudice shall have no + existence therein, but until the freedom of man in regulating + his social relations is proved to be abridged by some law of + morality or the gospel.... Is it not _wise_, then, for the free + people of color and their friends to _admit_, what cannot + reasonably be doubted, that the people of color must, in this + country, remain for ages, _probably for ever_, a separate and + inferior caste, weighed down by causes, powerful, universal, + inevitable; _which neither legislation nor christianity can + remove?_' + + 'Let the free black in this country toil from youth to age in + the honorable pursuit of wisdom--let him store his mind with the + most valuable researches of science and literature--and let him + add to a highly gifted and cultivated intellect, a piety pure, + undefiled, and "unspotted from the world"--it is all nothing: he + would not be received into the very lowest walks of society. If + we were constrained to admire so uncommon a being, our very + admiration would mingle with disgust, because, in the physical + organization of his frame, we meet an insurmountable barrier, + even to an approach to social intercourse, and in the Egyptian + color, which nature has stamped upon his features, a principle + of repulsion so strong as to forbid the idea of a communion + either of interest or of feeling, as utterly abhorrent. Whether + these feelings are founded in reason or not, we will not now + inquire--perhaps they are not. But education and habit and + prejudice have so firmly riveted them upon us, that they have + become as strong as nature itself--and to expect their removal, + or even their slightest modification, would be as idle and + preposterous as to expect that we could reach forth our hands, + and remove the mountains from their foundations into the + vallies, which are beneath them.'--[African Repository, vol. + vii. pp. 100, 195, 196, 231.] + + + 'And can we not find some spot on this large globe which will + receive them kindly, and where they may escape those prejudices + which, in this country, must _ever_ keep them _inferior_ and + _degraded_ members of society?'--[Third Annual Report.] + + + 'A population which, even if it were not literally enslaved, + _must for ever remain_ in a state of degradation no better than + bondage.' * * 'Here the thing is impossible; a slave cannot be + really emancipated. You may call him free, you may enact a + statute book of laws to make him free, but you cannot bleach him + into the enjoyment of freedom.' * * 'The Soodra is not farther + separated from the Brahmin in regard to all his privileges, + civil, intellectual, and moral, than the negro is from the white + man by the prejudices which result from the difference made + between them by the God of nature. A barrier more difficult to + be surmounted than the institution of the caste, cuts off, and + while the present state of society continues _must always_ cut + off, the negro from all that is valuable in + citizenship.'--[Seventh Annual Report.] + + + 'Let the arm of our government be stretched out for the defence + of our African colony, and this objection will no longer exist. + There, _and there alone_, the colored man can enjoy the motives + for honorable exertion.'--[Ninth Annual Report.] + + + 'In the distinctive and indelible marks of their color, and the + prejudices of the people, an _insuperable_ obstacle has been + placed to the execution of any plan for elevating their + character, and placing them on a footing with their brethren of + the same common family.'--[Tenth Annual Report.] + + + 'Far from shuddering at the thought of leaving the comfortable + fireside among us, for a distant and unknown shore yet covered + by the wilderness, they have preferred real liberty there, to a + mockery of freedom here, and have turned their eyes to Africa, + as the only resting place and refuge of the colored man, in the + deluge of oppression that surrounds him.'--[Eleventh Annual + Report.] + + + 'The race in question were known, as a class, to be destitute, + depraved--the victims of all forms of social misery. The + peculiarity of their fate was, that this was not their condition + by accident or transiently, but _inevitably_ and _immutably_, + whilst they remained in their present place, by a law as + infallible in its operation, as any of physical nature.' * * + 'Their residence amongst us is attended by evil consequences to + society--causes _beyond the control of the human will_ must + prevent their _ever_ rising to equality with the whites.' * * + 'The Managers consider it clear that causes exist, and are + operating to prevent their improvement and elevation to any + considerable extent as a class, in this country, which are + fixed, not only beyond the control of the friends of humanity, + BUT OF ANY HUMAN POWER. _Christianity cannot do for them here, + what it will do for them in Africa._ This is not the fault of + the colored man, _nor of the white man, nor of Christianity; but + an ordination of Providence, and no more to be changed than the + laws of nature_. Yet, were it otherwise, did no cause exist but + prejudice, to prevent the elevation, in this country, of our + free colored population, still, were this prejudice so strong + (which is indeed the fact) as to forbid the hope of any great + favorable change in their condition, what folly for them to + reject blessings in another land, because it is prejudice which + debars them from such blessings in this! But in truth no + legislation, no humanity, no benevolence can make them + insensible to their past condition, can unfetter their minds, + can relieve them from the disadvantages resulting from inferior + means and attainments, can abridge the right of freemen to + regulate their social intercourse and relations, which will + leave them _for ever a separate and depressed class_ in the + community; in fine, nothing can in any way do much here to raise + them from their miseries to respectability, honor and + usefulness.'--[Fifteenth Annual Report.] + + + 'That no adequate means of attaining this great end existed, + short of the segregation of the black population from the + white--that an IMPASSIBLE BARRIER existed in the state of + society in this country, between these classes--that whatever + might be the liberal sentiments of some good men among us, the + blacks were marked with an _indelible note of inferiority_--they + saw placed high before them a station which here they _could + never reach_, and by a natural reaction they fell back into a + position where self-respect lent them no stimulus, and virtuous + principles and actions lost more than half their motive--that in + fact they were a branded and degraded caste--the Pariahs of the + United States, and destined _as long as they remained with us_ + to be hewers of wood and drawers of water--that the increase of + this population in a greater ratio than the whites, was + calculated to excite just apprehension--that no one could say + that when a few more millions should be added to their numbers, + the example of Hayti might not rouse them to an effort to break + their chains; and he would ask what man could contemplate, + without shuddering, all the complicated atrocity and bloody + revenge of such a revolt?' * * 'Those persons of color who have + been emancipated, are only nominally free, and the whole race, + so long as they remain among us, and whether they be slaves or + free, must _necessarily_ be kept in a condition full of + wretchedness to them and full of danger to the whites.'--[Second + Annual Report of New-York State Colonization Society.] + + + 'Many of those citizens who ardently wish for the removal of + such of the free colored population, as are willing to go, to + any place where they could enjoy, _what they can never enjoy + here_, that is, all the advantages of society,' &c. * * 'That + the free colored population in this country labor under the most + oppressive disadvantages, which their freedom can by no means + counterbalance, is too obvious to admit of doubt. I waive all + inquiry whether this is right or wrong. I speak of things as + they are--not as they might, or as they ought to be. They are + cut off from the most remote chance of amalgamation with the + white population, by feelings or prejudices, call them what you + will, that are ineradicable. Their situation is more unfavorable + than that of many slaves. "With all the burdens, cares and + responsibilities of freedom, they have few or none of its + substantial benefits. Their associations are, and must be, + chiefly with slaves. Their right of suffrage gives them little, + if any, political influence, and they are practically, if not + theoretically excluded from representation and weight in our + public councils." _No merit, no services, no talents can elevate + them to a level with the whites._ Occasionally, an exception may + arise. A colored individual, of great talents, merits, and + wealth, may emerge from the crowd. Cases of this kind are to the + last degree rare. The colored people are subject to legal + disabilities, more or less galling and severe, in almost every + state of the Union. Who has not deeply regretted their late + harsh expulsion from the State of Ohio, and their being forced + to abandon the country of their birth, which had profited by + their labors, and to take refuge in a foreign land? Severe + regulations have been recently passed in Louisiana, to prevent + the introduction of free people of color into the State. + Whenever they appear, they are to be banished in sixty days. The + strong opposition to a negro college in New-Haven, speaks in a + language not to be mistaken, the jealousy with which they are + regarded. And there is no reason to expect, that the lapse of + centuries will make any change in this respect. THEY WILL ALWAYS + UNHAPPILY BE REGARDED AS AN INFERIOR RACE.'--[Mathew Carey's + 'Reflections.'] + + + 'Instances of emancipation have not essentially benefitted the + African, and _probably never will_, while he remains among us. + In this country, public opinion does, _and will_, consign him to + an inferiority, _above which he can never rise_. Emancipation + can NEVER make the African, while he remains in this country, a + real free man. Degradation MUST and WILL press him to the earth; + no cheering, stimulating influence will he here feel, _in any of + the walks of life_.'--[Circular of the Massachusetts + Colonization Society for 1832.] + + + 'With us color is the bar. Nature has raised up barriers between + the races, _which no man with a proper sense of the dignity of + his species desires to see surmounted_.' * * 'What effects does + emancipation produce without removal? A discontented and useless + population; having no sympathies with the rest of the community, + _doomed by immoveable barriers to eternal degradation_. I know + that there are among us, those of warm and generous hearts, who + believe that we may retain the black man here, and raise him up + to the full and perfect stature of human nature. That degree of + improvement can never take place except the races be + amalgamated; and amalgamation is a day-dream. It may seem + strong, but it is true that "a skin not colored like our own" + will separate them from us, _as long as our feelings continue a + part of our nature_.'--[Speeches delivered at the formation of + the Young Men's Auxiliary Colonization Society in New-York + city.] + + + 'These [subsistence, political and social considerations] they + can _never_ enjoy here.' * * 'You may manumit the slave, but you + cannot make him a white man. He still remains a negro or a + mulatto. The mark and the recollection of his origin and former + state still adhere to him; the feelings produced by that + condition, in his own mind and in the minds of the whites, still + exist; he is associated by his color, and by these recollections + and feelings, with the class of slaves; and a barrier is thus + raised between him and the whites, that is between him and the + free class, which he can never hope to transcend.' * * 'A vast + majority of the free blacks, as we have seen, are and _must be_, + an idle, worthless and thievish race.'--[First Annual Report.] + + + 'Here they are condemned to a state of _hopeless_ inferiority, + and consequent degradation. As they _cannot_ emerge from this + state, they lose, by degrees, the hope, at last the desire of + emerging.'--[Second Annual Report.] + + + 'The existence in any community of a people forming a distinct + and degraded caste, _who are forever excluded by the fiat of + society and the laws of the land_, from all hopes of equality in + social intercourse and political privileges, must, from the + nature of things, be fraught with unmixed evil. Did this + committee believe it possible, by any acts of legislation, to + remove this blotch upon the body politic, by so elevating the + social and moral condition of the blacks in Ohio, that they + would be received into society on terms of equality, and would + by common consent be admitted to a participation of political + privileges--WERE SUCH A THING POSSIBLE, even after a lapse of + time and by pecuniary sacrifice, most gladly would they + recommend such measures as would subserve the cause of humanity, + by producing such a result. For the purposes of legislation, it + is sufficient to know, that the blacks in Ohio _must always + exist as a separate and degraded race_, that when the leopard + shall change his spots and the Ethiopian his skin, then, BUT NOT + TILL THEN, may we expect that the descendants of Africans will + be admitted into society, on terms of social and political + equality.'--[Report of a Select Committee of the Legislature of + Ohio.] + + + 'No possible contingency can ever break down or weaken the + impassable barrier which at present separates the whites from + social communion with the blacks. Neither education, nor wealth, + nor any other means of distinction known to our communities, can + elevate blacks to a level with whites, in the United + States.'--[American Spectator.] + + + 'However unjust may be the prejudices which exist in the whites + against the blacks, and which operate so injuriously to the + latter--_they are probably too deep to be obliterated_; and true + philanthropy would dictate the separation of two races of men, + so different, WHOM NATURE HERSELF HAS FORBIDDEN TO MINGLE INTO + ONE; but of whom, while they remain associated, _one or the + other must of necessity have the superiority_. For the future + welfare of both, we trust that the project of colonizing the + Africans, as they shall gradually be emancipated, although a + work of time, may not be altogether hopeless.'--[Brandon (Vt.) + Telegraph.] + + + 'The character and circumstances of this portion of the + community fall under every man's notice, and the least + observation shows that they _cannot_ be useful or happy among + us.'--[Oration by Gabriel P. Disosway, Esq.] + + + 'It is of vast importance to these people, as a class, that + their hopes and expectations of temporal prosperity _should be + turned to Africa_, and that they should not regard our country + as their permanent residence, or as that country in which they + will _ever_, as a people, enjoy equal privileges and blessings + with the whites.'--[Rev. Mr Gurley's Letter to the Rev. S. S. + Jocelyn.] + + + 'To attain solid happiness and permanent respectability, they + should now remove to a more congenial clime.... To raise them to + a level with the whites is AN IMPOSSIBILITY.'--[New-Haven + Religious Intelligencer.] + + + 'In Liberia--the land of their forefathers, they will be + restored to real freedom, which they have never yet enjoyed, and + which it is folly for them to expect they can ever enjoy among + the whites.'--[Norfolk Herald.] + +'My bowels, my bowels! I am pained at my very heart; my heart maketh a +noise in me.' Are we pagans, are we savages, are we devils? Can pagans, +or savages, or devils, exhibit a more implacable spirit, than is seen in +the foregoing extracts? It is enough to cause the very stones to cry +out, and the beasts of the field to rebuke us. + +Of this I am sure: no man, who is truly willing to admit the people of +color to an equality with himself, can see any insuperable difficulty in +effecting their elevation. When, therefore, I hear an +individual--especially a professor of Christianity--strenuously +contending that there can be no fellowship with them, I cannot help +suspecting the sincerity of his own republicanism or piety, or thinking +that the beam is in his own eye. My bible assures me that the day is +coming when even the 'wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard +shall lie down with the kid, and the wolf and the young lion and the +fatling together;' and, if this be possible, I see no cause why those of +the same species--God's rational creatures--fellow countrymen, in truth, +cannot dwell in harmony together. + +How abominably hypocritical, how consummately despicable, how +incorrigibly tyrannical must this whole nation appear in the eyes of the +people of Europe!--professing to be the _friends_ of the free blacks, +actuated by the purest motives of benevolence toward them, desirous to +make atonement for past wrongs, challenging the admiration of the world +for their patriotism, philanthropy and piety--and yet (hear, O heaven! +and be astonished, O earth!) shamelessly proclaiming, with a voice +louder than thunder, and an aspect malignant as sin, that while their +colored countrymen remain among them, they must be trampled beneath +their feet, treated as inferior beings, deprived of all the invaluable +privileges of freemen, separated by the brand of indelible ignominy, and +debased to a level with the beasts that perish! Yea, that they may as +soon change their complexion as rise from their degradation! that no +device of philanthropy can benefit them here! that they constitute a +class out of which _no individual can be elevated_, and below which, +_none can be depressed_! that no talents however great, no piety however +pure and devoted, no patriotism however ardent, no industry however +great, no wealth however abundant, can raise them to a footing of +equality with the whites! that 'let them toil from youth to old age in +the honorable pursuit of wisdom--let them store their minds with the +most valuable researches of science and literature--and let them add to +a highly gifted and cultivated intellect, a piety pure, undefiled, and +unspotted from the world, _it is all nothing_--they would not be +received into the _very lowest walks of society_--admiration of such +uncommon beings would mingle with _disgust_!' Yea, that 'there is a +broad and impassible line of demarcation between every man who has _one +drop_ of African blood in his veins and every other class in the +community'! Yea, that 'the habits, the feelings, all the prejudices of +society--prejudices which neither _refinement_, nor _argument_, nor +_education_, nor RELIGION itself can subdue--mark the people of color, +whether bond or free, as the subjects of a degradation _inevitable_ and +_incurable_'! Yea, that '_Christianity_ cannot do for them here, what it +will do for them in Africa'! Yea, that 'this is not the fault of the +colored man, NOR OF THE WHITE MAN, nor of Christianity; but AN +ORDINATION OF PROVIDENCE, _and no more to be changed than the_ LAWS OF +NATURE'!!! + +Again I ask, are we pagans, are we savages, are we devils? Search the +records of heathenism, and sentiments more hostile to the spirit of the +gospel, or of a more black and blasphemous complexion than these, cannot +be found. I believe that they are libels upon the character of my +countrymen, which time will wipe off. I call upon the spirits of the +just made perfect in heaven, upon all who have experienced the love of +God in their souls here below, upon the christian converts in India and +the islands of the sea, to sustain me in the assertion that there _is_ +power enough in the religion of Jesus Christ to melt down the most +stubborn prejudices, to overthrow the highest walls of partition, to +break the strongest caste, to improve and elevate the most degraded, to +unite in fellowship the most hostile, and to equalize and bless all its +recipients. Make me _sure_ that there is not, and I will give it up, now +and for ever. 'In Christ Jesus, all are one: there is neither Jew nor +Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor +female.' + +These sentiments were not uttered by infidels, nor by worthless +wretches, but in many instances by professors of religion and _ministers +of the gospel_! and in almost every instance by reputedly the most +enlightened, patriotic and benevolent men in the land! Tell it not +abroad! publish it not in the streets of Calcutta! Even the eminent +President of Union College, (Rev. Dr. Nott,) could so far depart, +unguardedly I hope, from christian love and integrity, as to utter this +language in an address in behalf of the Colonization Society:--'With us +they [the free people of color] have been degraded by slavery, and +_still further degraded by the mockery of nominal freedom_.' Were this +true, it would imply that we of the free States are more barbarous and +neglectful than even the traffickers in souls and men-stealers at the +south. We have not, it is certain, treated our colored brethren as the +law of kindness and the ties of brotherhood demand; but have we outdone +slaveholders in cruelty? Were it true, to forge new fetters for the +limbs of these degraded beings would be an act of benevolence. But their +condition is as much superior to that of the slaves, as happiness is to +misery. The second portion of this work, containing their proceedings in +a collective capacity, shows whether they have made any progress in +intelligence, in virtue, in piety, and in happiness, since their +liberation. Again he says: '_We have endeavored_, but endeavored in +vain, _to restore them either to self-respect, or to the respect of +others_.' It is painful to contradict so worthy an individual; but +nothing is more certain than that this statement is altogether +erroneous. We have derided, we have shunned, we have neglected them, in +every possible manner. They have had to rise not only under the +mountainous weight of their own ignorance and vice, but with the +additional and constant pressure of our contempt and injustice. In +despite of us, they have done well. Again: '_It is not our fault that we +have failed_; it is not theirs.' We _are_ wholly and exclusively in +fault. What have we done to raise them up from the earth? What have we +_not_ done to keep them down? Once more: 'It has resulted from a cause +over which neither they, nor we, can ever have control.' In other words, +they have been made with skins not colored like our own,' and +_therefore_ we cannot recognise them as fellow-countrymen, or treat them +like rational beings! One sixth of our whole population _must_, FOR +EVER, in this land, remain a wretched, ignorant and degraded race,--and +yet nobody be culpable--_none but the Creator_ who has made us +_incapable_ of doing unto others as we would have them do unto us! +Horrible--horrible! If this be not an impeachment of Infinite +Goodness,--I do not say intentionally but _really_,--I cannot define it. +The same sentiment is reiterated by a writer in the Southern Religious +Telegraph, who says--'The exclusion of the free black from the civil and +literary privileges of our country, depends on another circumstance than +that of character--a circumstance, which, as it was entirely beyond his +control, so it is unchangeable, and will for ever operate. This +circumstance is--_he is a black man_'!! And the Board of Managers of the +Parent Society, in their Fifteenth Annual Report, declare that '_an +ordination of Providence_' prevents the general improvement of the +people of color in this land! How are God and our country dishonored, +and the requirements of the gospel contemned, by this ungodly plea! +Having satisfied himself that the Creator is alone blameable for the +past and present degradation of the free blacks, Dr. Nott draws the +natural and unavoidable inference that 'here, therefore, they must be +_for ever debased, for ever useless, for ever a nuisance, for ever a +calamity_,' and then gravely declares (mark the climax!) 'and yet THEY, +[these ignorant, helpless, miserable creatures!] AND THEY ONLY, are +qualified for colonizing Africa'!! 'Why then,' he asks, '_in the name of +God_,'--(the abrupt appeal, in this connexion, seems almost +profane,)--'should we hesitate to encourage their departure?' + +Nature, we are positively assured, has raised up impassable barriers +between the races. I understand by this expression, that the blacks are +of a different species from ourselves, so that all attempts to generate +offspring between us and them must prove as abortive, as between a man +and a beast. It is a law of Nature that the lion shall not beget the +lamb, or the leopard the bear. Now the planters at the south have +clearly demonstrated, that an amalgamation with their slaves is not only +possible, but a matter of course, and eminently productive. It neither +ends in abortion nor produces monsters. In truth, it is often so +difficult in the slave States to distinguish between the fruits of this +intercourse and the children of white parents, that witnesses are +summoned at court to solve the problem! Talk of the barriers of Nature, +when the land swarms with living refutations of the statement! Happy +indeed would it be for many a female slave, if such a barrier could +exist during the period of her servitude to protect her from the lust of +her master! + +In France,[W] England,[X] Spain, and other countries, persons of color +maintain as high a rank and are treated as honorably as any other class +of the inhabitants, in despite of the 'impassable barriers of Nature.' +Yet it is proclaimed to the world by the Colonization Society, that the +American people can never be as republican in their feelings and +practices as Frenchmen, Spaniards or Englishmen! Nay, that _religion_ +itself cannot subdue their malignant prejudices, or induce them to treat +their dark-skinned brethren in accordance with their professions of +republicanism! My countrymen! is it so? Are you willing thus to be held +up as tyrants and hypocrites for ever? as less magnanimous and just than +the populace of Europe? No--no! I cannot give you up as incorrigibly +wicked, nor my country as sealed over to destruction. My confidence +remains, like the oak--like the Alps--unshaken, storm-proof. I am not +discouraged--I am not distrustful. I still place an unwavering reliance +upon the omnipotence of truth. I still believe that the demands of +justice will be satisfied; that the voice of bleeding humanity will melt +the most obdurate hearts; and that the land will be redeemed and +regenerated by an enlightened and energetic public opinion. As long as +there remains among us a single copy of the Declaration of Independence, +or of the New Testament, I will not despair of the social and political +elevation of my sable countrymen. Already a rallying-cry is heard from +the East and the West, from the North and the South; towns and cities +and states are in commotion; volunteers are trooping to the field; the +spirit of freedom and the fiend of oppression are in mortal conflict, +and all neutrality is at an end. Already the line of division is drawn: +on one side are the friends of truth and liberty, with their banner +floating high in the air, on which are inscribed in letters of light, +'IMMEDIATE ABOLITION'--'NO COMPROMISE WITH OPPRESSORS'--'EQUAL +RIGHTS'--'NO EXPATRIATION'--'DUTY, AND NOT CONSEQUENCES'--'LET JUSTICE +BE DONE, THOUGH THE HEAVENS SHOULD FALL!'--On the opposite side stand +the supporters and apologists of slavery in mighty array, with a black +flag on which are seen in bloody characters, 'AFRICAN +COLONIZATION'--'GRADUAL ABOLITION'--'RIGHTS OF PROPERTY'--'POLITICAL +EXPEDIENCY'--'NO EQUALITY'--'NO REPENTANCE'--'EXPULSION OF THE +BLACKS'--'PROTECTION TO TYRANTS!'--Who can doubt the issue of this +controversy, or which side has the approbation of the Lord of Hosts? + +In the African Repository for September, 1831, there is an elaborate +defence of the Colonization Society, in which occurs the following +passage:--'It has been said that the Society is unfriendly to the +improvement of the free people of color while they remain in the United +States. _The charge is not true._' I reiterate the charge; and the +evidence of its correctness is before the reader. The Society prevents +the education of this class in the most insidious and effectual manner, +by constantly asserting that they must always be a degraded people in +this country, and that the cultivation of their minds will avail them +nothing. Who does not readily perceive that the prevalence of this +opinion must at once paralyze every effort for their improvement? For it +would be a waste of time and means, and unpardonable folly, for us to +attempt the accomplishment of an impossible work--of that which we know +will result in disappointment. Every discriminating and candid mind must +see and acknowledge, that, to perpetuate their ignorance, it is only +necessary to make the belief prevalent that they 'must be for ever +debased, for ever useless, for ever an inferior race,' and their +thraldom is sure. + +I am aware that a school has been established for the education of +colored youth, under the auspices of the Society; but it is sufficient +to state that none but those who consent to emigrate to Liberia are +embraced in its provisions. + +In the Appendix to the Seventh Annual Report, p. 94, the position is +assumed that 'it is a well established point, that the public safety +forbids either the emancipation or _general instruction_ of the slaves.' +The recent enactment of laws in some of the slave States, prohibiting +the instruction of free colored persons as well as slaves, has received +something more than a tacit approval from the organ of the Society. A +prominent advocate of the Society, (G. P. Disosway, Esq.,) in an oration +on the fourth of July, 1831, alluding to these laws, says,--'The public +safety of our brethren at the South requires them [the slaves] to be +kept ignorant and uninstructed.' The Editor of the Southern Religious +Telegraph, who is a clergyman and a warm friend of the colonization +scheme, remarking upon the instruction of the colored population of +Virginia, says: + + 'Teaching a servant to read, is not teaching him the religion of + Christ. The great majority of the white people of our country + are taught to read; but probably not one in five, of those who + have the Bible, is _a christian_, in the legitimate sense of the + term. If black people are as depraved and as averse to true + religion as the white people are--and we know of no difference + between them in this respect--teaching them to read the Bible + will make christians of _very_ few of them. [What a plea!] ... + If christian masters were to teach their servants to read, we + apprehend that they would not feel the obligation as they ought + to feel it, of giving them oral instruction, and often + impressing divine truth on their minds. [!!] ... If the free + colored people were generally taught to read, _it might be an + inducement to them to remain in this country_. WE WOULD OFFER + THEM NO SUCH INDUCEMENT. [!!] ... A knowledge of letters and of + all the arts and sciences, cannot counteract the influences + under which the character of the negro _must_ be formed in this + country.... It appears to us that a greater benefit may be + conferred on the free colored people, by planting good schools + for them in Africa, and encouraging them to remove there, than + by giving them the knowledge of letters to make them contented + in their present condition.'--[Telegraph of Feb. 19, 1831.] + +Jesuitism was never more subtle--Papal domination never more exclusive. +The gospel of peace and mercy preached by him who holds that ignorance +is the mother of devotion! who would sequestrate the bible from the eyes +of his fellow men! who contends that knowledge is the enemy of religion! +who denies the efficacy of education in elevating a degraded population! +who would make men brutes in order to make them better christians! who +desires to make the clergy infallible guides to heaven! Now what folly +and impiety is all this! Besides, is it not mockery to preach +repentance, and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, to the benighted blacks, +and at the same time deny them the right and ability to 'search the +scriptures' for themselves? + +The proposition which was made last year to erect a College for the +education of colored youth in New-Haven, it is well known, created an +extraordinary and most disgraceful tumult in that place, (the hot-bed of +African colonization,) and was generally scouted by the friends of the +Society in other places. The American Spectator at Washington, (next to +the African Repository, the mouth-piece of the Society,) used the +following language, in relation to the violent proceedings of the +citizens of New-Haven: 'We not only _approve the course_, which they +have pursued, but we _admire the moral courage_, which induced them, +_for the love of right_, (!) to incur the censure of both sections of +the country.' + +As a farther illustration of the complacency with which colonizationists +regard the laws prohibiting the instruction of the blacks, I extract the +following paragraph from the 'Proceedings of the New-York State +Colonization Society, on its second anniversary:' + + 'It is the business of the free--_their safety requires it_--to + keep the slaves in ignorance. Their education is utterly + prohibited. Educate them, and they break their fetters. Suppose + the slaves of the south to have the knowledge of freemen, they + would be free, or be exterminated by the whites. This renders it + necessary to prevent their instruction--to keep them from Sunday + Schools, and other means of gaining knowledge. But a few days + ago, a proposition was made in the legislature of Georgia, to + allow them so much instruction as to enable them to read the + bible; which was promptly rejected by a large majority. I do not + mention this for the purpose of _condemning the policy_ of the + slaveholding States, but to lament its _necessity_.' + +Elias B. Caldwell, one of the founders, and the first Secretary of the +Parent Society, in a speech delivered at its formation, advanced the +following monstrous sentiments: + + 'The more you improve the condition of these people, the more + you cultivate their minds, the more _miserable_ you make them in + their present state. You give them a higher relish for those + privileges _which they can never attain_, and turn what you + intend for a blessing into a curse. No, if they must remain in + their present situation, _keep them in the lowest state of + ignorance and degradation_. The nearer you bring them to the + condition of _brutes_, the better chance do you give them of + possessing their apathy.' + +So, then, the American Colonization Society advocates, and to a great +extent perpetuates the ignorance and degradation of the colored +population of the United States! + +In a critical examination of the pages of the African Repository, and of +the reports and addresses of the Parent Society and its auxiliaries, I +cannot find in a single instance any impeachment of the conduct and +feelings of society toward the people of color, or any hint that the +prejudice which is so prevalent against them is unmanly and sinful, or +any evidence of contrition for past injustice, or any remonstrance or +entreaty with a view to a change of public sentiment, or any symptoms of +moral indignation at such unchristian and anti-republican treatment. On +the contrary, I find the doctrine every where inculcated that this +hatred and contempt, this abuse and proscription, are not only +excusable, but the natural, inevitable and incurable effects of +constitutional dissimilitude, growing out of an ordination of +Providence, for which there is no remedy but a separation between the +two races. If the free blacks, then, have been 'still further degraded +by the mockery of nominal freedom,' if they 'must always be a separate +and degraded race,' if 'degradation must and will press them to the +earth,' if from their present station 'they can never rise, be their +talents, their enterprise, their virtues what they may,' if 'in Africa +alone, they can enjoy the motives for honorable ambition,' the American +Colonization Society is responsible for their debasement and misery; for +as it numbers among its supporters the most influential men in our +country, and boasts of having the approbation of an overwhelming +majority of the wise and good whose examples are laws, it is able, were +it willing, to effect a radical change in public sentiment--nay, it is +at the present time public sentiment itself. But though it has done +much, and may do more, (all that it can it will do,) to depress, +impoverish and dispirit the free people of color, and to strengthen and +influence mutual antipathies, it is the purpose of God, I am fully +persuaded, to humble the pride of the American people by rendering the +expulsion of our colored countrymen utterly impracticable, and the +necessity for their admission to equal rights imperative. As neither +mountains of prejudice, nor the massy shackles of law and of public +opinion, have been able to keep them down to a level with slaves, I +confidently anticipate their exaltation among ourselves. Through the +vista of time,--a short distance only,--I see them here, not in Africa, +not bowed to the earth, or derided and persecuted as at present, not +with a downcast air or an irresolute step, but standing erect as men +destined heavenward, unembarrassed, untrammelled, with none to molest or +make them afraid. + +FOOTNOTES: + +[V] Walker's Appeal. + +[W] Why is it that the free people of color are now, in almost every +part of our country, threatened with banishment from State to State, and +with hunting from city to city, until there shall be no place for the +soles of their feet in this their native land? Is it because they are in +reality, as slaveholders tell us, an inferior race of beings? No, my +friends: their consistent conduct, their polished manners, and their +great respectability, wherever they have enjoyed the advantages of +equality of education and equality of motives, proclaim the contrary. +The true cause of this almost universal prescription is to be found in +the melancholy fact that we have been guilty of the most atrocious +injustice to their forefathers and to themselves. We would therefore now +banish the evidence of our guilt from before our eyes: for whom a man +has injured, he is almost sure to hate. Some of the finest men I met +with, during a residence of three years in London and Paris, were the +offspring of African mothers. There no distinction is made in any grade +of society, on account of color. I have repeatedly seen black gentlemen +sitting on the sofas, conversing with the ladies, at the hospitable +mansion of that universal philanthropist, LAFAYETTE; and there were no +persons present who appeared more respectable, or who were more +respected.--[Address of Arnold Buffum, President of the New-England +Anti-Slavery Society, delivered in Boston, Feb. 16, 1832.] + +[X] In England, it is common to see respectable and genteel people open +their pews when a black stranger enters the church; and at hotels, +nobody thinks it a degradation to have a colored traveller sit at the +same table. We have heard a well authenticated anecdote, which +illustrates the different state of feeling in the two countries on this +subject. A wealthy American citizen was residing at London for a season, +which time the famous Mr Prince Saunders was there. The London breakfast +hour is very late; and Prince Saunders happened to call upon the +American while his family were taking their morning repast. Politeness +and native good feelings prompted the lady to ask her guest to take a +cup of coffee--but then the _prejudices of society_--how could she +overcome _them_? True, he was a gentleman in character, manners and +dress; but he had a black skin; and how could white skins sit at the +same table with him? If his _character_ had been as black as perdition, +the difficulty might have been overcome, however reluctantly; but his +_skin_ being black, it was altogether out of the question. So the lady +sipped her coffee, and Prince Saunders sat at the window, occasionally +speaking in reply to conversation addressed to him. At last all retired +from the breakfast table--and then the lady, with an air of sudden +recollection, said, 'I forgot to ask if you had breakfasted, Mr +Saunders! Won't you let me give you a cup of coffee?' 'I thank you, +madam,' he replied, with a dignified bow, 'I am engaged to breakfast +with the PRINCE REGENT this morning!' + +We laugh at the narrow bigotry of the Mahometan, who feels contaminated +if a Christian shares his dinner, and who will not give his vile carcass +burial, for fear of pollution. Is our prejudice against persons of color +more rational or more just? The plain fact is, our prejudice has the +same foundation as that of the Mahometan--both are grounded in pride and +selfishness. A law has lately passed in Turkey, imposing a fine upon +whoever shall call a Christian a dog. _Let us try to keep pace with the +Turks in candor and benevolence._--[Massachusetts Journal and Tribune.] + + + + +SECTION X. + +THE AMERICAN COLONIZATION SOCIETY DECEIVES AND MISLEADS THE NATION. + + +It is now about fifteen years since the American Colonization Society +sprang into existence--a space of time amply sufficient to test its +ability. In its behalf the pulpit and the press (two formidable engines) +have been exerted to an extraordinary degree; statesmen, and orators, +and judges, and lawyers, and philanthropists, have eloquently advocated +its claims to public patronage. During this protracted period, and with +such powerful auxiliaries, a careless observer might naturally suppose +that much must have been accomplished towards abolishing slavery. But +what is the fact? Less than one hundred and fifty souls have been +removed annually to Africa--in all, about two thousand souls in fifteen +years!!--a drop from the Atlantic ocean--a grain of earth from the +American continent! In the mean time, the increase of the slaves has +amounted to upwards of _half a million_! and every week more than _one +thousand_ new-born victims are added to their number. Before a vessel, +with one hundred and fifty passengers, can go to and return from Africa, +more than ten thousand slave infants will have been added to our +population: while she is preparing to depart, or waiting for a fair +wind, the increase will freight her many times. + +The following eloquent and comprehensive Circular (published last year +in London by Capt. Charles Stuart, in consequence of the visit of +Elliott Cresson, an agent who was sent out to dupe the philanthropists +of England) exhibits the inefficiency and criminality of the Society in +a striking light: + + 'AMERICAN COLONIZATION SOCIETY. LIBERIA.--This Society was + formed in the United States, in 1817. + + Its Thirteenth Annual Report has just reached this country. + + Its object, as expressed by itself, (see the Thirteenth Report, + page 41, app. 9, art. 2,) "Is to promote and execute a plan for + colonizing the free people of color, residing in 'the United + States' in Africa, or such other place as Congress shall deem + most expedient." + + The facts of the case are these: + + 1. That the United States have about 2,000,000 enslaved blacks. + 2. That they have about 500,000 free blacks. + 3. That both these classes are rapidly increasing. + 4. That both are exceedingly depressed and degraded. + + The duty of the United States to them, is the same exactly as we + owe to our colored fellow-subjects in our slave colonies, viz. + to obey God, by letting them go free, by placing them beneath + wise and equitable laws, and by loving them all, and treating + them like brethren; that is to say, the unquestionable duty of + the people of the United States is to emancipate their 2,000,000 + slaves, and to raise the 500,000 free colored people to that + estimation in their native country which is due to them. + + But the American Colonization Society deliberately rejects both + of these first great duties, and confines itself to the + colonization in Africa of the free colored people. They say, in + page 5, of their Thirteenth Report, "To abolition she could not + look--and need not look." It "could do nothing in the slave + States for the cause of humanity;" and in page 8, "Emancipation, + with the liberty to remain on this side of the Atlantic, is but + an act of dreamy madness." + + Now in thus deliberately letting the great crime of negro + slavery alone; and in thus substituting a little restricted act + of very dubious benevolence to a few, for the great and sacred + duty of right which they owe to all,--they hurt the great cause + of everlasting truth and love, in the following particulars: + + 1. By offering to the nation a hope, at which many of their best + men seem eagerly grasping, of getting rid of the colored people + abroad--they conduce more and more, as this hope prevails, to + keep out of mind the superior, unalterable, and immediate duty + of righting them at home. + + 2. By removing whatever number it be, from their native country, + the number which remains must be diminished,--and the more the + number which remains is diminished, the more helpless will they + become--the less will be the hope of their ever recovering their + own liberty--and the more and longer will they be trampled upon. + + 3. The more the people of the United States (and this is equally + true of Great Britain) substitute a _half-way_ duty, difficult, + expensive, and partial as it must be, and criminal as it + unquestionably is--for the _whole_ duty which they owe their + negro fellow-subjects, of putting them, before the law, upon a + par with themselves--the less will they be likely to feel their + sin in continuing to wrong them; and the less they feel their + sin, the less likely will they be to repent of it, and to do + their duty. + + 4. The greater the number of slaves transported, the greater + will be the value of the labor of those who remain; the more + valuable their labor is, the greater will be the temptation to + over-labor them, and the more, of course, they will be + oppressed. + + 5. The American Colonization Society directly supports the false + and cruel idea that the native country of the colored people of + the United States, is not their native country, and that they + never can be happy until they either exile themselves, or are + exiled; and thus powerfully conduces to extinguish in them all + those delightful hopes, and to prevent all that glorious + exertion, which would make them a blessing to their country. In + this particular, the American Colonization Society takes up a + falsehood, as cruel to the colored people, as it is disgraceful + to themselves; dwells upon it, as if it were an irrefragable + truth; urges it, as such, upon others; and thus endeavors with + all its force, to make _that practically true_, which is one of + the greatest stains in the American character; which is one of + the greatest scourges that could possibly afflict the free + colored people; and which, in itself, is essentially and + unalterably false. For be the pertinacity of prejudice what it + may, in asserting that the blacks of America never can be + amalgamated in all respects, in equal brotherhood with the + whites, it will not the less remain an everlasting truth, that + the wickedness which produced and perpetuates the assertion, is + the only ground of the difficulty, and that all that is + requisite to remove the whole evil, is the relenting in love of + the proud and cruel spirit which produced it. Could the American + Colonization Society succeed in establishing their views on this + subject, as being really true of the people of the United + States, it would only prove that the people of the United States + were past repentance; that they were given over, through their + obstinacy in sin, finally to believe a lie; to harden + themselves, and to perish in their iniquity. But they have not + succeeded in establishing this fearful fact against themselves; + and as long as they continue capable of repentance, it _never_ + can be true, that the proud and baneful prejudices which now so + cruelly alienate them from their colored brethren, may not, will + not, must not, yield to the sword of the Spirit, to the Word of + God, to the blessed weapons of truth and love. + + The American Colonization Society is beautiful and beneficial as + far as it supports the cause commenced at Sierra Leone, by + introducing into Africa, civilization, commerce, and genuine + Christianity--by checking the African slave trade--and by + serving in love the emigrants who choose to pass to Liberia. + + But it powerfully tends to veil the existing and outrageous + atrocity of negro slavery; and it corroborates against the + people of color, whether enslaved or free, one of the most base, + groundless, and cruel prejudices, that has ever disgraced the + powerful, or afflicted the weak. + + The following calculations may throw further light upon the + subject. + + The United States have about 2,000,000 slaves, and about 500,000 + free colored people. + + The American Colonization Society has existed for thirteen + years, and has exported yearly, upon an average, about 150 + persons. + + Meanwhile the natural yearly increase has been 56,000 souls; and + nearly a million have died in slavery!! + + But it may be said, this is only the beginning--more may be + expected hereafter.--Let us see. + + The average price of transporting each individual is calculated + at 30 dollars: suppose it to be reduced to 20, and then, as + 56,000 must be exported yearly, in order merely to prevent + increase, 1,120,000 dollars would be yearly requisite simply for + transportation. Where is this vast sum to come from? Or suppose + it supplied, still, in the mass of crime and wretchedness, as it + now exists, there would be _no decrease_! Two millions of human + beings every 30 years would still be _born_ and _die_ in + slavery!! + + But perhaps you wish to extinguish the crime in thirty years. + + Then you must begin by transporting at least 100,000 yearly. In + order to do this, you must have an annual income of upwards of + 2,000,000 dollars; and if you have not only to transport, but + also to purchase, you would probably want yearly, _twenty + millions_ more!! + + Where are you to get this?-- + + Or suppose it got, and still one generation would perish in + their wretchedness; 2,000,000 of immortal souls--plundered by + you of the most sacred rights of human nature; of rights _always + the same_, and everlastingly _inalienable_, however + plundered--would have perished _unredressed_, and gone to + confront you at the bar of God. + + And will He not make inquisition for blood? And what will it + avail you to say, "Oh, we satisfied ourselves, and traversed + land and sea, and spent thousands to satisfy others, that if we + transported a few hundreds or thousands of our oppressed + fellow-subjects to a distant country, yearly, with care, we + might guiltlessly leave the remaining hundreds of thousands, or + the millions, in slavery, and harmlessly indulge the invincible + repugnance which we felt to a colored skin. We really thought it + better, to exile our colored brethren from their native country, + or to render their lives in it, intolerable by scorn, should + they obstinately persist in remaining in it;--we really thought + this better, than humbling ourselves before our brother and our + God, and returning to both with repenting and undissembling + love." + + Is not such language similar to the swearer's prayer!! + + Great Britain and the United States, the two most favored, and + the two most guilty nations upon earth, both need rebuke. They + ought to be brethren, mutually dear and honorable to each other, + in all that is true and kind. But never, never, let them support + one another in guilt. + + People of Great Britain, it is your business--it is _your + duty_,--to give to negro slavery no rest, but to put it + down--not by letting the trunk alone, while you idly busy + yourselves in lopping off, or in aiding others to lop off, a few + of the straggling branches--but by laying the axe at once to + its roots, and by putting your united nerve into the steel, till + this great poison-tree of lust and blood, and of all abominable + and heartless iniquity, fall before you; and law, and love, and + God and man, shout victory over its ruin. + + Hearken--thus saith the Lord, "Rob not the poor, because he is + poor; neither oppress the afflicted in the gate. For the Lord + will plead their cause, and spoil the soul of those that spoiled + them." Prov. xxii. 22, 23. + + LONDON, July 15, 1831. C. STUART.'[Y] + +Sometimes the Society professes to be able to remove the whole colored +population in less than thirty years! and the belief is prevalent that +the project is feasible. Again it tells us-- + + 'Admitting that the colonization scheme contemplates the + ultimate abolition of slavery, yet that result could only be + produced _by the gradual and slow operation of_ CENTURIES.' * * + 'How came we by this population? By the prevalence for a century + of a guilty commerce. And will not the prevalence _for a + century_ of a restoring commerce, place them on their own + shores? Yes, surely!' * * 'There are those, Sir, who ask--and + could not a quarter century cease and determine the two great + evils? You and I, my dear Sir, on whom the frost of time has + fallen rather perceptibly, would say a century. And now, let me + ask, could ever a century, in the whole course of human affairs, + be better employed?'--[African Repository, vol. i. pp. 217, 347; + vol. v. p. 366.] + + + 'It is not the work of a day nor a year, it is not a work of one + time, nor of two, nor of three, but it is one which will now + commence, _and may continue for ages_.'--[A new and interesting + View of Slavery. By Humanitas, a colonization advocate. + Baltimore, 1820.] + +Wild enthusiasts in the cause may respond--'The Society never expected +to accomplish much single-handed: it is about to enlist the energies of +the General Government--and doubtless Congress will appropriate several +millions of dollars annually for the purchase and colonization of the +slaves.' + +But are they sure, or is it probable, that Congress will make this +appropriation? And if it should, what can they do without the consent of +the people of color to remove? That consent can never be obtained. Is +it, then, proposed to buy the slaves of their masters, as if the claim +of property were valid? It were better that the money should rust at the +bottom of the deep!--better to buy bank-notes, and convert them to +ashes! To purchase slaves would only serve to make brisk the +slave-market. Their value would immediately rise in all the slave +States; especially in Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Kentucky, and North +Carolina, where they are now comparatively worthless--_and there would +be an end to voluntary emancipation_: for who would sacrifice his +'property,' when he might obtain an equivalent for it? Slave traders and +slave owners would be zealous to prevent any lack of miserable objects +for the bounty offered by government: if the natural increase were not +sufficient, they would be careful to make the importation from Africa +exceed the exportation to that ill-fated continent. Such a purchase +would be directly patronising the slave trade, at home and abroad, and +bribing masters to keep their slaves for the highest bidder. Besides, it +would be a gross violation of the great fundamental principle, that 'man +cannot hold property in man.' + +I know it is easy to make calculations. I know it is an old maxim, that +'figures cannot lie:' and I very well know, too, that our philanthropic +arithmeticians are prodigiously fond of FIGURING, but of doing nothing +else. Give them a slate and pencil, and in fifteen minutes they will +clear the continent of every black skin; and, if desired, throw in the +Indians to boot. While they depopulate America, they find not the least +difficulty in providing for the wants of the emigrating myriads to the +coast of Africa: we have ships enough, and, notwithstanding the hardness +of the times, money enough. O, the surpassing utility of the arithmetic! +it is more potent than the stone of the philosopher, which, _when +discovered_, is to transmute, at a touch, base metal into pure gold! + +In one breath, colonization orators tell us that the free blacks are +pests in the community; that they are an intemperate, ignorant, lazy, +thievish class; that their condition is worse than that of the slaves; +and that no efforts to improve them in this country can be successful, +owing to the prejudices of society. In the next breath we are told what +mighty works these miserable outcasts are to achieve--that they are the +missionaries of salvation,[Z] who are to illumine all Africa--that they +will build up a second American republic--and that our conceptions +cannot grasp the result of their labors. Now I, for one, have no faith +in this instantaneous metamorphosis.[AA] I believe that neither a sea +voyage nor an African climate has any miraculous influence upon the +brain. I believe that ignorant and depraved black men, who are +transported across the ocean, will be ignorant and depraved black men on +reaching the coast of Africa. I believe, also, that they who are capable +of doing well, surrounded by barbarians, may do better among a civilized +and christian people. + +It is stated in a Circular put forth by the Society last year, that +'from the _actual experience_ of the Society, it has been found that +$20, _or less_, will defray the whole expense of transporting an +individual to the Colony.' This is a very deceptive statement. The +receipts of the Society from 1820 to 1830, amounted to $112,841 89; the +expenses during the same period were $106,457 72; balance on hand, +$6,384 17. Nineteen expeditions had been fitted out, and 1,857 +emigrants,[AB] _including re-captured Africans_, landing on the shores +of Africa--averaging annually, for the ten years, about 186 persons, or +since the organization of the Society, about 124 persons. 'The +emigrants,' the Board of Managers inform us, in a recent address to +Auxiliary Societies, 'for the last three years, average about 227, while +the expenses, _exclusive of transportation, and temporary subsistence of +the new colonists_, exceed TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS'!! In the very last +number of the African Repository, (for April, 1832,) the Vice-Agent at +Liberia, A. D. Williams, writes to the Rev. R. R. Gurley as follows:--'I +think the price, say $35, fixed by the Board for the transportation of +each emigrant, _is entirely too low_: it should be at least $40, if not +$45.' Why, then, does the Society attempt to impose upon public +credulity, by stating that only $20 are requisite for every individual +transportation, when the actual cost has been more than thrice, and is +likely to be more than double that amount?[AC] + +The Society has succeeded in making the people believe that the +establishment of a colony or colonies on the coast of Africa is the only +way to abolish the foreign slave trade: on this account it has secured +an extensive patronage. Here is another fatal delusion. I shall show not +only that it has not injured this trade in the least, but that the trade +_continues to increase in activity and cruelty_. Let us look at its own +admissions. + + 'We regret to say, that the slave trade appears to be carried on + to a great extent, and with circumstances of the most revolting + cruelty.' * * * 'The French slave trade, notwithstanding the + efforts of the government, appears to be undiminished. The + number of Spanish vessels employed in the trade is immense, and + as the treaty between England and Spain only permits the seizure + of vessels having slaves actually on board, many of these watch + their opportunity on the coast, run in, and receive all their + slaves on board in a single day.' * * 'By an official document + from Rio de Janeiro, it appears that the following importations + of slaves were made into that port in 1826 and 1827. + + '1826, landed alive, 35,966 ... died on the passage 1,905 + '1827, landed alive, 41,384 ... died on the passage 1,643 + + 'Thus it would seem, (says the Boston Gazette,) that to only one + port in the Brazils, and in the course of two years, + _seventy-seven thousand three hundred and fifty_ human beings + were transported from their own country, and placed in a state + of slavery.'--[African Repository, vol. i. v. pp. 179, 181.] + + + 'It is not by legal arguments, or penal statutes, or armed + ships, that the slave trade can be prevented. Almost every power + in Christendom has denounced it. It has been declared felony--it + has been declared piracy; and the fleets of Britain and America + have been commissioned to drive it from the ocean. Still, in + defiance of all this array of legislation and of armament, slave + ships ride triumphant on the ocean; and in these floating + caverns, less terrible only than the caverns which demons + occupy, from sixty to eighty thousand wretches, received + pinioned from the coast of Africa, are borne annually away to + slavery or death. Of these wretches a frightful number are, with + an audacity that amazes, landed and disposed of within the + jurisdiction of this republic.'--[Idem, vol. v. 274.] + + + 'Notwithstanding all the efforts that have been made to suppress + the slave trade, by means of solemn treaties and laws declaring + it to be piracy; and notwithstanding the attempts to + exterminate it by the naval forces of the United States and + Great Britain, the inhuman traffic is still pursued to as great + an extent as at any former period, and with greater cruelty than + ever.'--[African Repository, vol. vi. p. 345.] + + + 'The slave trade, which many suppose has been every where + abolished for years, there is reason to believe is still carried + on to almost as great an extent as ever. It has been recently + stated in the papers, that an association of merchants at Nantz, + in France, had undertaken to supply the island of Cuba with + thirty thousand fresh negro slaves annually! And in Brazil, it + is well known, that for several years past, the importations + have even exceeded this number.'--[Idem, vol. vii. p. 248.] + + + 'Africa, for three long centuries, has been ravaged by the slave + trade. Notwithstanding all that has been done to suppress that + traffic, notwithstanding its formal abolition by all civilized + nations, it is carried on at the present hour, _with all its + atrocities unmitigated_. The flags of France, Portugal, Brazil, + and Spain, with the connivance of those governments, afford to + the slave trader, in spite of laws and treaties and armed + cruisers, a partial protection, of which he avails himself to + the utmost. And with what cruelty he carries on his war against + human nature, every year affords us illustrations sufficiently + horrible.'--[Christian Spectator for September, 1830.] + + + 'This horrible traffic, notwithstanding its abolition by every + civilized nation in the world, except Portugal and Brazil, and + notwithstanding the decided measures of the British and American + governments, is still carried on to almost as great an extent as + ever. Not less than 60,000 slaves, according to the most + moderate computation, are carried from Africa annually. This + trade is carried on by Americans to the American states. And the + cruelties of this trade, which always surpassed the powers of + the human mind to conceive, _are greater now than they ever were + before_. We might, but we will not, refer to stories, recent + stories, of which the very recital would be torment.'--[Seventh + Annual Report.] + + + 'Notwithstanding the vigilance of the powers now engaged to + suppress the slave trade, I have received information, that in a + single year, in the single island of Cuba, slaves equal in + amount to one half of the above number of fifty-two thousand + have been illicitly introduced.' * * 'Mr Mercer submitted the + following preamble and resolutions:--Whereas, to the affliction + of the Christian world, the African slave trade, notwithstanding + all the efforts, past and present, for its suppression, still + exists and is conducted _with aggravated cruelty_, by the + resources of one continent, to the dishonor of another, and to + an extent little short of the desolation of a third,' + &c.--[Tenth Annual Report.] + + + 'It is painful to state, that the Managers have reason to + believe that the slave trade is still prosecuted, to a great + extent, and with circumstances of undiminished atrocity. The + fact, that much was done by Mr Ashmun to banish it from the + territory, under the colonial jurisdiction, is unquestionable; + but, _it now exists, even on this territory_; and a little to + the north and south of Liberia, it is seen in its true + characters--of fraud, rapine, and blood! In the opinion of the + late Agent, the present efforts to suppress this trade must + prove abortive.'--[Thirteenth Annual Report.] + + + 'Some appalling facts in regard to the slave trade have come to + the knowledge of the Board of Managers during the last year. + _With undiminished atrocity and activity_ is this odious traffic + now carried on _all along the African coast_. Slave factories + are established _in the immediate vicinity of the Colony_, and + at the Gallinas (between Liberia and Sierra Leone) not less than + nine hundred slaves were shipped during the last summer, in the + space of three weeks.'--[Fourteenth Annual Report, 1831.] + + + 'In defiance of all laws enacted, it is estimated that no less + than _fifty thousand_ Africans were, during the last year, + (1831,) carried into foreign slavery. During the months of + February and March of the same year, two thousand were landed + on the island of Cuba.'--[Circular published by the + Massachusetts Colonization Society for 1832.] + +Here, then, is the acknowledgment of the Society, that it has +accomplished _nothing_ toward the suppression of the slave trade in +fifteen years! Nor has the settlement at Sierra Leone effected aught in +thirty years! Nor have the untiring labors of Wilberforce and Clarkson, +for a longer period, produced any visible effect! The accursed traffic +still continues to increase--and why? Simply _because the market for +slaves is not destroyed_. Break up this market, and you annihilate the +slave trade. Keep it open, and you may line the shores of Africa and +America with naval ships and armed troops, and the trade will continue. +No proposition in Euclid is plainer. So long as there is a brisk market +for goods, that market will be supplied. The assertion has been made in +Congress by Mr Mercer of Virginia, (one of the Vice-Presidents of the +Society,) that these horrible cargoes are smuggled into our southern +states to a deplorable extent. In 1819, Mr Middleton, of South Carolina, +declared it to be his belief 'that 13,000 Africans were annually +smuggled into our southern states.' Mr Wright of Virginia estimated the +number at 15,000!!!--[_Vide_ Seventh Annual Report--app.]--This number +is seven times as great as that which the Colonization Society has +transported in fifteen years![AD] By letting the system of slavery +alone, then, and striving to protect it, the Society is encouraging and +perpetuating the foreign slave trade! + +FOOTNOTES: + +[Y] 'We think the annual increase, as computed by Capt. Stuart, too low +by 10 or 15,000. The estimate also of the expense of transportation is +much below the actual cost. Besides, there is no provision made for the +support of these helpless beings after their arrival in Africa, until +they could provide for their own wants. Double the cost of +transportation would be required for their subsistence till they could +maintain themselves, without making any provision for implements of +husbandry, mechanics' tools, &c. &c. without which they would all +perish, even without the help of a pestiferous climate. But yet the +table shows at one view the utter futility of the whole scheme of +African Colonization. Slavery can no more be removed by these means than +the waters of the Mississippi can be exhausted by steam engines. And the +removal of slavery is the great consummation to which all benevolent +efforts for benefitting the African race in this country, should +ultimately tend. All schemes that do not promote this end will prove +futile, and will end in disappointment. The axe must be laid to the root +of the corrupt tree. It is a system that admits of no palliation, no +compromise.'--['Herald of Truth,' Philadelphia.] + +[Z] 'Every emigrant to Africa is a _missionary_ carrying with him +credentials in the holy cause of civilization, religion, and free +institutions'!!--[Speech of H. Clay--Tenth Annual Report.]--Why does not +Mr Clay increase this band of _missionaries_, by sending out some of his +own slaves? Is he consistent? + +[AA] 'As to the morals of the colonists, I consider them _much better +than those of the people of the United States_. That is, you may take an +equal number of inhabitants from any section of the Union, and you will +find more drunkards, more profane swearers and Sabbath breakers, &c., +than in Liberia. Indeed I know of no country where things are conducted +more quietly and orderly than in this colony; you rarely hear an oath, +and as to riots or breaches of the peace, I recollect of but one +instance, and that of a trifling nature, that has come under my notice +since I assumed the government of the colony. The Sabbath is more +strictly observed than I ever saw it in the United States.'--[Letter +from J. Mechlin, Jr. Governor of the Colony of Liberia.] + +'I saw no intemperance, nor did I hear a profane word uttered by any +one.' [Letter of Capt. William Abels.] + +If these statements be a true representation of the moral condition of +the colonists; if 'their morals are much better than those of the people +of the United States;' let us immediately bring back these expatriated +_missionaries_ to civilize and reform ourselves; for, according to our +own confession, we need their instruction and example as much as any +heathen nation. If these 'missionaries,' who, in this country, could +'scarcely be reached in their debasement by the heavenly light;' if +these 'most degraded, most abandoned beings on the earth,' have actually +risen up to this exalted height of intelligence and purity, in so brief +a period after a separation from ourselves, how desperately wicked and +corrupt does the fact make our own conduct appear! + +[AB] Of this number, nearly three-fourths were free persons of color. If +the Society is anxious to emancipate the slaves, why does it not confine +its efforts exclusively to their transportation, seeing so many are +offered for that purpose? Doubtless the reply will be--'O, it is +important, in the incipient state of the colony, to send free persons of +color, because they are more intelligent and virtuous.' Ah! is it so? +What! give the preference to those whom it elsewhere brands as 'more +corrupt, depraved and abandoned than the slaves can be,' and who +'contribute greatly to the _corruption of the slaves_?' 'O!' it may +reply, 'a careful selection is made between the virtuous and +vicious--none are sent whose character is not reputable.' But what is to +become of this choice selection, when it is able (as it hopes to be) to +send off even as many as seventy thousand annually? + +[AC] 'The expense of transporting such persons from the United States to +the coast of Africa, has been variously estimated. By those who compute +it at the lowest rate, the mere expense of this transportation has been +estimated at $20 per head. In this estimate, however, is not +comprehended the expense of transporting the persons destined for +Africa, to the port of their departure from the United States, or the +necessary expense of sustaining them, either there or in Africa, for a +reasonable time after their first arrival. All these expenses combined, +the Committee think they estimate very low, when they compute the amount +at $100 per head. It has been estimated by some at double this amount; +and if past experience may be relied upon as proving any thing, the +official documents formerly furnished to the Senate by the Department of +the Navy, show that the expenses attending the transportation of the few +captured slaves who have been returned to Africa by the United States, +at the expense of this government, _far exceeds even the largest +estimate_. But taking the expense to be only what the Committee have +estimated it: Then the sum requisite to transport the whole number of +the free colored population of the United States, would exceed +twenty-eight millions of dollars; and the expense of transporting a +number, equal only to the mere annual increase of this population, would +exceed seven hundred thousand dollars per annum. Sums which would impose +upon the people of this country, an additional burthen of taxation, +greater than this Committee believe they could easily bear; and much +greater than ought to be imposed upon them for any such purpose.' * * +'The annual increase of the slave population, at present, is at least +57,000. Now allow the same sum per head for the transportation of these +persons, that has been estimated for the transportation in the other +similar case; and the sum requisite to defray the expense of the +transportation of all the slaves in the United States, would be one +hundred and ninety millions of dollars; and that requisite to defray the +expense of the transportation of a number only equal to their mere +annual increase, would be five millions seven hundred thousand dollars +per annum. But to either of these sums must be added the reasonable +equivalent, or necessary aid, to be paid by the United States to humane +individuals, in order to induce them voluntarily to part with their +property. The Committee have no 'data' by which they can measure what +this might be. But any sum, however small, will make so great an +augmentation of the amount, as almost to baffle calculation, and to +exhibit this project at once, as one exceeding, very far, indeed, any +revenue which the United States could ever draw from their citizens, +even if the object was to increase and multiply, instead of reducing the +numbers of the class of productive labor.'--[Mr Tazewell's Report--U. S. +Senate, 1828.] + +[AD] The following amusing anecdote is a capital illustration of the +folly of those colonizationists, who are endeavoring to suppress the +rising tide of our colored population by extracting a few drops annually +with their 'mop and pattens.' Dame Partington is clearly outdone by +them, in regard to pertinacity of purpose and feebleness of execution. +Rev. Sidney Smith, in his speech at the Taunton meeting, (England,) +said: + +'The attempt of the House of Lords to stop the progress of Reform, +reminded him of the conduct of the excellent Mrs. Partington, during the +great storm at Sidmouth, in 1824. The tide rose to an incredible height; +the waves rushed in upon the houses, and every thing was threatened with +destruction. In the midst of the fearful commotion of the elements, Dame +Partington, who lived upon the sea beach, was seen at the door of her +house, with mop and pattens, trundling her mop and sweeping out the sea +water, and vigorously pushing back the Atlantic. The Atlantic was +roused, and so was Mrs. Partington; but the contest was unequal. The +Atlantic beat Mrs. Partington. She was excellent at a slop or a puddle, +but she could do nothing with a tempest.' + + +END OF PART I. + + + + +THOUGHTS ON AFRICAN COLONIZATION. + +PART II. + + + + +SENTIMENTS OF THE PEOPLE OF COLOR. + + +If the American Colonization Society were indeed actuated by the purest +motives and the best feelings toward the objects of its supervision; if +it were not based upon injustice, fraud, persecution and incorrigible +prejudice; still if its purposes be contrary to the wishes and injurious +to the interests of the free people of color, it ought not to receive +the countenance of the public. Even the trees of the forest are keenly +susceptible to every touch of violence, and seem to deprecate +transplantation to a foreign soil. Even birds and animals pine in exile +from their native haunts; their local attachments are wonderful; they +migrate only to return again at the earliest opportunity. Perhaps there +is not a living thing, from the hugest animal down to the minutest +animalcule, whose pleasant associations are not circumscribed, or that +has not some favorite retreats. This universal preference, this love of +_home_, seems to be the element of being,--a constitutional attribute +given by the all-wise Creator to bind each separate tribe or community +within intelligent and well-defined limits: for, in its absence, order +would be banished from the world, collision between the countless +orders of creation would be perpetual, and violence would depopulate the +world with more than pestilential rapidity. + +Shall it be said that beings endowed with high intellectual powers, +sustaining the most important relations, created for social enjoyments, +and made but a little lower than the angels--shall it be said that their +local attachments are less tenacious than those of trees, and birds, and +beasts, and insects? I know that the blacks are classed, by some, who +scarcely give any evidence of their own humanity but their shape, among +the brute creation: but are they _below_ the brutes? or are they more +insensible to rude assaults than forest-trees? + +'Men,' says an erratic but powerful writer[AE]--'men are like trees: +they delight in a rude [and native] soil--they strike their roots +downward with a perpetual effort, and heave their proud branches upward +in perpetual strife. Are they to be removed?--you must tear up the very +earth with their roots, rock and ore and impurity, or they perish. They +cannot be translated with safety. Something of their home--a little of +their native soil, must cling to them forever, or they die.' + +This love of home, of neighborhood, of country, is inherent in the human +breast. It accompanies the child from its earliest reminiscence up to +old age: it is written upon every tangible and permanent object within +the habitual cognizance of the eye--upon stone, and tree, and +rivulet--upon the green hill, and the verdant plain, and the opulent +valley--upon house, and garden, and steeple-spire--upon the soil, +whether it be rough or smooth, sandy or hard, barren or luxuriant. + + 'Like ivy, where it grows, 'tis seen + To wear an everlasting green.' + +The man who does not cherish it is regarded as destitute of sensibility; +and to him is applied by common consent the burning rebuke of Sir Walter +Scott: + + 'Breathes there the man, with soul so dead, + Who never to himself hath said, + This is my own, my native land! + Whose heart hath ne'er within him burned, + As home his footsteps he hath turned, + From wandering on a foreign strand! + If such there breathe, go, mark him well; + For him no Minstrel raptures swell; + High though his titles, proud his name, + Boundless his wealth as wish can claim; + Despite those titles, power, and pelf, + The wretch, concentred all in self, + Living, shall forfeit fair renown, + And, doubly dying, shall go down + To the vile dust, from whence he sprung, + Unwept, unhonored, and unsung.' + +Whose bosom does not thrill with pleasurable emotion whenever he listens +to that truest, sweetest, tenderest effusion,--'Home, sweet home?' + + ''Mid pleasures and palaces though we may roam, + Be it ever so humble, there's no place like home; + A charm from the skies seems to hallow us there, + Which, seek thro' the world, is ne'er met with elsewhere. + Home--home! + Sweet, sweet home! + _There's no place like home!_ + + 'An exile from home, splendor dazzles in vain-- + O give me my lowly thatched cottage again; + The birds singing gaily that came at my call-- + Give me them, with the peace of mind dearer than all! + Home--home! + Sweet, sweet home! + _There's no place like home!_' + +No one will understand me to maintain that population should never be +thinned by foreign emigration; but only that such an emigration is +unnatural. The great mass of a neighborhood or country must necessarily +be stable: only fractions are cast off and float away on the tide of +adventure. Individual enterprise or estrangement is one thing: the +translation of an entire people to an unknown clime, another. The former +may be moved by a single impulse--by a love of novelty, or a desire of +gain, or a hope of preferment: he leaves no perceptible void in +society. The latter can never be expatriated but by some extraordinary +calamity, or by the application of intolerable restraints. They must +first be rendered broken-hearted or loaded with chains--hope must not +merely sicken but die--cord after cord must be sundered--ere they will +seek another home. Our pilgrim-fathers were driven out from the mother +country by ecclesiastical domination: to worship God according to the +dictates of their own consciences, was the only cause of their exile. +Had they been permitted to enjoy this sacred right,--no matter how great +were their temporal privations, or their hopes of physical +enjoyments,--they would not have perilled their lives on the stormy +deep, to obtain an asylum in this western hemisphere. + +It may be said, in reply to the foregoing remarks upon the love of home +and of country, that the people of color cannot cherish this abhorrence +of migration, because here they have no 'continuing city,' and are not +recognised as fellow-countrymen. In PART I., I have shown, by copious +extracts, that colonizationists artfully represent them as aliens and +foreigners, wanderers from Africa--destitute of that _amor patriæ_, +which is the bond of union--seditious--without +alliances--irresponsible--unambitious--cherishing no attachment to the +soil--feeling no interest in our national prosperity--ready for any +adventure--eager to absent themselves from the land--malignant in their +feelings towards society--incapable of local preference--content to +remain in ignorance and degradation--&c. &c. &c. + +Every such representation is a libel, as I shall show in subsequent +pages. The language of the people of color is,--'This is our country: +here were we born--here will we live and die--we know of no other place +that we can call our true and appropriate home--here are our earliest +and most pleasant associations--we are freemen, we are brethren, we are +countrymen and fellow-citizens--we are not for insurrection, but for +peace and equality.' This is not the language of sedition or alienated +affection. Their _amor patriæ_ is robust and deathless: like the oak, +tempests do but strengthen its roots and confer victory upon it. Even +the soil on which the unhappy slave toils and bleeds, is to him +consecrated earth. + +African colonization is directly and irreconcileably opposed to the +wishes of our colored population as a body. Their desires ought to be +tenderly regarded. In all my intercourse with them in various towns and +cities, I have never seen one of their number who was friendly to this +scheme--and I have not been backward in canvassing their opinions on +this subject. They are as unanimously opposed to a removal to Africa, as +the Cherokees from the council-fires and graves of their fathers. It is +remarkable, too, that they are as united in their respect and esteem for +the republic of Hayti. But _this is their country_--they are resolute +against every migratory plot, and willing to rely on the justice of the +nation for an ultimate restoration to all their lost rights and +privileges. What is the fact? Through the instrumentality of BENJAMIN +LUNDY,[AF] the distinguished and veteran champion of emancipation, a +great highway has been opened to the Haytien republic, over which our +colored population may travel _toll free_, and at the end of their brief +journey be the free occupants of the soil, and meet such a reception as +was never yet given to any sojourners in any country, since the +departure of Israel into Egypt. One would think, that, with such +inducements and under such circumstances, this broad thoroughfare would +present a most animating spectacle; that the bustle and roar of a +journeying multitude would fall upon the ear like the strife of the +ocean, or the distant thunder of the retiring storm; and that the song +of the oppressor and the oppressed, a song of deliverance to each, would +go up to heaven, till its echoes were seemingly the responses of angels +and justified spirits. But it is not so. Only here and there a traveller +is seen to enter upon the road--there is no noise of preparation or +departure; but a silence, deeper than the breathlessness of midnight, +rests upon our land--not a shout of joy is heard throughout our +borders! + +How shall we account for this amazing apathy but on the ground that our +colored population are unwilling to leave their native homes, no matter +how strong soever are the inducements held out to them abroad? + +If it be said that they are not compelled to emigrate against their +wishes--I answer, it is true that direct _physical force_ is not +applied; but why are they induced to remove? Is it because they +instinctively prefer Africa to their native country? Do they actually +_court_ the perils of the sea,--the hostilities of a savage tribe,--the +sickening influences of an African climate? Or are they not peremptorily +assured that they never can, _and never shall_, enjoy their rights and +privileges at home--and thus absolutely compelled to leave all that is +dear behind, and to seek a shelter in a strange land--a land of darkness +and cruelty, of barbarism and wo? + +The free people of color, and even the slaves, have on numerous +occasions given ocular demonstration of their attachment to this +country. Large numbers of them were distinguished for their patient +endurance, their ardent devotion, and their valorous conduct during our +revolutionary struggle. In the last war, they signalized themselves in a +manner which extorted the applause even of their calumniators--of many +who are doubtless at the present day representing them as seditious and +inimical to the prosperity of the country. I have before me a +Proclamation in the French language, issued by General Andrew Jackson, +of which the following is a translation: + + 'PROCLAMATION TO THE FREE PEOPLE OF COLOR. + + 'Soldiers!--When on the banks of the Mobile, I called you to + take up arms, inviting you to partake the perils and glory of + your white fellow citizens, _I expected much from you_; for I + was not ignorant that you possessed qualities most formidable to + an invading enemy. I knew with what fortitude you could endure + hunger and thirst, and all the fatigues of a campaign. _I knew + well how you loved your_ NATIVE _country_, and that you had, as + well as ourselves, to defend what man holds most dear--his + parents, relations, wife, children and property. YOU HAVE DONE + MORE THAN I EXPECTED. In addition to the previous qualities I + before knew you to possess, I found, moreover, among you _a + noble enthusiasm_ which leads to the performance of great + things. + + 'Soldiers!--The President of the United States shall hear how + praiseworthy was your conduct in the hour of danger, and the + Representatives of the American people will, I doubt not, give + you the praise your exploits entitle you to. _Your General + anticipates them in applauding your noble ardor._ + + 'The enemy approaches; his vessels cover our lakes; our brave + citizens are united, and all contention has ceased among them. + Their only dispute is, who shall win the prize of valor, or who + the most glory, its noblest reward. + + 'By order. + + 'THOMAS BUTLER, _Aid de Camp_.' + +In commenting upon the above Proclamation, an intelligent writer in the +New-Orleans 'LIBERALIST' of March 15, 1830, very expressively +remarks:--'Those who served in the memorable campaign of 1814 will know +if the hero of the west was guilty of exaggeration. Just as fatal as was +every glance of his keen eye to the English lines, so is every word of +this Proclamation a killing thunderbolt to the detractors of this +portion of our fellow beings, now so inhumanly persecuted.' Yes--when +peril rears its crest, and invasion threatens our shores, then prejudice +is forgotten and the tongue of detraction is still--then the people of +color are no longer brutes or a race between men and monkeys, no longer +turbulent or useless, no longer aliens and wanderers from Africa--but +they are complimented as intelligent, patriotic citizens from whom much +is expected, and who have property, home and country at stake! Ay, and +richly do they merit this compliment. + +A respectable colored gentleman in the city of New-York, referring to +this famous Proclamation, makes the following brief comment: 'When we +could be of any use to the army, we possessed all the cardinal virtues; +but now that time has passed, we forsooth are the most miserable, +worthless beings the Lord in his wise judgment ever sent to curse the +rulers of this troublesome world! I feel an anathema rising from my +heart, but I have suppressed it.' + +How black is the ingratitude, how pitiful the hypocrisy, manifested in +our conduct as a people, toward our colored population! Every cheek +should wear the blush of shame--every head be bowed in self-abasement! + +From the organization of the American Colonization Society, down to the +present time, the free people of color have publicly and repeatedly +expressed their opposition to it. They indignantly reject every overture +for their expatriation. It has been industriously circulated by the +advocates of colonization, that I have caused this hostility to the +African scheme in the bosoms of the blacks; and that, until the +Liberator was established, they were friendly to it. This story is +founded upon sheer ignorance. It is my solemn conviction that I have not +proselyted a dozen individuals; for the very conclusive reason that no +conversions were necessary. Their sentiments were familiar to me long +before they knew my own. My opponents abundantly overrate my influence, +in acknowledging that I have overthrown, in a single year, the +concentrated energies of the mightiest men in the land, and the +perpetual labors of fifteen years. They shall not make me vain. Such a +concession affords substantial evidence of perverted strength and +misapplied exertion. + +If the people of color were instantly to signify their willingness to +emigrate, my hostility to the American Colonization Society would +scarcely abate one jot: for their assent could never justify the +principles and doctrines propagated by the Society. Those principles and +doctrines have been shown, I trust, to be corrupt, selfish, +proscriptive, opposed to the genius of republicanism and to the spirit +of christianity. + +The first public demonstration of hostility to the colonization scheme +was made in 1817, by the free colored inhabitants of Richmond, Virginia. +The proceedings of their meeting, copies of which were printed for +distribution, I have accidentally mislaid. To the sentiments of the +people of color, as expressed in the following pages, I cannot too +earnestly solicit the serious attention of every good man and true +philanthropist. After such an exhibition, persistance in expelling this +portion of our population from our shores must be productive of +aggravated guilt and the most dreadful collisions. + + +A VOICE PROM PHILADELPHIA. + + PHILADELPHIA, January, 1817. + +At a numerous meeting of the people of color, convened at Bethel church, +to take into consideration the propriety of remonstrating against the +contemplated measure, that is to exile us from the land of our nativity; +James Forten was called to the chair, and Russell Parrott appointed +secretary. The intent of the meeting having been stated by the chairman, +the following resolutions were adopted, without one dissenting voice. + +Whereas our ancestors (not of choice) were the first successful +cultivators of the wilds of America, we their descendants feel ourselves +entitled to participate in the blessings of her luxuriant soil, which +their blood and sweat manured; and that any measure or system of +measures, having a tendency to banish us from her bosom, would not only +be cruel, but in direct violation of those principles, which have been +the boast of this republic. + +Resolved, That we view with deep abhorrence the unmerited stigma +attempted to be cast upon the reputation of the free people of color, by +the promoters of this measure, 'that they are a dangerous and useless +part of the community,' when in the state of disfranchisement in which +they live, in the hour of danger they ceased to remember their wrongs, +and rallied around the standard of their country. + +Resolved, That we never will separate ourselves voluntarily from the +slave population in this country; they are our brethren by the ties of +consanguinity, of suffering, and of wrong; and we feel that there is +more virtue in suffering privations with them, than fancied advantages +for a season. + +Resolved, That without arts, without science, without a proper knowledge +of government, to cast into the savage wilds of Africa the free people +of color, seems to us the circuitous route through which they must +return to perpetual bondage. + +Resolved, That having the strongest confidence in the justice of God, +and philanthropy of the free states, we cheerfully submit our destinies +to the guidance of Him who suffers not a sparrow to fall, without his +special providence. + +Resolved, That a committee of eleven persons be appointed to open a +correspondence with the honorable Joseph Hopkinson, member of Congress +from this city, and likewise to inform him of the sentiments of this +meeting, and that the following named persons constitute the committee, +and that they have power to call a general meeting, when they in their +judgment may deem it proper. + +Rev. Absalom Jones, Rev. Richard Allen, James Forten, Robert Douglass, +Francis Perkins, Rev. John Gloucester, Robert Gorden, James Johnson, +Quamoney Clarkson, John Summersett, Randall Shepherd. + + JAMES FORTEN, Chairman. + +RUSSELL PARROTT, Secretary. + + +At a numerous meeting of the free people of color of the city and county +of Philadelphia, held in pursuance of public notice, at the school house +in Green's court, on the evening of August 10th, for the purpose of +taking into consideration the plan of colonizing the free people of +color of the United States, on the coast of Africa, James Forten was +appointed chairman, and Russell Parrott, secretary. + +Resolved unanimously, That the following address, signed on behalf of +the meeting, by the Chairman and Secretary, be published and circulated. + + _To the humane and benevolent Inhabitants of the city and county + of Philadelphia._ + +The free people of color, assembled together, under circumstances of +deep interest to their happiness and welfare, humbly and respectfully +lay before you this expression of their feelings and apprehensions. + +Relieved from the miseries of slavery, many of us by your aid, +possessing the benefits which industry and integrity in this prosperous +country assure to all its inhabitants, enjoying the rich blessings of +religion, by opportunities of worshipping the only true God, under the +light of Christianity, each of us according to his understanding; and +having afforded to us and to our children the means of education and +improvement; we have no wish to separate from our present homes, for any +purpose whatever. Contented with our present situation and condition, we +are not desirous of increasing their prosperity but by honest efforts, +and by the use of those opportunities for their improvement, which the +constitution and laws allow to all. It is therefore with painful +solicitude, and sorrowing regret, we have seen a plan for colonizing the +free people of color of the United States on the coast of Africa, +brought forward under the auspices and sanction of gentlemen whose names +give value to all they recommend, and who certainly are among the +wisest, the best, and the most benevolent of men, in this great nation. + +If the plan of colonizing is intended for our benefit; and those who now +promote it, will never seek our injury; we humbly and respectfully urge, +that it is not asked for by us; nor will it be required by any +circumstances, in our present or future condition; as long as we shall +be permitted to share the protection of the excellent laws and just +government which we now enjoy, in common with every individual of the +community. + +We, therefore, a portion of those who are the objects of this plan, and +among those whose happiness, with that of others of our color, it is +intended to promote; with humble and grateful acknowledgments to those +who have devised it, renounce and disclaim every connexion with it; and +respectfully but firmly declare our determination not to participate in +any part of it. + +If this plan of colonization now proposed, is intended to provide a +refuge and a dwelling for a portion of our brethren, who are now held in +slavery in the south, we have other and stronger objections to it, and +we entreat your consideration of them. + +The ultimate and final abolition of slavery in the United States, by the +operation of various causes, is, under the guidance and protection of a +just God, progressing. Every year witnesses the release of numbers of +the victims of oppression, and affords new and safe assurances that the +freedom of all will be in the end accomplished. As they are thus by +degrees relieved from bondage, our brothers have opportunities for +instruction and improvement; and thus they become in some measure fitted +for their liberty. Every year, many of us have restored to us by the +gradual, but certain march of the cause of abolition--parents, from whom +we have been long separated--wives and children whom we had left in +servitude--and brothers, in blood as well as in early sufferings, from +whom we had been long parted. + +But if the emancipation of our kindred shall, when the plan of +colonization shall go into effect, be attended with transportation to a +distant land, and shall be granted on no other condition; the +consolation for our past sufferings and of those of our color who are in +slavery, which have hitherto been, and under the present situation of +things would continue to be, afforded to us and to them, will cease for +ever. The cords, which now connect them with us, will be stretched by +the distance to which their ends will be carried, until they break; and +all the sources of happiness, which affection and connexion and blood +bestow, will be ours and theirs no more. + +Nor do we view the colonization of those who may become emancipated by +its operation among our southern brethren, as capable of producing their +happiness. Unprepared by education, and a knowledge of the truths of our +blessed religion, for their new situation, those who will thus become +colonists will themselves be surrounded by every suffering which can +afflict the members of the human family. + +Without arts, without habits of industry, and unaccustomed to provide by +their own exertions and foresight for their wants, the colony will soon +become the abode of every vice, and the home of every misery. Soon will +the light of Christianity, which now dawns among that portion of our +species, be shut out by the clouds of ignorance, and their day of life +be closed, without the illuminations of the gospel. + +To those of our brothers, who shall be left behind, there will be +assured perpetual slavery and augmented sufferings. Diminished in +numbers, the slave population of the southern states, which by its +magnitude alarms its proprietors, will be easily secured. Those among +their bondmen, who feel that they should be free, by rights which all +mankind have from God and from nature, and who thus may become dangerous +to the quiet of their masters, will be sent to the colony; and the tame +and submissive will be retained, and subjected to increased rigor. Year +after year will witness these means to assure safety and submission +among their slaves, and the southern masters will colonize only those +whom it may be dangerous to keep among them. The bondage of a large +portion of our brothers will thus be rendered perpetual. + +Should the anticipations of misery and want among the colonists, which +with great deference we have submitted to your better judgment, be +realized; to emancipate and transport to Africa will be held forth by +slaveholders as the worst and heaviest of punishments; and they will be +threatened and successfully used to enforce increased submission to +their wishes, and subjection to their commands. + +Nor ought the sufferings and sorrows, which must be produced by an +exercise of the right to transport and colonize such only of their +slaves as may be selected by the slaveholders, escape the attention and +consideration of those whom with all humility we now address. Parents +will be torn from their children--husbands from their wives--brothers +from brothers--and all the heart-rending agonies which were endured by +our forefathers when they were dragged into bondage from Africa, will be +again renewed, and with increased anguish. The shores of America will, +like the sands of Africa, be watered by the tears of those who will be +left behind. Those who shall be carried away will roam childless, +widowed, and alone, over the burning plains of Guinea. + +Disclaiming, as we emphatically do, a wish or desire to interpose our +opinions and feelings between all plans of colonization, and the +judgment of those whose wisdom as far exceeds ours as their situations +are exalted above ours; _we humbly_, respectfully, and fervently +intreat and beseech your disapprobation of the plan of colonization now +offered by 'the American Society for colonizing the free people of color +of the United States.'--Here, in the city of Philadelphia, where the +voice of the suffering sons of Africa was first heard; where was first +commenced the work of abolition, on which heaven has smiled, for it +could have had success only from the Great Maker; let not a purpose be +assisted which will stay the cause of the entire abolition of slavery in +the United States, and which may defeat it altogether; which proffers to +those who do not ask for them what it calls benefits, but which they +consider injuries; and which must insure to the multitudes whose prayers +can only reach you through us, MISERY, _sufferings, and perpetual +slavery_. + + JAMES FORTEN, Chairman. + +RUSSELL PARROTT, Secretary. + + +A VOICE FROM NEW-YORK. + + NEW-YORK, January, 1831. + +At a public meeting of the colored citizens of New-York, held at Boyer +Lodge Room, on Tuesday evening, the 25th ult. Mr Samuel Ennals was +called to the chair, and Mr Philip Bell appointed secretary. The +chairman stated that the object of the meeting was to take into +consideration the proceedings of an association, under the title of the +'New-York Colonization Society.' An address to the 'Citizens of +New-York' relative to that Society, was read from the Commercial +Advertiser of the 8th ult.; whereupon the following resolutions were +unanimously adopted. + +Whereas a number of gentlemen in this city, of mistaken views with +respect to the wishes and welfare of the people of this state, on the +subject of African colonization, and in pursuance of such mistaken views +are using every exertion to form 'African Colonization Societies;' and +whereas a public document, purporting to be an address to the people of +the 'city of New-York' on this subject, contains opinions and assertions +regarding the people of color as unfounded as they are unjust and +derogatory to them--Therefore + +Resolved, That this meeting do most solemnly protest against the said +address, as containing sentiments with respect to the people of color, +unjust, illiberal and unfounded; tending to excite the prejudice of the +community. + +Resolved, That in our opinion the sentiments put forth in the +resolution at the formation of the 'Colonization Society of the city of +New-York,' are such as to impress this community with the belief that +the colored population are a growing evil, immoral, and destitute of +religious principles. + +Resolved, That we view the resolution calling on the worshippers of +Christ to assist in the unholy crusade against the colored population of +this country, as totally at variance with true Christian principles. + +Resolved, That we claim _this country, the place of our birth, and not +Africa_, as our mother country, and all attempts to send us to Africa we +consider as gratuitous and uncalled for. + +Resolved, That a committee of three persons be appointed to draft an +address to the people of New-York, and to be published, together with +these resolutions, and the same be signed by the Chairman and Secretary. + + SAMUEL ENNALS, Chairman. + +PHILIP BELL, Secretary. + + +_An Address to the Citizens of New-York._ + +In protesting against the sentiments and declarations to our prejudice +with which the above noticed 'address' and 'resolutions' abound, we are +well aware of the power and influence we have attempted to resist. The +gentlemen named as officers of the 'Colonization Society' are men of +high standing, their dictum is law in morals with our community; but we +who feel the effect of their proscription, indulge the hope of an +impartial hearing. + +We believe many of those gentlemen are our friends, and we hope they all +mean well; we care not how many Colonization Societies they form to send +slaves from the south to a place where they may enjoy freedom; and if +they can 'drain the ocean with a bucket,' may send '_with their own +consent_,' the increasing free colored population: but we solemnly +protest against that Christian philanthropy which in acknowledging our +wrongs commits a greater by vilifying us. The conscientious man would +not kill the animal, but cried 'mad dog,' and the rabble despatched him. +These gentlemen acknowledge the anomaly of those political ethics which +make a distinction between man and man, when their foundation is, 'that +all men are born equal,' and possess in common 'unalienable rights;' and +to justify the withholding of these 'rights' would proclaim to +foreigners that we are 'a distinct and inferior race,' without religion +or morals, and implying that our condition cannot be improved here +because there exists an unconquerable prejudice in the whites towards +us. We absolutely deny these positions, and we call upon the learned +author of the 'address' for the indications of distinction between us +and other men. There are different _colors_ among all species of +animated creation. A difference of color is not a difference of species. +Our structure and organization are the same, and not distinct from other +men; and in what respects are we inferior? Our political condition we +admit renders us less respectable, but does it prove us an inferior part +of the human family? Inferior indeed we are as to the means which we +possess of becoming wealthy and learned men; and it would argue well for +the cause of justice, humanity and true religion, if the reverend +gentlemen whose names are found at the bottom of President Duer's +address, instead of showing their benevolence by laboring to move us +some four thousand miles off, were to engage actively in the furtherance +of plans for the improvement of our moral and political condition in the +country of our birth. It is too late now to brand with inferiority any +one of the races of mankind. We ask for proof. Time was when it was +thought impossible to civilize the red man. Yet our own country presents +a practical refutation of the vain assertion in the flourishing +condition of the Cherokees, among whom intelligence and refinement are +seen in somewhat fairer proportions than are exhibited by some of their +white neighbors. In the language of a writer of expanded views and truly +noble sentiments, 'the blacks must be regarded as the real authors of +most of the arts and sciences which give the whites at present the +advantage over them. While Greece and Rome were yet barbarous, we find +the light of learning and improvement emanating from this, by +supposition, degraded and accursed continent of Africa, out of the midst +of this very woolly-haired, flat-nosed, thick lipped, and coal black +race, which some persons are tempted to station at a pretty low +intermediate point between men and monkeys.'[AG] It is needless to dwell +on this topic; and we say with the same writer, the blacks had a long +and glorious day: and after what they have been and done, it argues not +so much a mistaken theory, as sheer ignorance of the most notorious +historical facts, to pretend that they are naturally inferior to the +whites. + +We earnestly desire that this address may not be misunderstood. We have +no objection in the abstract to the Colonization Society; but we do +protest against the means which that Society uses to effect its +purposes. It is evident, to any impartial observer, that the natural +tendency of all their speeches, reports, sermons, &c. is to widen the +breach between us and the whites, and give to prejudice a tenfold +vigor. It has produced a mistaken sentiment toward us. Africa is +considered the home of those who have never seen its shores. The poor +ignorant slave, who, in all probability, has never heard the name of +Christ, by the colonization process is suddenly transformed into a +'missionary,' to instruct in the principles of Christianity and the arts +of civilized life. The Friends have been the last to aid the system +pursued by the Society's advocates. And we say (for we feel it) that in +proportion as they become colonizationists, they become less active and +less friendly to our welfare as citizens of the United States. + +There does exist in the United States a prejudice against us; but is it +unconquerable? Is it not in the power of these gentlemen to subdue it? +If their object is to benefit us, why not better our condition here? +What keeps us down but the want of wealth? Why do we not accumulate +wealth? Simply because we are not encouraged. If we wish to give our +boys a classical education, they are refused admission into your +colleges. If we consume our means in giving them a mercantile education, +you will not employ them as clerks; if they are taught navigation, you +will not employ them as captains. If we make them mechanics, you will +not encourage them, nor will white mechanics work in the same shop with +them. And with all these disabilities, like a mill-stone about us, +because we cannot point to our statesmen, bankers and lawyers, we are +called an inferior race. Look at the glaring injustice towards us. (A +foreigner, before he knows one of our streets from another, mounts a +cart under the license of another man, or is a public porter, a +lamp-lighter, a watchman, &c.) + +These gentlemen know but little of a large portion of the colored +population of this city. Their opinions are formed from the unfortunate +portion of our people whose characters are scrutinized by them as judges +of courts. Their patrician principles prevent an intercourse with men in +the middle walks of life, among whom a large portion of our people may +be classed. We ask them to visit the dwellings of the respectable part +of our people, and we are satisfied that they will discover more +civilization and refinement than will be found among the same number of +white families of an equal standing. + +Finally, we hope that those who have so eloquently pleaded the cause of +the Indian, will at least endeavor to preserve consistency in their +conduct. They put no faith in Georgia, although she declares that the +Indians shall not be removed but '_with their own consent_.' Can they +blame us if we attach the same credit to the declaration that they mean +to colonize us 'only with our consent?' They cannot indeed use force; +that is out of the question. But they harp so much on 'inferiority,' +'prejudice,' 'distinction,' and what not, that there will no alternative +be left us but to fall in with their plans. We are content to abide +where we are. We do not believe that things will always continue the +same. The time must come when the declaration of independence will be +felt in the heart as well as uttered from the mouth, and when the rights +of all shall be properly acknowledged and appreciated. God hasten that +time. This is our home, and this our country. Beneath its sod lie the +bones of our fathers: for it some of them fought, bled, and died. Here +we were born, and here we will die. + + +A VOICE FROM BOSTON. + + BOSTON, March 12, 1831. + +Pursuant to public notice, a meeting was held by the colored citizens of +Boston, February 15th, at their school-house, for the purpose of +expressing their sentiments in a remonstrance against the doings of the +State Colonization Society, Feb. 10th. It was called to order by Mr J. +G. Barbadoes. Mr Robert Roberts was elected chairman, and Mr James G. +Barbadoes secretary. A prayer was then offered up to the throne of +grace, by the Rev. Mr Snowden. The chairman having explained the object +of the meeting, sundry resolutions were offered by Mr Barbadoes, and +fairly discussed. On motion, a committee of five was chosen to amend the +resolutions, and to draft an address to certain white citizens who had +formed a State Society auxiliary to the American Colonization Society, +and to the enlightened public. John T. Hilton, James G. Barbadoes, Rev. +Hosea Easton, Thomas Dalton and Thomas Cole were placed on the +committee. + + +The committee, to whom was referred the subject of an attempt, by +certain white citizens, to establish in this State a Society auxiliary +to the American Colonization Society, whose supposed object was the +removal of the free colored population to western Africa, have with +diligence sought for and obtained every fact within their reach, +relative to what was enjoined upon them by the respectable body by whom +they were delegated; and now respectfully + +REPORT: + +That they have attended to the duty with which they were charged, with +all the wisdom, prudence and fidelity which they possessed, and which +the merits of the case required. They therefore submit to the +consideration of the meeting their several conclusions on the subject. + +The duty of your committee seemed to be divided into three general +inquiries:--1st. To ascertain whether the Society above named was truly +established in this metropolis. 2d. By whom it was established, and for +what purpose. 3d. If established for the purpose entertained by the free +colored population, what method should be adopted in regard to +expressing their disapprobation thereto. + +As to the first inquiry, your committee can state, that every doubt is +now removed respecting the formation of such a Society, the proceedings +of the meeting being published, together with the names of the officers. + +On the second inquiry, your committee refer you to the 2d Article of the +Constitution of said Society, (published in the Boston Courier of Feb. +16, 1831,) which reads thus: + + 'The object to which this Society shall be exclusively devoted, + shall be to aid the parent institution at Washington, in the + colonization of the free people of color of the United States on + the coast of Africa; and to do this not only by the contribution + of money, but by the exertion of its influence to promote the + formation of other societies.' + +We deem any explanation here unnecessary. + +In regard to the third and most essential inquiry, your committee +report, that they know of no better way of expressing their +disapprobation of such measures, than to use every exertion to persuade +their brethren not to leave the United States upon any consideration +whatever; but if there are or should be any exasperated in consequence +of abuse from their white countrymen, and who are determined to leave +the country, we think it desirable to recommend them to Hayti or Upper +Canada, where they will find the laws equal. Your committee deem it +expedient also to urge this duty upon the several ministers of color +throughout the United States, and all other persons of color whose +influence may have any bearing in preventing their brethren from +yielding to a request so unjust and cruel. + +And if your respectable body should not think your committee were going +beyond the bounds of their duty, they would recommend the clerical order +throughout the United States, who have had or who are having any thing +to do with the deceptive scheme above alluded to, to read the 13th +chapter of Ezekiel. Read it--read it--and understand it. Your committee +would recommend those clergymen, who have not defiled their garment with +the blood of the innocent, to read the 1st, 2nd, 11th and 12th verses of +the 24th chapter of Proverbs. + +In support of the sentiments thus expressed, it becomes necessary that +our reasons should accompany them, why we object to the plan of dragging +us to Africa--a country to us unknown, except by geography. In the first +place, we are told that Africa is our native country; consequently the +climate will be more congenial to our health. We readily deny the +assertion. How can a man be born in two countries at the same time? Is +not the position superficial to suppose that American born citizens are +Africans? In regard to the climate, what better proof do we want of its +salubrity, than to know that of the numerous bodies who have embarked, a +large portion of them have immediately fallen victims, on their arrival, +to the pestilence usual to that place? + +It is again said, that the establishment of a colony on the coast of +Africa will prevent the slave trade. We might as well argue, that a +watchman in the city of Boston would prevent thievery in New-York, or +any other place; or that the custom-house officers there would prevent +goods being smuggled into any other port of the United States. + +We are aware, that such an unnecessary expense devoted to the +application of a remedy so far from the disease, is absolutely contrary +to common sense. We are sensible that the moral disease, _slavery_, is +in America, and not in Africa. If there was no market for the vending of +slaves, there would be no inducement for the thief to steal them. The +remedy for this evil, we humbly conceive, consists of three general +prescriptions, viz. 1st. Let him who stealeth obey the word of God, and +steal no more. 2d. Let him who hath encouraged the thief by purchase, +(and consequently is a partaker with him,) do so no more. 3rd. Let the +clerical physicians, who have encouraged, and are encouraging, both the +thief and the receiver, by urging their influence to the removal of the +means of their detection, desist therefrom, and with their mighty weight +of influence step into the scale of justice: then will be done away this +horrible traffic in blood. + +From the above considerations, we sincerely recommend to our white +countrymen honor and humanity, which will render useless the +transportation of the colored population to the coast of Africa, it +being altogether gratuitous and uncalled for. + +We proceed to offer several objections to the operation alluded to--one +is, the circumstance of the project originating with those who were +deeply interested in slavery, and who hold slaves as their property. We +consider the fact no evidence of the innocence of its design. We further +object, because its members admit slavery to be an evil, and use no +means to destroy it; but are exerting all their influence to urge every +free person of color to Africa, (whose right to this soil holds good +with any other citizen,) thereby rivetting the chains of slavery +stronger than ever upon their oppressed brethren. + +Again we object, because the whole spring of action seems to originate +in the fear lest the free colored people may whisper liberty in the ears +of the oppressed. We would suggest, however, that they who are fond of +liberty should not be annoyed at its sound, from whatever source it may +come. + +Again we object, on the ground of there being sufficient land in the +United States, on which a colony might be established that would better +meet the wishes of the colored people, and at a much cheaper rate than +could possibly be done by sending them to a howling wilderness far away, +and to them unknown. + +One of the leaders of the newly formed Society argued that in case a +colony was formed for the blacks in the United States, they would in a +short time be removed, as has been the case with the poor Indians. To +obviate this objection, we here inform him that Hayti will hold all the +slaves he will send her; and as for the free people, we expect they can +go where they please, either to Africa, Hayti or Upper Canada, or remain +at home, without asking the consent of a slaveholding party. Nor can we +conceive why free citizens, acting this liberty, should interfere with +them, if they are--as they have represented themselves to be--honest and +benevolent men. We conceive that the question in view stands in two +distinct points--the removal of the free colored population from this +country, or the acknowledgment of them as citizens. The former position +must be acknowledged, on all sides, a means of perpetuating slavery in +our land; the latter, of abolishing it; consequently it may be seen who +are for the well-being of their country. + +We regret that our interest has thus drawn us before the public, on +account of the regard we entertain towards many of our warmest friends +who have been deceived by a cloak of philanthropy, smooth words, and a +sanctified appearance. We remind them, however, that the blood of Abel +is beginning to be heard by many who are willing to acknowledge that +they hear it. + +We cannot close our duty without gratefully acknowledging the respect we +entertain for those who have defended our cause with more than Spartan +courage. It is the opinion of your committee, that they are to be +respected as our countrymen, our brethren, and our fellow citizens--not +to say they are to be applauded as men, whose great acts are based upon +the acclamation of their fellow men; but rather let us hold up their +hands, and let their works praise them. We shall only add an expression +of our hopes, that the Spirit of Liberty, recently awakened in the old +world, may redouble its thundering voice, until every tyrant is seized +with a Belshazzar tremble at the hand-writing upon the wall of his +corrupt palace. + +In addition to the above, your committee submit the following +resolutions for your acceptance. + +Resolved, That this meeting contemplate, with lively interest, the rapid +progress of the sentiments of liberty among our degraded brethren, and +that we will legally oppose every operation that may have a tendency to +perpetuate our present political condition. + +Resolved, That this meeting look upon the American Colonization Society +as a clamorous, abusive and peace-disturbing combination. + +Resolved, That this meeting look upon the conduct of those clergymen, +who have filled the ears of their respective congregations with the +absurd idea of the necessity of removing the free colored people from +the United States, as highly deserving the just reprehension directed to +the false prophets and priests, by Jeremiah the true prophet, as +recorded in the 23d chapter of his prophecy. + +Resolved, That this meeting appeal to a generous and enlightened public +for an impartial hearing relative to the subject of our present +political condition. + +Resolved, That the gratitude of this meeting, which is so sensibly felt, +be fully expressed to those editors whose independence of mind and +correct views of the rights of man have led them so fearlessly to speak +in favor of our cause; that we rejoice to behold in them such a strong +desire to extend towards us the inestimable blessing in the gift of a +wise Providence which is demanded by all nature, and for which their +veteran fathers struggled in the revolution. + + ROBERT ROBERTS, Chairman. + +JAMES G. BARBADOES, Secretary. + + +A VOICE FROM BALTIMORE. + + BALTIMORE, March 21, 1831. + +At a respectable meeting of persons of color, convened, pursuant to +public notice, for the purpose of expressing their sentiments in regard +to the pretensions of the American Colonization Society, William +Douglass was called to the chair, and William Watkins appointed +secretary. The object of the call having been explicitly stated, the +meeting immediately proceeded to the consideration of the following +resolutions, which were unanimously adopted:--On motion, + +Resolved, That it is the belief of this meeting, that the American +Colonization Society is founded more in a selfish policy, than in the +true principles of benevolence;--and, therefore, so far as it regards +the life-giving spring of its operations, is not entitled to our +confidence, but should be viewed by us with all that caution and +distrust which our happiness demands. + +Resolved, That we are not insensible to the means usually employed by +that Society, and its auxiliaries, to effectuate our removal--that we +sincerely deprecate their gratuitous and illiberal attacks upon, and +their too frequently exaggerated statements of our moral standing in the +community--that such means are unworthy of a magnanimous people, and of +a virtuous and noble cause. + +Resolved, That we consider the land in which we were born, and in which +we have been bred, our only '_true and appropriate home_,'--and that +when _we_ desire to remove, we will apprise the public of the same, in +due season. + +Resolved, That we are deeply sensible that many of our warm and sincere +friends have espoused the colonization system, from the purest +motives,--and that we sincerely regret their efforts to ameliorate our +condition are not more in accordance with our wishes. + +Resolved, That the proceedings of this meeting be published in the daily +papers of this city, signed by the Chairman and Secretary. + + WILLIAM DOUGLASS, Chairman. + +WILLIAM WATKINS, Secretary. + + +A VOICE FROM WASHINGTON. + + WASHINGTON, May 4, 1831. + +Pursuant to previous notice, a large and very respectable meeting of the +colored citizens of Washington, D. C., convened at the African Methodist +Episcopal church on Wednesday evening last, for the purpose of +expressing their views upon the subject of African colonization. Mr John +W. Prout was called to the chair, and Arthur Waring was appointed +secretary. + +The chairman briefly explained the object of the meeting, in a short +speech well adapted to the occasion, which was followed by several neat +and very appropriate addresses delivered by sundry gentlemen present. + +The following preamble and resolutions were offered and adopted, nearly +unanimously. + +Whereas we consider that the period has arrived for the colored citizens +of this place to express their opinion upon the subject of colonization +in Liberia; a subject of great importance to themselves, as well as to +the colored citizens of the United States generally; and whereas our +brethren at a distance are desirous of obtaining information relative to +the object and policy pursued by the American Colonization Society: +Therefore, be it + +Resolved, That this meeting view with distrust the efforts made by the +Colonization Society to cause the free people of color of these United +States to emigrate to Liberia on the coast of Africa, or elsewhere. + +Resolved, That it is the declared opinion of the members of this +meeting, that the soil which gave them birth is their only _true and +veritable home_, and that it would be impolitic, unwise and improper for +them to leave their home without the benefits of education. + +Resolved, That this meeting conceive that among the advocates of the +colonization system, they have many true and sincere friends; and do +regret that their actions, although prompted no doubt by the purest +motives, do not meet our approbation. + +Resolved, That we believe the PRESS to be the most efficient means of +disseminating light and knowledge among our brethren; and that this +meeting do acknowledge with gratitude the efforts made in our behalf, by +the editors of the Genius of Universal Emancipation, and the +Liberator;--and do most earnestly recommend their respective papers to +our brethren generally, for their approval and support. + +Resolved, That the foregoing resolutions be signed by the Chairman and +Secretary, and published. + + JOHN W. PROUT, Chairman. + +ARTHUR WARING, Secretary. + + +A VOICE FROM BROOKLYN. + + BROOKLYN, (N. Y.) June 3, 1831. + +At a numerous and respectable meeting of the colored inhabitants of the +village and township of Brooklyn, convened in the African Hall, +Nassau-street, for the purpose of taking into consideration our views in +relation to the Colonization Society-- + +The throne of grace was addressed by the Rev. Mr Hogarth, after which +Henry C. Thompson was called to the chair, and George Hogarth appointed +secretary. + +Appropriate addresses were delivered by Messrs George Hogarth, James +Pennington, and George Woods. The following resolutions were then +adopted:-- + +Resolved, unanimously, That the call of this meeting be approved of; and +that the colored citizens of this village have, with friendly feelings, +taken into consideration the objects of the American Colonization +Society, together with all its auxiliary movements, preparatory for our +removal to the coast of Africa; and we view them as wholly gratuitous, +not called for by us, and not essential to the real welfare of our race: +That we know of no other country in which we can justly claim or demand +our rights as citizens, whether civil or political, but in these United +States of America, our native soil: And, that we shall be active in our +endeavors to convince the members of the Colonization Society, and the +public generally, that we are _men_, that we are _brethren_, that we are +_countrymen_ and _fellow-citizens_, and demand an equal share of +protection from our federal government with any other class of citizens +in the community. + +It was also Resolved, That the following persons, viz.: James +Pennington, Henry C. Thompson, and George Woods, be appointed a +committee to draft an address to the public, expressing our views more +fully in relation to the Colonization Society; and that a delegate be +appointed to proceed to the city of Philadelphia, to represent us in the +ensuing convention, (which will commence its sitting the 6th inst.) to +co-operate with the measures that may then be adopted for the general +welfare of our race. + + HENRY C. THOMPSON, Chairman. + +GEORGE HOGARTH, Secretary. + + +_Address to the Colored Citizens of Brooklyn, (N. Y.) and its Vicinity._ + +Respected brethren, and fellow-citizens:--As men and as christians, +whose secular and eternal interests are the same, we are seriously +called upon by truth and reason, and every thing of which human action +is composed, to take into consideration the objects of the American +Colonization Society; which aims to remove us, the free people of color, +from this, our beloved and native land, to the coast of Africa; a +country unknown to us in every respect. + +As they propose to remove us with our own free will and consent, we do +not contradict the assertion, that their objects, in the abstract, are +salutary and benevolent; but when we hear those influential gentlemen, +who are advocating this cause, generalize by language directly +calculated to increase that prejudice, which is already one grand reason +of our wretchedness, we are moved by a spirit of reliance upon justice +and humanity, to lift our positive and decided voice against their +proceedings; and consider them as a stigma upon our morals as a people, +as natives and citizens of this country, to whom equal rights are +guaranteed by the Declaration of Independence. + +When we consider that by abridging men in their moral liberty, we touch +their responsibility to the highest authority in the universe, we should +shudder at the thought of retaining such feelings as would lead to any +irreligious or impolitic acts; nor should we be willing to yield one +particle of ours to others, unless it be on the ground of expediency, +and in some way conducive to the glory of God. + +We are sorry to say that those gentlemen have injured their cause, and +perhaps caused much good to be evil spoken of, by making use of improper +language, in their discussions upon our character and condition in this +country; without using one effort to improve or prepare us for the posts +of honor and distinction which they hold forth to us, whenever we set +foot on this much talked of, and long expected promised land. We would +ask the Colonization Society, what are they doing at home to improve our +condition? It is a true proverb, that 'charity begins at home.' How can +they extend their charities with christian sympathies and feeling some +thousand miles across the Atlantic ocean, when they are not willing, +with a few exceptions, to give us even a christian instruction while +among them? To prove the assertion, we would inquire, how many of our +sable brethren have been elevated to any post of distinction in this +country? Even in states, where our numbers have almost doubled, have we +seen one statesman, one officer, or one juror? No! in our village and +its vicinity, how many of us have been educated in colleges, and +advanced into different branches of business; or taken into mercantile +houses, manufacturing establishments, &c.? Are we not even prohibited +from some of the common labor and drudgery of the streets, such as +cartmen, porters, &c.? It is a strange theory to us, how these gentlemen +can promise to honor and respect us in Africa, when they are using every +effort to exclude us from all rights and privileges at home. + +They say, 'that those of our friends, who look for the day when we shall +have equal rights in this country, are mistaken.' May we not accept it +as an assurance, that they will do all they can to prevent us from +arriving to any degree of respectability at home, in our own land? Away +then with such false sympathies and friendships! they are as foreign to +us as the coast of Africa! + +We truly believe, that many gentlemen who are engaged in the +Colonization Society are our sincere friends and well-wishers; they +wish to do something for us, consequently they have subscribed largely +to it, because there was no other plan on foot. Some of them have been +deluded into its schemes, with a view of thoroughly civilizing and +christianizing Africa, by our free people of color and emancipated +slaves, who may, from time to time, be colonized on its coasts, with +their consent. We conceive that such measures are fraught with +inconsistency, and in no way calculated to have such an effect. To send +a parcel of uninstructed, uncivilized, and unchristianized people, to +the western coast of Africa, with bibles in their hands to teach the +natives the truths of the gospel, social happiness, and moral virtue, is +mockery and ridicule in the extreme. + +Missionary families should be well instructed in the rudiments of our +holy religion, that their example may shine forth as lights in that much +neglected and benighted land. We are much in favor of christianizing +Africa; but not according to the plans of the Colonization Society, to +purchase their lands of them, with a few paltry guns, beads, &c., and +then establish forts and garrisons, to protect traders and traffickers, +without, perhaps, once naming the religion of Jesus to them. We well +know that the examples of traders and traffickers are in no way +calculated to induce heathens to embrace our religion. For example, we +will refer to the early settlements of our American colonies, and +inquire what religious impressions did the settlers make (who were wise +and learned from Europe) upon the aborigines of our country? We believe +that a few men, well instructed and possessing a true missionary spirit, +are calculated to do more good in that country, than a thousand on the +colonization plan. + +Many wish us to go to Africa, because they say that our constitutions +are better adapted to that climate than this. If so, we would ask why so +many of our hearty, hale and healthy brethren, on arriving in that +country, fall victims to the malignant fevers and disorders, prevalent +in those regions? We would observe, that none are exempt from being +touched with the contagion. It operates more severely upon those from +the higher latitudes. + +Some of our brethren have come to the conclusion to leave this country, +with all its prejudices, and seek an asylum in foreign climes. We would +recommend to your serious consideration, the location in Upper Canada; a +place far better adapted to our constitutions, our habits, and our +morals; where prejudice has not such an unlimited sway; where you will +be surrounded by Christians, and have an opportunity to become civilized +and christianized. + +Brethren, it is time for us to awake to our interests; for the +Colonization Society is straining every nerve for the accomplishment of +its objects. By their last publications we see, that they have invoked +all Christian assemblies and churches throughout the Union, to exert +their influence, by raising subscriptions to send us (the strangers +within their gates, as they call us) to the coast of Africa. They have +got the consent of eleven states, who have instructed their senators to +do something in the next Congress for our removal. Maryland calls +imperatively on the general government to send us away, or else they +will colonize their own free blacks. They have, by their influence, +stopped the emancipation of slaves in a measure, except for colonization +purposes. + +We owe a tribute of respect to the state of New-York, for her not having +entered into the confederacy. Though she is the last in proclaiming +general emancipation to the slave, yet we find her slow in adopting any +such unchristian measures. We may well say, she is deliberate in her +councils, and determinate in her resolutions. + +Finally, brethren, we are not strangers; neither do we come under the +alien law. Our constitution does not call upon us to become naturalized; +we are already American citizens; our fathers were among the first that +peopled this country; their sweat and their tears have been the means, +in a measure, of raising our country to its present standing. Many of +them fought, and bled, and died for the gaining of her liberties; and +shall we forsake their tombs, and flee to an unknown land? No! let us +remain over them and weep, until the day arrive when Ethiopia shall +stretch forth her hands to God. We were born and nurtured in this +Christian land; and are surrounded by christians, whose sacred creed is, +to do unto all men as ye would they should do unto you--to love our +neighbors as ourselves; and which expressly declares, if we have respect +to persons, we commit sin. Let us, brethren, invoke the christian's God, +in our behalf, to do away the prejudices of our brethren, that they may +adopt the solemn truths of the gospel, and acknowledge that God is no +respecter of persons--that he has made of one blood all the nations that +dwell on the face of the earth--that they may no longer bring their +reasonings in contact with the omniscience of Deity; and insinuate to +the public, that our intellect and faculties are measurably inferior to +those of our fairer brethren. Because adversity has thrown a veil over +us, and we, whom God has created to worship, admire and adore his divine +attributes, shall we be held in a state of wretchedness and degradation, +with monkeys, baboons, slaves, and cattle, because we possess a darker +hue? + +We feel it our duty ever to remain true to the constitution of our +country, and to protect it, as we have always done, from foreign +aggressions. Although more than three hundred thousand of us are +virtually deprived of the rights and immunities of citizens, and more +than two millions held in abject slavery, yet we know that God is just, +and ever true to his purpose. Before him the whole world stands in awe, +and at his command nations must obey. HE who has lately pleaded the +Indian's cause in our land, and who has brought about many signal +events, to the astonishment of our generation, we believe is in the +whirlwind, and will soon bring about the time when the sable sons of +America will join with their fairer brethren, and re-echo liberty and +equal rights in all parts of Columbia's soil. + +We pray the Lord to hasten the day, when prejudice, inferiority, +degradation and oppression shall be done away, and the kingdoms of this +world become the kingdoms of our God and his Christ. + +Signed in behalf of a public meeting in Brooklyn. + + H. C. THOMPSON, Chairman. + +GEORGE HOGARTH, Secretary. + + +A VOICE FROM HARTFORD. + + HARTFORD, Ct., July 14, 1831. + +At a large and respectable meeting of the colored inhabitants of the +city of Hartford and its vicinity, convened at the vestry room of the +African church, on the 13th inst. for the purpose of expressing their +views in relation to the American Colonization Society, Mr Henry Foster +was called to the chair, and Mr Paul Drayton appointed secretary. The +object of the meeting was then stated in a brief and pertinent manner, +after which extracts from several speeches delivered by the founders of +the colonization scheme, together with the general sentiments of +colonizationists extracted from the African Repository, were laid before +the meeting, and the following resolutions were unanimously adopted: + +Resolved, That it is the opinion of this meeting, that the American +Colonization Society is actuated by the same motives which influenced +the mind of Pharaoh, when he ordered the male children of the Israelites +to be destroyed. + +Resolved, That it is the belief of this meeting, that the Society is the +greatest foe to the free colored and slave population with whom liberty +and equality have to contend. + +Resolved, That we look upon the man of color that would be influenced by +the Society to emigrate to Liberia, as an enemy to the cause and a +traitor to his brethren. + +Resolved, That it is the opinion of this meeting, that many of those who +are engaged in this unjust scheme would be willing, if it were, in their +power, to place us before the point of the bayonet, and drive us out of +existence--so that they may get rid of that dark cloud, as we are +termed, which hangs over these United States. + +Resolved, That, in our belief, we have committed no crime worthy of +banishment, and that we will resist all the attempts of the Colonization +Society to banish us from this our native land. + +Resolved, That we consider ourselves the legitimate sons of these United +States, from whence we will never consent to be transported. + +Resolved, That we will resist, even unto death, all the attempts of this +Society to transport us to the pestilential shores of Liberia. + +Resolved, That we will not countenance the doctrine of any pretended +minister of the gospel, who is in league with those conspirators against +our rights. We would, therefore, warn them to beware of following the +footsteps of Balaam, who taught Balak to cast a stumbling block in the +way of the children of Israel; for we verily believe, that if God +almighty have to deliver his people by his mighty arm of power, they +will share the fate of that false prophet. + +Resolved, That, though we be last in calling a meeting, we feel no less +the pernicious influence of this Society than the rest of our brethren; +and that we consider all their pretexts, whether under the cloak of +religion or philanthropy, gratuitous and uncalled for. We would, +therefore, advise the Society, that as we have learned that there are +one hundred and fifty thousand dollars in its funds, it had better +appropriate this sum in meliorating the condition of our brethren the +slaves, in this their native land, and raising them from that +degradation into which they are plunged. + +Resolved, That the thanks of the meeting be returned to Messrs William +Lloyd Garrison, Isaac Knapp, and every friend of emancipation, for their +benevolent exertions in our behalf. + +Resolved, That the proceedings of this meeting be signed by the Chairman +and Secretary, and sent to the Liberator for publication. + + HENRY FOSTER, Chairman. + +PAUL DRAYTON, Secretary. + +A VOICE FROM MIDDLETOWN. + + MIDDLETOWN, Ct., July 15, 1831. + +At a meeting of the colored citizens of Middletown, pursuant to public +notice, held in the Lecture Room in the African church--Mr Joseph +Gilbert was called to the chair, and Amos L. Beman appointed secretary. +The meeting being thus opened, it was warmly and freely addressed by +Messrs Jeffrey, Condoll and Gilbert, when, on motion, it was + +Resolved, That the proceedings of our brethren in Brooklyn, N. Y., meet +our entire approbation: they breathe our sentiments in full, and may our +voices cheerfully accord with them in protesting against leaving this +our native soil. Why should we leave this land, so dearly bought by the +blood, groans and tears of our fathers? Truly this is our home: here let +us live, and here let us die. What! emigrate to Liberia, a land so +detrimental to our health! We have now before us a letter written by a +friend who emigrated from this place to the burning shores of Africa, in +hopes of splendor, wealth and ease; and he says that 'sickness and +distress prevail to a great extent--and it is a clear case that those +who come from the United States must undergo a long and protracted +sickness with this country's fever, and I would not advise my friends to +emigrate.' + + JOSEPH GILBERT, Chairman. + +AMOS G. BEMAN, Secretary + + +A VOICE FROM NEW-HAVEN. + + NEW-HAVEN, August 8, 1831. + +At a meeting of the Peace and Benevolent Society of Afric-Americans, +held on the 7th inst., Mr Henry Berrian was called to the chair, and Mr +Henry N. Merriman was appointed secretary. The following resolutions +were then unanimously adopted. + +Resolved, That we consider those christians and philanthropists, who are +boasting of their liberty and equality, saying, that all men are born +free and equal, and yet are endeavoring to remove us from our native +land, to be inhuman in their proceedings, defective in their principles, +and unworthy of our confidence. + +Resolved, That we consider those colonizationists and ministers of the +gospel, who are advocating our transportation to an unknown clime, +because our skin is a little darker than theirs, (notwithstanding God +has made of one blood all nations of men, and has no respect of +persons,) as violaters of the commandments of God and the laws of the +bible, and as trying to blind our eyes by their vain movements--their +mouths being smooth as oil, and their words sharper than any two-edged +sword. + +Resolved, That, while we have no doubt of the sinister motives of the +great body of colonizationists, we believe some of them are our friends +and well-wishers, who have not looked deeply into the subject; but when +they make a careful examination, we think they will find themselves in +error. + +Resolved, That it is our earnest desire that Africa may speedily become +civilized, and receive religious instruction; but not by the absurd and +invidious plan of the Colonization Society--namely, to send a nation of +ignorant men to teach a nation of ignorant men. We think it most wise +for them to send missionaries. + +Resolved, That we will resist all attempts made for our removal to the +torrid shores of Africa, and will sooner suffer every drop of blood to +be taken from our veins than submit to such unrighteous treatment. + +Resolved, That we know of no other place that we can call our true and +appropriate home, excepting these United States, into which our fathers +were brought, who enriched the country by their toils, and fought, bled +and died in its defence, and left us in its possession--and here we will +live and die. + +Resolved, That we consider the American Colonization Society founded on +principles that no Afric-American, unless very weak in mind, will +follow; and any man who will be persuaded to leave his own country and +go to Africa, as an enemy to his country and a traitor to his brethren. + +Resolved, That we have heard with pleasure of the proceedings of our +brethren in neighboring cities; and that a number of this Society will +willingly become auxiliary to the parent Society of Philadelphia, for +the mutual benefit of the Afric-Americans throughout the United States. + +Resolved, That the proceedings of this meeting be signed by the Chairman +and Secretary, and sent to the Liberator for publication. + + HENRY BERRIAN, Chairman. + +HENRY N. MERRIMAN, Secretary. + + +A VOICE FROM COLUMBIA. + + COLUMBIA, Pa., August 5, 1831. + +At a respectable meeting of Afric-Americans convened pursuant to public +notice, at their school-house, with a view of taking into consideration +the novel scheme of the American Colonization Society, Mr Stephen Smith +was called to the chair, and Mr James Richards appointed secretary. A +prayer was then offered to the throne of grace, by Mr Smith. The +chairman called the house to order, and explained the object of the +meeting in a few preliminary remarks; after which, the meeting proceeded +to business, and adopted the subsequent resolutions. + +Resolved, That we view the country in which we live as our only true and +appropriate home; and let colonizationists pour contempt upon our race, +and slaveholders look on our brethren as a nuisance to the country, yet +here will we live, here were we born, this is the country for which some +of our ancestors fought and bled and conquered, nor shall a conspiring +world be able to drive us hence. + +Resolved, That it is our firm belief, that the Colonization Society is +replete with infinite mischief, and that we view all the arguments of +its advocates as mere sophistry, not worthy our notice as freemen. Being +citizens of these United States, we could call upon our brethren to +awake from their slumber of ignorance, break the chain of prejudice that +has so long bound them, and in the strength of the omnipotent Spirit +give their hearts to God. + +Resolved, That we will resist all attempts to send us to the burning +shores of Africa. Beware of Alexander, the coppersmith, for he hath +done us much harm. May the Lord reward him! We verily believe that if by +an extraordinary perversion of nature, every man and woman, in one +night, should become white, the Colonization Society would fall like +lightning to the earth. + +Resolved, That we will not be duped out of our rights as freemen, by +colonizationists, nor by any other combination of men. All the encomiums +pronounced upon Liberia can never form the least temptation to induce us +to leave our native soil, to emigrate to a strange land. + +Resolved, That we readily coalesce with our brethren in the different +towns and cities, and take the liberty to say, that we as a little flock +feel a fixed resolution to maintain our ground, till the great Author of +our being shall say to those who deprive us of our rights,--Thus saith +the Lord, because ye have not hearkened to me in proclaiming liberty, +every one to his brother, and every man to his neighbor, behold I will +proclaim liberty for you, saith the Lord, to the sword, to the +pestilence, and to the famine. + +Resolved, That it is the decided opinion of this meeting, that African +colonization is a scheme of southern policy, a wicked device of +slaveholders who are desirous of riveting more firmly, and perpetuating +more certainly, the fetters of slavery; who are only anxious to rid +themselves of a population whose presence, influence and example have a +tendency (as they suppose) to produce discontent among the slaves, and +to furnish them with incitements to rebellion. + +Resolved, That this meeting will not encourage a scheme, which has for +its basis prejudice and hatred. Though there may be some good wheat, yet +it is to be feared the enemy has sown tares among it. + +Resolved, That we will support the colony at Canada, the climate being +healthier, better adapted to our constitutions, and far more consonant +with our views than that of Africa. + +Resolved, That we unanimously agree to patronize the Liberator, and use +our best endeavors to get subscribers for the same; and that we are +under renewed obligations to God, that he ever raised up such honest +hearted men as Messrs Garrison and Knapp. + +Resolved, That this meeting cause its proceedings to be sent to the +Liberator for publication; praying that the Lord will succeed all the +lawful efforts of its conductor to meliorate the condition of our +brethren in these United States, trusting his weapons are not carnal, +but mighty through God to pull down the strong holds of the devil. + +Signed by the Chairman and Secretary. + + STEPHEN SMITH, Chairman. + +JAMES RICHARDS, Secretary. + + +A VOICE FROM NANTUCKET. + + NANTUCKET, August 5, 1831. + +At a respectable meeting of the colored inhabitants of the town of +Nantucket, convened for the purpose of taking into consideration our +views in relation to the American Colonization Society, Mr Arthur Cooper +was called to the chair, and Edward J. Pompey appointed secretary. + +Addresses were delivered by Messrs William Harris and Edward J. Pompey, +in which they took a general view of the Colonization Society, of its +leading members, and some of the speeches and remarks made by gentlemen +at the meetings of said Society. The following resolves were then +adopted: + +Resolved, That the call of this meeting be approved of, and that the +colored citizens of this town have with friendly feelings taken into +consideration the objects of the Colonization Society, together with its +movements preparatory for our removal to the coast of Africa; and we +view them as wholly gratuitous, not called for by us, and in no way +essential to the welfare of our race; and we believe that our condition +can be best improved in this our own country and native soil, the United +States of America. + +Resolved, That we hold this truth to be self-evident, that all men are +born free and equal; and we are men, and therefore ought to share as +much protection and enjoy as many privileges under our federal +government as any other class of the community. + +Resolved, That we will be zealous in doing all that lies in our power to +improve the condition of ourselves and brethren in this our native land. + +Resolved, That there is no philanthropy towards the people of color in +the colonization plan, but that it is got up to delude us away from our +country and home into a country of sickness and death. + +Resolved, That the thanks of this meeting be returned to every friend +who vindicates our rights and interests. + +Resolved, That the proceedings of this meeting be signed by the Chairman +and Secretary, and sent to Boston, to be published in the Liberator. + + ARTHUR COOPER, Chairman. + +EDWARD J. POMPEY, Secretary. + + +A VOICE FROM PITTSBURGH. + + PITTSBURGH, (Pa.,) Sept. 1, 1831. + +At a large and respectable meeting of the colored citizens of +Pittsburgh, convened at the African Methodist Episcopal church, for the +purpose of expressing their views in relation to the American +Colonization Society, Mr J. B. Vashon was called to the chair, and Mr R. +Bryan appointed secretary. The object of the meeting was then stated at +considerable length, and in an appropriate manner, by the chairman. The +following resolutions were then unanimously adopted: + +Resolved, That 'we hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men +are created equal, and endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable +rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of +happiness'--Liberty and Equality now, Liberty and Equality forever! + +Resolved, That it is the decided opinion of this meeting, that African +colonization is a scheme to drain the better informed part of the +colored people out of these United States, so that the chain of slavery +may be rivetted more tightly; but we are determined not to be cheated +out of our rights by the colonization men, or any other set of +intriguers. We believe there is no philanthropy in the colonization plan +towards the people of color, but that it is got up to delude us away +from our country and home to the burning shores of Africa. + +Resolved, That we, the colored people of Pittsburgh and citizens of +these United States, view the country in which we live as our only true +and proper home. We are just as much natives here as the members of the +Colonization Society. Here we were born--here bred--here are our +earliest and most pleasant associations--here is all that binds man to +earth, and makes life valuable. And we do consider every colored man who +allows himself to be colonized in Africa, or elsewhere, a traitor to our +cause. + +Resolved, That we are freemen, that we are brethren, that we are +countrymen and fellow-citizens, and as fully entitled to the free +exercise of the elective franchise as any men who breathe; and that we +demand an equal share of protection from our federal government with any +class of citizens in the community. We now inform the Colonization +Society, that should our reason forsake us, then we may desire to +remove. We will apprise them of this change in due season. + +Resolved, That we, as citizens of these United States, and for the +support of these resolutions, with a firm reliance on the protection of +divine providence, do mutually pledge to each other our lives, our +fortunes, and our sacred honor, not to support a colony in Africa nor in +Upper Canada, not yet emigrate to Hayti. Here we were born--here will we +live by the help of the Almighty--and here we will die, and let our +bones lie with our fathers. + +Resolved, That we return our grateful thanks to Messrs Garrison and +Knapp, publishers of the Liberator, and Mr Lundy, editor of the Genius +of Universal Emancipation, for their untiring exertions in the cause of +philanthropy. + +Resolved, That the proceedings of this meeting be signed by the Chairman +and Secretary, and published in the Liberator. + + J. B. VASHON, Chairman. + +R. BRYAN, Secretary. + +A VOICE FROM WILMINGTON. + + WILMINGTON, July 12, 1831. + +At a large and respectable meeting of the people of color of the borough +of Wilmington, convened in the African Union Church, July 12th, 1831, +for the purpose of considering the subject of colonization on the coast +of Africa: + +On motion, the Rev. Peter Spencer was called to the chair, and Thomas +Dorsey appointed secretary. + +The meeting was addressed by Abraham D. Shad, Junius C. Morell, Benjamin +Pascal and John P. Thompson, after which the following resolutions were +unanimously adopted. + +Resolved, That this meeting view with deep regret the attempt now making +to colonize the free people of color on the western coast of Africa; +believing as we do that it is inimical to the best interests of the +people of color, and at variance with the principles of civil and +religious liberty, and wholly incompatible with the spirit of the +Constitution and Declaration of Independence of these United States. + +Resolved, That we disclaim all connexion with Africa; and although the +descendants of that much afflicted country, we cannot consent to remove +to any tropical climate, and thus aid in a design having for its object +the total extirpation of our race from this country, professions to the +contrary notwithstanding. + +Resolved, That a committee of three persons be appointed to prepare as +soon as practicable an address to the public, setting forth more fully +our views on the subject of colonization. The following persons were +appointed: Abraham D. Shad, Rev. Peter Spencer and W. S. Thomas. + +Signed on behalf of the meeting. + + PETER SPENCER, Chairman. + +THOMAS DORSEY, Secretary. + + +_Address of the Free People of Color of the Borough of Wilmington, +Delaware._ + +We the undersigned, in conformity to the wishes of our brethren, beg +leave to present to the public in a calm and unprejudiced manner, our +decided and unequivocal disapprobation of the American Colonization +Society, and its auxiliaries, in relation to the free people of color in +the United States. Convinced as we are, that the operations of this +Society have been unchristian and anti-republican in principle, and at +variance with our best interests as a people, we had reason to believe +that the precepts of religion, the dictates of justice and humanity, +would have prevented any considerable portion of the community from +lending their aid to a plan which we fear was designed to deprive us of +rights that the Declaration of Independence declares are the +'unalienable rights' of all men. We were content to remain silent, +believing that the justice and patriotism of a magnanimous people would +prevent the annals of our native and beloved country from receiving so +deep a stain. But observing the growing strength and influence of that +institution, and being well aware that the generality of the public are +unacquainted with our views on this important subject, we feel it a duty +we owe to ourselves, our children and posterity, to enter our protest +against a device so fraught with evil to us. That many sincere friends +to our race are engaged in what they conceive to be a philanthropic and +benevolent enterprise, we do not hesitate to admit; but that they are +deceived, and are acting in a manner calculated most seriously to injure +the free people of color, we are equally sensible. + +We are natives of the United States; our ancestors were brought to this +country by means over which they had no control; we have our attachments +to the soil, and we feel that we have rights in common with other +Americans; and although deprived through prejudice from entering into +the full enjoyment of those rights, we anticipate a period, when in +despite of the more than ordinary prejudice which has been the result of +this unchristian scheme, 'Ethiopia shall stretch forth her hands to +God.' But that this formidable Society has become a barrier to our +improvement, must be apparent to every individual who will but reflect +on the course to be pursued by the emissaries of this unhallowed +project, many of whom, under the name of ministers of the gospel, use +their influence to turn public sentiment to our disadvantage by +stigmatizing our morals, misrepresenting our characters, and endeavoring +to show what they are pleased to call the sound policy of perpetuating +our civil and political disabilities for the avowed purpose of +indirectly forcing us to emigrate to the western coast of Africa. That +Africa is neither our nation nor home, a due respect to the good sense +of the community forbids us to attempt to prove; that our language, +habits, manners, morals and religion are all different from those of +Africans, is a fact too notorious to admit of controversy. Why then are +we called upon to go and settle in a country where we must necessarily +be and remain a distinct people, having no common interest with the +numerous inhabitants of that vast and extensive country? Experience has +proved beyond a doubt, that the climate is such as not to suit the +constitutions of the inhabitants of this country; the fevers and +various diseases incident to that tropical clime, are such as in most +cases to bid defiance to the force of medicine. + +The very numerous instances of mortality amongst the emigrants who have +been induced to leave this their native, for their adopted country, +clearly demonstrate the fallacy of those statements so frequently made +by the advocates of colonization in regard to the healthiness of +Liberia. + +With the deepest regret we have witnessed such an immense sacrifice of +life, in advancing a cause which cannot promise the least advantage to +the free people of color, who, it was said, were the primary objects to +be benefitted by this 'heaven-born enterprise.' But we beg leave most +respectfully to ask the friends of African colonization, whether their +christian benevolence cannot in this country be equally as +advantageously applied, if they are actuated by that disinterested +spirit of love and friendship for us, which they profess? Have not they +in the United States a field sufficiently extensive to show it in? There +is embosomed within this republic, rising one million free people of +color, the greater part of whom are unable to read even the sacred +scriptures. Is not their ignorant and degraded situation worthy of the +consideration of those enlightened and christian individuals, whose zeal +for the cause of the African race has induced them to attempt the +establishment of a republican form of government amid the burning sands +of Liberia, and the evangelizing of the millions of the Mahometans and +pagans that inhabit the interior of that extensive country? + +We are constrained to believe that the welfare of the people of color, +to say the least, is but a secondary consideration with those engaged in +the colonization project. Or why should we be requested to move to +Africa, and thus separated from all we hold dear in a moral point of +view, before their christian benevolence can be exercised in our behalf? +Surely there is no country of which we have any knowledge, that offers +greater facilities for the improvement of the unlearned; or where +benevolent and philanthropic individuals can find a people, whose +situation has greater claims on their christian sympathies, than the +people of color. But whilst we behold a settled determination on the +part of the American Colonization Society to remove us to Liberia, +without using any means to better our condition at home, we are +compelled to look with fearful diffidence on every measure of that +institution. At a meeting held on the 7th inst. in this borough, the +people of color were politely invited to attend, the object of which was +to induce the most respectable part of them to emigrate. The meeting was +addressed by several reverend gentlemen, and very flattering accounts +given on the authority of letters and statements said to have been +received from individuals of unquestionable veracity. But we beg leave +to say, that those statements differ so widely from letters that we have +seen of recent date from the colony, in regard to the condition and +circumstances of the colonists, that we are compelled in truth to say +that we cannot reconcile such contradictory statements, and are +therefore inclined to doubt the former, as they appear to have been +prepared to present to the public, for the purpose of enlisting the +feelings of our white friends into the measure, and of inducing the +enterprising part of the colored community to emigrate at their own +expense. That we are in this country a degraded people, we are truly +sensible; that our forlorn situation is not attributable to ourselves is +admitted by the most ardent friends of colonization; and that our +condition cannot be bettered by removing the most exemplary individuals +of color from amongst us, we are well convinced, from the consideration +that in the same ratio that the industrious part would emigrate, in the +same proportion those who would remain would become more degraded, +wretched and miserable, and consequently less capable of appreciating +the many opportunities which are now offering for the moral and +intellectual improvement of our brethren. We, therefore, a portion of +those who are the objects of this plan, and amongst those whose +happiness, with that of others of our color, it is intended to promote, +respectfully but firmly disclaim every connexion with it, and declare +our settled determination not to participate in any part of it. + +But if this plan is intended to facilitate the emancipation of those who +are held in slavery in the South, and the melioration of their +condition, by sending them to Liberia; we question very much whether it +is calculated to do either. That the emancipation of slaves has been +measurably impeded through its influence, except where they have been +given up to the Board of Managers, to be colonized in Africa, to us is +manifest. And when we contemplate their uneducated and vitiated state, +destitute of the arts and unaccustomed to provide even for themselves, +we are inevitably led to the conclusion that their situation in that +pestilential country will be miserable in the extreme. + +The present period is one of deep and increasing interest to the free +people of color, relieved from the miseries of slavery and its +concomitant evils, with the vast and (to us) unexplored field of +literature and science before us, surrounded by many friends whose +sympathies and charities need not the Atlantic between us and them, +before they can consent to assist in elevating our brethren to the +standing of men. We therefore particularly invite their attention to +the subject of education and improvement; sensible that it is much +better calculated to remove prejudice, and exalt our moral character, +than any system of colonization that has been or can be introduced; and +in which we believe we shall have the co-operation of the wisest and +most philanthropic individuals of which the nation can boast. The +utility of learning and its salutary effects on the minds and morals of +a people, cannot have escaped the notice of any rational individual +situated in a country like this, where in order successfully to +prosecute any mechanical or other business, education is indispensable. +Our highest moral ambition, at present, should be to acquire for our +children a liberal education, give them mechanical trades, and thus fit +and prepare them for useful and respectable citizens; and leave the +evangelizing of Africa, and the establishing of a republic at Liberia, +to those who conceive themselves able to demonstrate the practicability +of its accomplishment by means of a people, numbers of whom are more +ignorant than even the natives of that country themselves. + +In conclusion, we feel it a pleasing duty ever to cherish a grateful +respect for those benevolent and truly philanthropic individuals, who +have advocated, and still are advocating our rights in our native +country. Their indefatigable zeal in the cause of the oppressed will +never be forgotten by us, and unborn millions will bless their names in +the day when the all-wise Creator, in whom we trust, shall have bidden +oppression to cease. + + ABRAHAM D. SHAD, } + PETER SPENCER, } Committee to prepare + WM. S. THOMAS, } an Address. + + +A VOICE FROM HARRISBURG. + + HARRISBURG, Pa., October, 1831. + +At a large, well informed and respectable meeting of the citizens of +Harrisburg, convened at the African Wesleyan Methodist church, for the +purpose of expressing their sentiments in a remonstrance against the +proceedings of the American Colonization Society, Rev. Jacob D. +Richardson was called to the chair, and Jacob G. Williams appointed +secretary. After singing and prayer, Rev. Mr Richardson in some concise +remarks,--equalled by few, and exceeded by none,--expressed the object +of the meeting. The chairman called the house to order, and the +following resolutions were unanimously acceded to: + +Resolved, That we hold these truths to be self-evident, (and it is the +boasted declaration of our independence) that all men (black and white, +poor and rich) are born free and equal; that they are endowed by their +Creator with certain inalienable rights; that among these are life, +liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. This is the language of America, +of reason, and of eternal truth. + +Resolved, That we feel it to be our duty to be true to the constitution +of our country, and are satisfied with the form of government under +which we now live; and, moreover, that we are bound in duty and reason +to protect it against foreign invasion. We always have done so, and will +do so still. + +Resolved, That we view the efforts of the Colonization Society as +officious and uncalled for by us. We have never done any thing worthy of +banishment from our friends and home: but this we would say--if the +Colonization Society will use their best endeavors to get our slave +brethren transported to Liberia, when we as a free body of people wish +to go, we will give the colonizationists timely notice. + +Resolved, That it is the firm and decided opinion of this meeting, that +were there no free people of color among us, or if those who are free +had remained in the degraded character of slaves, (or, as they sometimes +call us, monkeys, apes and baboons,) they would never have got up the +chimerical scheme for our transportation to the burning shores of +Africa, with the fancied vision of elevating us, as they say, to dignity +and affluence. + +Resolved, That we cannot remain inactive while colonizationists are +straining every nerve and racking their inventions to find out arguments +to persuade our free colored brethren to migrate to an unknown land, +which we can no more lay claim to than our white brethren can to England +or any other foreign country. + +Resolved, That we reject the inhuman and unchristian measures taken by +the Colonization Society, for the illumination of the colored citizens +of the United States, their appropriate home, in a land of sickness, +affliction and death, when they are not willing, with few exceptions, to +give us a christian education while among them. We would wish to know of +the colonizationists, how, in the name of common sense and reason, do +they expect to do any thing for us thousands of miles across the +Atlantic, when they oppose almost every measure taken by our white +friends and brethren to improve our condition here? + +Resolved, That it is the united opinion of this meeting, that the +enemies of our race, who are members of the Colonization Society, see +that the great Author of universal existence, who 'is no respecter of +persons,' who taught Balaam's ass to speak, and taught Solomon wisdom, +is now enlightening the sable sons of America: hence their object to +drain the country of the most enlightened part of our colored brethren, +so that they may be more able to hold their slaves in bondage and +ignorance. + +Resolved, That we object to leaving the land of our birth, as there is +sufficient land in these United States, on which a colony can be +established that would be far more consonant to the wishes of the +colored population generally, and would be more adapted to their +constitution: neither would it involve the country in such expense as +would be incurred by sending them to a howling wilderness, far away from +the graves of their forefathers, unknown to us in every respect, unless +by geography, which few of us understand. + +Resolved, That this meeting look upon the Colonization Society as a +vicious, nefarious and peace-disturbing combination, and that its +leaders might as well essay to cure a wound with an argument, or set a +dislocated bone by a lecture on logic, as to tell us their object is to +better our condition; because its members acknowledge slavery to be a +national evil, and use no means to annihilate it, but are exerting all +their energies and influence to persuade the free people of color to +remove to Africa, whose rights to Columbia's happy soil holds good with +any other citizen in America. + +Resolved, That we look upon the conduct of those clergymen who have +misled their respective congregations with the preposterous idea of the +necessity of transporting the free people of color to Africa, as highly +deserving the just reprehension directed to the false priests and +prophets by the true prophets of the Most High; yet we gratefully +acknowledge the respect we entertain for those who have defended our +cause--we mean our white friends. + +Resolved, That this meeting appoint Mr George Chester of Harrisburg, as +agent for the Liberator, and will use our utmost endeavors to get +subscribers for the same. + +Resolved, That we will support the Colony in Canada, the climate being +healthy and the rights of our brethren secured. + +Resolved, That the gratitude of this meeting, which is so sensibly felt, +be fully expressed to the Editors of the Liberator and Genius of +Universal Emancipation, Messrs Garrison and Lundy, whose independence of +mind and correct views of the rights of man have led them so intrepidly +to speak in favor of our cause. + +Resolved, That the proceedings of this meeting be signed by the Chairman +and Secretary, and sent to the Liberator for publication. + + JACOB D. RICHARDSON, Chairman. + +JACOB G. WILLIAMS, Secretary. + + +A VOICE FROM ROCHESTER. + + ROCHESTER, N. Y., October, 1831. + +A large number of the colored citizens of Rochester having convened +themselves together, for the important object of taking into +consideration the anti-republican principles of the American +Colonization Society, the Rev. Mr Johnson was called to the chair, and +Mr A. Lawrence was appointed secretary. + +The meeting was then briefly addressed by the secretary as follows: + +Countrymen and Brothers--When viewing the inhumanity and anti-christian +principles of the American Colonization Society, in plotting our removal +to Africa, (which is unknown to us as our native country,) it seems as +though we were called upon publicly to express our feelings on the +subject. We do not consider Africa to be our home, any more than the +present whites do England, Scotland, or Ireland. This is the land our +fathers have tilled before us; this is the land that gave us our +birthright.--The meeting then + +Resolved, That we never will remove to Africa; but should any of our +brethren wish to emigrate, we would recommend Canada as a country far +more congenial to our constitutions;--that we give our most sincere +thanks to our friendly advocates Messrs Garrison and Knapp, and Mr +Benjamin Lundy, who are crying unto their fellow men, night and day, to +let their countrymen go free: they will be called blessed by many +generations yet to come. The Colonization Society say that they cannot +treat us as men while we are with them; but if we will go out of their +reach, they will begin their charity. What should we think of such +religion as this? Because our skin is a little darker than theirs, they +say they cannot think of treating us as men. The scripture says, 'Beware +of wolves in sheep's clothing'--and such they seem to be. We earnestly +believe, with our generous friend Garrison, that it would not be a hard +matter to exceed them in doing right. Our blessed Lord said, that we +should do to all men as we would have them do to us. Now what would they +think, if we should tell them that they would be better off in New +Holland or in Tartary? + +Resolved, That we will do all in our power to support the Liberator, +printed by Mr Garrison, and all other works in our behalf. + +Resolved, That the foregoing proceedings be published in the Liberator. + + HENRY JOHNSON, Chairman. + +A. LAWRENCE, Secretary. + + +A VOICE FROM PROVIDENCE. + + PROVIDENCE, November 1, 1831. + +At a respectable meeting of the colored people of Providence, R. I., +duly appointed and publicly holden at the African church, on the 31st of +October, 1831, to take into consideration the objects and motives of the +American Colonization Society, Mr George C. Willis was called to the +chair, and Mr Alfred Niger appointed secretary. The meeting was then +addressed at some length by the chairman, stating their object in +assembling together, and exposing the injustice and prejudice by which +he believed the friends of African colonization were actuated. The +following preamble and resolutions were read by the secretary, and +unanimously adopted: + +Whereas our brethren, in different parts of the United States, have +thought proper to call meetings to express their disapprobation of the +American Colonization Society; we, concurring fully with them in +opinion, have assembled ourselves together for the purpose of uniting +with them, in declaring that we believe the operations of the Society +have been unchristian and anti-republican, and at variance with our best +interests as a people. Therefore, + +Resolved, That we will use every fair and honorable means in our power, +to oppose the operations of the above mentioned Society. + +Resolved, That we are truly sensible that we are in this country a +degraded and ignorant people; but that our ignorance and degradation are +not to be attributed to the inferiority of our natural abilities, but to +the oppressive treatment we have experienced from the whites in general, +and to the prejudice excited against us by the members of the +Colonization Society, their aiders and abettors. + +Resolved, That we view, with unfeigned astonishment, the anti-christian +and inconsistent conduct of those who so strenuously advocate our +removal from this our native country to the burning shores of Liberia, +and who with the same breath contend against the cruelty and injustice +of Georgia in her attempt to remove the Cherokee Indians west of the +Mississippi. + +Resolved, That we firmly believe, from the recent measures adopted by +the freemen of the city of New Haven, in regard to the establishment of +a College for our education in that place, that the principal object of +the friends of African colonization is to oppose our education and +consequent elevation here, as it will deprive them of one of their +principal arguments for our removal. + +Resolved, That as our fathers participated with the whites in their +struggle for liberty and independence, and believing with the +Declaration of that Independence, 'that all men are created free and +equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable +rights, among which are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness;' +and as we have committed no crime worthy of banishment--Therefore + +Resolved, That we will not leave our homes, nor the graves of our +fathers, and this boasted land of liberty and christian philanthropy. + +Resolved, That, our unfeigned and sincere thanks be tendered to Messrs +Garrison and Knapp, and to every true friend to our cause, for their +unwearied and truly benevolent exertions in our behalf. + +Resolved, That we will earnestly recommend the Liberator, published in +Boston by the above mentioned gentlemen, to the patronage of our friends +throughout the country. + +Resolved, That the proceedings of this meeting be signed by the Chairman +and Secretary, and sent to Boston, with the request that they may be +published in the Liberator. + + GEORGE C. WILLIS, Chairman. + +ALFRED NIGER, Secretary. + + +A VOICE FROM TRENTON. + + TRENTON, November 30, 1831. + +At a respectable meeting of the free people of color in Trenton, +convened in the Mount Zion church, November 30, 1831, for the purpose of +considering the subject of colonization on the coast of Africa--On +motion, the Rev. Lewis Cork was called to the chair, and Abner H. +Francis appointed secretary. The meeting was addressed by Messrs +Gardener and Thompson; after which, the following resolutions were +unanimously adopted. + +Resolved, Inasmuch as we, free people of color, have done all that is in +our power to convince the white inhabitants of these United States, that +it is our wish to live peaceably with all men; and inasmuch as our +general demeanor has been that of industry and sobriety, notwithstanding +there are some among us to the contrary, as well as among the whites; +therefore we do most solemnly declare, that the statements made to the +contrary by the Rev. Mr Crosby, in his late addresses in this city, and +all statements by petitioners to legislative bodies, and by the +Colonization Society, or any thing of the same nature, are a positive +libel on our general character. + +Resolved, Whereas we have lived peaceably and quietly in these United +States, of which we are natives, and have never been the cause of any +insurrectionary or tumultuous movements as a body, that we do view every +measure taken by any associated bodies to remove us to other climes, +anti-christian and hostile to our peace, and a violation of the laws of +humanity. + +Resolved, That if, in the opinion of government, our stay or liberty can +no longer be granted in the States in which we live, we see nothing +contrary to the constitution of these United States, or to christianity, +justice, reason or humanity, in granting us a portion of the Western +territory, as a state, with the same franchise as that of Pennsylvania, +New Jersey, or any other free State; for we challenge the Union to prove +that, as free men, we have ever given the least ground for the +uncharitable censures that have been cast upon us. + +Resolved, That we view the American Colonization Society as the most +inveterate foe both to the free and slave man of color; forasmuch as the +agents thereof, and its members who have petitioned the several +legislatures, have unequivocally declared its object, to wit, the +extermination of the free people of color from the Union; and to effect +this they have not failed to slander our character, by representing us +as a vagrant race; and we do therefore disclaim all union with the said +Society, and, once for all, declare that we never will remove under +their patronage; neither do we consider it expedient to emigrate any +where, but to remain in the land and see the salvation of God. +Nevertheless, if any of our brethren should be compelled or see proper +to emigrate, we would recommend to them Upper Canada or Mexico. + +Resolved, That we view with the highest emotion of gratitude, the +benevolence of Great Britain and that of the Canada Company, in +affording an asylum in the Wilberforce settlement, in Upper Canada, for +our oppressed brethren of the South, who have been or may be forced, by +unconstitutional laws, to leave their rightful home and place of +nativity, without any cause except that of having a dark skin. + +Resolved, That this meeting approve the establishment of a college, as +recommended by the Annual Convention held in Philadelphia last June, and +that we give all possible aid to that institution. + +Resolved, That we view the Liberator, edited by William Lloyd Garrison, +as a great herald in the cause of liberty, and that we recommend to the +colored citizens of Trenton the utility of subscribing to the above +named paper. + +Resolved, That there be a committee of three appointed to draft an +address more expressive of our views on the above subject. + +Resolved, That the following persons compose that committee--Sampson +Peters, Robert Thomas, George Cole. + + LEWIS CORK, Chairman. + +ABNER H. FRANCIS, Secretary. + + +ADDRESS. + +We, the undersigned, in conformity to the above appointment, beg leave +to present to the public, in a calm, unprejudiced manner, our decided +disapprobation of the American Colonization Society and its auxiliaries, +in relation to the people of color in the United States. We are well +convinced, from the mass that has been written on the above subject by +those who have preceded us, that it will be difficult to avoid +repetition; nevertheless; we hope to touch some points which have not +been fairly understood by that Society. They have supposed that our +objections are to civilizing and evangelizing Africa; but we beg leave +to say, that it is an error. We are well aware, that there is no surer +way to effect this great object than to plant among the heathen, +colonies of Christian missionaries. We wish, therefore, to be +understood, that we highly approve of the evangelizing of Africa, but +disapprove of the present measures of the American Colonization Society, +if their motives have not been misrepresented by their agents and +others, in some previous addresses in this city and elsewhere. But +viewing them as we now do, we must say that, in our opinion, their false +representations of our general character--their recommending our removal +from our native land--their opposition to our having a part of the West +appointed to us--their objections to our proposed college, and of our +march to science--their false statements in relation to the health of +the colony at Liberia, with a variety of other subjects of the same +nature--all lead to a conclusion, that it is our greatest foe. + +We would here ask the public a few questions. First--Is the gospel of +Jesus Christ calculated to lead to insurrectionary measures? If so, why +then send it to the heathen? Second--What gentleman, who has set his +slaves free, has been murdered by them for so doing? Third--What have +those States, who have washed their hands clean of the cursed stain of +slavery, lost by it? Fourth--What neighborhood, where education and +general information have been disseminated among the people of color, is +the worse for it? + +In closing our remarks, we would say, that we do think that the subjects +looked to by the Colonization Society, to civilize Africa, are +incompetent; for we do suppose that men selected for such an important +enterprise, should be men of deed and sound piety--men of regular and +industrious habits, of scientific knowledge and general experience: that +such men can be obtained, we have no doubt; and if there cannot, let us +first prepare some in this country. + + SAMPSON PETERS, } + ROBERT THOMAS, } Committee. + GEORGE COLE, } + + +A VOICE FROM LYME. + + LYME, Ct., January 9, 1832. + +At a respectable meeting of the colored citizens of this place, held +pursuant to public notice--Mr Luther Wright was called to the chair, and +Mr Daniel R. Condol appointed secretary. + +After some animated remarks by Messrs Wright and Condol, it was + +Resolved, That it is the sincere opinion of this meeting, that the +American Colonization Society is one of the wildest projects ever +patronised by a body of enlightened men; and further, that many of those +who support it would be willing, if it were in their power, to drive us +out of existence. + +Resolved, That though we be last in calling a meeting, we feel no less +the pernicious influence of this Society than the rest of our brethren; +and that we will resist every attempt to banish us from this our native +land. + +Resolved, That we place unshaken reliance upon the promises of Jehovah, +and believe that he will take our reproach away, and give freedom to +those who are held in captivity. + +Resolved, That we are not for insurrection, but for peace, freedom and +equality. + +Resolved, That the thanks of this meeting be rendered to Messrs Garrison +and Knapp, for their benevolent exertions in behalf of the oppressed +descendants of Africa; and that they be requested to insert these +proceedings in the Liberator. + + LUTHER WRIGHT, Chairman. + +DANIEL R. CONDOL, Secretary. + + +A VOICE PROM LEWISTOWN. + + LEWISTOWN, Pa., January 9, 1832. + +At a numerous meeting held by the free people of color of the borough of +Lewistown, in the African Methodist Episcopal church, Samuel Johnston +was called to the chair, and Martin Johnston appointed secretary. The +following resolutions were then read, and unanimously adopted: + +Resolved, That we will not leave these United States, the land of our +birth, for a home in Africa. + +Resolved, That we will strenuously oppose the colonizing of the free +people of color in Liberia. + +Resolved, That we are willing to emigrate to any part of the United +States which may be granted to us. + +Resolved, That we will support the Liberator, a paper published in +Boston, edited by William Lloyd Garrison; and also the colony in Upper +Canada as an asylum for our oppressed brethren. + +Resolved, That a committee be appointed to prepare an address to be +published in the Liberator. + +Resolved, That the proceedings of this meeting be signed by the Chairman +and Secretary, and forwarded to the editor of the Liberator for +publication. + + SAMUEL JOHNSTON, Chairman. + +MARTIN JOHNSTON, Secretary. + + +ADDRESS. + +We, the undersigned, in conformity to the above appointment, beg leave +to present to the public, in a calm and unprejudiced manner, our reasons +for opposing the scheme of African colonization. This is the land of our +birth. The Declaration of Independence declares, that 'all men are born +free and equal:' it does not say that the _white_ man or the _black_ man +is free,--but all, without respect to color, tongues, or nation. We +therefore consider all laws to enslave or degrade the people of color as +contrary to the letter and spirit of this Declaration; and that +according to it we are freemen, and have as indisputable a right to +enjoy our liberty as any white man. To deny it to us, because we differ +in color, is oppression. To say that Africa is our native country is +untrue. Here we were born, and here we mean to die; for all men are born +free. + +We wish to return our grateful thanks to our friends, and to the friends +of the abolition of slavery. We consider slavery a national sin, which, +if not speedily overthrown, will cause this nation to mourn and weep; +for God has declared that Ethiopia shall stretch forth her hands unto +him, and he will hear her cry. + +We would say to colonizationists that we consider them our foes instead +of our friends. It is vain for them to say that we would do better in +Liberia; for we do not believe it. There is room enough in this country +for us; and if they be our friends, let them meliorate our condition +here. Let them join in the work of immediate abolition of slavery. Let +them wash out the stains which disfigure the national character. And +then let them tell us about Liberia. + +One reason why we are opposed to leaving these United States is this: +you have so long denied us the enjoyment and protection of the laws of +God and man in this country, that you wish now to oppress us still more. +But thanks be to Him who holds all things in his hand, we believe He +will plead our cause. Your skirts are already dyed with the blood of +millions of souls. 'Vengeance is mine--I will repay,' saith the Lord. + +Awake, ye wolves in sheep's clothing. Your cup is now full. You are +daily causing innocent blood to be shed. How long, ye slavites, ye +kidnappers, ye that traffic in human flesh, will you sleep? When will +you awake to your best interests? For remember that you will not always +be able to hold your victims in servile chains. + + J. G. SMITH, } + M. WALKER, } Committee. + M. JOHNSTON, } + + +A VOICE FROM NEW-BEDFORD. + + NEW-BEDFORD, January 23, 1832. + +At a meeting of the people of color in New-Bedford, January 23d, for the +purpose of considering and giving their opinion of the American +Colonization Society, and the actual evil or benefit of that Society to +the objects of its supervision, the free people of color, Mr Richard +Johnson was called to the chair, and Richard G. Overing appointed +secretary. After an address from the chair, it was moved that +resolutions expressive of the views of the meeting, respecting the +Colonization Society, be drawn up, and published in some newspaper not +adverse to the rights and well being of all men, be their color what it +may. The following are the resolves of the meeting: + +Resolved, That in whatever light we view the Colonization Society, we +discover nothing in it but terror, prejudice and oppression; that the +warm and beneficent hand of philanthropy is not apparent in the system, +but the influence of the Society on public opinion is more prejudicial +to the interest and welfare of the people of color in the United States, +than slavery itself. + +Resolved, That the Society, to effect its purpose, the removal of the +free people of color, (not the slaves) through its agents, teaches the +public to believe that it is patriotic and benevolent to withhold from +us knowledge and the means of acquiring subsistence, and to look upon us +as unnatural and illegal residents in this country; and thus by force of +prejudice, if not by law, endeavor to compel us to embark for Africa, +and that too, apparently, by our own free will and consent. + +Resolved, That as great a nuisance as we may be in the estimation of +that Society, we yet have a hope in Him who has seen fit to continue our +existence through days worse than which we do not fear, and which +emboldens us as peaceable citizens, to resolve to abide the issue of +coming days in our native land, in which we ask no more than the age in +which we live demands, and which this nation, as republicans and +christians, should not refuse to grant. + +Signed in behalf of the meeting. + + RICHARD JOHNSON, Chairman. + +R. G. OVERING, Secretary. + + +The foregoing resolutions and addresses are given in plain, it may be +occasionally in severe language; and display an intensity of feeling, a +depth of abhorrence, and a firmness of purpose, honorable to men who +appreciate their rights and love their country. Before I proceed, +however, to comment upon these important proceedings, I shall make some +quotations from the essays and addresses of colored writers, in order to +sustain my assertion that the American Colonization Society is directly +opposed to the wishes of our free colored population. + +'A COLORED BALTIMOREAN'[AH] records his sentiments in the following +style: + + 'We believe, sirs, that the people of color in the United States + will never be prevailed over to abandon the land of their birth, + and every thing vernacular with them--to forego many advantages + which they now possess, and many more which they have in + prospect, for the imaginary, or if real, the fleeting and + short-lived honors held out to them by our "Americo-African + empire." Why should we exchange a temperate and salubrious + climate, adapted to our constitutions as Americans, for one, to + us, fraught with disease and death? Why should we leave a land + in which the arts and sciences are flourishing, and which is + beginning to yield to our research, for one, where the + irradiating beams of the sun of science have yet to be announced + by the bright star of hope? Why should we leave a land + illuminated with the blaze of gospel light, for one enshrouded + in pagan gloom? Why should we, who are in tolerable + circumstances in America, who enjoy many of the comforts of + life, and are evidently on the advanced march of mind, cast away + these certain, real, and growing advantages, for those which are + precarious and chimerical? Why should we abandon our firesides, + and every thing associated with the dear name of _home_--undergo + the fatigues of a perilous voyage, and expose ourselves, our + wives, and our little ones, to the deleterious influences of an + uncongenial sun, for the enjoyment of a liberty divested of its + usual accompaniments, surrounded with circumstances which + diminish its intrinsic value, and render it indeed "a dear + earned morsel"? * * * * * * + + 'But "it is the hope of accomplishing the entire subversion of + the slave trade and Mahometan superstition, and all their + subsidiary concomitants, that has actuated the Christian and + stimulated the philanthropist." Noble objects indeed! And who + are those christians and philanthropists? Our friend tells us, + without distinction, that they are "those noble and heroic men + who have enlisted under the banner of colonization." But how + happens it that some of the most distinguished of these + _christians_ and _philanthropists_ are themselves slaveholders, + and so far abettors of the _slave trade_ as to be actually + guilty of selling into a cruel and interminable vassalage the + hapless victims of their tender mercies? Again, how is it that + none but the free people of color have been chosen to evangelize + Africa? Is it because they are under an exclusive moral + obligation to dispel the "gloom of Mahometan superstition?" Is + it because they are pre-eminently qualified in point of morals + and information for the missionary enterprise? None will say + this. Perhaps we shall be told, that the identity of their color + gives them a decided advantage over every other people. But how + is it that those wicked white men, who are in the habit of + resorting thither for the most nefarious purposes, have access + to these people? And we have not forgotten that during the visit + of the Rev. G. R. McGill, in Baltimore, he informed us that + colored men from the United States, being thought by the natives + to be men of information, are received and treated as white men, + and denominated by the same epithet. Since then it does not + appear that we are pre-eminently qualified for this work, why + should it be pressed upon us? * * * * + + 'Tell us not that the Sovereign Ruler of the universe, who is + not a respecter of persons, whose "tender mercies are over all + his works," will _never_ elevate us to the dignity of men and + christians, unless we emigrate to Africa. Tell us not that in + this _christian_ country, this "land of the free and home of the + brave," we must _for ever_ remain a degraded and proscribed + race--that we must _for ever_ be treated as the outcasts of + creation. We are aware that this doctrine has been asserted with + all the confidence of inspiration by _some_ of our gospel + ministers. We have heard them proclaim it in a tone calculated + to strengthen the prejudices existing against us. They seem to + forget that there is a superintending providence--that He, who + "sits upon the whirlwind and directs the storm," has ever + manifested himself a friend to the oppressed of every clime. + They seem to forget that the religion of Jesus, wherever it + reigns with unrestrained sway, demolishes every partition wall, + and exterminates out of the heart all those bitter prejudices + which impede the march of the Messiah's kingdom. We should like + to have these prophets give us their ideas in relation to the + millennial reign of Christ. We should like to have them inform + us whether or not the general prejudices and their inseparable + accompaniments, which now lie upon, and operate against us, on + account of our color, will be consistent with this glorious + reign of _peace_, and _love_, and _joy_. Let these ministers + consider that much of our degradation is chargeable to the + indifference (to say the least) that they manifest in regard to + our situation--that if they as patterns of piety hold us at a + distance, it is but natural for the inconsiderate to follow + their example. Let them recollect that while they are making + powerful and irresistible appeals to the humanity of the + American people in behalf of the oppressed of other climes, they + have a people among them whose claims upon their liberality are + paramount to those of any other. Let these ministers tell us how + often they make it their business to visit those portions of + their flocks whose crime is, their color. Nay, one of them said + not long since, to be familiar with the people of color would + destroy his _usefulness_ among the whites. But whether they do + their duty in relation to us or not, we indulge in no fears in + regard to our future condition. We are not distrustful of the + goodness and power of Him who has overruled the evil designs of + those men that first tore our ancestors from their native + shores, who is still overruling, and who will continue to + overrule the designs of all who would treat us as the + offscouring of the earth, because our Creator has not given us a + color as white as their own. If ever there was a people who + could look up to Heaven with unshaken confidence for protection, + it is that people whose sufferings are not the consequences of + their crimes; it is that people whose misfortunes work in them + the graces of faith, patience and hope. And why should we not + cherish these invaluable graces? We are told by high authority, + that "_all things_ shall work together _for good_ to them that + love God"--that "He will give grace and glory, and _no good + thing_ will He _withhold_ from them that walk uprightly." You + see, sirs, we have one straight forward course to pursue--one + marked out by the hand of unerring wisdom. This course we intend + to pursue, without giving ourselves any uneasiness as to the + issue; this we leave to Him who has the administration of the + universe in his hands, and who has declared for our + encouragement, "even the very hairs of your head are all + numbered." Tell us not of the wisdom, and power, and number of + our enemies; He who has given us a hope, which at least makes + our condition tolerable, will say to them, as He did to the + tempestuous billows, "Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further; + and here shall thy proud waves be stayed."' + + * * * * * * * * * + + 'What effect have the evils of slavery in this _happy_ land upon + the mind of the liberal, the unprejudiced, and philanthropic + Lafayette? + + 'Hear him, he will speak for himself: "When I am indulging in my + views of American prospects and American liberty, it is + mortifying to be told that in that very country a large portion + of the people are slaves. It is a dark spot on the face of the + nation. _Such a state of things cannot always exist._" It was a + sight of the evils alluded to, and their inseparable + concomitants, that extorted from the pen of Mr Jefferson that + comprehensive and soul-thrilling sentence--"I tremble for my + country when I reflect that God is just, and that his justice + cannot sleep for ever." But may we not indulge the hope that + the evils spoken of will yet awaken the sympathies of the + American people--soften their cruel prejudices--arouse their + slumbering energies--and produce in them an unconquerable + determination to wash from their "stars and stripes" one of the + blackest spots that ever cursed the globe, or stained the + historic page? Shall we be told that _invincible_ prejudices + render this great desideratum impracticable? And what is this + but a libel upon the American people? What is it but to say, + there is in them a moral incapacity to do justice, love mercy, + and walk uprightly? Colonization orators, designing politicians, + ministers of Jesus, tell me, how can you thus libel your + countrymen? Surely, there is a regenerating, a redeeming spirit + in the land--a spirit transforming misanthropes into + philanthropists--bondmen into freemen--abettors of slavery into + champions of liberty--a spirit that will yet drive from America + the demon of slavery, and render it indeed "the land of the free + and the home of the brave."'[AI] + + * * * * * * * * + + 'I have just found time to notice a few very exceptionable + features of a communication over the signature of "A + Marylander," published, a few days ago, in the American of our + city. The writer is unquestionably entitled to the credit of + being a thorough-going colonizationist. He writes in the _true + spirit_ of the cause. He seems to be under an excitement + produced by the publication of our anti-colonization + resolutions. This being the case, it is not to be expected that + he would, throughout his communication, avail himself of the + guarded, accommodating, and conciliating language usual with + colonization writers and declaimers. After being convinced that + the people of color are not to be persuaded to leave the land of + their birth, and every thing vernacular with them, for "regions" + which he tells us are "now dark as the valley of the shadow of + death," he says, "I would propose then that Maryland should + colonize her own free blacks." He does not add the usual + qualification, "_with their own consent_:" he knows this will + never be obtained. He therefore says: "I earnestly _hope_ that + the time _is now_ come when our state will wake up to all the + importance of this subject, and will instantly commence _a + system of measures_ imperatively demanded by the _sternest_ + principles [colonization principles?] of _sound_ policy." We + would tell this precocious statesman that we are not to be + intimidated into colonization "_measures_" by the angry + effusions of his illiberal soul; that we had rather die in + Maryland under the pressure of unrighteous and cruel laws than + be driven, like cattle, to the pestilential clime of Liberia, + where grievous privation, inevitable disease, and premature + death, await us in all their horrors. We are emboldened thus to + speak, not from a reliance on the mere arm of flesh; no--it is + the righteousness of our cause, a knowledge of the attributes of + Deity, combined with a consciousness of innocence under + suffering, that have inspired us with a moral courage which no + oppression shall shake, no fulminations overawe. Our limits will + not permit us to expatiate, at this time, on the import of the + terms, "_a system of measures--the sternest principles_," &c. We + would barely remark that the climax of injustice and cruelty, + here suggested, nay, recommended, is the legitimate fruit of the + operations of the American colonization societies relative to + the free people of color. We have always believed that the + "_system of measures_" here recommended, would be the dernier + resort of these _christian_ associations. The unmerited abuse, + that has been so unsparingly heaped upon us by colonizationists + for expressing our opinions of their project as connected with + our happiness, their manifest determination to effectuate their + object regardless of our consent, abundantly corroborate the + opinion we have long since entertained. We turn, however, from + the contemplation of the persecution and oppression, which, it + seems, are in reserve for us, to notice, briefly, the moving + cause of this virulent and relentless attack upon our rights and + happiness. "The _census just taken_," says A Marylander, + "_admonishes_ us in the strongest manner, of the necessity of + prompt and efficient measures to drain off this description of + our population." Here then is the _patriotic_, the _benevolent_, + the _christian_ principle, by which the colonization societies, + throughout our land, are actuated. This is the selfish policy of + which we complain, and which should be execrated by all _true_ + patriots, philanthropists, and christians. Our increase is + represented as an "_alarming evil--an evil_," said one of our + colonization orators in the pulpit, not long since, "which + _threatens_ our very _existence_." Now, if all this be true, how + can they, on their own principles, say we can _never_ be a + people in this country? Surely, they are taking effectual steps + to convince us, that the enjoyment of our rights in this, our + native land, is not only possible, but highly probable. This we + have always believed. And we hope and pray, that it may be + accomplished in a way sanctioned by the gospel of peace: + "without confused noise, or garments rolled in blood." But this + glorious victory over pride and prejudice, by gospel weapons, + will never be accomplished by colonization principles. Nor will + those ministers of the gospel have any part or lot in this + matter, who solemnly declare, in the face of heaven and earth, + that we can _never enjoy, in this country_, those inalienable + rights of man, whose inviolable preservation promotes the + welfare of the whole human family. Such ministers virtually + declare that they do not believe the doctrines they are bound to + preach; that He, from whom they profess to have received their + commission, is, indeed, "a hard man, reaping where he has not + sown, and gathering where he has not strawed;" that He requires + of them and their flocks, that which they are morally incapable + of performing; that they _cannot_ love their neighbor as + themselves, or do unto others what they wish done unto + themselves, because their Lord, in his wisdom, has given some of + their fellow creatures a different color from their own. These + temporising, retrograde reformers are doing a serious injury to + the people of color. They heed not the warning of Heaven: "Do my + people no harm." They are doing more to strengthen the cruel and + unchristian prejudices, already too powerful against us, than + all the slaveholders in the Union. They hesitate not to declare, + that, in America, we are out of the reach of humanity. They seem + to think that the religion of the benevolent Saviour which + enjoins, "_honor all men_," and which explicitly says, "if ye + have _respect to persons_, ye _commit sin_," is nothing more + than a dead letter, or must _for ever_ remain powerless, in the + United States of America. And have these men the face to contend + with the infidels of our land? Why, one infidel, with the bible + in his hands, would "chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand + to flight." But notwithstanding these discouraging + circumstances, our cause will yet triumph. He who is for us, is + stronger than all that are against us. "The rulers" of the land + may "take counsel together," and some of the professed ministers + of Jesus may "come into their secret," but "He that sitteth in + the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision." + Fear not then, my colored countrymen, but press forward, with a + laudable ambition, for all that heaven has intended for you and + your children, remembering that the path of duty is the path of + safety, and that "righteousness" alone "exalteth a nation."' + + +If excellence of style, a dignified carriage, sound logic, a high and +abiding faith, and fervent piety, confer credit upon a writer, few have +ever better illustrated these traits than 'A COLORED BALTIMOREAN,' or +deserved a nobler tribute of praise. He who would be ashamed to +acknowledge such a man as his countryman and brother, has yet to learn +his own insignificance and what constitutes the majesty of human nature. + +The following is an extract of a letter from a colored gentleman of +wealth and respectability in Philadelphia, whose friendship is courted +by honorable men, and whose usefulness is scarcely exceeded by any other +citizen: + + 'Is it not preposterous to one, like myself, whose family has + resided in the state of Pennsylvania ever since the great + lawgiver, William Penn, came last to this state from England; + and who fought for the independence of my country, whose + Declaration asserts, that all men are born with free and equal + rights--is it not preposterous to be told that this is not my + country? I was seven months on board of the old Jersey Prison + ship in the year 1780, "the times that tried men's souls;" and + am I now to be told that Africa is my country, by some of those + whose birth-place is unknown? Is it not a contradiction to say + that a man is an alien to the country in which he was born? To + separate the blacks from the whites is as impossible, as to bale + out the Delaware with a bucket. I have always been decidedly of + opinion, that if the Colonization Society would take but half + the pains to improve the children of color in their own country, + and expend but half the money that they are devoting to + accomplish their visionary scheme of christianizing Africa, by + offering premiums to master mechanics to take them as + apprentices, they would do more to destroy prejudice than any + thing else. When I look at this globe, containing eight or nine + hundred millions of inhabitants, and see that they differ in + color from the frozen to the temperate and torrid zones, and + that every thing is variegated, I am astonished that any man + should be so prejudiced against his fellow-man; but we pray for + the aid of the Almighty to take the scales from their eyes; and + that the Liberator may be one of the instruments in commencing + the work.'[AJ] + + + 'I would ask some of our pretended white friends, and the + members of the American Colonization Society, why they are so + interested in our behalf as to want us to go to Africa? They + tell us that it is our home; that they desire to make a people + of us, which we can never be here; that they want Africa + civilized; and that we are the very persons to do it, as it is + almost impossible for any white person to exist there. I deny + it. Will some of those guardian angels of the people of color + tell me how it is that we, who were born in the same city or + state with themselves, can live any longer in Africa than they? + I consider it the most absurd assertion that any man of common + sense could make, unless it is supposed, as some have already + said, that we are void of understanding. If we had been born on + that continent, the transportation would be another matter; but + as the fact is the reverse, we consider the United States our + home, and not Africa as they wish to make us believe;--and if we + do emigrate, it will be to a place of our own choice. + + 'I would also mention to the supporters of the Colonization + Society, that if they would spend half the time and money that + they do, in educating the colored population and giving them + lands to cultivate here, and secure to them all the rights and + immunities of freemen, instead of sending them to Africa, it + would be found, in a short time, that they made as good citizens + as the whites. Their traducers would hear of fewer murders, + highway robberies, forgeries, &c. &c. being committed, than they + do at present among some of the white inhabitants of this + country.'[AK] + + + 'Colonization principles, abstractly considered, are + unobjectionable; but the means employed for their propagation, + we think, are altogether objectionable. We are deprived of our + birthright, and pointed by the colonization partisans to another + country as a home. They speak of the prejudices which exist + against us, as an insuperable hindrance to the improvement of + our situation here. We are sickened by the constant reiteration + of "_extraneous mass_," "_African inferiority_," &c. which tends + immediately to justify the slaveholder in his crime, and + increase already existing prejudice. The Colonization Society + never will effect the removal of slavery. The God of justice + will never, in my opinion, let this nation off so easily. It is + in vain to hold back. The eyes of all will ultimately be opened + to see that nothing but universal emancipation can possibly + avert impending wrath.'[AL] + + + 'How long, oh! ye boasters of freedom, will ye endeavor to + persuade us, your derided, degraded fellow countrymen, to the + belief that our interest and happiness are prized in high + estimation among you? Be it known, that we are not all such + misguided, deluded mortals as to be duped by your plans; that we + will not suffer ourselves to become so infatuated as to "hurl + reason from her throne," and succumb to your glittering, showy, + _dissimulating_ path to eminence. We spurn with contempt your + unrighteous schemes, and point the finger of derision at your + fruitless attempts. You have commenced them in a day, when + liberty, justice and equality are claimed by almost all, as + nature's rights; for behold! a beam of science, lucid as the + sun, has divinely fallen upon the lightless intellects of a + portion of that ignoble part of your fellow creatures, who have + been so long the victims of your fell injustice and inhumanity. + Would to God that conscience might subdue your malignant + prejudices. Tell us not that our condition can never be bettered + in the land of our birth: you know it not. Make but the attempt + in consecrating a portion of your time, talents and money upon + us here, and you would soon find the cause of Afric's injured + race vindicated by her descendants; and the day which now dawns + would be speedily ushered into blazing light, declaring in its + effulgence the joyful sound of Liberty--Justice--Equality, to + all mankind.'[AM] + + + 'There is much to be surprised at, little to admire, and nothing + worthy of imitation, in the "bubbles" of our friends, the + colonizationists. They have enlisted the prejudices and the + support of the wealthy and influential in their favor; they have + succeeded in sending some two or three thousand to Liberia; and + they are flattered with their partial success, and no doubt look + forward to the time when they will behold the whole of the + colored inhabitants of America, in the far distant land of + Africa. But let them not anticipate too much; they have yet one + obstacle to overcome which threatens to overthrow their + "baseless fabric;" or at any rate impede their progress. Their + proceedings have not obtained the approbation of those, whose + approbation is most needed, _the colored people themselves_. + They are most strangely mistaken if they suppose that it is an + easy matter to win them, either by _sophistry_ or _force_. The + press has begun its revolutionizing work, overturning in its + progress every thing calculated to suppress inquiry or to blind + the understanding. Already have the intrigues of the designing + been exposed, and already have the colored people set their + faces against oppression. + + 'The Colonization Society has erred in matters of _policy_; for + instead of exerting themselves to gain the confidence of the + colored people, and thus by persuasion to have rid the country + of them, they have acted in a manner calculated to disgust every + humane mind, and have rendered it an utter _impossibility_ to + remove them; and it is most fortunate for the unfortunate, that + they have detected those intriguing spirits in their _humane_ + and _charitable_ undertaking. + + 'How many hours of anguish, how much incalculable misery has been + prevented; in short, how many human beings have been saved from + an untimely grave, by the timely interposition of the PRESS! It + has said, let it be so, and it _was_ so; its thunders have been + heard, and the oppressor trembles like the earthquake: it has + overthrown, yea, totally demolished the sharp-edged sword of + the Colonization Society. + + 'Support the PRESS then, ye people of color, and the result will + be a total overthrow of all the darling schemes of the aforesaid + darling Society; it has accomplished wonders, yea, wonders + already; much more can, nay, will be done; again I say, support + the PRESS.'[AN] + + + 'The African Colonization Society declares that we the people of + color shall have no part nor lot in the free institutions of + this country. Why? Because the Creator of all--the sovereign + Ruler of the universe, who holds in his hands the destiny of + nations, thought fit and proper, in his infinite wisdom, to + tincture us with a darker hue than the paler part of community! + or, if I may say, because the lot of our predecessors happened + to be cast in the torrid zone, beneath the scorching beams of a + vertical sun! These are the objections the African Colonization + Society offer to this community to our remaining in this + country--in the land of freemen! These are the considerations + that prompt them to tell us that we the descendants of Africa + can never be men unless we abandon the land of our birth, our + homes and people, and submit to that uncongenial clime, the + barbarous regions of Africa, amidst unyielding contagion and + mortality! O, that man would remember, that knowledge and + virtue, not complexion, are the emblems that constitute the + value of human dignity! With these, we are worthy--without them, + we are unworthy. By the acts and operations of wicked men, + shielded under a cloak of religion, we the people of color are + doomed to all the miseries that the human body is able to + sustain--deprived of light, knowledge and social intercourse, by + the colonization gentlemen. With all their pretended zeal and + love of liberty, manifested towards the African race, I count + them as enemies, not friends. I do not solicit their love, nor + regard their friendship. I speak for one: I never did, and never + will court an enemy as a friend, knowingly, let him be whom he + may--let him belong to church or state, I feel the weight of + their predominant power, and the finishing blow they are about + to strike. Thus we move by them, poor and pennyless, despised + and forsaken by all; creeping through your streets, submissively + bowed down to every foot whose skin is tinctured with a lighter + hue than ours--thus we sojourn in solitude, not for our crimes + but color. + + 'I came here for the purpose of showing to this community, that + the people of color of the United States disapprove of the + African Colonization plan. They do not wish to emigrate to + Africa. These six hundred or more, that the gentleman tells you + are now waiting for a passage to Liberia, are not the free + people of color of the United States; they are, if any, the + poor, old, worn-out southern slaves, freed on the condition to + go to Africa, or die in the tracks of slavery, no more fit for + their cotton and rice fields--for the laws of those states + forbid the master, let him be possessed of all the fine feelings + that the human mind is able to contain; unless he banishes them + to some distant region, across that "mighty ocean" they speak + of, they cannot be free. According to the laws of those states, + and the basis on which the Society is built, the emancipated + slaves are not free until they stand upon the shores of Liberia. + Thus the Northern and Middle States are called upon for + donations to enable the monarch of the south to bury his slaves + in the sands of Africa; thus far, northern capital is + instrumental in parting asunder parents and children--no more to + meet, until Jehovah will stand upon the four corners of the + earth, and proclaim deliverance to the captive!--when the arm of + tyrants shall cease to sway the rod of tyranny over the heads of + their helpless children--until all creation shall vanish and + crumble into nothing. + + 'About the time of the formation of this Society, the people of + color, in different sections of the Union, took the alarm--they + thought there was something wrong in the views of that combined + body. So, the free people of color of Richmond, convened + themselves together in the state of Virginia, where the + gentleman says the African Colonization Society first + originated. They assembled themselves together for the purpose + of ascertaining each other's feelings with regard to that + combined body, and after mature reflection, they petitioned + Congress--I will give you the words of their memorial, which are + sufficient evidence to substantiate in the mind of every + rational person, that the people of color wish to remain in this + country. + + + '"At a meeting of a respectable portion of the free people of + color of the city of Richmond, on Friday, January 24, 1817, + William Bowler was appointed chairman, and Lentey Craw, + secretary. The following preamble and resolution were read, + unanimously adopted, and ordered to be printed. + + '"Whereas a Society has been formed at the seat of government, + for the purpose of colonizing, with their own consent, the free + people of color of the United States; therefore we, the free + people of color of the city of Richmond, have thought it + advisable to assemble together under the sanction of authority, + for the purpose of making a public expression of our sentiments + on a question in which we are so deeply interested. We perfectly + agree with the Society, that it is not only proper, but would + ultimately tend to the benefit and advantage of a great portion + of our suffering fellow creatures, to be colonized; but while we + thus express our approbation of a measure laudable in its + purposes, and beneficial in its designs, it may not be improper + in us to say, that we prefer being colonized in the most remote + corner of the land of our nativity, to being exiled to a foreign + country--and whereas the president and board of managers of the + said Society have been pleased to leave it to the entire + discretion of Congress to provide a suitable place for carrying + these laudable intentions into effect--Be it therefore + + '"Resolved, That we respectfully submit to the wisdom of + Congress whether it would not be an act of charity to grant us a + small portion of their territory, either on the Missouri river, + or any place that may seem to them most conducive to the public + good and our future welfare, subject, however, to such rules and + regulations as the government of the United States may think + proper to adopt." + + 'WM. BOWLER, Chairman. + + 'LENTEY CRAW, Secretary.'[AO] + + + 'The _colonization craft_ is a diabolical pursuit, which a great + part of our christian community are engaged in. Now, brethren, I + need not enlarge on this point. You that have been observing, + have already seen the trap under the bait; and although some of + our population have been foolish enough to sell their birthright + for a mess of pottage, yet I doubt whether the Colonization + Society will entrap many more. It is too bare-faced, and + contrary to all reason, to suppose, that there is any good + design in this project. If they are willing to restore + four-fold for what they have taken by false accusation, they + can do it to better advantage in the bosom of our country, than + at several thousand miles off. How would you do, brethren, if + your object was really to benefit the poor? Would you send them + into a neighboring forest, and there deal out that food which + they were famishing for? Now we stand different from beggars. + Our ancestors were stolen property, and property which belonged + to God. This is well known by our religious community; and they + find that the owner is about to detect them. Now if they can + slip away the stolen goods, by smuggling all those out of the + country, which God would be likely to make an instrument of, in + bringing them to justice, and keep the rest in ignorance; by + such means, things would go on well with them, and they would + appease their consciences by telling what great things they are + doing for the colored population and God's cause. But we + understand better how it is. The deception is not so well + practised, but that we can discover the mark of the beast. They + will steal the sons of Africa, bring them to America, keep them + and their posterity in bondage for centuries, letting them have + what education they can pick up of themselves; then transport + them back to Africa; by which means America gets all her + drudgery done at little expense, and endeavors to flatter the + Deity, by making him a sacrifice of good works of this kind. But + to the awful disappointment of all such blasphemers, they will + meet the justice of God, which will be to them a devouring + sword.'[AP] + + + 'Though delivered from the fetters of slavery, we are oppressed + by an unreasonable, unrighteous, and cruel prejudice, which aims + at nothing less, than the forcing away of all the free colored + population of the United States to the distant shores of Africa. + Far be it from me to impeach the motives of every member of the + American Colonization Society. The civilizing and christianizing + of that vast continent, and the extirpation of the abominable + traffic in slaves, (which, notwithstanding all the laws passed + for its suppression, is still carried on in all its horrors,) + are no doubt the principal motives, which induce many to give it + their support. + + 'But there are those, and those who are most active and + influential in this cause, who hesitate not to say, that they + wish to rid the country of the free colored population; and + there is sufficient reason to believe that with many, this is + the principal motive for supporting that Society; and that + whether Africa is civilized or not, and whether the slave-trade + be suppressed or not, they would wish to see the free colored + people removed from this country to Africa. + + 'Africa could certainly be brought into a state of civil and + religious improvement, without sending all the free people of + color in the United States there. + + 'A few well-qualified missionaries, properly fitted out and + supported, would do more for the instruction and improvement of + the natives of that country, than a host of colonists, the + greater part of whom would need to be instructed themselves, and + all of whom for a long period would find enough to do to provide + for themselves, instead of instructing the natives. + + 'How inconsistent are those who say, that Africa will be + benefitted by the removal of the free people of color of the + United States there, while they say, they are the _most vile and + degraded_ people in the world!--If we are as vile and degraded + as they represent us, and they wish the Africans to be rendered + a virtuous, enlightened and happy people, they should not + _think_ of sending _us_ among them, lest we should make them + worse instead of better. + + 'The colonies planted by white men on the shores of America, so + far from benefitting the aborigines, corrupted their morals, and + caused their ruin; and yet those who say _we_ are the most vile + people in the world, would send us to Africa, to improve the + character and condition of the natives! Such arguments would not + be listened to for a moment, were not the minds of the community + strangely warped by prejudice. + + 'Those who wish that that vast continent should be _compensated_ + for the injuries done it, by sending thither the light of the + gospel and the arts of civilized life, should aid in sending and + supporting well qualified missionaries, who should be wholly + devoted to the work of instruction, instead of sending + colonists, who would be apt to turn the ignorance of the natives + to their own advantage, and do them more harm than good. + + 'Much has also been said by colonizationists, about improving + the character and condition of the people of color of this + country, by sending them to Africa. This is more inconsistent + still. We are to be improved by being sent far from civilized + society. This is a novel mode of improvement. What is there in + the burning sun, the arid plains, and barbarous customs of + Africa, that is so peculiarly favorable to our improvement? What + hinders our improving here, where schools and colleges abound, + where the gospel is preached at every corner, and where all the + arts and sciences are verging fast to perfection? Nothing, + nothing but prejudice. It requires no large expenditures, no + hazardous enterprises, to raise the people of color in the + United States to as highly improved a state, as any class of the + community. All that is necessary is, that those who profess to + be anxious for it, should lay aside their prejudices, and act + towards them as they do by others. + + 'We are NATIVES of this country; we ask only to be treated as + well as FOREIGNERS. Not a few of our fathers suffered and bled + to purchase its independence; we ask only to be treated as well + as those who fought against it. We have toiled to cultivate it, + and to raise it to its present prosperous condition; we ask only + to share equal privileges with those who come from distant lands + to enjoy the fruits of our labor. Let these moderate requests be + granted, and we need not go to Africa nor any where else, to be + improved and happy. We cannot but doubt the purity of the + motives of those persons who deny us these requests, and would + send us to Africa, to gain what they might give us at home. + + 'But they say, the prejudices of the country against us are + invincible; and as they cannot be conquered, it is better that + we should be removed beyond their influence. This plea should + never proceed from the lips of any man, who professes to believe + that a just God rules in the heavens. + + 'The American Colonization Society is a numerous and influential + body. Would they lay aside their _own_ prejudices, much of the + burden would be at once removed; and their example (especially + if they were as anxious to have _justice done us here_, as to + send us to Africa,) would have such an influence upon the + community at large, as would soon cause prejudice to hide its + deformed head. + + 'But alas! the course which they have pursued, has an opposite + tendency. By the _scandalous misrepresentations_, which they are + continually giving of our character and conduct, we have + sustained much injury, and have reason to apprehend much more. + + 'Without any charge of crime, we have been denied all access to + places, to which we formerly had the most free intercourse; the + colored citizens of other places, on leaving their homes, have + been denied the privilege of returning; and others have been + absolutely driven out. + + 'Has the Colonization Society had no effect in producing these + barbarous measures? + + 'They profess to have no other object in view, than the + colonizing of the free people of color on the coast of Africa, + with their _own consent_; but if our homes are made so + uncomfortable that we cannot continue in them; or if, like our + brethren of Ohio and New Orleans, we are driven from them, and + no other door is open to receive us but Africa, our removal + there will be any thing but voluntary. + + 'It is very certain, that very few free people of color _wish_ + to go to that _land_. The Colonization Society _know_ this, and + yet they do certainly calculate, that in time they will have us + all removed there. + + 'How can this be effected, but by making our situation worse + here, and closing every other door against us?'[AQ] + + + 'My attention was forcibly attracted by a communication in Mr + Poulson's Daily Advertiser of the 16th inst. which states, that + Mrs Stansbury of Trenton, N. J. has presented _one thousand + dollars_ to the Colonization Society. Now I think it is greatly + to be regretted, that this highly generous and benevolent lady + has been induced to make this donation for the purpose of + conveying some of the superannuated slaves to Africa, when + objects of much greater importance could be attained by offering + a premium to master mechanics to take colored children as + apprentices, so that they would become useful to themselves and + others. It is an inquiry becoming of the utmost importance, what + is to become of those children who are arriving at the age of + manhood? + + 'I am greatly astonished that the ministers of the gospel should + take so active a part, in endeavoring to convey the freemen of + color to Africa. Even in Boston and New-York, they have taken + the lead in support of this object. They cannot be aware of the + great injury they will be the means of inflicting on us: instead + of doing this, they should endeavor to remove prejudice, to + ameliorate and improve the condition of the colored people by + education, and by having their children placed in a situation to + learn a trade. I hope, through the assistance of Divine + Providence, that the Liberator may be the means (especially in + Boston, the Cradle of Liberty and Independence) of guiding the + people of this country in the path, which equal justice and the + public good so evidently indicate. + + 'I have never conversed with an intelligent man of color, (not + swayed by interested and sinister motives,) who was not + decidedly opposed to leaving his home for the fatal clime of + Africa. I am well acquainted with all the masters of vessels, + belonging to this port, who have been to the coast of Africa; + and they all agree in representing it as one of the most + unhealthy countries in the latitude of 40. In the months of June + and July, the thermometer is at from 88 to 90 degrees. What must + it be, then, in the latitude of 6 or 7, under a vertical sun, + and where, after the rainy season, the effluvium which arises + from the putrefaction of vegetables is productive of the most + fatal effects? Sir James L. Yeo agrees with their account, in + his statement laid before the Admiralty of Great Britain. + + 'Has any one, in either of our southern States, given any thing + like a thousand dollars to promote emigration to Africa? Not one + has shown so much compassion for the oppressed slave. General + Mercer,--who is, I believe, the President of the Colonization + Society,--promised to emancipate his slaves, and to sell his + large possessions in Virginia, and to remove with them to + Africa--(my friends inform me, and I believe him to be one of + the most humane and best of masters.) Mr Key, the great + advocate, and the late Judge Washington, promised to liberate + their slaves: I believe that neither of them has performed his + promise. + + 'According to a statement made by Mr Key, they have removed in + fourteen years about as many hundred emigrants. I will venture + to say, that at least a half million have been born during the + same period. We ask not their compassion and aid, in assisting + us to emigrate to Africa: we are contented in the land that gave + us birth, and for which many of our fathers fought and died, + during the war which established our independence. I well + remember that when the New England regiment marched through this + city on their way to attack the English army under the command + of Lord Cornwallis, there were several companies of colored + people, as brave men as ever fought; and I saw those brave + soldiers who fought at the battle of Red Bank, under Col. Green, + where Count Donop the commander was killed, and the Hessians + defeated. All this appears to be forgotten now; and the + descendants of these men, to whom we are indebted for the part + they took in the struggle for independence, are intended to be + removed to a distant and inhospitable country, while the + emigrants from every other country are permitted to seek an + asylum here from oppression, and to enjoy the blessings of both + civil and religious liberty, equally with those who are entitled + to it by birthright. + + 'I think the ministers of the gospel might do much towards + destroying the domestic slave trade, which breaks asunder the + sacred ties of husband, wife and children. Not a voice is + raised by them against this most cruel injustice. In the British + colonies, this is not permitted; yet it exists in the only true + republic on earth.'[AR] + + + '_My Friends and Countrymen_:--I trust, by this time, you have + known well my sentiments in relation to the American + Colonization Society; and the great objects, which have been set + forth, of a general union of interest, in funds and education, + for the permanent establishment and furtherance of our + prosperity, in this our native country. + + 'In addition to what has been already said on the subject, I + shall briefly set forth some of the leading causes of our + wretchedness and misery; and the prominent motives of the + Colonization Society in sending us away. Much theory has been + used, in the discussions upon our civil and political situation, + in this country. We have been branded, in many instances,--may I + not say, in the highest courts of the nation, courts of justice + and equity, in public and family circles?--as being an inferior + race of beings, not possessing like intellect and faculty with + the whites. We are represented as being incapable of acting for + ourselves; consequently not educated and qualified to be + admitted into public places, to vindicate the integrity of our + race, and the qualifications we are capable of acquiring. Many + of our noble statesmen, orators and lawyers, have made our + capital ring with the empty sound of + inferiority,--degradation,--the impossibility of tolerating + equality with the blacks. Sacred writ has been carefully + examined by these gentlemen of science, and construed to suit + their narrow consciences. Prophets have arisen among them, who + hold forth to the people the continuation of our political + thraldom, unless there be a general removal of all the free + among us to the coast of Africa. Others argue, that, although + they have good feelings towards us, and would do any thing for + us, if we were out of their sight and out of the hearing of + their slaves, yet to admit us into their circles would be to + pervert the present order of society, and the happiness of the + good white citizens of the country. These are generally bible + men, such as hold forth the true oracles of God; yet deny him, + in their actions and words, the supreme control over all his + creatures. There is hardly ever an action performed, whether + good or bad, but there is generally a reason given for so doing; + and he is a wicked, daring character, who cannot find a cloak, + at any time, to cover his hideous crimes. The men who have been + foremost, in withholding from us our dearest and most sacred + rights, have always held out false colors to the community at + large, (such as, inferiority, degradation, nuisance, pest, + slaves, species of monkey, apes, &c.) to justify their inhuman + and unchristian acts towards us, and to deaden the severe pangs + of conscience that harass them. They would wish to appear + innocent before the world; as doing unto all men as they would + they should do unto them. Do they base their objects, in full, + upon such frivolous excuses as these? No. The truth is, actions + speak louder than words. It is my candid opinion, there would + have been no Colonization Society formed for our transportation + to the western coast of Africa, had there been no free colored + people, and did not our numbers increase daily. If we, as a free + body of people, had remained in the same character with slaves, + monkeys and baboons, there would not have been so much + excitement in the community about us; but as they see by our + improvement, (a great improvement, indeed, within forty years,) + that the period is hastening on, 'when there will be no other + alternative but we must rank among them in civilization, science + and politics, they have got up this colonization scheme to + persuade us to leave our slave brethren, and flee to the + pestilential shores of Africa, where we shall be in danger of + being forced to hang our harps upon the willows, and our song of + liberty and civilization will be hushed by the impelling force + of barbarian despots.'[AS] + + + 'And in pursuit of this great object [the elevation of the + people of color] various ways and means have been resorted to; + among others, the American Colonization Society is the most + prominent. Not doubting the sincerity of many friends who are + engaged in that cause; yet we beg leave to say, that it does not + meet with our approbation. However great the debt which these + United States may owe to injured Africa, and however unjustly + her sons have been made to bleed, and her daughters to drink of + the cup of affliction, still we who have been born and nurtured + on this soil, we, whose habits, manners and customs are the same + in common with other Americans, can never consent to take our + lives in our hands, and be the bearers of the redress offered by + that Society to that much afflicted country. + + 'Tell it not to barbarians, lest they refuse to be civilized, + and eject our Christian missionaries from among them, that in + the nineteenth century of the christian era, laws have been + enacted in some of the States of this great republic, to compel + an unprotected and harmless portion of our brethren to leave + their homes and seek an asylum in foreign climes: and in taking + a view of the unhappy situation of many of these, whom the + oppressive laws alluded to, continually crowd into the Atlantic + cities, dependent for their support upon their daily labor, and + who often suffer for want of employment, we have had to lament + that no means have yet been devised for their relief.'[AT] + + + 'The Convention has not been unmindful of the operations of the + American Colonization Society; and it would respectfully suggest + to that august body of learning, talent and worth, that, in our + humble opinion, strengthened, too, by the opinions of eminent + men in this country, as well as in Europe, that they are + pursuing the direct road to perpetuate slavery, with all its + unchristianlike concomitants, in this boasted land of freedom; + and, as citizens and men whose best blood is sapped to gain + popularity for that Institution, we would, in the most feeling + manner, beg of them to desist: or, if we must be sacrificed to + their philanthropy, we would rather die at home. Many of our + fathers, and some of us, have fought and bled for the liberty, + independence and peace which you now enjoy; and, surely, it + would be ungenerous and unfeeling in you to deny us a humble and + quiet grave in that country which gave us birth!'[AU] + + + 'Sir, upon the whole, my view of the operations of the + Colonization Society, in relieving the slave States of the evil + which weighs them down more than a hundred tariffs, is + illustrated by an old fable, in which it is stated, that a man + was seen at the foot of a mountain, scraping away the dust with + his foot. One passing by, asked him what he was doing? I wish to + remove this mountain, said he. You fool, replied the other, you + can never do it in that way. Well, said he, I can raise a dust, + can't I? + + 'Sir, I do not wish to censure the motives of this Society, but + surely they are visionary. Its supporters are bewildered in + their own dust, which is well calculated to injure the vision of + good men. The Commercial Advertiser says they do indeed wish to + wipe away from the national records the stain of slavery, "but + hope it may be accomplished (as the Virginia Enquirer has it) + surely but quietly." Yes, Sir, and quietly enough! + + 'Our ambition leads not to superiority, but to our _freedom_ and + _political rights_. _Grant this!_ we ask no more! If the places + in which we dwell are too straight for us and the white + population, place us in a state far to the West--take us + into the Union--give us our _rights_ as _freemen_. Let the + southern states make all born after a date not two years + distant, free! and let the Colonization Society turn its + attention and energies to the removing of liberated slaves + there: the free people will go without their aid. But if the + Government is fearful of retaliation, it may allay its fears by + a consideration of the fact of there not being one freeman + engaged in the late insurrections--of freemen informing against + slaves--the peaceable manner in which we live in the + neighborhoods of the south, and throughout the whole Union. The + meetings that have lately been held, and resolutions passed + expressive of our disapprobation of such measures, may all show + that such fears are groundless. I repeat again--_Give us our + rights--we ask no more!_ + + 'Yes, Sir, if I possessed the Indies, I would pledge the whole + that if such measures were taken, and such grants made, no + retaliation would be made by us as a body for former evils.'[AV] + + + 'In no age of our existence have there been more pains taken by + priests and people, in public and private, in church and state, + to give them currency, than at present. The whole theme of that + wicked, persecuting combination--the Colonization Society--is + calculated to impress upon the mind of the public these + atrocious maxims which every day strengthen a prejudice not only + cherished by the whites against the blacks, but by the blacks + against the whites. That foul fiend of hell, that destroying + angel who hath power to take peace from the earth, and to kill + with the sword, is gaining a commanding influence very fast over + both parties. And who, but the advocates of the Colonization + Society, receive him as a welcome guest? Who but they have built + him a temple, and cried, "Long live Prejudice against free born + Americans of sable hue!" Who but they are continually crying, + "The free blacks are dangerous! the free blacks are dangerous! + Away with them--away with them to Africa!" Who but they are the + apologists for murder, theft, and all the horrid concomitants of + slavery? Who but they have defiled our temples of worship + dedicated to God for his service, making merchandise of the + souls of men by transferring them over to the keeping of + prejudice?'[AW] + + +Other extracts might be recorded, but these must suffice. I have given +the sentiments of the people of color as expressed individually, in +public orations, in conventions of delegates, and in popular assemblies. +Their proceedings evince a keen discrimination between true and false +philanthropy, and an intellectual ability successfully to defend their +cause. Their instincts are more than a match for the specious sophistry +and learned sense of colonizationists: they meet them on every point, +and on every point achieve a victory. Conscious of the fact that in +their complexion is found the only motive for their banishment, they +clearly illustrate the hypocrisy and injustice of the African crusade. +Their union of purpose is such as cannot be broken. How intense is their +love of country! how remarkable their patient endurance of wrongs! how +strong their abhorrence of expatriation! how auspicious the talents +which they display! + +Every humane and honorable man will assent to the proposition, that no +scheme for the removal of a numerous people from one continent to +another, ought to be prosecuted contrary to their desires. A scheme +cannot be benevolent which thrives upon persecution. Benevolent +oppression is a solecism. + +Another self-evident truth is, that no such removal can be effected +merely by the presentation of selfish inducements, or without resorting +to coercive measures. To show that coercion is openly advocated by some +of the prominent supporters of the Colonization Society, I make the +following extracts from the speeches of Messrs Broadnax and Fisher, +delivered during the 'Great Debate' in the Virginia House of Delegates a +short time since. Mr Broadnax said: + + 'IT IS IDLE TO TALK ABOUT NOT RESORTING TO FORCE. Every body + must look to the introduction of force of some kind or + other--and it is in truth a question of expediency; of moral + justice; of political good faith--whether we shall fairly + delineate our whole system on the face of the bill, or leave the + acquisition of extorted consent to other processes. The real + question--the only question of magnitude to be settled, is the + great preliminary question--Do you intend to send the free + persons of color out of Virginia, or not?' + + 'If the free negroes are willing to go, they will go--if not + willing, they must be compelled to go. Some gentlemen think it + politic not now to insert this feature in the bill, though they + proclaim their readiness to resort to it when it becomes + necessary; they think that for a year or two a sufficient number + will consent to go, and then the rest can be compelled. For my + part, I deem it better to approach the question and settle it at + once, and avow it openly. The intelligent portion of the free + negroes know very well what is going on.--Will they not see your + debates? _Will they not see that coercion is ultimately to be + resorted to?_ They will perceive that the edict has gone forth, + and that it must fall, if not now, in a short time upon them.' + + 'I have already expressed it as my opinion that few, very few, + will _voluntarily_ consent to emigrate, if no COMPULSORY MEASURE + be adopted.--With it--many, in anticipation of its sure and + certain arrival, will, in the mean time, go away--they will be + sensible that the time would come when they would be forced to + leave the State. Without it--you will still, no doubt, have + applicants for removal equal to your means. Yes, Sir, people who + will not only consent, but beg you to deport them. But what sort + of _consent_--a consent extorted by a series of oppression + calculated to render their situation among us insupportable. + Many of those who have already been sent off, went with _their + avowed consent_, but under the influence of a more decided + compulsion than any which this bill holds out. I will not + express, in its full extent, the idea I entertain of what has + been done, or what enormities will be perpetrated to induce this + class of persons to leave the State. Who does not know that when + a free negro, by crime or otherwise, has rendered himself + obnoxious to a neighborhood, how easy it is for a party to visit + him one night, take him from his bed and family, and apply to + him the gentle admonition of a severe flagellation, to induce + him to _consent_ to go away? In a few nights the dose can be + repeated, perhaps increased, until, in the language of the + physicians, _quantum suff._ has been administered to produce the + desired operation; and the fellow then becomes _perfectly + willing_ to move away. I have certainly heard, if incorrectly, + the gentleman from Southampton will put me right, that of the + large cargo of emigrants lately transported from that country to + Liberia, all of whom _professed_ to be _willing_ to go, were + rendered so by some such severe ministrations as those I have + described. A lynch club--a committee of vigilance--could easily + exercise a kind of inquisitorial _surveillance_ over any + neighborhood, and convert any desired number, I have no doubt, + at any time, into a willingness to be removed. But who really + prefers such means as these to the course proposed in this bill? + And one or the other is inevitable. For no matter how you change + this bill--sooner or later the free negroes will be _forced_ to + leave the State. Indeed, Sir, ALL OF US LOOK TO FORCE of some + kind or other, direct or indirect, moral or physical, legal or + illegal. Many who are opposed, they say, to any compulsory + feature in the bill, desire to introduce such severe regulations + into our police laws--such restrictions of their existing + privileges--such inability to hold property--obtain + employment--rent residences, &c., as to make it impossible for + them to remain amongst us. _Is not this force?_' + +Mr Fisher said: + + 'If we wait until the free negroes consent to leave the State, + we shall wait until "time is no more." _They never will give + their consent_; and if the House amend the bill as proposed, + their consent is in a manner pointed out by the gentleman from + Dinwiddie--and it is a great question whether we shall force the + people to extort their consent from them in this way.--He + believed if the compulsory principle were stricken out, this + class of people would be forced to leave by the harsh treatment + of the whites. The people in those parts of the State where they + most abound, were determined,--as far as they could learn + through the newspapers and other sources,--to get rid of the + blacks.' + +What a revelation, what a confession, is here! The free blacks taken +from their beds, and severely flagellated, to make them willing to +emigrate! And legislative compulsion openly advocated to accomplish this +nefarious project! Yes, the gentlemen say truly, 'few, very few will +_voluntarily_ consent to emigrate'--'they never will give their +consent'--and therefore they must be expelled by force! It is true, the +bill proposed by Mr Broadnax was rejected by a small majority; but it +serves to illustrate the spirit of the colonization leaders. + +The editor of the Lynchburg Virginian, an advocate of the Society, uses +the following language: + + 'But, if they will not consider for themselves, WE _must + consider for them_. The safety of the people is the supreme law; + and to that law all minor considerations must bend. If the free + negroes will not emigrate, _they must be contented to endure + those privations which the public interest and safety call + for_.--In the last Richmond Enquirer we notice an advertisement, + setting forth, that "a petition will be presented to the next + legislature of Virginia, from the county of Westmoreland, + praying the passage of some law to _compel_ the free negroes in + this commonwealth to emigrate therefrom, under a penalty which + will effectually promote this object." So, too, at a meeting of + the citizens of Prince George county, in Maryland, it was + resolved to "petition the next legislature to remove all the + free negroes out of that State, and to prohibit all persons from + manumitting slaves without making provision for their removal."' + +I close this work with a specimen of the sophistry which is used to give +_eclat_ to the American Colonization Society. + +In the month of June, 1830, I happened to peruse a number of the +Southern Religious Telegraph, in which I found an essay, enforcing the +duty of clergymen to take up collections in aid of the funds of the +Colonization Society on the then approaching fourth of July. After an +appropriate introductory paragraph, the writer proceeds in the following +remarkable strain: + + 'But--we have a plea like a peace offering to man and to God. We + answer poor blinded Africa in her complaint--that we have her + children, and that they have served on our plantations. And we + tell her, look at their returning! We took them barbarous, + though measurably free,--untaught--rude--without + science--without the true religion--without philosophy--and + strangers to the best civil governments. And now we return them + to her bosom, _with the mechanical arts_ ... _with science_ ... + _with philosophy_ ... with civilization ... with republican + feelings ... and above all, with the true knowledge of the true + God, and the way of salvation through the Redeemer.' + +'The mechanical arts!'--with whom did they serve an apprenticeship? +'With philosophy!'--in what colleges were they taught? It is strange +that we should be so anxious to get rid of these scientific men of +color--these philosophers--these republicans--these christians, and that +we should shun their company as if they were afflicted with the +hydrophobia, or carried a deadly pestilence in their train! Certainly, +they _must_ have singular notions of the christian religion which +tolerates--or, rather, which is so perverted as to tolerate--the +oppression of God's rational creatures by its professors! They must feel +a peculiar kind of brotherly love for those _good men_ who banded +together to remove them to Africa, because they were too proud to +associate familiarly with men of a sable complexion! But the writer +proceeds: + + 'We tell her, look at the little colony on her shores. We tell + her, look to the consequences that must flow to all her borders + from religion, and science, and knowledge, and civilization, and + republican government! And then we ask her--_is not one ship + load of emigrants returning with these multiplied blessings, + worth more to her than a million of her barbarous sons?_' + +So! every ship load of ignorant and helpless emigrants is to more than +compensate Africa for every million of her children who have been +kidnapped, buried in the ocean and on the land, tortured with savage +cruelty, and held in perpetual servitude! Truly, this is a compendious +method of balancing accounts. In the sight of God, of Africa, and of the +world, we are consequently blameless--and rather praiseworthy--for our +past transgressions. It is such sophistry as is contained in the +foregoing extract, that kindles my indignation into a blaze. I abhor +cant--I abhor hypocrisy--and if some of the advocates of the +Colonization Society do not deal largely in both, I am unable to +comprehend the meaning of these terms. + +Of the whole number of individuals constituting the officers of the +Society, nearly three-fourths, I believe, _are the owners of slaves_, or +interested in slave property; not one of whom, to my knowledge, has +emancipated any of his slaves to be sent to Liberia!! The President of +the Society, (CHARLES CARROLL,) owns, I have understood, nearly _one +thousand slaves_! And yet he is lauded, beyond measure, as a patriot, a +philanthropist, and a christian! The former President, (Judge BUSHROD +WASHINGTON,) so far from breaking the fetters of his slaves, actually +while holding his office offered a large reward for a runaway female +slave, to any person who would secure her by putting her into any jail +within the United States! What a mockery it is for such persons to +profess to deplore the existence of slavery, or to denounce the foreign +slave trade! for they neither cease from their own oppressive acts, nor +act much more honestly than the slave dealers--the latter stealing those +who are born on the coast of Africa, and the former those who are born +in this country! + +FOOTNOTES: + +[AE] John Neal. + +[AF] _Vide_ the Fourth Volume of the Genius of Universal Emancipation +for 1829. + +[AG] Alexander H. Everett, Esq. vide his work entitled 'America, or a +General Survey,' &c. &c. pp. 212, 225. + +[AH] Genius of Universal Emancipation for November 27, 1829. + +[AI] Genius of Universal Emancipation, January 29, 1830. + +[AJ] 'The Liberator' for January 22, 1832. + +[AK] 'A Colored Philadelphian'--vide 'The Liberator' for Feb. 12, 1831. + +[AL] Correspondent of 'The Liberator,' Feb. 26, 1831. + +[AM] Correspondent of 'The Liberator,' March 12, 1831. + +[AN] 'African Sentinel,' Oct. 8, 1831, printed at Albany. + +[AO] Extracts from 'An Address to the Gentlemen and Ladies of the County +of Otsego, N. Y., delivered on the 30th September, 1830, by Hayden +Waters, a man of color.' The proceedings of the colored inhabitants of +Virginia, incorporated into this Address, are those referred to on page +8 as having been accidentally mislaid. + +[AP] 'Address delivered before the colored population of Providence, R. +I., November 27, 1828, by Rev. Hosea Easton.' + +[AQ] 'A Discourse delivered in St. Philip's Church, for the benefit of +the colored community of Wilberforce, in Upper Canada, on the Fourth of +July, 1830. By Rev. Peter Williams, Rector of St. Philip's Church, +New-York.' Mr Williams is a clergyman of superior talents and great +moral worth, and beloved by an extensive circle of acquaintance. + +[AR] From the pen of the Colored Gentleman in Philadelphia, referred to +on page 58--vide 'The Liberator,' March 12, 1831. + +[AS] 'Address delivered before a Colored Association in Brooklyn, N. Y., +August 5, 1831,' by George Hogarth. Vide 'The Liberator' for August 27, +1831. + +[AT] Conventional Address of the People of Color in Philadelphia, in +1830. + +[AU] 'Minutes and Proceedings of the First Annual Convention of the +People of Color, held by adjournment in the city of Philadelphia, in +June, 1831.' + +[AV] 'Philadelphia Evangelist'--vide 'The Liberator' for November 26, +1831. + +[AW] Correspondent of 'The Liberator,' December 17, 1831. + + +END OF PART II. + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Thoughts on African Colonization, by +William Lloyd Garrison + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THOUGHTS ON AFRICAN COLONIZATION *** + +***** This file should be named 31178-8.txt or 31178-8.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/3/1/1/7/31178/ + +Produced by Louise Pattison, Suzanne Shell and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, +set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to +copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to +protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project +Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you +charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you +do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the +rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose +such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and +research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do +practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is +subject to the trademark license, especially commercial +redistribution. + + + +*** START: FULL LICENSE *** + +THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE +PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK + +To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free +distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work +(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project +Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project +Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at +http://gutenberg.org/license). + + +Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic works + +1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to +and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property +(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all +the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy +all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. +If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the +terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or +entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. + +1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be +used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who +agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few +things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works +even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See +paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement +and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. See paragraph 1.E below. + +1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" +or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the +collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an +individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are +located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from +copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative +works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg +are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project +Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by +freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of +this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with +the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by +keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project +Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. + +1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern +what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in +a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check +the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement +before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or +creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project +Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning +the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United +States. + +1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: + +1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate +access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently +whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the +phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project +Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, +copied or distributed: + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + +1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived +from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is +posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied +and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees +or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work +with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the +work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 +through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the +Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or +1.E.9. + +1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted +with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution +must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional +terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked +to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the +permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. + +1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this +work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. + +1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this +electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without +prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with +active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project +Gutenberg-tm License. + +1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, +compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any +word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or +distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than +"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version +posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org), +you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a +copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon +request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other +form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. + +1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, +performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works +unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. + +1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing +access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided +that + +- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from + the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method + you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is + owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he + has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the + Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments + must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you + prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax + returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and + sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the + address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to + the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." + +- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies + you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he + does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm + License. You must require such a user to return or + destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium + and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of + Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any + money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the + electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days + of receipt of the work. + +- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free + distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set +forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from +both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael +Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the +Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. + +1.F. + +1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable +effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread +public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm +collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain +"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or +corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual +property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a +computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by +your equipment. + +1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right +of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project +Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all +liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal +fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT +LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE +PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE +TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE +LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR +INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH +DAMAGE. + +1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a +defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can +receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a +written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you +received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with +your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with +the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a +refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity +providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to +receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy +is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further +opportunities to fix the problem. + +1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth +in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER +WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO +WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. + +1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied +warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. +If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the +law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be +interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by +the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any +provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. + +1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the +trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone +providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance +with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, +promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, +harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, +that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do +or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm +work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any +Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. + + +Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm + +Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of +electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers +including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists +because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from +people in all walks of life. + +Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the +assistance they need, are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's +goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will +remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure +and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. +To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation +and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 +and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. + + +Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive +Foundation + +The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit +501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the +state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal +Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification +number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at +http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent +permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. + +The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. +Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered +throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at +809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email +business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact +information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official +page at http://pglaf.org + +For additional contact information: + Dr. Gregory B. Newby + Chief Executive and Director + gbnewby@pglaf.org + + +Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation + +Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide +spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of +increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be +freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest +array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations +($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt +status with the IRS. + +The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating +charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United +States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a +considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up +with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations +where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To +SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any +particular state visit http://pglaf.org + +While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we +have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition +against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who +approach us with offers to donate. + +International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make +any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from +outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. + +Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation +methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other +ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. +To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate + + +Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. + +Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm +concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared +with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project +Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. + + +Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed +editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. +unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily +keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. + + +Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: + + http://www.gutenberg.org + +This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, +including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary +Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to +subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. diff --git a/31178-8.zip b/31178-8.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..bd286e3 --- /dev/null +++ b/31178-8.zip diff --git a/31178-h.zip b/31178-h.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..5190c1c --- /dev/null +++ b/31178-h.zip diff --git a/31178-h/31178-h.htm b/31178-h/31178-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..e8eb3cd --- /dev/null +++ b/31178-h/31178-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,12488 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> + <head> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=iso-8859-1" /> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Style-Type" content="text/css" /> + <title> + The Project Gutenberg eBook of Thoughts on African Colonization, by William Lloyd Garrison. + </title> + <style type="text/css"> +body { margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} +h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 { text-align: center; /*all headings centered */ + clear: both; } +p { margin-top: .5em; text-align: justify; margin-bottom: .5em;} +p.newquot {margin-top:1.5em; /* extra space between block quotes */} +hr {width: 33%; margin-top: 2em; margin-bottom: 2em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; clear: both; } +table { margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;} +table.left {margin-left:15%} + +/* Page numbers */ +.pagenum { /* Uncomment the next line for invisible page numbers. Fixed font-size to work in blockquotes */ + /* visibility: hidden; */ + position: absolute; left: 92%; font-size: 9pt; text-align: right; } + +.blockquot {font-size:0.95em; margin-left: 5%; margin-right: 5%;} +.indent1 {padding-left: 2em;} +.indent2 {padding-left: 4em;} +.center {text-align: center;} +.smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} +.caption {font-weight: bold;} +.tnote {padding-bottom: .5em; padding-top: .5em; padding-left: .5em; padding-right: .5em; + margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em; font-size: smaller; background: #eeeeee; border: solid 1px;} +.right {text-align: right; margin-right:5%} +.rfloat {position:absolute; right:15%; text-align:right;} + +/*correction highlighting */ +ins.mycorr {text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 1px dotted #FF0000;} + +/* Images */ +.figcenter { margin: auto; text-align: center; } + +/* Footnotes */ +.footnotes {border: dashed 1px;} +.footnote {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-size: 0.9em;} +.footnote .label {position: absolute; right: 84%; text-align: right;} +.fnanchor {vertical-align: super; font-size: .8em; text-decoration: none; } + +/* Poetry */ +.poem { margin-left:10%; margin-right:10%; text-align: left;} +.poem br {display: none;} +.poem .stanza {margin: 1em 0em 1em 0em;} +.poem span.i0 {display: block; margin-left: 0em; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} +.poem span.i2 {display: block; margin-left: 2em; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} +.poem span.i7 {display: block; margin-left: 7em; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} +.poem span.i4 {display: block; margin-left: 4em; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} + </style> + </head> +<body> + + +<pre> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Thoughts on African Colonization, by +William Lloyd Garrison + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Thoughts on African Colonization + +Author: William Lloyd Garrison + +Release Date: February 4, 2010 [EBook #31178] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THOUGHTS ON AFRICAN COLONIZATION *** + + + + +Produced by Louise Pattison, Suzanne Shell and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net + + + + + + +</pre> + +<h1><span style="font-size: larger">THOUGHTS ON AFRICAN COLONIZATION</span></h1> +<div class="tnote"> +Detailed Transcriber's Notes are included at the <a href="#Transcribers_Notes">end</a> of this eBook. +Corrections to typographical errors are underlined <ins class="mycorr" title="Original: like thsi">like this</ins>. Mouse over to view the original text. +</div> + +<h3>Table of Contents</h3> +<table id="TOC" border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="2" summary="Table of Contents"> +<tr><td class="indent1">PREFACE</td><td style="text-align:right;"><a href="#PREFACE">xix</a></td></tr> +<tr><td><br />PART I.</td><td> </td></tr> +<tr><td class="indent1">INTRODUCTORY REMARKS.</td><td style="text-align:right;"><a href="#Page_1">1</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class="indent1">SECTION I.</td><td style="text-align:right;"><a href="#SECTION_I">39</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class="indent2">THE AMERICAN COLONIZATION SOCIETY IS PLEDGED NOT TO OPPOSE THE SYSTEM OF SLAVERY.</td><td> </td></tr> +<tr><td class="indent1">SECTION II.</td><td style="text-align:right;"><a href="#SECTION_II">61</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class="indent2">THE AMERICAN COLONIZATION SOCIETY APOLOGISES FOR SLAVERY AND SLAVEHOLDERS.</td><td> </td></tr> +<tr><td class="indent1">SECTION III.</td><td style="text-align:right;"><a href="#SECTION_III">68</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class="indent2">THE AMERICAN COLONIZATION SOCIETY RECOGNISES SLAVES AS PROPERTY.</td><td> </td></tr> +<tr><td class="indent1">SECTION IV.</td><td style="text-align:right;"><a href="#SECTION_IV">74</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class="indent2">THE AMERICAN COLONIZATION SOCIETY INCREASES THE VALUE OF SLAVES.</td><td> </td></tr> +<tr><td class="indent1">SECTION V.</td><td style="text-align:right;"><a href="#SECTION_V">78</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class="indent2">THE AMERICAN COLONIZATION SOCIETY IS THE ENEMY OF IMMEDIATE ABOLITION.</td><td> </td></tr> +<tr><td class="indent1">SECTION VI.</td><td style="text-align:right;"><a href="#SECTION_VI">95</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class="indent2">THE AMERICAN COLONIZATION SOCIETY IS NOURISHED BY FEAR AND SELFISHNESS.</td><td> </td></tr> +<tr><td class="indent1">SECTION VII.</td><td style="text-align:right;"><a href="#SECTION_VII">111</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class="indent2">THE AMERICAN COLONIZATION SOCIETY AIMS AT THE UTTER EXPULSION OF THE BLACKS.</td><td> </td></tr> +<tr><td class="indent1">SECTION VIII.</td><td style="text-align:right;"><a href="#SECTION_VIII">124</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class="indent2">THE AMERICAN COLONIZATION SOCIETY IS THE DISPARAGER OF THE FREE BLACKS.</td><td> </td></tr> +<tr><td class="indent1">SECTION IX.</td><td style="text-align:right;"><a href="#SECTION_IX">134</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class="indent2">THE AMERICAN COLONIZATION SOCIETY DENIES THE POSSIBILITY OF ELEVATING THE BLACKS IN THIS COUNTRY.</td><td> </td></tr> +<tr><td class="indent1">SECTION X.</td><td style="text-align:right;"><a href="#SECTION_X">151</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class="indent2">THE AMERICAN COLONIZATION SOCIETY DECEIVES AND MISLEADS THE NATION.</td><td> </td></tr> +<tr><td><br />PART II.</td><td> </td></tr> +<tr><td class="indent1">SENTIMENTS OF THE PEOPLE OF COLOR.</td><td style="text-align:right;"><a href="#pt2-Page_1">1</a></td></tr> +</table> + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<h1><span style="font-size: larger">THOUGHTS</span> +<br /><br /><span style="font-size: smaller">ON</span> +<br /><br />AFRICAN COLONIZATION<br /><br /> +</h1> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;"> +<span class="caption">SECTION OF A SLAVE SHIP.</span> +<img src="images/005.png" width="600" height="352" + alt="SECTION OF A SLAVE SHIP. From Walsh's Notes of Brazil." + title="SECTION OF A SLAVE SHIP. From Walsh's Notes of Brazil." /> +<span class="caption"><i>From Walsh's Notes of Brazil.</i></span> +</div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<div><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_xix" id="Page_xix">[Pg xix]</a></span></div> +<h2><a name="PREFACE" id="PREFACE"></a>PREFACE.</h2> + + +<p><span class="smcap">I dedicate</span> this work to my countrymen, in whose intelligence, +magnanimity and humanity I place the utmost reliance. Although they have +long suffered themselves to be swayed by a prejudice as unmanly as it is +wicked, and have departed widely from the golden rule of the gospel, in +their treatment of the people of color, to suppose that they will always +be the despisers and persecutors of this unfortunate class is, in my +opinion, to libel their character. A change in their feelings and +sentiments is already visible—a change which promises, ere long, to +redeem their character from the bloody stains which slavery has cast +upon it, and to release the prisoner from his chains. May they be +ashamed to persist in a mean and thievish course of conduct, and afraid +to quarrel with the workmanship of God! May a righteous indignation be +kindled in their breasts against a combination which is holding them up, +for the scorn and contempt of other nations, as incorrigible oppressors, +whom neither self-respect, nor the opinions of mankind, nor the fear of +God, can bring to repentance! Their duty is plain, and it may easily be +done. Slavery must be overthrown either by their own moral strength, or +by the physical strength of the slaves. Let them imitate the example of +the people of <i>Great Britain</i>, by seeking the immediate overthrow of the +horrid system. Let a National Anti-Slavery Society be immediately +organized, the object of which shall be, to quicken and consolidate the +moral influence of the nation, so that Congress and the State +Legislatures may be burdened with petitions for the removal of the +evil—to scatter tracts, like rain-drops, over the land, on the subject +of slavery—to employ active and eloquent agents to plead the cause +incessantly, and to form auxiliary societies—to encourage planters to +cultivate their lands by freemen, by offering large premiums; to promote +education and the mechanical arts among the free people of color, and to +recover their lost rights. Religious professors, of all denominations, +must bear unqualified testimony against slavery. They must not support, +they must not palliate it. No slaveholder ought to be embraced within +the pale of a christian church; consequently, the churches must be +purified 'as by fire.' Slavery in the District of Columbia is sustained +in our national capacity: it ought, therefore, to be prostrated at a +blow. The clause in the Constitution should be erased, which tolerates, +greatly to the detriment and injustice of the non-slaveholding States, a +slave representation in Congress. Why should property be represented at +the impoverished south, and not at the opulent north?</p> + +<p>To impair the force of this exposition, the ardent advocates of the +Colonization Society will undoubtedly attempt to evade the ground of +controversy, and lead uncautious minds astray in a labyrinth of +sophistry. But the question is not, whether the climate of Africa is +salubrious, nor whether the mortality among the emigrants has been +excessive, nor whether the colony is in a prosperous condition, nor +whether the transportation of our whole colored population can be +effected in thirty years or three centuries, nor whether any slaves have +been <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_xx" id="Page_xx">[Pg xx]</a></span>emancipated on condition of banishment; but whether the doctrines +and principles of the Society accord with the doctrines and principles +of the gospel, whether slaveholders are the just proprietors of their +slaves, whether it is not the sacred duty of the nation to abolish the +system of slavery now, and to recognise the people of color as brethren +and countrymen who have been unjustly treated and covered with unmerited +shame. <i>This is the question—and the only question.</i></p> + +<p>With such a mass of evidence before them, of the pernicious, cruel and +delusive character of the American Colonization Society, I leave the +patriot, the philanthropist and the christian to judge of the fitness of +the following inflated and presumptuous assertions of its +advocates:—'The plan is of heavenly origin, against which the gates of +hell shall never prevail'—'a circle of philanthropy, every segment of +which tells and testifies to the beneficence of the whole'—'addressing +its claims alike to the patriot, and the christian, it being +emphatically the cause of liberty, of humanity, of religion'<a name="FNanchor_A_1" id="FNanchor_A_1"></a><a href="#Footnote_A_1" class="fnanchor">[A]</a>—'so +full of benevolence and the hallowed impulses of Heaven's own mercy, +that one might, with the propriety of truth, compare its radiant +influences to a rainbow, insufferably bright, spanning the sombre clouds +of human wrong, that have accumulated on the horizon of our country's +prosperity, and beating back, with calm and heavenly power, the +blackening storm that always threatens, in growling thunders, a heavy +retribution'<a name="FNanchor_B_2" id="FNanchor_B_2"></a><a href="#Footnote_B_2" class="fnanchor">[B]</a>—'that citizen of the United States who lifts a finger +to retard this institution, nay, that man who does not use his +persevering efforts to promote its benevolent object, fails, in our +opinion, to discharge his duty to his God and his +country'<a name="FNanchor_C_3" id="FNanchor_C_3"></a><a href="#Footnote_C_3" class="fnanchor">[C]</a><a name="FNanchor_1_5" id="FNanchor_1_5"></a><a href="#Footnote_1_5" class="fnanchor">[1]</a>—'nothing but a distinct knowledge and a calm +consideration of the facts in the case, is wanting to make every man of +common intelligence, common patriotism, and common humanity, the earnest +friend of the Colonization Society'!!<a name="FNanchor_D_4" id="FNanchor_D_4"></a><a href="#Footnote_D_4" class="fnanchor">[D]</a></p> + +<p>There is one important consideration, which, owing to the contractedness +of my limits, I have omitted to enforce in this work. It is this: the +serious injury which our interests must inevitably suffer by the removal +of our colored population. Their labor is indispensably necessary and +extremely valuable. By whom shall the plantations at the south be +cultivated but by them? It is universally conceded that they can resist +the intensity of a southern sun, and endure the fatigues attendant on +the cultivation of rice, cotton, tobacco and sugar-cane, better than +white laborers: at least, their bodies are now inured to this +employment. I do not believe that any equivalent would induce the +planters to part with their services, or white laborers to occupy their +places. In the great cities, and in various parts of the southern +States, free persons of color constitute a laborious and useful class. +In a pecuniary point of view, the banishment of one-sixth of our +population,—of those whom we specially need,—would be an act of +suicide. The veriest smatterer in political economy cannot but perceive +the ruinous tendency of such a measure.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_A_1" id="Footnote_A_1"></a><a href="#FNanchor_A_1"><span class="label">[A]</span></a> African Repository.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_B_2" id="Footnote_B_2"></a><a href="#FNanchor_B_2"><span class="label">[B]</span></a> Rev. Mr Maffit's 'Plea for Africa.'</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_C_3" id="Footnote_C_3"></a><a href="#FNanchor_C_3"><span class="label">[C]</span></a> Western Luminary.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_D_4" id="Footnote_D_4"></a><a href="#FNanchor_D_4"><span class="label">[D]</span></a> Christian Spectator.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1_5" id="Footnote_1_5"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1_5"><span class="label">[1]</span></a> The clerical gentleman who presumes to utter this opinion +is the same who has also the hardihood to assert that 'many of the best +citizens of our land are holders of slaves, and hold them <i>in strict +accordance with the principles of humanity and justice</i>'!!</p></div> +</div> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<div><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_1" id="Page_1">[Pg 1]</a></span></div> +<h1><span style="font-size: larger">THOUGHTS</span> +<br /><span style="font-size: smaller">ON</span> +<br />AFRICAN COLONIZATION.<br /></h1> + +<h2>PART I.</h2> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>INTRODUCTORY REMARKS.</h2> + +<p><span class="smcap">In</span> attacking the system of slavery, I clearly foresaw all that has +happened to me. I knew, at the commencement, that my motives would be +impeached, my warnings ridiculed, my person persecuted, my sanity +doubted, my life jeoparded: but the clank of the prisoner's chains broke +upon my ear—it entered deeply into my soul—I looked up to Heaven for +strength to sustain me in the perilous work of emancipation—and my +resolution was taken.</p> + +<p>In opposing the American Colonization Society, I have also counted the +cost, and as clearly foreseen the formidable opposition which will be +arrayed against me. Many of the clergy are enlisted in its support: +their influence is powerful. Men of wealth and elevated station are +among its contributors: wealth and station are almost omnipotent. The +press has been seduced into its support: the press is a potent engine. +Moreover, the Society is artfully based upon and defended by <i>popular +prejudice</i>: it takes advantage of wicked and preposterous opinions, and +hence its success. These things grieve, they cannot<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_2" id="Page_2">[Pg 2]</a></span> deter me. 'Truth is +mighty, and will prevail.' It is able to make falsehood blush, and tear +from hypocrisy its mask, and annihilate prejudice, and overthrow +persecution, and break every fetter.</p> + +<p>I am constrained to declare, with the utmost sincerity, that I look upon +the colonization scheme as inadequate in its design, injurious in its +operation, and contrary to sound principle; and the more scrupulously I +examine its pretensions, the stronger is my conviction of its +sinfulness. Nay, were Jehovah to speak in an audible voice from his holy +habitation, I am persuaded that his language would be, 'Who hath +required this at your hands?'</p> + +<p>It consoles me to believe that no man, who knows me personally or by +reputation, will suspect the honesty of my skepticism. If I were +politic, and intent only on my own preferment or pecuniary interest, I +should swim with the strong tide of public sentiment instead of +breasting its powerful influence. The hazard is too great, the labor too +burdensome, the remuneration too uncertain, the contest too unequal, to +induce a selfish adventurer to assail a combination so formidable. +Disinterested opposition and sincere conviction, however, are not +conclusive proofs of individual rectitude; for a man may very honestly +do mischief, and not be aware of his error. Indeed, it is in this light +I view many of the friends of African colonization. I concede to them +benevolence of purpose and expansiveness of heart; but in my opinion, +they are laboring under the same delusion as that which swayed Saul of +Tarsus—persecuting the blacks even unto a strange country, and verily +believing that they are doing God service. I blame them, nevertheless, +for taking this mighty scheme upon trust; for not perceiving and +rejecting the monstrous doctrines avowed by the master spirits in the +crusade; and for feeling so indifferent to the moral, political and +social advancement of the free people of color in this their only +legitimate home.</p> + +<p>In the progress of this discussion I shall have occasion to use very +plain, and sometimes very severe language. This would be an unpleasant +task, did not duty imperiously demand its application. To give offence I +am loath, but more to hide or<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3">[Pg 3]</a></span> modify the truth. I shall deal with the +Society in its collective form—as one body—and not with individuals. +While I shall be necessitated to marshal individual opinions in review, +I protest, <i>ab origine</i>, against the supposition that indiscriminate +censure is intended, or that every friend of the Society cherishes +similar views. He to whom my reprehension does not apply, will not +receive it. It is obviously impossible, in attacking a numerous and +multiform combination, to exhibit private dissimilarities, or in every +instance to discriminate between the various shades of opinion. It is +sufficient that exceptions are made. My warfare is against the <span class="smcap">American +Colonization Society</span>. If I shall identify its general, preponderating +and clearly developed traits, it must stand or fall as they shall prove +benevolent or selfish.</p> + +<p>I bring to this momentous investigation an unbiassed mind, a lively +sense of accountability to God, and devout aspirations for the guidance +of the Holy Spirit. Unless He 'in whom there is no darkness at all,' +pours light upon my path, I shall go astray. I have taken Him at His +word: 'If any man lack wisdom, let him ask of God, and it shall be given +him.' Confessing my own foolishness, I have sought that knowledge which +cannot err.</p> + +<p>I would premise, that, like many others, I formerly supposed the +Colonization Society was a praiseworthy association, although I always +doubted its efficiency. This opinion was formed for me by others, upon +whom I placed implicit confidence: it certainly was not based upon any +research or knowledge of my own, as I had not at that time perused a +single Report of the Society, nor a page in its organ, the African +Repository. My approval was the offspring of credulity and ignorance. I +am explicit on this point, because my opponents have accused me of +inconsistency—though it ought not surely to disgrace a man, that, +discovering himself to be in error, he promptly turns to the embrace of +truth. As if opinions, once formed, must be as irrevocable as the laws +of the Medes and Persians! If this were so, accountability would lose +its hold on the conscience, and the light of knowledge be blown out, and +reason degenerate into brutish instinct. Much stress has been<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4">[Pg 4]</a></span> laid upon +the fact, that, in 1828, I delivered an address in Park-street +meeting-house on the Fourth of July, on which occasion a collection was +made in behalf of the American Colonization Society. It is true—but +whereas I was then blind, now I see. My address, however, was far from +being acceptable to the friends of colonization who were present, not +only on account of my denunciation of slaveholders, but because I +inserted only a single sentence in favor of the Society. In all my +writings, I have never commended this combination in as many sentences +as I have used in making this explanation. So much for my marvellous +apostacy!</p> + +<p>It is only about two years since I was induced to examine the claims of +the Colonization Society upon the patronage and confidence of the +nation. I went to this examination with a mind biassed by preconceived +opinions favorable to the Society, and rather for the purpose of +defending it against opposition than of bringing it into disrepute. +Every thing, apart from its principles, was calculated to secure my +friendship. Nothing but its revolting features could have induced me to +turn loathingly away from its embrace. I had some little reputation to +sustain; many of my friends were colonizationists; I saw that eminent +statesmen and honorable men were enlisted in the enterprise; the great +body of the clergy gave their unqualified support to it; every fourth of +July the charities of the nation were secured in its behalf; wherever I +turned my eye in the free States, I saw nothing but unanimity; wherever +my ear caught a sound, I heard nothing but excessive panegyric. No +individual had ventured to blow the trumpet of alarm, or exert his +energies to counteract the influence of the scheme. If an assailant had +occasionally appeared, he had either fired a random shot and retreated, +or found in the inefficiency of the Society the only cause for +hostility. It was at this crisis, and with such an array of motives +before me to bias my judgment, that I resolved to make a close and +candid examination of the subject.</p> + +<p>I went, first of all, to the fountain head—to the African Repository +and the Reports of the Society. I was not long in discovering sentiments +which seemed to me as abhorrent to humanity as contrary to reason. I +perused page after page, first<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[Pg 5]</a></span> with perplexity, then with astonishment, +and finally with indignation. I found little else than sinful +palliations, fatal concessions, vain expectations, exaggerated +statements, unfriendly representations, glaring contradictions, naked +terrors, deceptive assurances, unrelenting prejudices, and unchristian +denunciations. I collected together the publications of auxiliary +societies, in order to discern some redeeming traits; but I found them +marred and disfigured with the same disgusting details. I courted the +acquaintance of eminent colonizationists, that I might learn how far +their private sentiments agreed with those which were so offensive in +print; and I found no dissimilarity between them. I listened to +discourses from the pulpit in favor of the Society; and the same moral +obliquities were seen in minister and people.</p> + +<p>These discoveries affected my mind so deeply that I could not rest. I +endeavored to explain away the meaning of plain and obvious language; I +made liberal concessions for good motives and unsuspicious confidence; I +resorted to many expedients to vindicate the disinterested benevolence +of the Society; but I could not rest. The sun in its mid-day splendor +was not more clear and palpable to my vision, than the anti-christian +and anti-republican character of this association. It was evident to me +that the great mass of its supporters at the north did not realise its +dangerous tendency. They were told that it was designed to effect the +ultimate emancipation of the slaves—to improve the condition of the +free people of color—to abolish the foreign slave trade—to reclaim and +evangelize benighted Africa—and various other marvels. Anxious to do +something for the colored population—they knew not what—and having no +other plan presented to their view, they eagerly embraced a scheme which +was so big with promise, and which required of them nothing but a small +contribution annually. Perceiving the fatality of this delusion, I was +urged by an irresistible impulse to attempt its removal. I could not +turn a deaf ear to the cries of the slaves, nor throw off the +obligations which my Creator had fastened upon me. Yet in view of the +inequalities of the contest, of the obstacles which towered like +mountains in my path, and of my own littleness, I trembled, and +exclaimed in<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[Pg 6]</a></span> the language of Jeremiah,—'Ah, Lord God! behold I cannot +speak: for I am a child.' But I was immediately strengthened by these +interrogations: 'Is any thing too hard for the Lord?' Is Error, though +unwittingly supported by a host of good men, stronger than Truth? Are +Right and Wrong convertible terms, dependant upon popular opinion? Oh +no! Then I will go forward in the strength of the Lord of Hosts—in the +name of Truth—and under the banner of Right. As it is not by might nor +by power, but by the Spirit of God, that great moral changes are +effected, I am encouraged to fight valiantly in this good cause, +believing that I shall 'come off conqueror, and more than +conqueror'—yet not I, but Truth and Justice. It is in such a contest +that one shall chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight. +'The Lord disappointeth the devices of the crafty, so that their hands +cannot perform their enterprise. He taketh the wise in their own +craftiness; and the counsel of the froward is carried headlong.' +'Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of +God is stronger than men.'</p> + +<p>Little boldness is needed to assail the opinions and practices of +notoriously wicked men; but to rebuke great and good men for their +conduct, and to impeach their discernment, is the highest effort of +moral courage. The great mass of mankind shun the labor and +responsibility of forming opinions for themselves. The question is +not—what is true? but—what is popular? Not—what does God say? +but—what says the public? Not—what is my opinion? but—what do others +believe? If people would pin their faith upon the bible, and not upon +the sleeves of their neighbors, half of the heresies in the world would +instantly disappear. If they would use their own eyes, their own ears, +their own understandings, instead of the eyes, and ears, and +understandings of others, imbecility, credulity and folly would be as +rare as they are now common in community. But, unhappily, to borrow the +words of Ganganelli, a large majority of mankind are 'mere abortions:' +calling themselves rational and intelligent beings, they act as if they +had neither brains nor conscience, and as if there were no God, no +accountability, no heaven, no hell, no eternity.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[Pg 7]</a></span></p> + +<p>'My minister,' says one, 'is a most worthy man. He supports this +Society: therefore it is a good institution.' 'Christians of all +denominations are enlisted in this enterprise,' says another: 'therefore +it cannot be wrong.' 'Do you think,' says a third, 'that honest, godly +men would countenance a scheme which is not really benevolent?' But it +is unwise for beings, who are accountable only to God, to reason in this +manner. All the good men upon earth cannot make persecution benevolence, +nor injustice equity; and until they become infallible, implicit +reliance upon their judgment is criminal. Ministers and christians, a +few years since, were engaged in the use and sale of ardent spirits; +<i>but they were all wrong</i>, and they now acknowledge their error. At the +present day, a large proportion of the professed disciples of the Prince +of Peace maintain the lawfulness of defensive war, and the right of the +oppressed to fight and kill for liberty; but they hold this sentiment in +direct opposition to the precepts of their Leader—'I say unto you which +hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, bless them that +curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.' Surely 'the +time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God.'</p> + +<p>I must pause, for a moment, and count the number of those with whom I am +about to conflict. If I had to encounter only men-stealers and +slaveholders, victory would be easy; but it is not the south alone that +is to be subdued. The whole nation is against me. Church after church is +to be converted, and the powerful influence of the clergy broken. The +friendship of good men is to be turned into enmity, and their support +into opposition. It is my task to change their admiration into +abhorrence; to convince them that their well-meant exertions have been +misdirected, and productive of greater evil than good; and to induce +them to abandon an institution to which they now fondly cling.</p> + +<p>To those who neither fear God nor regard man—who have sworn eternal +animosity to their colored countrymen, and whose cry is, 'Away with +them, we do not want them here!'—I make no appeal. Disregarding as they +do that divine command, 'Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself,' it +would be idle for<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[Pg 8]</a></span> me to direct my arguments to them. I address myself +to high-minded and honorable men, whose heads and hearts are susceptible +to the force of sound logic. I appeal to those, who have been redeemed +from the bondage of sin by the precious blood of Christ, and with whom I +hope to unite in a better world in ascribing glory, and honor, and +praise to the Great Deliverer for ever. If I can succeed in gaining +their attention, I feel sure of convincing their understandings and +securing their support.</p> + +<p>Besides the overwhelming odds which are opposed to me, I labor under +other very serious disadvantages. My efforts in the cause of +emancipation have been received as if they were intended to bring chaos +back again, and to give the land up to pillage and its inhabitants to +slaughter. My calls for an alteration in the feelings and practices of +the people toward the blacks have been regarded as requiring a sacrifice +of all the rules of propriety, and as seeking an overthrow of the +established laws of nature! I have been thrust into prison, and amerced +in a heavy fine. Epithets, huge and unseemly, have been showered upon me +without mercy. I have been branded as a fanatic, a madman, a disturber +of the peace, an incendiary, a cutthroat, a monster, &c. &c. &c. +Assassination has been threatened me in a multitude of anonymous +letters. Private and public rewards to a very large amount, by +combinations of individuals and by legislative bodies at the south, have +been offered to any persons who shall abduct or destroy me. 'Yea, mine +own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath +lifted up his heel against me.' This malignity of opposition and +proximity of danger, however, are like oil to the fire of my zeal. I am +not deliriously enthusiastic—I do not covet to be a martyr; but I had +rather die a thousand deaths, than witness the horrible oppression under +which more than two millions of my countrymen groan, <i>and be silent</i>. No +reproaches, no dangers shall deter me. At the north or the south, at the +east or the west,—wherever Providence may call me,—my voice shall be +heard in behalf of the perishing slave, and against the claims of his +oppressor. Mine is the frank avowal of the excellent <span class="smcap">Wilberforce</span>:—I can +admit of no compromise<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[Pg 9]</a></span> when the commands of equity and philanthropy are +so imperious. I wash my hands of the blood that may be spilled. I +protest against the system, as the most flagrant violation of every +principle of justice and humanity. <span class="smcap">I never will desert the cause.</span> In my +task it is impossible to tire: it fills my mind with complacency and +peace. At night I lie down with composure, and rise to it in the morning +with alacrity. <span class="smcap">I never will desist from this blessed work.</span></p> + +<p>Now that the concentrated execration of the civilized world is poured +upon those who engage in the foreign slave trade, how mild and +inefficient, comparatively speaking, seem to have been the rebukes of +Pitt, and Fox, and Wilberforce, and Clarkson! Yet these rebukes were +once deemed fanatical and outrageous by good men—yea, like flames of +fire, threatening a universal conflagration! So the denunciations which +I am now hurling against slavery and its abettors,—which seem to many +so violent and unmerited,—will be considered moderate, pertinent and +just, when this murderous, soul-destroying system shall have been +overthrown.</p> + +<p>Fanaticism has been the crime alleged against reformers in all ages. +'These,' it was said of the apostles, 'that have turned the world upside +down, come hither also.' Luther was a madman in his day: what is he now +in the estimation of the friends of civil and religious liberty? One of</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">'Those starry lights of virtue, that diffuse<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Through the dark depths of time their vivid flame.'<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p>That base and desperate men should thus stigmatize those who endure the +cross as good soldiers, and walk as pilgrims and strangers here, is not +wonderful; but that the professed followers of Jesus Christ should join +in this hue-and-cry is lamentable. Singular enough, I have been almost +as cruelly aspersed by ministers of the gospel and church members, as by +any other class of men. Unacquainted with me, and ignorant of my +sentiments, they have readily believed the accusations of my enemies. +The introduction of my name into conversation has elicited from them +contemptuous sneers or strong denunciations. I have a right to complain +of this treatment, and I do strongly<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[Pg 10]</a></span> protest against it as unchristian, +hurtful and ungenerous. To prejudge and condemn an individual, on vague +and apocryphal rumors, without listening to his defence or examining +evidence, is tyranny. Perhaps I am in error—perhaps I deserve +unqualified condemnation; but I am at least entitled to a privilege +which is granted to the vilest criminals, namely, the privilege of a +fair trial. I ask nothing more. To accuse me of heresy, madness and +sedition, is one thing; to substantiate the accusation, another.</p> + +<p>Should this work chance to fall into the hands of those who have thus +ignorantly reprobated my course, I appeal to their sense of rectitude +whether they are not bound to give it a candid and deliberate perusal; +and if they shall find in my writings nothing contrary to the immutable +principles of justice, whether they ought not to be as strenuous in my +defence as they have been hitherto in seeking my overthrow.</p> + +<p>To show that I do not vacate any pledge which I have given to the +public, I shall here insert all the specifications, which, from time to +time, I have brought against the American Colonization Society. In 'The +Liberator' of April 23, 1831, is the following serious compend:</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>'I am prepared to show, that those who have entered into this +<span class="smcap">CONSPIRACY AGAINST HUMAN RIGHTS</span> are unanimous in abusing their +victims; unanimous in their mode of attack; unanimous in +proclaiming the absurdity, that our free blacks are natives of +Africa; unanimous in propagating the libel, that they cannot be +elevated and improved in this country; unanimous in opposing +their instruction; unanimous in exciting the prejudices of the +people against them; unanimous in apologising for the crime of +slavery; unanimous in conceding the right of the planters to +hold their slaves in a limited bondage; unanimous in their +hollow pretence for colonizing, namely, to evangelize Africa; +unanimous in their <i>true motive</i> for the measure—a terror lest +the blacks should rise to avenge their accumulated wrongs. It is +a conspiracy to send the free people of color to Africa under a +benevolent pretence, but really that the slaves may be held more +securely in bondage. It is a conspiracy based upon fear, +oppression and falsehood, which draws its aliment from the +prejudices of the people, which is sustained by duplicity, which +really upholds the slave system, which fascinates while it +destroys, which endangers the safety and happiness of the +country, which no precept of the bible can justify, which is +implacable in its spirit, which should be annihilated at a blow.</p> + +<p>'These are my accusations; and if I do not substantiate them, I +am willing to be covered with reproach.'</p></div><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[Pg 11]</a></span></p> + +<p>The following is copied from an editorial article of July 9, 1831:</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>'The superstructure of the Colonization Society rests upon the +following pillars:</p> + +<p>'1st. <i>Persecution.</i> It declares that the whole colored +population must be removed to Africa; but as the free portion +are almost <i>unanimously</i> opposed to a removal, it seems to be +the determination of the Society to make their situations so +uncomfortable and degraded here, as to compel them to migrate: +consequently it discourages their education and improvement in +this their native home. This is persecution.</p> + +<p>'2d. <i>Falsehood.</i> It stigmatises our colored citizens as being +natives of Africa, and talks of sending them to their native +land; when they are no more related to Africa than we are to +Great Britain.</p> + +<p>'3d. <i>Cowardice.</i> It avows as a prominent reason why colored +citizens ought to be removed, that their continuance among us +will be dangerous to us as a people! This is a libel upon their +character. Instead of demanding justice for this oppressed +class, the Society calls for their removal!</p> + +<p>'4th. <i>Infidelity.</i> It boldly denies that there is power enough +in the gospel to melt down the prejudices of men, and insists, +that, so long as the people of color remain among us, <i>we must +be their enemies!</i>—Every honest man should abhor the doctrine.'</p></div> + +<p>In 'The Liberator' of July 30, 1831, alluding to the present work, I +used the following language:</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>'I shall be willing to stake my reputation upon it for honesty, +prudence, benevolence, truth and sagacity. If I do not prove the +Colonization Society to be a creature without heart, without +brains, eyeless, unnatural, hypocritical, relentless, unjust, +then nothing is capable of demonstration—then let me be covered +with confusion of face.'</p></div> + +<p>The following paragraph is extracted from 'The Liberator' of November +19, 1831:</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>'It is the enemy of immediate restitution to the slaves; it +courts and receives the approbation of notorious slave owners; +it deprecates any interference with slave property; it +discourages the improvement of the colored population, except +they are removed to the shores of Africa; it is lulling the +country into a fatal sleep, pretending to be something when it +is nothing; it is utterly chimerical, as well as intolerant, in +its design; it serves to increase the value of the slaves, and +to make brisk the foreign and domestic slave trade; it nourishes +and justifies the most cruel prejudices against color; it sneers +at those who advocate the bestowal of equal rights upon our +colored countrymen; it contends for an indefinite, dilatory, +far-off emancipation; it expressly declares that it is more +humane to keep the slaves in chains, than to give them freedom +in this country! In short, it is the most compendious and best +adapted scheme to uphold the slave<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[Pg 12]</a></span> system that human ingenuity +can invent. Moreover, it is utterly and irreconcileably opposed +to the wishes and sentiments of the great body of the free +people of color, repeatedly expressed in the most public manner, +but cruelly disregarded by it.'</p></div> + +<p>The following passages are taken from my Address to the People of Color, +delivered in various places in June, 1831:</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>'Let me briefly examine the doctrines of colonizationists. They +generally agree in publishing the misstatement, that you are +strangers and foreigners. Surely they know better. They know, +that, as a body, you are no more natives of Africa, than they +themselves are natives of Great Britain. Yet they repeat the +absurd charge; and they do so, in order to cover their +anti-republican crusade. But suppose you were foreigners: would +such an accident justify this persecution and removal? And, if +so, then all foreigners must come under the same ban, and must +prepare to depart. There would be, in that case, a most alarming +deduction from our population. Suppose a philanthropic and +religious crusade were got up against the Dutch, the French, the +Swiss, the Irish, among us, to remove them to New Holland, to +enlighten and civilize her cannibals? Who would not laugh at the +scheme—who would not actively oppose it? Would any one blame +the above classes for steadfastly resisting it? Just so, then, +in regard to African colonization. But our colored population +are not aliens; they were born on our soil; they are bone of our +bone, and flesh of our flesh; their fathers fought bravely to +achieve our independence during the revolutionary war, without +immediate or subsequent compensation; they spilt their blood +freely during the last war; they are entitled, in fact, to every +inch of our southern, and much of our western territory, having +worn themselves out in its cultivation, and received nothing but +wounds and bruises in return. Are these the men to stigmatize as +foreigners?</p> + +<p>'Colonizationists generally agree in asserting that the people +of color cannot be elevated in this country, nor be admitted to +equal privileges with the whites. Is not this a libel upon +humanity and justice—a libel upon republicanism—a libel upon +the Declaration of Independence—a libel upon christianity? "All +men are born equal, and endowed by their Creator with certain +inalienable rights—among which are life, liberty, and the +pursuit of happiness." What is the meaning of that declaration? +That <i>all</i> men possess these rights—whether they are six feet +five inches high, or three feet two and a half—whether they +weigh three hundred or one hundred pounds—whether they parade +in broadcloth or flutter in rags—whether their skins are jet +black or lily white—whether their hair is straight or woolly, +auburn or red, black or gray—does it not? We, who are present, +differ from each other in our looks, in our color, in height, +and in bulk; we have all shades, and aspects, and sizes. Now, +would it not be anti-republican and anti-christian for us to +quarrel about sitting on this seat or that, because this man's +complexion is too dark, or that man's looks are too ugly? and to +put others out of the house, because they happen to be ignorant, +or poor, or helpless? To commit this violence would be evidently +wrong: then to do it in a large assemblage—in a community, in a +state, or in a nation, it is equally un<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[Pg 13]</a></span>just. But is not this +the colonization principle? Who are the individuals that +applaud, that justify, that advocate this exclusion? Who are +they that venture to tell the American people, that they have +neither honesty enough, nor patriotism enough, nor morality +enough, nor religion enough, to treat their colored brethren as +countrymen and citizens? Some of them—I am sorry to say—are +professedly ministers of the gospel; others are christian +professors; others are judges and lawyers; others are our +Senators and Representatives; others are editors of newspapers. +These ministers and christians dishonor the gospel which they +profess; these judges and lawyers are the men spoken of by the +Saviour, who bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and +lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move +them with one of their fingers. These Senators and +Representatives ought not to receive the suffrages of the +people. These editors are unworthy of public patronage.</p> + +<p>'Colonizationists too generally agree in discouraging your +instruction and elevation at home. They pretend that ignorance +is bliss; and therefore 'tis folly to be wise. They pretend that +knowledge is a dangerous thing in the head of a colored man; +they pretend that you have no ambition; they pretend that you +have no brains; in fine, they pretend a thousand other absurd +things—they are a combination of pretences. What tyranny is +this! Shutting up the human intellect—binding with chains the +inward man—and perpetuating ignorance. May we not address them +in the language of Christ? "Wo unto you, scribes and pharisees, +hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: +for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are +entering to go in! Ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, +and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, +mercy and faith."</p> + +<p>'Colonizationists generally agree in apologising for the crime +of slavery. They get behind the contemptible subterfuge, that it +was entailed upon the planters. As if the continuance of the +horrid system were not criminal! as if the robberies of another +generation justify the robberies of the present! as if the +slaves had not an inalienable right to freedom! as if slavery +were not an individual as well as a national crime! as if the +tearing asunder families, limb from limb,—branding the flesh +with red hot irons,—mangling the body with whips and +knives,—feeding it on husks and clothing it with +rags,—crushing the intellect and destroying the soul,—as if +such inconceivable cruelty were not chargeable to those who +inflict it!</p> + +<p>'As to the effect of colonization upon slavery, it is rather +favorable than injurious to the system. Now and then, indeed, +there is a great flourish of trumpets, and glowing accounts of +the willingness of planters to emancipate their slaves on +condition of transportation to Africa. Now and then a slave is +actually manumitted and removed, and the incident is dwelt upon +for months. Why, my friends, hundreds of worn-out slaves are +annually turned off to die, like old horses. No doubt their +masters will thank the Colonization Society, or any one else, to +send them out of the country; especially as they will gain much +glorification in the newspapers, for their <i>disinterested</i> +sacrifices. Let no man be deceived by these manœuvres.</p> + +<p>'My time is consumed—and yet I have scarcely entered upon the +threshold of my argument. Now, what a spectacle is presented to +the world!—the Amer<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[Pg 14]</a></span>ican people, boasting of their free and +equal rights—of their abhorrence of aristocratical +distinctions—of their republican equality; proclaiming on every +wind, "that all men are born <i>equal</i>, and endowed with certain +inalienable <i>rights</i>," and that this land is an asylum for the +persecuted of all nations; and yet as loudly proclaiming that +they are determined to deprive millions of their own countrymen +of every political and social right, and to send them to a +barbarous continent, because the Creator has given them a sable +complexion. Where exists a more rigorous despotism? What +conspiracy was ever more cruel? What hypocrisy and +tergiversation so enormous? The story is proclaimed in our +pulpits, in our state and national assemblies, in courts of law, +in religious and secular periodicals,—among all parties, and in +all quarters of the country,—that there is a <i>moral incapacity</i> +in the people to do justly, love mercy, and to walk +uprightly—that they must always be the enemies and oppressors +of the colored people—that no love of liberty, no dictate of +duty, no precept of republicanism, no dread of retribution, no +claim of right, no injunction of the gospel, can possibly +persuade them to do unto their colored countrymen, as they would +that they should do unto them in a reversal of circumstances. +Now, to these promulgators of unrighteousness, with the +Declaration of Independence in one hand, and the Bible in the +other, I fearlessly give battle. Rich and mighty and numerous as +they are, by the help of the Lord I will put them to open shame. +They shall not libel me, they shall not libel my country, with +impunity. They shall not make our boasted republicanism a +by-word and a hissing among all nations, nor sink the christian +religion below heathen idolatry; and if they persist in +publishing their scandalous proclamations, they shall be +labelled as the enemies of their species and of the republic, +and treated accordingly.</p> + +<p>'The Colonization Society, therefore, instead of being a +philanthropic and religious institution, is anti-republican and +anti-christian in its tendency. Its pretences are false, its +doctrines odious, its means contemptible. If we are to send away +the colored population because they are profligate and vicious, +what sort of missionaries will they make? Why not send away the +vicious among the whites, for the same reason and the same +purpose? If ignorance be a crime, where shall we begin to +select? How much must a man know to save him from +transportation? How white must he be? If we send away a mixed +breed, how many will be left? If foreigners only, then the +people of color must remain—for they are our countrymen. Would +foreigners submit? No—not for an instant. Why should the +American people make this enormous expenditure of life and +money? Why not use the funds of the Society to instruct and +elevate our colored population at home? This would be rational +and serviceable. Instead of removing men from a land of +civilization and knowledge—of schools, and seminaries, and +colleges—to give them instruction in a land of darkness and +desolation—would it not be wiser and better to reverse the +case, and bring the ignorant here for cultivation?'</p></div> + +<p>The foregoing accusations are grave, weighty, positive—involving a +perilous responsibility, and requiring ample and irrefragable proof. +They are expressed in vehement terms: but<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[Pg 15]</a></span> to measure the propriety of +language, we must first examine the character of the system, or the +nature of the object, against which it is directed. If we see a person +wilfully abusing the goods of an individual, we may reprehend him, but +with comparative mildness. If we see him maiming, or in any way +maltreating another man's cattle, we may increase the severity of our +rebuke. But if we see him violating all the social and sacred relations +of life,—daily defrauding a number of his fellow creatures of the +fruits of their toil, calling them his property, selling them for money, +lacerating their bodies, and ruining their souls,—we may use the +strongest terms of moral indignation. Nor is plain and vehement +denunciation of crime inconsistent with the most benevolent feelings +towards the perpetrators of it. We are sustained in these positions by +the example of Christ, and the apostles, and the prophets, and the +reformers.</p> + +<p>So, also, if there be an institution, the direct tendency of which is to +perpetuate slavery, to encourage persecution, and to invigorate +prejudice,—although many of its supporters may be actuated by pure +motives,—it ought to receive unqualified condemnation.</p> + +<p>It is proper to call things by their right names. What does the law term +him who steals your pocket-book, or breaks into your dwelling, or strips +you on the highway? A robber! Is the charge inflammatory or unjust? or +will it please the villain? The abuse of language is seen only in its +misapplication. Those who object to the strength of my denunciation must +prove its perversion before they accuse me of injustice.</p> + +<p>Probably I may be interrogated by individuals,—'Why do you object to a +colony in Africa? Are you not willing people should choose their own +places of residence? And if the blacks are willing to remove, why throw +obstacles in their path or deprecate their withdrawal? All go +<i>voluntarily</i>: of what, then, do you complain? Is not the colony at +Liberia in a flourishing condition, and expanding beyond the most +sanguine expectations of its founders?'</p> + +<p>Pertinent questions deserve pertinent answers. I say, then, in reply, +that I do not object to a colony, <i>in the abstract</i>—to use the popular +phraseology of the day. In other words, I am<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[Pg 16]</a></span> entirely willing men +should be as free as the birds in choosing the time when, the mode how, +and the place where they shall migrate. The power of locomotion was +given to be used at will; as beings of intelligence and enterprise,</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">'The world is all before them, where to choose<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Their place of rest, and Providence their guide.'<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p>The emigration from New-England to the far West is constant and large. +Almost every city, town or village suffers annually by the departure of +some of its adventurous inhabitants. Companies have been formed to go +and possess the Oregon territory—an enterprise hazardous and +unpromising in the extreme. The old States are distributing their +population over the whole continent, with unexampled fruitfulness and +liberality. But why this restless, roving, unsatisfied disposition? Is +it because those who cherish it are treated as the offscouring of all +flesh, in the place of their birth? or because they do not possess equal +rights and privileges with other citizens? or because they are the +victims of incorrigible hate and prejudice? or because they are told +that they must choose between exilement and perpetual degradation? or +because the density of population renders it impossible for them to +obtain preferment and competence here? or because they are estranged by +oppression and scorn? or because they cherish no attachment to their +native soil, to the scenes of their childhood and youth, or to the +institutions of government? or because they consider themselves as +dwellers in a strange land, and feel a burning desire, a feverish +longing to return home? No. They lie under no odious disabilities, +whether imposed by public opinion or by legislative power; to them the +path of preferment is wide open; they sustain a solid and honorable +reputation; they not only can rise, but have risen, and may soar still +higher, to responsible stations and affluent circumstances; no calamity +afflicts, no burden depresses, no reproach excludes, no despondency +enfeebles them; and they love the spot of their nativity almost to +idolatry. The air of heaven is not freer or more buoyant than they. +Theirs is a spirit of curiosity and adventurous enterprise, impelled by +no malignant influences, but by the spontaneous promptings of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</a></span> the mind. +Far different is the case of our colored population. Their <i>voluntary</i> +banishment is <i>compulsory</i>—they are <i>forced</i> to turn <i>volunteers</i>, as +will be shown in other parts of this work.</p> + +<p>The following proposition is self-evident: The success of an enterprise +furnishes no proof that it is in accordance with justice, or that it +meets the approbation of God, or that it ought to be prosecuted to its +consummation, or that it is the fruit of disinterested benevolence.</p> + +<p>I do not doubt that the Colony at Liberia, by a prodigal expenditure of +life and money, will ultimately flourish; but a good result would no +more hallow that persecution which is seeking to drag the blacks away, +than it would if we should burn every distillery, and shut up in prison +every vender of ardent spirits, in order to do good and to prevent +people from becoming drunkards. Because Jehovah overrules evil for good, +shall we therefore continue to do evil?</p> + +<p>If ten thousand white mechanics, farmers, merchants, &c. &c. were to +emigrate to Africa, does any man doubt whether permanent good would +result from the enterprise—good to that benighted continent, which +would counterbalance all the sacrifices and sufferings attending it? And +yet is there a single mechanic, farmer or merchant, who feels it to be +his duty, or would be willing to go? Suppose the people of color should +get the power into their hands to-morrow, and should argue that the +whites must not be admitted to equal privileges with themselves; but +that, having so long plundered Africa, and oppressed her children, +justice demanded that they should be sent to that desolate land to build +up colonies, and carry the light of civilization and knowledge, as a +sort of reparation—and that, having superior instruction in literature +and science, they were peculiarly qualified for such a mission—how +would this doctrine relish? 'It is a poor rule that will not work both +ways,' says the proverb. Yet this logic would be more sound than is our +own with regard to the colonization of the blacks.</p> + +<p>On this point, deception is practised to a great extent. The advocates +of the Colonization Society are constantly aiming to divert public +attention from the only proper subject of inquiry, namely, 'Is it based +upon benevolence and justice?'—to the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[Pg 18]</a></span> success of the colony. Granting +all that they assert, it proves nothing; but of this success I shall +have occasion, doubtless, to speak hereafter. Fine stories are trumpeted +all over the country, of the happiness, intelligence, industry, virtue, +enterprise and dignity of the colonists; and changes, absolutely +miraculous, are gravely recorded for the admiration and credulity of +community. 'The simple,' says Solomon, 'believeth every word: but the +prudent man looketh well to his going.'</p> + +<p>The doctrine, that the 'end sanctifies the means,' belongs, I trust, +exclusively to the creed of the Jesuits. If I were sure that the Society +would accomplish the entire regeneration of Africa by its present +measures, my detestation of its principles would not abate one jot, nor +would I bestow upon it the smallest modicum of praise. Never shall the +fruits of the mercy and overruling providence of God,—ever bringing +good out of evil and light out of darkness,—be ascribed to the +prejudice and sin of man.</p> + +<p>It is certain that many a poor native African has been led to embrace +the gospel, in consequence of his transportation to our shores, who else +had lived and died a heathen. Is the slave trade therefore a blessing? +Suppose one of those wretches who are engaged in this nefarious commerce +were brought before the Supreme Court, and being convicted, should be +asked by the Judge, whether he had aught to say why sentence of death +should not be pronounced upon him? And suppose the culprit should espy +some of his sable victims in court, whom he knew had made a profession +of faith, and he should boldly reply—'May it please your Honor, I +abducted these people away from their homes, it is true; but they were +poor, miserable, benighted idolators, and must have inevitably remained +as such unto the hour of their death, if I had not brought them to this +land of christianity and bibles, where they have been taught a knowledge +of the true God, and are now rejoicing in hope of a glorious +immortality. I therefore offer as a conclusive reason why sentence +should not be pronounced, <i>that I have rescued souls from perdition</i>, +and thus enlarged the company of the saints in light.' Would the villain +be acquitted, and, instead of a halter, receive the panegyric of the +Court for his conduct?<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[Pg 19]</a></span></p> + +<p>Our pilgrim fathers, not being able to worship God according to the +dictates of their own consciences in the mother country, were compelled +by ecclesiastical despotism to seek a refuge in this rude and barbarous +continent. Wonderful have been the fruits of their expulsion! A mighty +republic established—the freest, the wisest, the most religious on +earth!—influencing the world by its example, and exciting the emulation +of all nations! Now suppose we should occasionally find in the pages of +the Edinburgh or Quarterly Review, or in the columns of the English +newspapers, not only a full justification of this oppressive treatment +in view of its astonishing consequences, but a claim to approbation on +account of its exercise. Would not such effrontery amaze us? Would not +an honest indignation burn within us? Should we look with a more +complacent aspect upon the bigots who kindled those fires of persecution +around the Puritans, which, but for the interposition of Heaven, had +consumed them to ashes?</p> + +<p>The death of our Lord Jesus Christ was essential to the salvation of the +world. Suppose Judas, at the judgment day, should build upon this fact +in extenuation of his dreadful crime. What would be the decision of the +assembled universe? Yea, what was the condemnation passed upon him by +the Illustrious Sufferer? 'Wo to that man by whom the Son of man is +betrayed! good were it for that man if he had never been born!'</p> + +<p>Let not, then, any imaginary or real prosperity of the settlement at +Liberia lead any individual to applaud the Colonization Society, +reckless whether it be actuated by mistaken philanthropy, or perverted +generosity, or selfish policy, or unchristian prejudice.</p> + +<p>I should oppose this Society, even were its doctrines harmless. It +imperatively and effectually seals up the lips of a vast number of +influential and pious men, who, for fear of giving offence to those +slaveholders with whom they associate, and thereby leading to a +dissolution of the compact, dare not expose the flagrant enormities of +the system of slavery, nor denounce the crime of holding human beings in +bondage. They dare not lead to the onset against the forces of tyranny; +and if <i>they</i> shrink from the conflict, how shall the victory be won? I +do<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[Pg 20]</a></span> not mean to aver, that, in their sermons, or addresses, or private +conversations, they never allude to the subject of slavery; for they do +so frequently, or at least every Fourth of July. But my complaint is, +that they content themselves with representing slavery as an evil,—a +misfortune,—a calamity which has been entailed upon us by former +generations,—<i>and not as an individual</i> <span class="smcap">CRIME</span>, embracing in its folds +robbery, cruelty, oppression and piracy. <i>They do not identify the +criminals</i>; they make no direct, pungent, earnest appeal to the +consciences of men-stealers; by consenting to walk arm-in-arm with them, +they virtually agree to abstain from all offensive remarks, and to aim +entirely at the expulsion of the free people of color; their lugubrious +exclamations, and solemn animadversions, and reproachful reflections, +are altogether indefinite; they 'go about, and about, and all the way +round to nothing;' they generalize, they shoot into the air, they do not +disturb the repose nor wound the complacency of the sinner; 'they have +put no difference between the holy and profane, neither have they shewed +difference between the unclean and the clean.' Thus has free inquiry +been suppressed, and a universal fear created, and the tongue of the +boldest silenced, and the sleep of death fastened upon the nation. +'Truth has fallen in the streets, and equity cannot enter.' The plague +is raging with unwonted fatality; but no <i>cordon sanitaire</i> is +established—no adequate remedy sought. The tide of moral death is +constantly rising and widening; but no efforts are made to stay its +desolating career. The fire of God's indignation is kindling against us, +and thick darkness covers the heavens, and the hour of retribution is at +hand; but we are obstinate in our transgression, we refuse to repent, we +impiously throw the burden of our guilt upon our predecessors, we affect +resignation to our <i>unfortunate</i> lot, we descant upon the mysterious +dispensations of Providence, we deem ourselves objects of God's +compassion rather than of his displeasure. 'Shall I not visit for these +things? saith the Lord. Shall not my soul be avenged on such a nation as +this?'</p> + +<p>Were the American Colonization Society bending its energies directly to +the immediate abolition of slavery; seeking to enlighten and consolidate +public opinion, on this momentous<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[Pg 21]</a></span> subject; faithfully exposing the +awful guilt of the owners of slaves; manfully contending for the +bestowal of equal rights upon our free colored population in this their +native land; assiduously endeavoring to uproot the prejudices of +society; and holding no fellowship with oppressors; my opposition to it +would cease. It might continue to bestow its charities upon those who +should desire to seek another country, and at the same time launch its +thunders against the system of oppression. But, alas! it looks to the +banishment of the free people of color as the only means to abolish +slavery, and conciliate the feelings of the planters.</p> + +<p>The popularity of the Society is not attributable to its merits, but +exclusively to its congeniality with those unchristian prejudices which +have so long been cherished against a sable complexion. It is agreeable +to slaveholders, because it is striving to remove a class of persons who +they fear may stir up their slaves to rebellion; all who avow undying +hostility to the people of color are in favor of it; all who shrink from +acknowledging them as brethren and friends, or who make them a distinct +and inferior caste, or who deny the possibility of elevating them in the +scale of improvement here, most heartily embrace it. Having ample funds, +it has been able to circulate its specious appeals in every part of the +country; and to employ active and eloquent agents, who have glowingly +described to the people the immense advantages to be reaped from the +accomplishment of its designs. With this entire preoccupancy of the +ground, and these common though unworthy dispositions in its favor, the +wonder is, that it is not more popular.</p> + +<p>Much cleverness is not requisite to tell a fine story; and a fine story +is always agreeable to a credulous listener. An agent of the Society +goes into a place, and finds no difficulty in procuring a pulpit from +which to address a congregation. The benevolent pastor, who, perhaps, +has had neither time nor opportunity to examine the principles of the +Society, readily officiates on the occasion, and, in the fulness of his +heart, believing that he is not asking amiss, supplicates the +benediction of Heaven upon the object of the meeting. This co-operation +of the pastor with the agent makes an impression decidedly fa<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[Pg 22]</a></span>vorable to +the latter upon the minds of the audience, and prepares them to receive +his statements with confidence. He first dwells upon the miserable +condition of Africa—desolated with civil wars—the prey of +kidnappers—given up to idolatry—full of intellectual darkness and +spiritual death—and bleeding at every pore. He next depicts the horrors +of the slave trade, and shows how inefficient have been the laws enacted +for its suppression. He finally expatiates upon the evils and dangers of +slavery; and is particularly minute in describing the degradation of the +free people of color, which he declares to be irreclaimable in this land +of gospel light. 'Now, my christian brethren and friends,' he continues, +'the object of the American Colonization Society is to stay the effusion +of blood, to give light to them who sit in darkness, and to make +reparation for the wrongs which have been inflicted upon the sable sons +of Africa. As the people of color must evidently be a distinct and +degraded class while they reside in this country, and as they are +threatened with universal proscription, the Society benevolently +proposes to send them back <i>to their native country</i>, by their own +<i>voluntary</i> consent, together with those slaves who may be emancipated +for this purpose, where they may enjoy equal rights and privileges, nor +longer retain any sense of inferiority to the whites. Every emigrant +will go as a missionary to reclaim the poor natives from their +barbarism, and to spread the tidings of salvation throughout the African +continent. By forming a chain of colonies along the coast, a speedy +check will be given to the accursed slave trade,—a trade which cannot +be destroyed in any other manner. Who does not desire to see Africa +civilized and evangelized? Whose heart does not leap in view of the +suppression of the slave trade? Who does not pray for deliverance from +the evils of slavery? Who does not wish to behold the free people of +color,—cursed with ineffectual freedom here,—<i>recalled from their +banishment</i>, and placed where no obstacles will impede their march to +affluence, preferment and honor? The Colonization Society, then, +powerfully commends itself to the christian, the philanthropist and the +patriot—to every section of our country and to all denominations of +men.'<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[Pg 23]</a></span></p> + +<p>Exquisite! The picture is crowded with attractions, delightful to the +eye. The story is skilfully told, and implicitly believed; but, like +every other story, it has two sides to it. So complete is the delusion, +however, that many good people are ready to class those who denounce the +Colonization Society, among the opposers of foreign missions, bible and +tract societies, and the other benevolent operations of the age!</p> + +<p>Far be it from me to accuse the agents of the Society of intentionally +perverting the truth or deliberately imposing upon the credulity of the +public. Some—perhaps all of them, are men of sincerity and probity; +but, deluded themselves, they help to delude others. Their vision is +imperfect; and 'if the blind lead the blind,' we may expect to find them +in the same ditch together.</p> + +<p>Great complacency has been manifested on various occasions, by the +advocates of the Society, on the ground that it was at first suspected +of sinister designs, both at the north and the south, but is now +receiving the countenance of both. This exultation is premature. The +opposition formerly manifested to the Society by the holders of slaves, +grew out of their ignorance of its purpose; but a very large majority of +them now perceive that it is their devoted servant, crouching down at +their feet, shielding them from reproach, dragging those away whom they +dread, allowing them to sin with impunity, and generously granting them +and their children whole centuries in which to repent, and to surrender +what they have stolen! It dissuades them from emancipating their slaves +faster than they can be transported to Africa; and thus regards their +persistance in robbery and oppression as evidence of wisdom, benevolence +and sanity! It is natural, that, discovering their mistake, they should +now rally in a body around the Society; and, consequently, we find that +the legislatures of the several slaveholding States are passing +encomiums upon it, and in some instances appropriating sums of money to +be paid over to it by instalments.</p> + +<p>The people of the north have been shamefully duped by this scheme; but, +like the slaveholders, they begin to discover their error. Unlike them, +however, they are withdrawing their sup<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[Pg 24]</a></span>port, in obedience to the +injunction of the Apostle: 'Be ye not unequally yoked together with +unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with +unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? and what +concord hath Christ with Belial? Wherefore come out from among them, and +be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I +will receive you.'</p> + +<p>To Africa this country owes a debt larger than she is able to liquidate. +Most intensely do I desire to see that ill-fated continent transformed +into the abode of civilization, of the arts and sciences, of evangelical +piety, of liberty, and of all that adds to the dignity, the renown, and +the temporal and eternal happiness of man. Shame and confusion of face +belong to the Church, that she has so long disregarded the claims of +Africa upon her sympathies, and prayers, and liberality—claims as much +superior as its wrongs to those of any other portion of the globe. It is +indeed most strange that, like the Priest and the Levite, she should +have 'passed by on the other side,' and left the victim of thieves to +bleed and sicken and die. As the Africans were the only people doomed to +perpetual servitude, and to be the prey of kidnappers, she should have +long since directed almost her undivided efforts to civilize and convert +them,—not by establishing colonies of ignorant and selfish foreigners +among them, who will seize every opportunity to overreach or oppress, as +interest or ambition shall instigate,—but by sending intelligent, pious +missionaries; men fearing God and eschewing evil—living evidences of +the excellence of christianity—having but one object, not the +possession of wealth or the obtainment of power or the gratification of +selfishness, but <i>the salvation of the soul</i>. Had she made this attempt, +as she was bound to have made it by every principle of justice and every +feeling of humanity, a century ago, Africa would have been, at the +present day, 'redeemed, regenerated, and disenthralled,' and the slavery +of her children brought to an end. No pirates would now haunt her coast +to desolate her villages with fire and sword, in order to supply a +christian people with hewers of wood and drawers of water. How much has +been needlessly lost to the world by this criminal neglect!<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[Pg 25]</a></span></p> + +<p>The conception of evangelizing a heathenish country by sending to it an +illiterate, degraded and irreligious population, belongs exclusively to +the advocates of African colonization. For absurdity and inaptitude, it +stands, and must forever stand, without a parallel. Of all the offspring +of prejudice and oppression, it is the most shapeless and unnatural. But +more of this hereafter.</p> + +<p>History is full of instruction on the subject of colonization. The +establishment of colonies, in all ages, with scarcely an exception, has +resulted either in their subversion by the vices or physical strength of +the natives, or by a fatal amalgamation with them; or else in the rapid +destruction of the natives by the superior knowledge and greedy avarice +of the new settlers. It is presumption to suppose that the colony at +Liberia, composed of the worst materials imaginable, will present an +example of forbearance, stability and good faith, hitherto unwitnessed +in the world.</p> + +<p>Soon after its establishment, the colony narrowly escaped a bloody +extirpation, and was the cause of a murderous warfare in which several +of the colonists and a large number of the natives were slain. The +steady growth of the colony excited the jealousy and alarm of some of +the neighboring tribes; and, accordingly, a consultation was held, at +which <ins id="mycorr1" class="mycorr" title="Original: Kings"><a name="corr1" id="corr1"></a>King</ins> George, Governor, and all the other head men, contended that +'The Americans were strangers <i>who had forgot their attachment to the +land of their fathers</i>; for if not, why had they not renounced their +connexion with white men altogether, and placed themselves under the +protection of the kings of the country? King George had already been +under the necessity of removing from his town, and leaving the Cape in +their hands. This was but the first step of their encroachments. If left +alone, they must, in a very few years, master the whole country. And as +all other places were full, their own tribe must be without a home, and +cease any longer to remain a nation.'<a name="FNanchor_E_6" id="FNanchor_E_6"></a><a href="#Footnote_E_6" class="fnanchor">[E]</a> This appeal (which evinces an +intimate acquaintance with human nature and much foresight) induced the +attack to which allusion has been made. A<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[Pg 26]</a></span> single paragraph from the +Rev. Mr Ashmun's account of the battle with the natives may suffice to +give the reader an idea of its destructiveness:</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>'A few musketeers with E. Johnson at their head, by passing +round upon the enemy's flank, served to increase the +consternation which was beginning to pervade their unwieldy +body. In about twenty minutes after the settlers had taken their +stand, the front of the enemy began to recoil. But from the +numerous obstructions in their rear, the entire absence of +discipline, and the extreme difficulty of giving a reversed +motion to so large a body, a small part only of which was +directly exposed to danger, and the delay occasioned by the +practice of carrying off all their dead and wounded, rendered a +retreat for some minutes longer, impossible. The very violence +employed by those in the front, in their impatience to hasten +it, by increasing the confusion, produced an effect opposite to +that intended. The Americans perceiving their advantage, now +regained possession of the western post, and instantly brought +the long nine to rake the whole line of the enemy. Imagination +can scarcely figure to itself a throng of human beings in a more +capital state of exposure to the destructive power of the +machinery of modern warfare! Eight hundred men were here pressed +shoulder to shoulder, in so compact a form, that a child might +easily walk upon their heads from one end of the mass to the +other, presenting in their rear a breadth of rank equal to +twenty or thirty men, and all exposed to a gun of great power, +raised on a platform, at only thirty to sixty yards distance! +<i>Every shot literally spent its force in a solid mass of living +human flesh!</i> Their fire suddenly terminated. A savage yell was +raised, which filled the dismal forest with a momentary horror. +It gradually died away; and the whole host disappeared. At 8 +o'clock, the well known signal of their dispersion and return to +their homes was sounded, and many small parties seen at a +distance, directly afterwards, moving off in different +directions. One large canoe, employed in reconveying a party +across the mouth of the Montserado, venturing within the range +of the long gun, was struck by a shot, and several men +killed.'<a name="FNanchor_F_7" id="FNanchor_F_7"></a><a href="#Footnote_F_7" class="fnanchor">[F]</a></p></div> + +<p>The above (which cannot be perused without a thrill of horror) is one of +the legitimate fruits of foreign colonization. Subsequent to this bloody +affair, another battle took place, which resulted in the defeat of the +natives and the loss of many lives. It is true, the colony since that +period has received little molestation, and has succeeded, moreover, in +making some amicable treaties with the natives; but in proportion to its +means of defence and numerical force will be its liability to encroach +upon the rights of the Africans, and thus to provoke hostilities. If +this prophecy should not be fulfilled, history will<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[Pg 27]</a></span> have spoken in +vain, and human nature experienced a total regeneration.</p> + +<p>No man of refined sensibility can contemplate the fate of the aborigines +of this country, without shuddering at the consequences of colonization; +and if <i>they</i> melted away at the presence of the pilgrims and their +descendants, like frost before the meridian blaze of the sun,—if <i>they</i> +fell to the earth, like the leaves of the forest before the autumnal +blast, by the settlement of men reputedly humane, wise and pious, in +their vicinage,—what can be our hope for the preservation of the +Africans, associated with a population degraded by slavery, and, to a +lamentable extent, destitute of religious and secular knowledge? The +argument, that the difference of complexion between our forefathers and +the aborigines (which is not a distinctive feature between the settlers +at Liberia and the natives) was the real cause of this deadly enmity, is +more specious than solid. <i>Conduct</i>, not <i>color</i>, secures friendship or +excites antipathy, as it happens to be just or unjust. The venerated +William Penn and his pacific followers furnish a case in point.</p> + +<p>I avow it—the natural tendency of the colony at Liberia excites the +most melancholy apprehensions in my mind. Its birth was conceived in +blood, and its footsteps will be marked with blood down to old age—the +blood of the poor natives—unless a special interposition of Divine +Providence prevent such a calamity. The emigrants will be eager in the +acquisition of wealth, ease and power; and, having superior skill and +discernment in trade, they will outwit and defraud the natives as often +as occasion permits. This knavish treatment once detected,—as it surely +will be, for even an uncivilized people may soon learn that they have +been cheated,—will provoke retaliation, and stir up the worst passions +of the human breast. Bloody conflicts will ensue, in which the colonists +will be victorious. This success will serve to increase the enmity of +the natives, and to perpetuate the murderous struggle. The extirpation +of one generation may put the colonists in undisputed possession of the +land.</p> + +<p>This is not a fancy sketch—it is not improbable: on the contrary, it is +the obvious and hitherto certain consequence of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[Pg 28]</a></span> bringing hastily +together large bodies of civilized men with unlettered barbarians.</p> + +<p>Jealousy will be another fruitful source of contention. The population +of Africa is divided into a vast number of tribes, governed by petty +kings,—sometimes indeed united by an amicable league, but commonly +distinct and independent. Some of these tribes will form alliances with +the colonists, either to obtain protection from their more formidable +rivals or from motives of fear, curiosity or selfishness. In this +manner, tribe will be arrayed against tribe throughout that vast +continent; the tide of commotion, gathering fresh impetuosity in its +headlong career, will rush from the mountains down to the ocean, +devastating all that is beautiful, and swiftly defacing that which will +require the labors of centuries to restore to its pristine excellence; +there will be wars and rumors of wars, succeeded by deceitful and +unstable treaties ratified only to be broken at a favorable moment; and +these collisions will not cease until the colonists obtain an undisputed +mastery over the natives.</p> + +<p>Would to Heaven these fears might prove to be but the offspring of a +distracted mind! May the colonists be so just in their intercourse with +the Africans, as never to impeach their own integrity; so pacific, as to +disarm retaliation and perpetuate good will; so benevolent, as to excite +gratitude and diffuse joy wherever their names shall be known; and so +holy, as to exalt the christian religion in the eyes of an idolatrous +nation! But he must be grossly ignorant of human nature, or strangely +infatuated, who believes that they will always, or commonly, exhibit +this unexceptionable conduct.</p> + +<p>It is my sober conviction, that no contrivance or enterprise could +possibly be planned more fatally calculated to obstruct the progress of +christianity in a heathenish country, than the establishment of a +colony, or colonies, of selfish, ignorant, or even intelligent and +high-minded men, on its shores. In every settlement of this kind,—no +matter how choice the original materials,—vice will soon preponderate +over virtue, intemperance over sobriety, knavery over honesty, +oppression over liberty, and impiety over godliness. The natives will +see just enough of christianity to hate and shun it; finding that its +fruits are<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[Pg 29]</a></span> generally bad—that it has no restraining influence upon the +mass of its nominal professors,—they will not easily comprehend the +utility of abandoning their own idolatrous worship; looking only to the +pernicious examples of the intruders, they will spurn with contempt the +precepts of the gospel. Their confidence will be abused—their lands +craftily trafficked for nought—their ignorance cheated—their +inferiority treated oppressively; and then what must naturally follow? +Why—<span class="smcap">WAR</span>—<i>a war of retaliation</i>. All the vices, and few of the virtues, +of the instructers, will be faithfully copied; and thus barriers will be +erected against the progress of the Christian religion, not absolutely +insurmountable, it is true, but sufficiently tall and strong to retard +its noble career—barriers not only of superstition and ignorance, but +of hatred and revenge. These reflections might be extended to the size +of a volume; but they are probably sufficient to convince every +unprejudiced, discerning mind, that the establishment of foreign +colonies in a barbarous land is the surest way to prevent its speedy +evangelism and civilization.</p> + +<p>In reply to this reasoning, some of the advocates of African +colonization may argue, that schools and houses of worship, multiplying +with the growth of the settlement at Liberia, will check the evil +propensities and passions of the emigrants, and qualify them to act as +missionaries or instructers among the natives; and thus great good will +be bestowed upon Africa. This is at least a summary, if not a sure mode +of obviating these difficulties.</p> + +<p>In the first place, it is by no means certain—nay, it is not probable, +especially if the number of emigrants annually exported to Liberia swell +from hundreds to thousands, (and this increase of transportation is +positively promised by the Parent Society, and absolutely necessary to +cause a perceptible diminution in the annual enlargement of our colored +population)—I say, it is neither certain nor probable that the +multiplication of literary and religious privileges will keep pace with +the unnatural and enormous growth of the colony. Nine years after the +first settlement of Liberia, it appears by the following extract of a +letter from a highly respectable colored emigrant, (the Rev. George M. +Erskine,) there was but the 'remnant of a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[Pg 30]</a></span> school' left! This letter is +dated '<i>Caldwell, Liberia, April 3, 1830</i>.'</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>'Sir, the state of things, with regard to schools, is truly +lamentable. <i>The only school in the Colony at this time, is a +remnant of one at the Cape.</i> Among the present emigrants, there +are seventeen out of forty-eight that can read the Holy +Scriptures, <i>leaving thirty-one that cannot</i>. Now, Sir, suppose +each company of emigrants to this place bring a like proportion +of illiterate persons into the Colony, then what state, think +you, it must be in? But again, Sir: I am greatly mistaken if +this Colony is not, for several years yet to come, mostly to be +peopled with slaves sent out by their present owners, without +any education themselves, and without means and very little +desire to have their children instructed; and add to the above, +that this people is planted in the midst, and are daily +conversant with, a people that are not only heathen, but a +people extremely partial in favor of their grovelling +superstition. My dear Sir, this being the case, <i>whether is it +probable that they will come over to us, or we go down to them</i>? +To me the latter is the most likely, <i>as it is the very essence +of human nature to seek the lowest depth of degradation</i>. Permit +me to say, Sir, there must be a great revolution in this Colony +before it can have a salutary influence on the surrounding +natives; that is, before it can have a moral influence over +them.'<a name="FNanchor_G_8" id="FNanchor_G_8"></a><a href="#Footnote_G_8" class="fnanchor">[G]</a></p></div> + +<p>Subsequent accounts, I am happy to state, present a better aspect in +relation to the education of this outcast and persecuted people: their +wants, however, are only partially supplied.</p> + +<p>The annual increase of the free colored and slave population in the +United States is variously estimated from sixty to seventy-five +thousand. The American Colonization Society proposes the annual removal +of this vast body,—and more, if it be possible,—provided the energies +and patronage of the General Government be enlisted in this expulsive +crusade. Now, suppose the entire transportation effected, let any candid +man decide how extremely difficult, not to say impracticable, it would +be to discipline and instruct such an overwhelming mass of ignorance, or +any considerable portion of it—and how pernicious must be the +consequences to the colony and the natives, if it should not receive +immediate culture!</p> + +<p>Secondly. It is neither certain nor probable that, allowing all that is +assumed by colonizationists, the influence of secular and religious +instruction would be sufficient to restrain the selfish desires and +knavish propensities of those whose main object is,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[Pg 31]</a></span> not to evangelize +the natives, but to secure, by a summary process, competence and power +for themselves. Indeed, their juxtaposition with the natives would be +eminently calculated to induce the fever of avarice, and to generate the +lust of dominion. It is well known that so eager are the colonists to +acquire a rapid accumulation of wealth, by trafficking their paltry +beads and poisonous rum and tobacco for ivory, camwood and gold dust, it +is with the utmost difficulty any considerable portion of them are +persuaded to cultivate the soil and engage in agricultural pursuits. +Thus we are presented with the disgraceful, if not singular spectacle of +a rivalry in cunning and trickishness between a colony of <i>soi-disant</i> +missionaries (really avaricious and unscrupulous foreigners) and the +tribes who are to come under their pious pupilage. If equal dexterity in +trade is not apparent, each party is equally pleased with its successful +attempts at deception, and both renew the fraudulent commerce with fresh +alacrity—the one to gain a new triumph, and the other to retrieve an +old defeat. And this is the mode of colonizationists to evangelize +Africa! and this their mode to suppress the slave trade! and this their +mode to elevate the free people of color! and this their mode to +emancipate the slaves! It combines the folly and absurdity of a farce +with the solemnity and murderment of a tragedy.</p> + +<p>Far be it from me to leave the impression upon the mind of the reader, +from these representations, that all the colonists are actuated by the +same selfish motives, or that they have exhibited any new and +extraordinary traits of character in their commerce with the Africans. +Many of them, I believe, are men who fear God and desire the welfare of +his creatures: all of them have behaved as honorably, perhaps, and +trafficked as equitably, as any other body of men, white or yellow, +would have done in the same situation and under the same circumstances. +Dishonesty in trade is no prodigy, even in this country. To bring +accusations of fraud, cupidity and cunning against human nature, is not +libellous. I am persuaded that robbery,—well contrived, deliberately +executed robbery,—is perpetrated in every community among ourselves, +without any due estimate of its moral turpitude, by reputable merchants +and traders upon their cus<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[Pg 32]</a></span>tomers, to a larger extent than all the +avowed and heinous thefts collectively, which are committed against +society. It is lamentable to see how studiously conscience and fair +dealing are excluded from the secular business of the world. If we see, +every day, illustrations of this dishonest conduct, given by men of +refinement, intelligence and good character, what should we expect from +those whose fetters have hardly fallen from their limbs; who have been +systematically degraded by slavery; who have not consequently that +lively sense of moral obligation which accompanies intelligence; who are +beyond the influence of public sentiment, and surrounded by a barbarous +people?</p> + +<p>The establishment of a colony of speculators, then, to evangelize +Africa, does not discover much wisdom or promise much success; but, on +the contrary, exhibits a total blindness of vision and a most +unfavorable aspect.</p> + +<p>Let it be remembered, however, that <i>rum</i> and <i>tobacco</i> (two poisons +which are exactly adapted to destroy both soul and body) are the +principal articles given to the natives—because pertinaciously demanded +by them—in exchange for their own. Their appetite for spirituous +liquor, first created by the slave traders and subsequently excited by +the colonists, is insatiate. Even the justly lamented <span class="smcap">Ashmun</span>, if I do +not mistake, for I have not his letter now before me, was so imprudent +in one of his epistles to the Board of Managers as to concede the fatal +necessity of selling rum freely to the natives, in order to maintain a +commercial intercourse with them. Rum they would have, or nothing; and +rum they obtained then, and do now obtain. Any one who will take the +trouble to read the advertisements in the Liberia Herald will discover +that ardent spirits form a prominent item in the list of articles +offered for sale. Of the sobriety of the colonists, however, common +report speaks in the most gratifying manner; but as their number is to +be increased by a redundant importation, we have reason to fear a +declension of morals.</p> + +<p>Thirdly. Colonizationists strenuously contend that our colored +population are destined always to remain a degraded class in this +country. If educated any where, they must be educated in Africa. We must +take them in their ignorance, and just<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[Pg 33]</a></span> released from bondage, and +translate them to another continent on the wings of the wind. Delay +would be injurious to ourselves, and calamitous to them. They must go in +large bodies—by thousands and tens of thousands annually—till the +whole be expelled from our shores. For it seems, according to the logic +of colonizationists, every individual tainted with black blood must be +transported, to insure the regeneration of Africa! Neither fifty +thousand, nor one hundred thousand, nor half a million of these +<i>missionaries</i> will be able to accomplish the task; but two millions of +slaves and four hundred thousand free people of color, and all their +descendants in time to come, here—even little babes (pretty prattling +reformers!) and children—the maimed, the halt, and the blind—all must +be sent off—else alas! alas! for poor benighted Africa! This is no +caricature. An ugly face is sure to quarrel with its own likeness. But +what is the portrait worth, if it bear no resemblance to the living +original? They who place themselves in a ridiculous attitude must not +claim exemption from ridicule.</p> + +<p>Let us turn to the picture once more. It is worth our while to +contemplate it a few moments longer.</p> + +<p>What do we see? More than one-sixth portion of the American +people—confessedly the most vicious, degraded and dangerous +portion—crowded on the shores of Africa, by means which are hereafter +to be considered, and at an expense which we shall not stop now to +calculate, for the purpose of civilizing and evangelizing Africa, and of +improving their own condition! Here, then, are <i>two</i> ignorant and +depraved nations to be regenerated instead of <i>one</i>!—if we may call all +the natives that occupy that vast continent a nation—two huge and +heterogeneous masses of contagion mingled together for the preservation +of each! One of these nations is so incorrigibly stupid, or unfathomably +deep in pollution, (for such is the argument,) that, although surrounded +by ten millions of people living under the full blaze of gospel light, +and having every desirable facility to elevate and save it, it never can +rise until it be removed at least three thousand miles from their +vicinage!—and yet it is first to be evangelized in a barbarous land, by +a feeble, inadequate process, before it can be qualified to evangelize +the other<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[Pg 34]</a></span> nation! In other words, men who are intellectually and +morally blind are violently removed from light effulgent into thick +darkness, in order that they may obtain light themselves and diffuse +light among others! Ignorance is sent to instruct ignorance, ungodliness +to exhort ungodliness, vice to stop the progress of vice, and depravity +to reform depravity! All that is abhorrent to our moral sense, or +dangerous to our quietude, or villanous in human nature, we benevolently +disgorge upon Africa for her temporal and eternal welfare! We propose to +build upon her shores, for her glory and defence, colonies framed of +materials which we discard as worthless for our own use, and which +possess no fitness or durability! Admirable consistency! surprising +wisdom! unexampled benevolence! As rationally might we think of +exhausting the ocean by multiplying the number of its tributaries, or +extinguishing a fire by piling fuel upon it.</p> + +<p>Lastly. Any scheme to proselytize which requires for its protection the +erection of forts and the use of murderous weapons, is opposed to the +genius of christianity and radically wrong. If the gospel cannot be +propagated but by the aid of the sword,—if its success depend upon the +muscular power and military science of its apostles,—it were better to +leave the pagan world in darkness. The first specimen of <i>benevolence</i> +and <i>piety</i>, which the colonists gave to the natives, was the building +of a fort, and supplying it with arms and ammunition! This was an +earnest manifestation of that 'peace on earth, good will to man,' which +these expatriated <i>missionaries</i> were sent to inculcate! How eminently +calculated to inspire the confidence, excite the gratitude, and +accelerate the conversion of the Africans! Their 'dread of the great +guns of the Islanders,' (to adopt the language of Mr Ashmun,) must from +the beginning have made a deep and salutary impression upon their minds; +and when, not long afterward, 'every shot' from these guns '<i>spent its +force in a solid mass of living human flesh</i>'—their own flesh—they +must have experienced a total regeneration. Bullets and cannon balls +argue with resistless effect, and as easily convert a barbarous as +civilized people. One sanguinary conflict was sufficient to spread the +glad tidings of salvation among<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[Pg 35]</a></span> a thousand tribes, almost with the +rapidity of light!—But even irony, though appropriate, is painful. I +forbear.</p> + +<p>But—says an objector—these reflections come too late. The colony is +planted, whatever may be its influence. What do you recommend? Its +immediate abandonment to want and ruin? Shall we not bestow upon it our +charities, and commend it to the protection of Heaven?</p> + +<p>I answer—Let the colony continue to receive the aid, and elicit the +prayers of the good and benevolent. Still let it remain within the pale +of christian sympathy. Blot it not out of existence. But let it +henceforth develope itself naturally. Crowd not its population. Let +transportation cease. Seek no longer to exile millions of our colored +countrymen. For, assuredly, if the Colonization Society succeed in its +efforts to remove thousands of their number annually, it could not +inflict a heavier curse upon Africa, or more speedily assist in the +entire subversion of the colony.</p> + +<p>But—the objector asks—how shall we evangelize Africa?</p> + +<p>In the same manner as we have evangelized the Sandwich and Society +Islands, and portions of Burmah, Hindostan, and other lands. By sending +missionaries of the Cross <i>indeed</i>, who shall neither build forts nor +trust in weapons of war; who shall be actuated by a holy zeal and +genuine love; who shall be qualified to instruct, admonish, enlighten, +and proselyte; who shall not by their examples impugn the precepts, or +subject to suspicion the inspiration of the Word of Life; who shall not +be covered with pollution and shame as with a garment, or add to the +ignorance, sin and corruption of paganism; and who shall abhor +dishonesty, violence and treachery. Such men have been found to +volunteer their services for the redemption of a lost world; and such +men may be found now to embark in the same glorious enterprise. A +hundred evangelists like these, dispersed along the shores and in the +interior of Africa, would destroy more idols, make more progress in +civilizing the natives, suppress more wars, unite in amity more hostile +tribes, and convert more souls to Christ, in ten years, than a colony of +twenty-thousand ignorant, uncultivated, selfish emigrants in a century. +Such a mission would be consonant with reason and com<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[Pg 36]</a></span>mon sense; nor +could it fail to receive the approbation of God. How simple was the +command of our blessed Saviour to his disciples!—'Go ye forth into all +the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.' Not—'Send out from +among yourselves those whom you despise or against whom you cherish a +strong antipathy; those who need to be instructed and converted +themselves; those who are the dregs of society, made vicious and +helpless by oppression and public opinion; those who are beyond the +reach of the gospel in a Christian land; those whose complexions are not +precisely like yours, or who have any personal blemishes whatever that +excite your dislike;—send out <i>all</i> these to evangelize the nations +which sit in darkness and in the regions of the shadow of death!'</p> + +<p>Denham, Clapperton, and Lander, travellers in <ins id="mycorr2" class="mycorr" title="Original: Afria"><a name="corr2" id="corr2"></a>Africa</ins>, represent the +natives in a light most favorable for the introduction of christianity; +as eager to learn and become a civilized and great people like the +Europeans. Excepting the followers of Mohammed, they are not tenacious +of their forms of religious worship; and a considerable portion of them +are totally indifferent to devotional exercises. It seems apparent, that +the fruits of a mission in Africa would be thrice as numerous as those +of one in India, because the obstacles to be surmounted are far less +formidable.</p> + +<p>But—says the objector—the climate of Africa is fatal to white men.</p> + +<p>So is the climate of India. But our missionaries have not counted their +lives dear unto themselves; and, as fast as one is cut down, another +stands ready to supply his place.</p> + +<p>I do not believe that the Creator has immoveably fixed the habitations +of any people within a boundary narrower than the circumference of the +globe. I believe that rapid transitions from intensity of heat and cold, +and cold and heat, are destructive to animal life; but I also believe +that the human body is easily acclimated, in any region of the world. I +believe the time is swiftly approaching when empires and continents +shall as freely commingle their population as do states and +neighborhoods. To limit or obstruct this intercourse, is to impoverish +and circumscribe human happiness. Civilization will remove<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[Pg 37]</a></span> those causes +which now engender pestilence and death, and neutralize the effects of +atmospherical contagion.</p> + +<p>Hence it will be seen that I do not assail the Colonization Society, as +many others have done, simply because the settlement at Liberia is +unhealthy. It is true, the mortality among the emigrants has been +excessive; and so it was among the first settlers of New-England. But +the climate of New-England is no longer pestiferous; and the climate of +Africa will grow sweet and salubrious as her forests disappear, and the +purifying influences of Christianity penetrate into the interior. I +expressly contend, however, that it is murderous, indiscriminately to +colonize large bodies of men, women and children, in a foreign land, +before the natives are to some extent elevated by missionary effort: and +therefore I consider the Colonization Society as responsible for the +lives of those who have perished prematurely at Liberia.</p> + +<p>But the objection is fallacious. If white missionaries cannot, black +ones can survive in Africa. What, then, is our duty? Obviously to +educate colored young men of genius, enterprise and piety, expressly to +carry the 'glad tidings of great joy' to her shores. Enough, I venture +to affirm, stand ready to be sent, if they can first be qualified for +their mission. If our free colored population were brought into our +schools, and raised from their present low estate, I am confident that +an army of christian volunteers would go out from their ranks, by a +divine impulse and under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, to redeem +their African brethren from the bondage of idolatry and the dominion of +spiritual death.</p> + +<p>Whatever may be the result of this great controversy, I shall have the +consolation of believing that no efforts were lacking, on my part, to +uproot the prejudices of my countrymen, to persuade them to walk in the +path of duty and shun the precipice of expediency, to unloose the heavy +burdens and let the prisoners go free at once, to warn them of the +danger of expelling the people of color from their native land, and to +convince them of the necessity of abandoning a dangerous and chimerical, +as well as unchristian and anti-republican association. For these +efforts I have hitherto suffered reproach and persecution, and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[Pg 38]</a></span> must +expect to suffer till I perish. This book will doubtless increase the +rage of my enemies; but no torrent of invective shall successfully whelm +it, no sophistry impair its force, no activity destroy its influence, no +misrepresentation defeat its usefulness.</p> + +<p>I commend it, particularly, to the candid attention of the two most +powerful classes in this country—editors of newspapers and the clergy. +It is not a light matter for either of them to propagate false doctrines +and excite delusive hopes, on the subject of politics or religion. +Although the press is committed to a wide extent, I place too much +reliance upon the good sense and liberal patriotism of its conductors to +believe that the evidence which is presented in these pages of the +inefficiency and injustice of the colonization scheme, will fail to +convince their understanding. I cherish still higher expectations of its +salutary influence upon ministers of the gospel. It may grieve them to +discover that they have been misled themselves, and that they have +unwittingly misled others. To say to their flocks—'We have erred in +this matter; we have solicited your charities for an institution which +is built upon prejudice and persecution; we have hastily adopted the +mistaken opinions of others'—such a confession may indeed require much +grace in the heart, but this grace, I am persuaded, they will obtain. As +apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ, sustaining high and awful +responsibilities, and exerting an influence which measurably decides the +eternal destiny of the souls of men, they will not shut their eyes, or +stop their ears, or refuse to examine, or disregard the truth, in a case +involving the temporal and eternal happiness of millions of their fellow +creatures.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_E_6" id="Footnote_E_6"></a><a href="#FNanchor_E_6"><span class="label">[E]</span></a> Memoir of American Colonists—vide 'The African +Repository,' vol. 2, p. 174.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_F_7" id="Footnote_F_7"></a><a href="#FNanchor_F_7"><span class="label">[F]</span></a> African Repository, vol. 2, p. 179.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_G_8" id="Footnote_G_8"></a><a href="#FNanchor_G_8"><span class="label">[G]</span></a> African Repository, vol. 6, p. 121.</p></div> +</div> + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="SECTION_I" id="SECTION_I"></a>SECTION I.</h2> +<div><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[Pg 39]</a></span></div> +<h3>THE AMERICAN COLONIZATION SOCIETY IS PLEDGED NOT TO OPPOSE THE SYSTEM OF +SLAVERY.</h3> + + +<p><span class="smcap">Having</span> concluded my introductory remarks, I now proceed to substantiate +my accusations against the American Colonization Society, by marshalling +in review the sentiments of those who first originated it, and who are +its efficient managers and advocates. It is obvious that, with my +limited means, and in a book designed for a cheap circulation, I shall +not be able to enter into so minute a detail as the present exigency +demands, or make those comments which might serve more fully to +illustrate the character of this association. It should be stated, +moreover, that I have not made any particular effort to procure +materials for this work, being satisfied that those which have almost +accidentally fallen into my hands, contain ample and conclusive evidence +of the unworthiness of the Society. A vast number of the Reports of +auxiliary bodies in various parts of the country, of orations and +sermons and essays in favor of African colonization, are beyond my +reach, and must remain unconsulted. If more proof be demanded, it shall +be given to the public. There is not a sound timber in this great Babel: +from the foundation to the roof, it is rotten and defective.</p> + +<p>I shall not stop to interrogate the motives of those who planned the +Society. Some of them, undoubtedly, were actuated by a benevolent desire +to promote the welfare of our colored population, and could never have +intended to countenance oppression. But the question is not, whether +their motives were good or bad. Suppose they were all good—would this +fact prove infallibly that they could not err in judgment? Do we not +almost daily see men running headlong into wild and injurious +enterprises with the very best intentions? There is a wide<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[Pg 40]</a></span> difference +between meaning well and doing well. The slave trade originated in a +compassionate regard for the benighted Africans; and yet we hang those +who are detected in this traffic. I am willing to concede that Robert +Finley and Elias B. Caldwell were philanthropic individuals; and that a +large number of their followers are men of piety, benevolence and moral +worth. What then? Is the American Colonization Society a beneficial +institution? We shall see hereafter.</p> + +<p>The history of this Society is familiar to the public. It was organized +about the commencement of the year 1817. The first public meeting to +consider the expediency of such an organization was held on the 21st of +December, 1816, at which the Hon. Henry Clay presided; but I have never +seen its official proceedings. It was addressed by Mr Clay, <i>Mr +Randolph</i>, Mr Caldwell, and other gentlemen, from whose speeches +extracts will shortly be given.</p> + +<p>It is my purpose in this section to show, first, the original design of +the Society; secondly, that it is still strictly adhered to; and, +lastly, that the Society is solemnly pledged not to interfere with the +system of slavery, or in any manner to disturb the repose of the +planters. Upon the rigid observance of this sinful pledge depends its +existence; a single violation of it would be fatal. I want no better +reason than this, to wage an uncompromising warfare against it. No man +has a right to form an alliance with others, which prevents him from +rebuking sin or exposing the guilt of sinners. Every individual is bound +to oppose the system of slavery in the most direct, strenuous, +unfaltering manner—bound by the ties of brotherhood, by the spirit of +Christianity, by the genius of republicanism, by the dictates of +humanity, by the requirements of justice, by the love of country, by +duty to his God. He cannot suppress his voice, nor stop his ears to the +groans of the prisoners, and be innocent. If he hide the truth because +it may give offence—if he strike hands in amity with a thief—if he +leave the needy and oppressed to perish—God will visit him with +plagues. Now the language of the non-slaveholding members of the +Colonization Society to the owners of slaves is virtually as +follows:—'The free people of color are a nuisance to us, and plotters +of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[Pg 41]</a></span> sedition among your slaves. If they be not speedily removed, your +<i>property</i> will be lost, and your lives destroyed. We therefore do +solemnly agree, that, if you will unite with us in expelling this +dangerous class from our shores, we will never accuse you of robbery or +oppression, or irritate your feelings by asserting the right of the +slaves to immediate freedom, or identify any one of you as a criminal; +but, on the contrary, we will boldly assert your innocence, and applaud +you as wise and benevolent men for holding your slaves in subjection +until you can cast them out of the country.' I say, this is <i>virtually</i> +their language, as I shall soon indisputably show. Thus we are presented +with the strange spectacle of a procession composed of the most +heterogeneous materials. There go, arm-in-arm, a New-England divine and +a southern kidnapper; and there an ungodly slaveholder and a pious +deacon; each eyeing the other with distrust, and fearful of exciting a +quarrel, both denouncing the poor, neglected, despised free black man as +a miserable, good-for-nothing creature, and both gravely complimenting +their foresight and generosity in sending this worthless wretch on a +religious mission to Africa!</p> + +<p>I cannot exhibit the folly and wickedness of this alliance in a clearer +light than by inserting the following extract of a letter from Capt. +Charles Stuart, of the English Royal Navy, one of the most indefatigable +philanthropists in England:</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>'The American Colonization Society looks abroad over its own +country, and it finds a mass of its brethren, whom God has been +pleased to clothe with a darker skin. It finds one portion of +these free! another enslaved! It finds a cruel prejudice, as +dark and false as sin can make it, reigning with a most +tyrannous sway against both. It finds this prejudice respecting +the <i>free</i>, declaring without a blush, "We are too wicked ever +to love them as God commands us to do—we are so resolute in our +wickedness as not even to desire to do so—and we are so proud +in our iniquity that we will hate and revile whoever disturbs us +in it—We want, like the devils of old, to be let alone in our +sin—We are unalterably determined, and neither God nor man +shall move us from this resolution, that our free colored fellow +subjects never shall be happy in their native land." The +American Colonization Society, I say, finds this most base and +cruel prejudice, <i>and lets it alone</i>; nay more, it directly and +powerfully supports it.</p> + +<p>'The American Colonization Society finds 2,000,000 of its fellow +subjects most iniquitously enslaved—and it finds a resolution +as proud and wicked as the very spirit of the pit can make it +against <i>obeying</i> God and <i>letting them</i> go free in their native +land. <i>It lets this perfectly infernal resolution alone</i>, nay +more, it powerfully supports it; for it in fact says, as a fond +and feeble father might say to some overgrown baby before whose +obstinate wickedness he quailed, "Never mind, my dear, I don't +want to prevent your beating and abusing<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[Pg 42]</a></span> your brothers and +sisters—let that be—but here is a box of sugar plums—do pray +give them one or two now and then." The American Colonization +Society says practically to the slaveholders and the slave party +in the United States, "We don't want to prevent your plundering +2,000,000 of our fellow subjects of their liberty and of the +fruits of their toil; although we know that by every principle +of law which does not utterly disgrace us by assimilating us to +pirates, that they have as good and as true a right to the equal +protection of the law as we have; and although we ourselves +stand prepared to die, rather than submit even to a fragment of +the intolerable load of oppression to which we are subjecting +them—yet never mind—let that be—they have grown old in +suffering, and we in iniquity—and we have nothing to do now but +to speak <i>peace</i>, <i>peace</i> to one another in our sins. But if any +of their masters, whether from benevolence, an awakened +conscience, or political or personal fear, should emancipate +any, let us send them to Liberia—that is, in fact, let us give +a sugar plum here and there to a few, while the many are living +and dying unredressed—and while we are thus countenancing the +atrocious iniquity beneath which they are perishing." In this +aspect I find the American Colonization Society declaring itself +a substitute for emancipation, and it is in this aspect that I +contend with it, and that I proclaim it, <i>as far as it has this +character</i>, no farther, a bane to the colored people, whether +enslaved or free, and a snare and a disgrace to its country.'</p></div> + +<p>The second article of the Constitution of this Society is in the +following language:</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>'The object to which its attention is to be <i>exclusively</i> +directed, is to promote and execute a plan for colonizing (with +their consent) the free people of color residing in our country, +in Africa, or such other place as Congress shall deem most +expedient. And the Society shall act, to effect this object, in +co-operation with the General Government, and such of the States +as may adopt regulations upon the subject.'</p></div> + +<p>The following citations abundantly sustain the charge, that the Society +has not swerved from its original design, and does not oppose the system +of slavery:</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>'Whilst he was up, he would detain the Society for a few +moments. It was proper again and again to repeat, that it was +far from the intention of the Society to affect, <i>in any +manner</i>, the tenure by which a certain species of property is +held. He was himself a slaveholder; <i>and he considered that kind +of property as inviolable as any other in the country</i>. He would +resist as soon, and with as much firmness, encroachments upon it +as he would encroachments upon any other property which he held. +Nor was he disposed even to go as far as the gentleman who had +just spoken, (Mr Mercer) in saying that he would emancipate his +slaves, if the means were provided of sending them from the +country.'—[Speech of Henry Clay.—First Annual Report.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'It was proper and necessary distinctly to state, that he +understood it constituted no part of the object of this meeting, +to touch or agitate in the slightest degree, a delicate +question, connected with another portion of the colored +population of our country. It was not proposed to deliberate +upon or consider at all, any question of emancipation, or that +which was connected with the abolition of slavery. It was upon +that condition alone, he was sure, that many gentlemen from the +South and West, whom he saw present, had attended, or could be +expected to co-operate. It was upon that condition only, that he +himself had attended.'—[Speech of Mr Clay before the Society, +Jan. 1, 1818.—Second Annual Report.]<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[Pg 43]</a></span></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'It had been properly observed by the chairman, as well as by +the gentleman from this District (Messrs Clay and Caldwell) that +there was nothing in the proposition submitted to consideration +which in the smallest degree touched another very important and +delicate question, which ought to be left as much out of view as +possible, (Negro slavery.) * * * Mr R. concluded by saying, that +he had thought it necessary to make these remarks, being a +slaveholder himself, to shew, that, so far from being connected +with the abolition of slavery, <i>the measure proposed would prove +one of the greatest securities to enable the master to keep in +possession his own property</i>.'—[Speech of John Randolph at the +same meeting.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'Your committee would not thus favorably regard the prayer of +the memorialists, if it sought to impair, <i>in the slightest +degree</i>, the rights of private property, or the yet more sacred +rights of personal liberty, secured to every description of +freemen in the United States.</p> + +<p>'The resolution of the legislature of Virginia, the subsequent +acts and declarations, as well as the high character of the +memorialists themselves, added to the most obvious interest of +the states who have recently sanctioned the purpose, or +recognized the existence of the American Colonization Society, +exclude <i>the remotest apprehension of such injustice and +inhumanity</i>.'</p> + +<p>—[Report of the committee of the House of Representatives of +the United States, on the memorial of the President and Board of +Managers of the Colonization Society.—Second Annual Report.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'An effort for the benefit of the blacks, in which all parts of +the country can unite, of course <i>must not have the abolition of +slavery for its immediate object</i>. <span class="smcap">Nor may it aim directly at +the instruction of the blacks.</span> In either case, the <i>prejudices</i> +and <i>terrors</i> of the slaveholding States would be excited in a +moment; and with reason too, for it is a well-established point, +that <i>the public safety forbids either the emancipation or the +general instruction of the slaves</i>.' * * * 'It [African +Colonization] is an enterprise in which <i>all parts of the +country can unite</i>. The grand objection to every other effort +is, that it excites the <i>jealousies</i> and <i>fears</i> of the south. +But here is an effort in which the southern people are the first +to engage, and which numbers many of their most distinguished +men among its advocates and efficient supporters.'—[Review of +the Reports of the Society, from the Christian +Spectator.—Seventh Annual Report.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'It will be seen at home and abroad, that the American +Colonization Society, while it <i>properly enough</i> stands aloof +from the question of slavery, and the abolition of slavery,' +&c.—[Report of William McKenney.—Eighth Annual Report.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'The objects of this institution are well known to the world; +for no concealment whatever has ever been intended. The Society +aims at the removal of free persons of color; <i>it interferes, in +no way whatever, with the rights of property</i>.'—[Speech of G. +W. Custis, Esq.—Ninth Annual Report.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'We are reproached with doing mischief by the agitation of this +question. The Society goes into no household to disturb its +domestic tranquillity; it addresses itself to no slaves to +weaken their obligations of obedience. <i>It seeks to affect no +man's property.</i>'—[Speech of Mr Clay.—Tenth Annual Report.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'The Committee to whom was referred the memorial of the American +Colonization Society, have had the subject under consideration, +and now report:</p> + +<p>'That upon due consideration of the said memorial, and from all +other information which your committee has obtained, touching +that subject, they are fully satisfied that no jealousies ought +to exist, on the part of this or any other slaveholding State, +respecting the objects of this Society, or the effects of its +labors.'—[Report of a committee of the Legislature of Delaware, +Feb. 8th, 1827.]<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[Pg 44]</a></span></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'The Society has reiterated the declaration that it has no +ulterior views diverse from the object avowed in the +constitution; and having declared that it is in nowise allied to +any Abolition Society in America or elsewhere, is ready whenever +there is need <span class="smcap">to pass a censure upon such Societies in +America</span>.'—[Speech of Mr Harrison of Virginia.—Eleventh Annual +Report.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'We have the same interests in this subject with our southern +brethren—the same opportunity of understanding it, and of +knowing with what <i>care</i> and <i>prudence</i> it should be approached. +What greater pledge can we give for the moderation and safety of +our measures than our own interests as slaveholders, and the +ties that bind us to the slaveholding communities to which we +belong?'—[Speech of Mr Key.—Same Report.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'The second objection may be resolved into this; that the +Society, under the specious pretext of removing a vicious and +noxious population, is secretly undermining the rights of +private property. This is the objection expressed in its full +force, and if your memorialists could for a moment believe it to +be true in point of fact, they would never, <i>slaveholders as +they are</i>, have associated themselves together for the purpose +of co-operating with the Parent Society; and far less would they +have appeared in the character in which they now do, before the +legislative bodies of a slaveholding State. And, if any instance +could be now adduced, in which the Society has ever manifested +even an intention to depart from the avowed object, for the +promotion of which it was originally instituted, none would with +more willingness and readiness withdraw from it their +countenance and support. But, from the time of its formation, +down to the present period, all its operations have been +directed exclusively to the promotion of its one grand object, +namely, the colonization in Africa of the free people of color +of the United States. It has always protested, and through your +memorialists it again protests, that <i>it has no wish to +interfere</i> with the delicate but important subject of slavery. +It has never, in a solitary instance, addressed itself to the +slave. It has never sought to invade the tranquillity of the +domestic circle, nor the peace and safety of +society.'—[Memorial of the Auxiliary Colonization Society of +Powhatan, to the Legislature of Virginia.—Twelfth Annual +Report.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'Therefore she looked, and well might she look, to colonization +and to colonization alone. To abolition <i>she could not look</i>, +and need not look. Whatever that scheme may have done, +heretofore, in the States now free, it had done nothing and +could do nothing in the slave States for the cause of humanity. +This subject he rejoiced to know was now better understood, and +all began to see that it was <i>wiser</i> and <i>safer</i> to remove, by +colonization, a great and otherwise insuperable impediment to +emancipation, <i>than to act upon the subject of emancipation +itself</i>.'—[Speech of Mr Key.—Thirteenth Annual Report.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'Our Society has nothing to do directly with the question of +slavery.' * * * 'Whilst the Society protests that it has no +designs on the rights of the master in the slave—or the +property in his slave, which the laws guarantee to him,' +&c.—[Speech of Gerrit Smith, Esq.—Fourteenth Annual Report.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'Its primary object now is, and ever has been, to colonize, with +their own consent, free people of color on the coast of Africa, +or elsewhere, as Congress may deem expedient. And, Sir, I am +unwilling to admit, under any circumstances, and particularly in +this Hall, that it ever has swerved from this cardinal +object.'—[Speech of Mr Benham.—Fourteenth Annual Report.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'Something he must yet be allowed to say, as regarded the object +the Society was set up to accomplish. This object, if he +understood it aright, <i>involved no intrusion on property</i>, <span class="smcap">NOR +EVEN UPON PREJUDICE</span>.'—[Speech of Mr Archer of +Virginia.—Fifteenth Annual Report.]<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[Pg 45]</a></span></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'That the effort made by the Society should be such as to unite +all parts of the country—such as to be in any degree ultimately +successful, it was necessary to <i>disclaim all attempts for the +immediate abolition of slavery, or the instruction of the great +body of the blacks</i>. Such attempts would have excited alarm and +jealousy, would have been inconsistent with the public safety, +and defeated the great purposes of the Society.' * * * 'It is +pleasing to learn that the Friends, who at first were not +favorable to the Society, <i>having been inclined to the immediate +abolition of slavery</i>, are coming into what we deem the <i>more +wise policy</i> of encouraging emancipation by +colonization.'—[Speech of Harmanus Bleecker, Esq. at the Second +Anniversary Meeting of the New-York Colonization Society, April +14, 1831.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'The plan of colonization seems <i>the only one entitled to the +least consideration</i>.'—[Speech of M. C. Paterson, Esq. on the +same occasion.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'Nor will their brethren of the North desire to interfere with +their constitutional rights, or rashly to disturb a system +interwoven with their feelings, habits, and prejudices. A golden +mean will be pursued, which, at the same time that it <i>consults +the wishes</i>, and <i>respects the prejudices</i> of the South, will +provide for the claims of justice and Christianity, and avert +the storm of future desolation.'—[Speech of Lucius Q. C. Elmer, +Esq.—First Annual Report of the New-Jersey Colonization +Society.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'Views are attributed to us, that were never entertained, and +our plan is tortured <i>into a design to emancipate the Slaves of +the South</i>. We are made to disregard this description of +property, and to touch without reserve the rights of our +neighbors. We are said to tread this almost forbidden ground +with firm step, and a hardihood of effort is imputed to us, +which, if true, might well excite the indignation of our +southern citizens.—But, Sir, our Society and the friends of +colonization wish to be distinctly understood upon this point. +From the beginning they have <i>disavowed</i>, and they do yet +<i>disavow</i>, that their object is <i>the emancipation of the +slaves</i>. They have no wish, <i>if they could</i>, to interfere in the +smallest degree with what they deem the most interesting and +fearful subject which can be pressed upon the American public.' +* * * 'There is no people that treat their slaves with so much +kindness and with so little cruelty. Nor can I believe that we +shall meet with any serious opposition from that quarter, when +our object is distinctly understood—when it is known that our +operations are confined exclusively to the free black +population. That this is our <i>sole</i> object, I appeal with entire +confidence to the constitution of our Society and to the +constitution and Annual Reports of the Parent Institution.' + * * * 'We again repeat—that our operations are confined to the free +black population, and that there is no ground for fear on the +part of our southern friends. We hold their slaves as we hold +their other property, <span class="smcap">SACRED</span>. Let not then this slander be +repeated.'—[Speech of James S. Green, Esq. on the same +occasion.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'Nothing has contributed more to retard the operations of the +Colonization Society than the mistaken notion that it interferes +directly with slavery. This objection is rapidly vanishing away, +and many of the slaveholding States are becoming efficient +supporters of the national society. In the Senate of Louisiana +during its last session, resolutions were adopted expressive of +the opinion that the object of this Society was deserving the +patronage of the general government. An enlightened community +now see, that this Society infringes upon no man's rights, that +its object is noble and benevolent—to remedy an evil which is +felt and acknowledged at the north and south—to give the free +people of color the privileges of freemen.'—[From a Tract +issued by the Massachusetts Colonization Society in 1831, for +gratuitous distribution.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'This institution proposes to do good by a single specific +course of measures. Its direct and specific purpose <i>is not the +abolition of slavery</i>, or the relief of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[Pg 46]</a></span> pauperism, or the +extension of commerce and civilization, or the enlargement of +science, or the conversion of the heathen. The single object +which its constitution prescribes, and to which all its efforts +are necessarily directed, is, African colonization from America. +It proposes only to afford facilities for the voluntary +emigration of free people of color from this country to the +country of their fathers.'—[Review on African +Colonization.—Christian Spectator for September, 1830.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'It interferes in nowise with the right of property, and hopes +and labors for the gradual abolition of slavery, by the +voluntary and gradual manumission of slaves, when the free +persons of color shall have first been transferred to their +aboriginal climate and soil.'—[G. W. P. Custis, Esq.—African +Repository, vol. i. p. 39.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'Does this Society wish to meddle with our slaves as our +rightful property? I answer <i>no</i>, I think not.'—[African +Repository, vol. ii. p. 13.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'They have been denounced by some as fanatical and visionary +innovators, pursuing without regard to means or consequences, an +object destructive of the rights of property, and dangerous to +the public peace.' * * * 'The sole object of the Society, as +declared at its institution, and from which it can never be +allowed to depart, is 'to remove with their own consent, to the +coast of Africa, the free colored population, now existing in +the United States, and such as hereafter may become free.'' * * * +'In pursuing their object, therefore, (although such +consequences may result from a successful prosecution of it,) +the Society cannot be justly charged with aiming to disturb the +rights of property or the peace of society. Your memorialists +refer with confidence to the course they have pursued, in the +prosecution of their object for nine years past, to shew that it +is possible, without danger or alarm, to carry on such an +operation, notwithstanding its supposed relation to the subject +of slavery, and that they have not been regardless, in any of +their measures, of what was due to the state of society in which +they live. They are, themselves, chiefly slaveholders, and live, +with all the ties of life binding them to a slaveholding +community. They know when to speak and when to forbear upon +topics connected with this painful and difficult subject. They +put forth no passionate appeals before the public, seek to +excite no feeling, and avoid, with the most sedulous care, every +measure that would endanger the public tranquillity.' * * * 'The +managers could, with no propriety, depart from their original +and avowed purpose, <i>and make emancipation their object</i>. And +they would further say, that if they were not thus restrained by +the terms of their association, they would still consider any +attempts to promote the increase of the free colored population +by manumission, <i>unnecessary</i>, <i>premature</i>, and <i>dangerous</i>.' + * * * 'It seems now to be admitted that, whatever has any bearing +upon that question, must be managed with the utmost +consideration; that the peace and order of society must not be +endangered by indiscreet and ill-timed efforts to promote +emancipation; and that a true regard should be manifested to the +feelings and the fears, and even the <i>prejudices</i> of those, +whose co-operation is essential.'—[Memorial of the Society to +the several States.—A. R. vol. ii. pp. 57, 58, 60.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'To found in Africa an empire of <i>christians and republicans</i>; +to reconduct the blacks to their native land, without disturbing +the order of society, the laws of property, or the rights of +individuals; rapidly, but legally, <i>silently</i>, <i>gradually</i>, to +drain them off; these are the noble ends of the colonization +scheme.'—[African Repository, vol. ii. p. 375.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'Nor have I ever been able to see, for my part, why the +patronage of Congress to a benevolent and patriotic Society, +which, without interfering, in the smallest degree, with that +<i>delicate interest</i>, only aims to remove what we all consider as +a great evil—our free people of color—(and which evil <i>does</i> +inter<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[Pg 47]</a></span>fere with that interest,) should excite the jealousy or +spleen of our most watchful and determined advocates of state +rights.'—[Idem, p. 383.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'Recognising the constitutional and legitimate existence of +slavery, it seeks not to interfere, either directly or +indirectly, with the rights which it creates. <i>Acknowledging the +necessity by which its present continuance and the rigorous +provisions for its maintenance are justified</i>, it aims only at +furnishing the States, in which it exists, the means of +immediately lessening its severities, and of ultimately +relieving themselves from its acknowledged evils.'—[Opimius in +reply to Caius Gracchus.—African Repository, vol. iii. p. 16.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'<i>It is no abolition Society</i>; it addresses as yet <i>arguments to +no master</i>, and disavows with horror the idea of offering +temptations to any slave. <span class="smcap">It denies the design of attempting +emancipation, either partial or general</span>; it denies, with us, +that the General Government have any power to emancipate; and +declares that the States have exclusively the right to regulate +the whole subject of slavery. The scope of the Society is large +enough, but it is in nowise mingled or confounded with the broad +sweeping views of <i>a few fanatics</i> in America, who would urge us +on to the sudden and total abolition of slavery.' * * * 'The +first great material objection is that the Society does, in +fact, in spite of its denial, meditate and conspire the +emancipation of the slaves. To the candid, let me say that there +are names on the rolls of the Society too high to be rationally +accused of the duplicity and insidious falsehood which this +implies; farther, the Society and its branches are composed, in +by far the larger part, of <i>citizens of slaveholding States</i>, +who cannot gravely be charged with a design so perilous to +themselves. To the uncandid disputant, I say, let him put his +finger on one single sentiment, declaration or act of the +Society, or of any person, with its sanction, which shows such +to be their object: there is in fact no pretext for the charge.' +* * * 'Let me repeat, the <i>friends</i> of the Colonization Society, +three-fourths of them are <span class="smcap">SLAVEHOLDERS</span>; the legislatures of +Maryland, Georgia, Kentucky and Tennessee, all slaveholding +States, have approved it; <i>every member</i> of this auxiliary +Society is, <i>either in himself, or his nearest relatives, +interested in holding slaves</i>.' * * * 'Once more; this Society +is no way connected with certain Abolition Societies in the +country. To these the Colonization Society would say, "Your +object is unattainable, your zeal dangerous, and nothing can +give it the right direction or the right temperature, but your +surrendering your plan to ours: be convinced, that if the blacks +are ever to be removed from us, it will be by the free will of +the owners, and by means of the opportunity which our <i>innocent</i> +plan of an asylum for such as may be sent will afford."'—['The +Col. Society Vindicated.'—Idem, pp. 197, 200, 202, 203.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'They can impress upon the southern slaveholder, by the strength +of facts, and by the recorded declarations of honest men, that +the objects of the Colonization Society are altogether pure and +praiseworthy, and <i>that it has no intention to open the door to +universal liberty</i>, but only to cut out a channel, where the +merciful providence of God may cause those dark waters to flow +off.'—[Idem, vol. iv. p. 145.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'About twelve years ago, some of the wisest men of the nation, +(<i>mostly slaveholders</i>,) formed, in the city of Washington, the +present American Colonization Society. Among them were men high +in office, who had spent many years in studying the interests of +their country, and who could not, therefore, be suspected of +short-sighted enthusiasm, or any secret design of disturbing the +rights or the safety of our southern citizens.' * * * 'You will +observe, first, that <i>there is to be no intermeddling with +property in slaves</i>. <span class="smcap">The rights of masters are to remain sacred +in the eyes of the Society</span>. The tendency of the scheme, and one +of its objects, is to <i>secure slaveholders, and the whole +southern country</i>, against certain evil<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[Pg 48]</a></span> consequences, growing +out of the three-fold mixture of our population.'—[Address of +the Rockbridge Col. Society.—Idem, p. 274.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'It is true, their operations have been <ins id="mycorr3" class="mycorr" +title="Original: confied"><a name="corr3" id="corr3"></a>confined</ins> to the single +object, colonization.—They do nothing directly to effect the +manumission of slaves.—They think nothing can be advantageously +done in favor of emancipation, but by means of colonization, of +which emancipation will be a certain consequence that may be +safely and quietly awaited.'—[Mr Key's Address.—Idem, p. 303.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'The Colonization Society, as such, have renounced wholly the +name and the characteristics of abolitionists. On this point +they have been unjustly and injuriously slandered. They need no +such barrier to restrict them, as the sentiment of Mr Harrison, +for their operations are entirely in a different department. +<span class="smcap">Into their accounts the subject of emancipation does not enter +at all</span>.'—['N. E.'—Idem, p. 306.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'Being, chiefly, slaveholders ourselves, we well know how it +becomes us to approach such a subject as this in a slaveholding +state, and in every other. If there were room for a reasonable +jealousy, we among the first should feel it; being as much +interested in the welfare of the community, and having as much +at heart, as any men can have, the security of ourselves, our +property and our families.' * * * 'Our object is, not to prevail +upon the master to part with his slave, for that we leave to his +own reflection and <span class="smcap">CONVENIENCE</span>; but to afford to those masters +who have determined, or may determine, to manumit their slaves; +provided they can be removed from this country, the means of +removing them to a place where they may be really free, +virtuous, respectable and happy.—Nothing can be more innocent +and less alarming.'—[Review of Mr Tazewell's Report.—Idem, p. +341.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'The American Colonization Society has, at all times, solemnly +disavowed any purpose of interference with the institutions or +rights of our Southern communities.'—[Idem, vol. v. p. 307.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'From its origin, and throughout the whole period of its +existence, it has constantly disclaimed all intention whatever +of interfering, in the smallest degree, with the rights of +property, or the object of emancipation, gradual or immediate. +<i>It is not only without inclination</i>, but it is without power, +to make any such interference. It is not even a chartered or +incorporated company; and it has no other foundation than that +of Bible Societies, or any other christian or charitable +unincorporated companies in our country. It knows that the +subject of emancipation belongs exclusively to the several +States in which slavery is tolerated, and to individual +proprietors of slaves in those States, under and according to +their laws.' * * * 'The Society presents to the American public +<i>no project of emancipation</i>.' * * * 'Its exertions have been +confined exclusively to the free colored people of the United +States, and to those of them who are willing to go. It has +neither <i>purpose</i> nor power to extend them to the larger portion +of that race held in bondage. Throughout the whole period of its +existence, this disclaimer has been made, and incontestible +facts establish its truth and sincerity. It is now repeated, in +its behalf, that the spirit of misrepresentation may have no +pretext for abusing the public ear.'—[Mr Clay's Speech.—African +Repository, vol. vi. pp. 13, 17, 19.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'The Society, from considerations like these, whilst it +disclaims the remotest idea of ever disturbing the right of +property in slaves, conceives it to be possible that the time +may arrive, when, with the approbation of their owners, they +shall all be at liberty; and, with those already free, be +removed, with their own consent, to the land of their +ancestors.'—[African Repository, vol. vi. p. 69.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'<i>It is not the object of this Society to liberate slaves, or +touch the rights of property</i>. <span class="smcap">To set them loose among us would +be an evil<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[Pg 49]</a></span></span> <span class="smcap">more intolerable than slavery itself</span>. It would make +our situation insecure and dangerous.'—[Report of the Kentucky +Col. Soc.—Idem, p. 81.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'It contemplates no purpose of abolition: it touches no slave +until his fetters have been voluntarily stricken off by the hand +of his own master.'—[Speech of John A. Dix, Esq.—Idem, p. +165.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'What has awakened that spirit of suspicion and enmity which is +now manifested by these men in every form of open and active +hostility? Can it be attributed to any departure of the Society +from its avowed original design and principles? We maintain that +it cannot; we maintain that the character of the Society has +from the commencement been uniformly the same, and that its +proceedings have been consistent with its character. Were or are +the design and principles of the Society hostile to the rights +and interest of the Southern States? We maintain that they were +and are not; but on the contrary, are worthy to be cherished by +the citizens of these States, and to be sustained with all their +energies as means of their political and moral strength.' * * * +'The <i>free</i> people of color alone are to be colonized by the +Society, and whether the benefits of its scheme are ever to be +extended to <i>others</i>, is a question referred to those to whom it +pertains as a matter of right and duty to decide.' * * * 'The +Colonization Society would be the last Institution in the world +to disturb the domestic tranquillity of the South.'—[Defence of +the Society.—Idem, pp. 197, 207, 209.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'This Society, here in the outset, most explicitly disclaims all +intention to interfere in the smallest degree with the slave +population. It is with the free colored population alone, and +that too, with their own consent, that this Society proposes to +act.'—[Address of the Maryland State Colonization Society to +the People of Maryland.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'To the slaveholder, who had charged upon them the wicked design +of interfering with the rights of property under the specious +pretexts of removing a vicious and dangerous free population, +they address themselves in a tone of conciliation and sympathy. +We know your rights, say they, and we respect them—we know your +difficulties, and we appreciate them. <i>Being mostly slaveholders +ourselves</i>, having a common interest with you in this subject, +an equal opportunity of understanding it, and the same motives +to prudent action, what better guarantee can be afforded for the +just discrimination, and the safe operation of our measures? And +what ground for apprehension that we, who are bound to you by +the strongest ties of interest and of sympathy, should intrude +upon the repose of the domestic circle, or invade the peace and +security of society? Have not the thirteen years' peaceful, yet +efficient, operations of our Society attested the <i>moderation of +our views</i> and the safety of our plans? We have protested from +the commencement, and during our whole progress, and we do now +protest, that we have never entertained the purpose of +intermeddling with the private property of individuals. We know +that we have not the power, even if we had the inclination, to +do so. Your rights, as guarantied by the Constitution, are held +sacred in our eyes; and we should be among the foremost to +resist, as a flagrant usurpation, any encroachment upon those +rights. Our only object, as at all times avowed, is to provide +for the removal to the coast of Africa, with their own consent, +of such persons of color as are already free, and of such others +as the humanity of individuals, or the laws of the different +states, may hereafter liberate. Is there any thing, say they, in +this proposition at war with your interest, your safety, your +honor, or your happiness? Do we not all regard this mixed and +intermediate population of free blacks, made up of slaves or +their immediate descendants, as a mighty and a growing evil, +exerting a dangerous and baneful influence on all around +them?'—[Address of Cyrus Edwards, Esq. of Illinois.—African +Repository, vol. vii. p. 100.]<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[Pg 50]</a></span></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'It was never the intention of the Society to interfere with the +rights of the proprietors of slaves; nor has it at any time done +so.'—[Address of R. J. Breckenridge of Kentucky.—Idem p. 176.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'The specific object to which the entire funds of the +Institution are devoted, is simple and plainly unexceptionable +in this respect, that it interferes with no rights of +individuals, and with no law of the land.' * * * 'It embraces in +its provisions only the free. It does not interfere—it desires +not to interfere, in any way, with the rights or the interests +of the proprietors of slaves. <i>It condemns no man because he is +a slaveholder</i>; it seeks to quiet all unkind feelings between +the sober and virtuous men of the North and of the South on the +subject of slavery; it sends abroad no influence to disturb the +peace, and endanger the security and prosperity of any portion +of the country.'—[Character and Influence of the Colonization +Society.—African Repository, vol. vii. pp. 194, 200.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'Can it be a ruthless scheme of political speculation, which +would trample, with rude and unhallowed step, upon the rights of +property, to gratify the visionary and fanatical projects of its +authors? No: this is impossible. Yet such is the language of +intemperate opposition, with which this Society has been +assailed by its enemies.' * * * 'Equally absurd and false is the +objection, that this Society seeks indirectly to disturb the +rights of property, and to interfere with the well-established +relation subsisting between master and slave. The man who avows +such monstrous purposes as these, and seeks to shelter himself +under the sanction and authority of the American Colonization +Society, is a base traitor to the cause which it seeks to +advance—<span class="smcap">AN ENEMY OF THE WORST AND MOST DANGEROUS STAMP</span>, because +he assumes the specious garb of a friend and coadjutor. Let him +stand, or let him fall, by the verdict of an insulted and +outraged community—but do not make liable for his acts a great +Institution, whose real friends will be the first to reject and +discountenance him, and to mark upon his forehead in indelible +characters, "This is a traitor to the cause of his country and +the cause of humanity."—It is true that the friends of the +American Colonization Society have permitted themselves to +entertain the high and exalted hope, that, by its influences, +ultimate and remote, the burdens which are incident to slavery +may be greatly mitigated, and possibly the evil itself at some +future day be entirely removed. But mark, Mr President, and mark +well, ye hearers, the grounds upon which this hope is founded. +It could not be sustained by any effort, direct or indirect, to +invade the rights of the slaveholding community, for the plain +and palpable reason, that the effort itself would furnish the +most certain means of defeating the object in view, even +supposing the friends of the Society reckless enough to +entertain it. It would denote on the part of those who made it, +an extremity of madness and folly, wholly unprecedented in the +history of the world, and if persevered in, would dissolve the +government into its original elements, even though the principle +of union which holds it together were a thousand-fold stronger +than it is.' * * * 'Surely the friends of the Colonization +Society have done nought either to alarm the honest fears of the +patriot, or excite the morbid sensibilities of the +slaveholder.'—[Address delivered before the Lynchburg Auxiliary +Colonization Society, August 18, 1831.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'While, therefore, <i>they determined to avoid the question of +slavery</i>, they proposed the formation of a colony on the coast +of Africa, as an asylum for free people of color.' * * * 'The +emancipation of slaves or the amelioration of their condition, +with the moral, intellectual, and political improvement of +people of color within the United States, <i>are subjects foreign +to the powers of this Society</i>.'—[Address of the Board of +Managers of the American Colonization Society to its Auxiliary +Societies.—African Repository, vol. vii. pp. 290, 291.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'The American Colonization Society was formed with special +reference to the <i>free</i> blacks of our country. With the +<i>delicate subject</i> of slavery it presumes<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[Pg 51]</a></span> not to interfere. And +yet doubtless from the first it has cherished the hope of being +in some way or other a medium of relief to the entire colored +population of the land. Such a hope is certainly both innocent +and benevolent. And so long as the Society adheres to the object +announced in its constitution, as it hitherto has done, the +master can surely find no reasonable cause of anxiety. And it is +a gratifying circumstance that the Society has from the first +<i>obtained its most decided and efficient support from the +slaveholding States</i>.'—[Sermon, delivered at Springfield, +Mass., July 4th, 1829, before the Auxiliary Colonization Society +of Hampden County, by Rev. B. Dickinson.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'The American Colonization Society in no way directly meddles +with slavery. It disclaims all such +interference.'—[Correspondent of the Southern Religious +Telegraph.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'This system is sanctioned by the laws of independent and +sovereign states. Congress cannot constitutionally pass laws +which shall tend directly to abolish it. If it ever be abolished +by legislative enactments, it must be done by the respective +legislatures of the States in which it exists. It never designed +to interfere with what the laws consider as the rights of +masters—it has made no appeals to them to release their slaves +for colonization, nor to their slaves to abandon their masters. +With this delicate subject, the Society has avowedly nothing to +do. Its ostensible object is necessarily the removal of our free +colored population.'—[Middletown (Connecticut) Gazette.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'With slaves, however, the American Colonization Society has <i>no +concern</i> whatever, except to transport to Africa such as their +owners may liberate for that purpose.'—[Oration delivered at +Newark, N. J., July 4th, 1831, by Gabriel P. Disosway, Esq.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'It disclaims, and always has disclaimed, all intention +whatever, of interfering in the smallest degree, direct or +indirect, with the rights of slaveholders, the right of +property, <i>or the object of emancipation, gradual or immediate. +It knows that the owners of slaves are the owners, and no one +else—it does not, in the most remote degree, touch that +delicate subject</i>. Every slaveholder may, therefore, remain at +ease concerning it or its progress or objects.'—[An advocate of +the Society in the New-Orleans Argus.]</p></div> + +<p>It were needless to multiply these extracts. So precisely do they +resemble each other, that they seem rather as the offspring of a single +mind, than of many minds. A large majority of them come in the most +official and authoritative shape, and their language is explicit beyond +cavil.</p> + +<p>Here, then, is a combination, embracing able and influential men in all +parts of the country, pledging itself not only to respect the system of +slavery, but to frown indignantly upon those who shall dare to assail +it. And what is this system which is to be held in so much reverence, +and avoided with so much care? It is a system which has in itself no +redeeming feature, but is full of blood—the blood of innocent men, +women and children; full of adultery and concupiscence; full of +darkness, blasphemy and wo; full of rebellion against God and treason +against the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[Pg 52]</a></span> universe; full of wrath—impurity—ignorance—brutality—and +awful impiety; full of wounds and bruises and putrefying sores; full of +temporal suffering and eternal damnation. It is, says Pitt, a mass, a +system of enormities, which incontrovertibly bid defiance to every +regulation which ingenuity can devise, or power effect, but a total +extinction; a system of incurable injustice, the complication of every +species of iniquity, the greatest practical evil that ever has afflicted +the human race, and the severest and most extensive calamity recorded in +the history of the world. Fox calls it a most unjust and horrible +persecution of our fellow creatures. The Rev. Dr. Thomson declares it is +a system hostile to the original and essential rights of +humanity—contrary to the inflexible and paramount demands of moral +justice—at eternal variance with the spirit and maxims of revealed +religion—inimical to all that is merciful in the heart, and holy in the +conduct—and on these accounts, necessarily exposed and subject to the +curse of Almighty God. It is, says Rowland Hill, made up of every crime +that treachery, cruelty and murder can invent. Wilberforce says, it is +the full measure of pure, unmixed, unsophisticated wickedness; and +scorning all competition or comparison, it stands without a rival in the +secure, undisputed possession of its detestable pre-eminence. In this +country, slavery is a system which leaves the chastity of one million +females without any protection! which condemns more than two millions of +human beings to remediless bondage! which authorises their sale at +public vendue in company with horses, sheep and hogs, or in a private +manner, at the pleasure of their owners! which, under penalty of +imprisonment, and even death, forbids their being taught the lowest +rudiments of knowledge! which, by the exclusion of their testimony in +courts, subjects them to worse than brutal treatment! which recognizes +no connubial obligations, ruthlessly severs the holiest relations of +life, tears the scarcely weaned babe from the arms of its mother, wives +from their husbands, and parents from their children! But who is +adequate to the task of delineating its horrors, or recording its +atrocities, in full? Who can number the stripes which it inflicts, the +groans and tears and imprecations which it extorts, the cruel murders +which it perpetrates?<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[Pg 53]</a></span> or who measure the innocent blood which it +spills, or the degradation which it imposes, or the guilt which it +accumulates? or who reveal the waste of property, the perversion of +intellect, the loss of happiness, the burial of mind, to which it is +accessary? or who trace its poisonous influence and soul-destroying +tendency back for two hundred years down to the end of time? None—none +but God himself! It is corrupt as death—black as perdition—cruel and +insatiate as the grave. To adopt the nervous language of another:—The +thing I say is true. I speak the truth, though it is most lamentable. I +dare not hide it, I dare not palliate it; else the horror with which it +covereth me would make me do so. Wo unto such a system! wo unto the men +of this land who have been brought under its operation! It is not felt +to be evil, it is not acknowledged to be evil, it is not preached +against as evil; and, therefore, it is only the more inveterate and +fearful an evil.<a name="FNanchor_H_9" id="FNanchor_H_9"></a><a href="#Footnote_H_9" class="fnanchor">[H]</a> <i>It hath become constitutional.</i> <span class="smcap">It is fed from the +stream of our life</span>, and it will grow more and more excessive, until it +can no longer be endured by God, nor borne with by man.</p> + +<p>And this is the system, with which, as the reader has seen, the American +Colonization Society is resolved not to interfere; and with the +upholders of which, ministers of the gospel and professors of religion +of all denominations have made a treaty of peace! Tell it not +abroad—publish it not in the capitals of Europe—lest the despots of +the old world take courage, and infidelity strengthen its stakes!</p> + +<p>If men who are reputedly wise and good—if religious teachers and +political leaders, those whose opinions are almost implicitly adopted, +and whose examples are readily followed by the mass of the people—if +such men suppress their voices on this momentous subject, and turn their +eyes from its contemplation, and give the right hand of fellowship to +the buyers and sellers of human flesh, is there not cause for +lamentation and alarm? The pulpit is false to its trust, and a moral +paralysis<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[Pg 54]</a></span> has seized the vitals of the church. The sanctity of religion +is thrown, like a mantle, over the horrid system. Under its auspices, +robbery and oppression have become popular and flourishing. The press, +too, by its profound silence, or selfish neutrality, or equivocal +course, or active partizanship, is enlisted in the cause of tyranny—the +mighty press, which has power, if exerted aright, to break every fetter, +and emancipate the land. If this state of things be not speedily +reversed, 'we be all dead men.' Unless the pulpit lift up the voice of +warning, supplication and wo, with a fidelity which no emolument can +bribe, and no threat intimidate; unless the church organise and plan for +the redemption of the benighted slaves, and directly assault the strong +holds of despotism; unless the press awake to its duty, or desist from +its bloody co-operation; as sure as Jehovah lives and is unchangeable, +he will pour out his indignation upon us, and consume us with the fire +of his wrath, and our own way recompense upon our heads. 'Ah, sinful +nation, a people laden with iniquity, a seed of evil doers, children +that are corrupters! When ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine +eyes from you; yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: <i>your +hands are full of blood</i>. Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of +your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; learn to do well; +<i>seek judgment, relieve the oppressed</i>, judge the fatherless, plead for +the widow. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the +land: but if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: +<i>for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it</i>.'</p> + +<p>I know the covert behind which colonizationists take refuge. They +profess to be—and, doubtless, in many instances are—aiming at the +ultimate emancipation of the slaves; but they are all for <i>gradual</i> +abolition—all too courteous to give offence—too sober to be +madmen—too discreet to adopt <i>rash</i> measures. But I shall show, in the +progress of this work, that they not only shield the holders of slaves +from reproach, (and thus, by assuring them of their innocence, destroy +all motives for repentance,) but earnestly dissuade them from +emancipating their slaves without an immediate expulsion. Fine +conceptions of justice! Enemies of slavery, with a vengeance!<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[Pg 55]</a></span></p> + +<p>Suppose a similar course had been pursued by the friends of +Temperance—when would have commenced that mighty reformation which has +taken place before our eyes—unparalleled in extent, completeness and +rapidity? Suppose, instead of exposing the guilt of trafficking in +ardent spirits, and demanding instant and entire abstinence, they had +associated themselves together for the exclusive purpose of colonizing +all the drunkards in the land, as a class dangerous to our safety and +irremediably degraded, on a spot where they could not obtain the +poisonous alcohol, but could rise to respect and affluence—how would +such an enterprise have been received? Suppose they had pledged +themselves not to 'meddle' with the business of the traders in +spirituous liquors, or to injure the 'property' of distillers, and had +dwelt upon the folly and danger of 'immediate' abstinence, and had +denounced the advocates of this doctrine as madmen and fanatics, and had +endeavored, moreover, to suppress inquiry into the lawfulness of +rum-selling—how many importers, makers and venders of the liquid poison +would have abandoned their occupation, or how many of the four hundred +thousand individuals, who are now enrolled under the banner of entire +abstinence, would have been united in this great enterprise? Suppose, +further, that, in a lapse of fifteen years, this association had +transported two thousand drunkards, and the tide of intemperance had +continued to rise higher and higher, and some faithful watchmen had +given the alarm and showed the fatal delusion which rested upon the +land, and the Society should have defended itself by pointing to the two +thousand sots who had been saved by its instrumentality—would the +public attention have been successfully diverted from the <i>immense evil</i> +to the <i>partial good</i>? Suppose, once more, that this Society, composed +indiscriminately of rum-sellers and sober, pious men, on being charged +with perpetuating the evils of intemperance, with removing only some of +the fruits thereof instead of the tree itself, should have indignantly +repelled the charge, and said—'We are as much opposed to drunkenness, +and as heartily deprecate its existence, as any of our violent, +fanatical opposers; but the holders of ardent spirit have invested their +capital in it, and to destroy its sale would invade the right of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[Pg 56]</a></span> +<i>property</i>; policy at least, bids us not to assail their conduct, as +otherwise we might exasperate them, and so lose their aid in colonizing +the tipplers.' What would have been accomplished? But no such logic was +used: the duty of immediate reform was constantly pressed upon the +people, and a mighty reform took place.</p> + +<p>Colonizationists boast inordinately of having emancipated three or four +hundred slaves by their scheme, and contemptuously inquire of +abolitionists, 'What have <i>you</i> effected?' Many persons have been +deceived by this <i>show</i> of success, and deem it conclusive evidence of +the usefulness of the Colonization Society. But, in the first place, it +is very certain that none of these slaves were liberated in consequence +of the faithful appeals of the Society to the consciences of the +masters; for it has never troubled their consciences by any such +appeals. Secondly, it is obvious that these manumissions are the fruits +of the uncompromising doctrines of abolitionists; for they are +calculated to bring slaveholders to repentance, and they will yet +liberate other slaves to be caught up and claimed by the Society as +trophies of its success. Thirdly, it has been shown that while this +Society (allowing it the utmost that it claims) is effecting very little +and very doubtful good, it is inflicting upon the nation great and +positive evil, by refusing to arraign the oppressors at the bar of +eternal justice, and by obstructing the formation of abolition +societies. It rivets a thousand fetters where it breaks one. It annually +removes, on an average, two hundred of our colored population, whereas +the annual increase is about seventy thousand. It releases some scores +of slaves, and says to the owners of more than two millions—'Hold on! +don't emancipate too fast!'</p> + +<p>What have the abolitionists <i>done</i>? They have done more, during the past +year, to overthrow the system of slavery, than has been accomplished by +the gradualists in half a century. They have succeeded in fastening the +attention of the nation upon its enormities, and in piercing the callous +consciences of the planters. They are reforming and consolidating public +opinion, dispelling the mists of error, inspiring the hearts of the +timid, enlightening the eyes of the blind, and disturbing the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[Pg 57]</a></span> slumbers +of the guilty. Colonizationists gather a few leaves which the tree has +cast off, and vaunt of the deed: abolitionists 'lay the axe at once to +its roots, and put their united nerve into the steel'—nor shall their +strokes be in vain—for soon shall 'this great poison-tree of lust and +blood, and of all abominable and heartless iniquity, fall before them; +and law and love, and God and man, shout victory over its ruin.'</p> + +<p>Has the reader duly considered the fatal admissions of the advocates of +the colonization scheme, presented in the preceding pages? Some of them +it may be serviceable to the cause of truth and justice to recapitulate.</p> + +<ol> +<li><i>The Society does not aim directly at the instruction of the blacks: +their moral, intellectual and political improvement within the United +States, is foreign to its powers.</i></li> + +<li><i>The public safety forbids either the emancipation or the general +instruction of the slaves.</i></li> + +<li><i>The Society properly enough stands aloof from the question of +slavery.</i></li> + +<li><i>It is ready to pass censure upon abolition societies.</i></li> + +<li><i>It involves no intrusion on property, nor even upon prejudice.</i></li> + +<li><i>It has no wish, if it could, to interfere in the smallest degree +with the system of slavery.</i></li> + +<li><i>It acknowledges the necessity by which the present continuance of +the system and the rigorous provisions for its maintenance are +justified.</i></li> + +<li><i>It denies the design of attempting emancipation either partial or +general: into its accounts the subject of emancipation does not enter at +all: it has no intention to open the door to universal liberty.</i></li> + +<li><i>The rights of masters are to remain sacred in the eyes of the +Society.</i></li> + +<li><i>It condemns no man because he is a slaveholder.</i></li> +</ol> + +<p>Each of these particulars deserves a volume of comments, but I am +compelled to dismiss them in rotation with a single remark.</p> + +<p>1. One reason assigned by the Society for refusing to promote the +education of our colored population, is, a dread of exciting 'the +<i>prejudices</i> and <i>terrors</i> of the slaveholding States'! Is it credible? +As far, then, as this Society extends its influ<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[Pg 58]</a></span>ence, more than two +millions of ignorant, degraded beings in this boasted land of liberty +and light have nothing to hope: their moral, intellectual and political +improvement is foreign to its powers! Cruel neglect! barbarous +coalition! A sinful fear of rousing the prejudices of oppressors +outweighs the claims of the contemned blacks, the requirements of the +gospel, the dictates of humanity, and the convictions of duty. Will this +plea avail aught at the bar of God? Millions of our countrymen purposely +kept in darkness, although we are able to pour daylight upon their +vision, merely to gratify and protect their buyers and sellers!</p> + +<p>2. There never was a more abominable or more absurd heresy propagated, +than the assumption that the public safety would be jeoparded by an +immediate compliance with the demands of justice: yet it has obtained +among all orders of society. Even ministers of the gospel, who are bound +to cry aloud, and spare not,—to lift up their voices like a trumpet, +and show this guilty nation its sins,—to say to the holders of slaves, +'Loose the bands of wickedness, undo the heavy burdens, let the +oppressed go free, <i>and break every yoke</i>,'—even they fly to this +subterfuge, and deprecate a general emancipation. On this subject, 'they +know not what they do;' they reason like madmen or atheists; they +advance sentiments which unhinge the moral government of the universe, +and directly encourage the commission of the most heinous crimes. How +long would any one of their number retain his situation, if he were to +preach in explicit terms to his congregation as follows?—'My dear +hearers, if any among you are daily oppressing the weak, or defrauding +the poor, do not cease from your robbery and cruelty at once, as you +value your own happiness and the welfare of society! Relax your +tyrannous grasp gradually from the throat of your neighbor, and steal +not quite so much from him this year as you did the last!'—But they +emphatically hold this language whenever they advise slaveholders not to +repent <i>en masse</i>, or too hastily. The public safety, they say, forbids +emancipation! or, in other words, the public safety depends upon your +persistance in cheating, whipping, starving, debasing your slaves! Nay, +more—many of them, horrible to tell, are traffickers in human flesh! +'For this thing which it cannot bear, the earth is<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[Pg 59]</a></span> disquieted. The +gospel of peace and mercy preached by him who steals, buys and sells the +purchase of Messiah's blood!—rulers of the church making merchandize of +their brethren's souls!—and Christians trading the persons of men!'<a name="FNanchor_I_10" id="FNanchor_I_10"></a><a href="#Footnote_I_10" class="fnanchor">[I]</a></p> + +<p>3. The system of slavery is full of danger, outrage, desolation and +death—'a volcano in full operation'—a monster that is annually +supplied with sixty thousand new victims, devoured as soon as born—and +yet the Colonization Society 'properly enough stands aloof' from it!! It +utters no lamentations—makes no supplications—gives no +rebukes—presents no motives for repentance!</p> + +<p>4. The Society is not only ready to pass, but it is constantly bestowing +its censure upon abolition societies. It represents their members as +guided by a visionary, wild and fanatical spirit, as invaders of rights +which are sacred, incendiaries, disturbers of the peace of society, and +enemies to the safety and happiness of the planters. Determining itself +to avoid the question of emancipation—to leave millions of human beings +to pine in bondage without exposing the guilt of the oppressors—it +endeavors to prevent any other association agitating the subject. Hence +between colonization and abolition societies there is no affinity of +feeling or action; and hence arises the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[Pg 60]</a></span> cause, inexplicable to many, +why they cannot pursue their objects amicably together.</p> + +<p>5. The attempt of the Society to conciliate the holders of slaves must +result either in disappointment, or in an abandonment of the path of +duty. If they are guilty of robbery and oppression, they must be +arraigned as criminals, or they never will reform: for why should +honest, benevolent men change their conduct? If, through a false +delicacy of feeling or cringing policy, their wickedness be covered up, +alas for the slaves, and alas for the regeneration of the south! all +hope is lost.</p> + +<p>6. The Society has no wish, <i>if it could</i>, to interfere with the system +of slavery! Monstrous indifference, or barbarous cruelty! And yet it +presumes to occupy the whole ground of the controversy, and to direct +the actions of the friends of the blacks throughout the land! By the +phrase '<i>interfere</i>,' is meant no desire to contest the claims of the +planters to their bondmen, or to kindle the indignation of the people +against their atrocious practices.</p> + +<p>7. It appears that all those terrible enactments which have been made +for the government of the slaves—such, for example, as forbid their +learning to read under the penalty of stripes, and even death—are +acknowledged by the Society to be necessary for the maintenance of +order! What a concession!</p> + +<p>8. Sometimes we are told that the Society is aiming at the liberation of +all the slaves, and then that it has no design of attempting either +partial or general emancipation: so contradictory are its assurances! It +is manifest that it does not mean to touch the question of slavery; and +hence the imperious necessity of forming abolition societies.</p> + +<p>9. The rights of masters are to remain sacred in the eyes of the +Society! What rights? Those by which the intelligent creatures of God +are bought and sold and used like cattle? those which are founded upon +piracy, cruelty and outrage?<a name="FNanchor_J_11" id="FNanchor_J_11"></a><a href="#Footnote_J_11" class="fnanchor">[J]</a> Yes! This, then, is an abandonment of +the ground of right and justice, and ends the controversy between truth +and error.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[Pg 61]</a></span></p> + +<p>10. It condemns no man because he is a slaveholder! Certainly, then, it +allows that slaveholders are upright men—not guilty of fraud—not +oppressors—not extortioners! and that the slaves are truly and justly +their property—not entitled to freedom—not better than cattle—not +conscious of evil treatment—not worthy of remuneration for their +toil—not rational and accountable beings!</p> + +<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_H_9" id="Footnote_H_9"></a><a href="#FNanchor_H_9"><span class="label">[H]</span></a> The term evil is used here in a criminal sense. I know that +colonizationists regard slavery as an evil; but an evil which has been +<i>entailed</i> upon this land, for the existence of which we are no more to +blame than for the prevalence of plague or famine.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_I_10" id="Footnote_I_10"></a><a href="#FNanchor_I_10"><span class="label">[I]</span></a> 'If the most guilty and daring transgressor be sought, he +is a Gospel Minister, who solemnly avows his belief of the Presbyterian +Confession of Faith, or the Methodist Discipline, and notwithstanding +himself is a Negro Pedler, who steals, buys, sells, and keeps his +brethren in slavery, or supports by his taciturnity, or his smooth +prophesying, or his direct defence, the Christian professor who unites +in the kidnapping trade. Truth forces the declaration, that every church +officer, or member, who is a slaveholder, records himself, by his own +creed, a hypocrite!' * * 'To pray and kidnap! to commune and rob men's +all! to preach justice, and steal the laborer with his recompense! to +recommend mercy to others, and exhibit cruelty in our own conduct! to +explain religious duties, and ever impede the performance of them! to +propound the example of Christ and his Apostles, and declare that a +slaveholder imitates them! to enjoin an observance of the Lord's day, +and drive the slaves from the temple of God! to inculcate every social +affection, and instantly exterminate them! to expatiate upon bliss +eternal, and preclude sinners from obtaining it! to unfold the woes of +Tophet, and not drag men from its fire! are the most preposterous +delusion, and the most consummate mockery.' * * * 'The Church of God +groans. It is the utmost Satanic delusion to talk of religion and +slavery. Be not deceived: to affirm that a slaveholder is a genuine +disciple of Jesus Christ, is most intelligible contradiction. A brother +of Him who went about doing good, and steal, enslave, torment, starve +and scourge a man because his skin is of a different tinge! Such +Christianity is the Devil's manufacture to delude souls to the regions +of wo.'—<span class="smcap">Rev. George Bourne.</span></p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_J_11" id="Footnote_J_11"></a><a href="#FNanchor_J_11"><span class="label">[J]</span></a> 'We are told not to meddle with vested rights: I have a +sacred feeling about vested rights; but when vested rights become vested +wrongs, I am less scrupulous about them.'—<i>Speech of Rev. Mr. Burnett, +of England.</i></p></div> +</div> + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="SECTION_II" id="SECTION_II"></a>SECTION II.</h2> + +<h3>THE AMERICAN COLONIZATION SOCIETY APOLOGISES FOR SLAVERY AND +SLAVEHOLDERS.</h3> + + +<p><span class="smcap">My</span> charges against the American Colonization Society acquire breadth and +solemnity as I progress in my task. I have fairly and abundantly +sustained my first,—<i>that the Society is not the enemy of the +slave-system</i>; and I now proceed to prove my second,—<i>that it +apologises for slavery and slaveholders</i>.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>'There is a golden mean, which all who would pursue the solid +interest and reputation of their country may discern at the very +heart of their confederation, and will both advocate and +enforce—a principle, of justice, conciliation and humanity—a +principle, sir, which is not inconsistent with itself, and yet +can sigh over the degradation of the slave, <i>defend the wisdom +and prudence of the South against the charge of studied and +pertinacious cruelty</i>,' &c.—[Address of Robert F. Stockton, +Esq. at the Eighth Annual Meeting of the Parent Society.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'It is a fact, given us on the most unquestionable authority, +that there are now in the southern States of our union, +hundreds, and even thousands of proprietors, who would gladly +give liberty to their slaves, but are deterred by the +apprehension of doing injury to their country, and perhaps to +the slaves themselves.'—[Discourse by the Rev. Dr. +Dana.—African Repository, vol. i. p. 145.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'Guarding that system, the existence of which, though +<i>unfortunate</i>, <span class="smcap">THEY DEEM NECESSARY</span>.'—[African Repository, vol. +i. p. 227.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'We all know from a variety of considerations which it is +unnecessary to name, and in consequence of the policy which is +obliged to be pursued in the southern States, that it is +extremely difficult to free a slave, and hence the enactment of +those laws <i>which a fatal necessity seems to demand</i>.'—[African +Repository, vol. ii. p. 12.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'They are convinced, that there are now hundreds of masters who +are so only from <i>necessity</i>.'—[Memorial of the Society to the +several States.—A. R. vol. ii. p. 60.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot"><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[Pg 62]</a></span>'<i>I do not condemn</i>, let +me be understood, <i>their detention in bondage</i> under the +circumstances which are yet existing.'—['The Colonization +Society Vindicated.'—Idem, vol. iii. p. 201.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'A third point in which the first promoters of this object were +united, is, that few individual slaveholders can, in the present +state of things, emancipate their slaves if they would. There is +a certain relation between the proprietor of slaves and the +beings thus thrown upon him, which is far more complicated, and +far less easily dissolved, than a mind unacquainted with the +subject is ready to imagine. The relation is one which, where it +exists, grows out of the very structure of society, and for the +existence of which, the master is ordinarily as little +accountable as the slave.'</p> + +<p>'He [the planter] looks around him and sees that the condition +of the great mass of emancipated Africans is one <i>in comparison +with which the condition of his slaves is enviable</i>;—and he is +convinced that if he withdraws from his slaves his authority, +his support, his protection, and leaves them to shift for +themselves, he turns them out to be vagabonds, and paupers, and +felons, and to find in the work-house and the penitentiary, the +home which they ought to have retained on his paternal +acres.—Hundreds of humane and Christian slaveholders retain +their fellow-men in bondage, because <i>they are convinced that +they can do no better</i>.'—[Address of the Managers of the +Colonization Society of Connecticut.—Af. Rep. vol. iv. pp. 119, +120.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'<span class="smcap">I am not complaining of the owners of slaves</span>; they cannot get +rid of them.—<i>I do not doubt that masters treat their slaves +with kindness</i>, nor that the slaves are happier than they could +be if set free in this country.'—[Address delivered before the +Hampden Col. Soc., July 4th, 1828, by Wm. B. O. Peabody, Esq.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'<i>Policy</i>, and even <i>the voice of humanity</i> forbade the progress +of manumission; and the <i>salutary hand of law</i> came forward to +co-operate with our convictions, and to arrest the flow of our +feelings, and the ardor of our desires.'—[Review of the Report +of the Committee of Foreign Relations.—Af. Rep. vol. iv. p. +268.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'When an owner of slaves tells me that he will freely relinquish +his slaves, or even that he will relinquish one-half of their +value, <i>on condition that he be compensated for the other half</i>, +and provision be made for their transportation, I feel that he +has made a generous proposal, and <i>I cannot charge him with all +the guilt of slavery</i>, though he may continue to be a +slaveholder.'—[Af. Rep. vol. v. p. 63.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'Even slavery must be viewed as a great national calamity; a +public evil entailed upon us by untoward circumstances, <i>and +perpetuated for the want of appropriate remedies</i>.'—[Idem, vol. +v. p. 89.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'Slavery is an evil which is entailed upon the present +generation of slaveholders, which they must suffer, <i>whether +they will or not</i>.'—[Idem, p. 179.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'Our brethren of the South, have the same sympathies, the same +moral sentiments, the same love of liberty as ourselves. By them +as by us, slavery is felt to be an evil, a hindrance to our +prosperity, and a blot upon our character. But it was in being +when they were born, and has been forced upon them by a previous +generation.'—[Address of Rev. Dr. Nott.—Idem, p. 277.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'With a writer in the Southern Review we say, "the situation of +the people of these States was not of their choosing. When they +came to the inheritance, it was subject to this mighty +incumbrance, and it would be criminal in them to rain or waste +the estate, to get rid of the burden at once." With this writer<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[Pg 63]</a></span> +we add also, in the language of Captain Hall, that the +"slaveholders ought not (immediately) to disentangle themselves +from the obligations which have devolved upon them, as the +masters of slaves." We believe that a master <i>may</i> sustain his +relation to the slave, with as little criminality as the slave +sustains his relation to the master.' * * * 'Slavery, in its +mildest form, is an evil of the darkest character. Cruel and +unnatural in its origin, no plea can be urged in justification +of its continuance but the plea of <i>necessity</i>.'—[Af. Rep. vol. +v. pp. 329, 334.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'How much more consistent and powerful would be our example, but +for that population within our limits, whose condition +(<i>necessary</i> condition, I will not deny) is so much at war with +our institutions, and with that memorable national +Declaration—"that all men are created equal."'—[Fourteenth +Ann. Report.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'<i>It</i> [the Society] <i>condemns no man because he is a +slaveholder.</i>' * * * 'They [abolitionists] confound the +<i>misfortunes</i> of one generation with the crimes of another, and +would sacrifice both individual and public good to an +<i>unsubstantial theory of the rights of man</i>.'—[A. R. vol. vii. +pp. 200, 202.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'Many thousand individuals in our native State, you well know, +Mr President, are restrained, said Mr Mercer, from manumitting +their slaves, as you and I are, by the melancholy conviction, +that they cannot yield to the suggestions of humanity, without +manifest injury to their country.' * * * 'The laws of Virginia +now discourage, and very wisely, perhaps, the emancipation of +slaves.'—[Speech of Mr Mercer.—First Annual Report.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'We are ready even to grant, for our present purpose, that, so +far as mere animal existence is concerned, the slaves have no +reason to complain, and the friends of humanity have no reason +to complain for them.' * * * 'There are men in the southern +states, who long to do something effectual for the benefit of +their slaves, and would gladly emancipate them, did not +<i>prudence</i> and <i>compassion</i> alike forbid such a +measure.'—[Review of the Reports of the Society, from the +Christian Spectator.—Seventh Annual Report.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'Such unhappily is the case; but there is a <i>necessity</i> for it, +[for oppressive laws,] and so long as they remain amongst us +will that necessity continue.'—[Ninth Annual Report.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'<span class="smcap">I may be permitted to declare that I would be a slaveholder +to-day without scruple.</span>'—[Fourteenth Annual Report.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'For the existence of slavery in the United States, those, and +those only, are accountable who bore a part in originating such +a constitution of society. The bible contains no explicit +prohibition of slavery. There is neither chapter nor verse of +holy writ, which lends any countenance to the fulminating spirit +of universal emancipation, of which some exhibitions may be seen +in some of the newspapers.' * * * 'The embarrassment which many +a philanthropic proprietor has felt in relation to his slaves, +has been but little known at the north, and has had but little +sympathy. He finds himself the lord of perhaps a hundred human +beings; and is anxious to do them all the good in his power. He +would emancipate them; but if he does, their prospect of +happiness can hardly be said to be improved by the change. Some +half a dozen, perhaps, in the hundred, become industrious and +useful members of society; and the rest are mere vagabonds, +idle, wicked, and miserable.'</p> + +<p>—[Review on African Colonization.—Vide the Christian Spectator +for September, 1830, in which the reader will find an elaborate +apology for the system of slavery, and this, too, by a +clergyman!]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'The existence of slavery among us, though not at all to be +objected to our southern brethren as a <i>fault</i>, is yet a blot on +our national character, and a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[Pg 64]</a></span> mighty drawback from our national +strength.'—[Second Annual Report of the N. Y. State Col. Soc.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'Entertaining these views of this fearful subject, why should +our opponents endeavor to prejudice our cause with our southern +friends? And we are the more anxious on this point, for we +sincerely entertain exalted notions of their sense of right, of +their manliness and independence of feeling—of their dignity of +deportment—of their honorable and chivalric turn of thought, +which spurns a mean act as death. And if I was allowed to +indulge a personal feeling, I would say that there is something +to my mind in the candor, hospitality and intelligence of the +South, which charms and captives, which wins its way to the +heart and gives assurance of all that is upright, honorable, and +humane. There is no people that treat their slaves with so +little cruelty and with so much kindness. There is nothing in +the condition of slavery more congenial with the feelings of the +South than with the feelings of the North. Philanthropy and +benevolence flourish with as much vigor with them as with +us—their hearts are as warm as ours—they feel for the +distresses of others with as much acuteness as we do—their ears +are as open to the calls of charity as ours—they as deeply +regret as we do the existence of slavery—and oh! how their +hearts would thrill with delight, if the mighty incubus could be +removed without injury or destruction to every thing around +them.'—[Speech of James S. Green, Esq. on the same occasion.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'Many of the best citizens of our land are holders of slaves, +and hold them IN STRICT ACCORDANCE WITH THE PRINCIPLES OF +HUMANITY AND JUSTICE.'—[Rev. Thomas T. Skillman, editor of the +Western Luminary, an ardent supporter of the Col. Soc.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'It is a very common impression that a principal evil of the +condition of the southern blacks, is the severity of their +treatment. <span class="smcap">This is an error.</span> It is almost every where +disreputable to treat slaves with severity; and though there are +indeed exceptions, yet in most cases in the South, even tyranny +itself could not long withstand the reproaches of public +opinion. A STILL GREATER AND MORE DANGEROUS EVIL, IS THE VERY +REVERSE. It is <i>indulgence</i>; not only in such things as are +proper and innocent, but in indolent habits and vicious +propensities.'</p> + +<p>—[From an address prepared for the use of those who advocate +the cause of the African Education Society at Washington—a +Society which educates none but those who consent to remove to +Liberia.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'How should a benevolent Virginian, in view of the fact, that +out of thirty-seven thousand free people of color in his State, +only two hundred were proprietors of land, how should he be in +favor of general emancipation? But, show him, that if he will +emancipate his slaves, there is a way in which he can without +doubt improve their condition, while he rids himself of a +grievous burden, and he will promptly obey the demands of +justice—he will then feel that his generous wishes can with +certainty be fulfilled. While he knows that scarcely any thing +is done to meliorate the condition of those now free, and +reflects on the many obstacles in the way of doing it in this +land, he feels bound by a regard to what he owes himself—his +children—his country, and even his slaves themselves, not to +emancipate them. For he is sure, that, by emancipation, he will +only add to the wretchedness of the one, and at the same time +put at imminent hazard the dearest interests of the other. Thus +he is forced to refrain from manumission, and not only so, but +against all his benevolent inclinations, he is forced to +co-operate with his fellow-citizens in sustaining the present +system of slavery. He would most cheerfully follow the impulse +of his noblest feelings—he would remove the curse which the +short-sighted policy of his fathers entailed upon him; but he +cannot disregard the first law of nature; especially not, when, +were he to do it, he would render the <i>curse</i> still more +calamitous in its consequences.'—[An advocate of the +Colonization Society in the Middletown (Connecticut) Gazette.]<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[Pg 65]</a></span></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'Slavery is indeed a curse; and bitter is the lot of him who is +born with slaves on his hands. And now, instead of denouncing as +inhuman and unmerciful monsters and tyrants, those who are thus +<i>unfortunate</i>, I say, let the commiseration and pity of every +good citizen and christian in the land be excited, and let +fervent prayers be offered in their behalf, and that God would +direct the whole American mind to the adoption of the most +effectual measures for the accomplishment of the total abolition +of slavery.'—[New-Haven Religious Intelligencer for July 16, +1831.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'Special reference will also be had to the condition and wishes +of the slave States. In most of them it is a prevailing +sentiment, that it is not safe to furnish slaves with the means +of instruction. Much as we lament the reasons for this +sentiment, and the <i>apparent necessity</i> of keeping a single +fellow creature in ignorance, we willingly leave to others the +consideration and the remedy of this evil, in view of the +overwhelming magnitude of the remaining objects before +us.'—[Address of the Board of Managers of the African Education +Society of the United States.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'And when we [of New-England] did emancipate our slaves, we were +driven to the measure by the force of example; and we did not do +it until it was found quite convenient; and then what provision +was made for the poor blacks? Let our State Prison records +answer the question. Our Southern brethren have been <i>more +kind</i>: they will not emancipate them until they send them where +they can enjoy <i>liberty</i>, more than in name. As a Northern man I +feel it my duty, and I take pleasure in giving the <i>meed of +praise</i> to my Southern brethren.'—[Speech of Rev. Mr Gallaudet, +at a colonization meeting in New-York city.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'The slave works for his master, who feeds and clothes him, +defends him from harm, and takes care of him when he is sick. +The free colored man works for himself, and has nobody to take +care of him but himself.'</p> + +<p>—[From a little colonization work, published in Baltimore in +1828, 'for the use of the African Schools in the United +States'!! entitled 'A Voice from Africa.']</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'The slaveholder will tell you, that he did not take liberty +from the African—he was a slave when he found him, and he is no +more than a slave yet. The man who owns one hundred acres of +land more than he can cultivate himself, is as much a +slaveholder as he who owns a slave.'—[An advocate of +colonization in the Richmond (Indiana) Palladium for Oct. 1, +1831.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'<span class="smcap">I do not mean to speak of slavery as a system of cruelty and of +suffering.</span> On this point I am free to say, from personal +observation and occasional residences for some years at the +South, there has been much misapprehension among our +fellow-citizens of the North. And I rejoice to add, that <i>the +condition of the slaves generally is such as the friends of +humanity have no reason to complain of</i>.'—[Oration delivered at +Newark, N. J. July 4th, 1831, by Gabriel P. Disosway, Esq.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'Slavery, it is true, is an evil—a national evil. Every +laudable effort to exterminate it should be encouraged. And we +presume that nine-tenths of the slaveholders themselves, would +rejoice at the event, could it be accomplished, of the entire +freedom from the country of every person of color, and would +willingly relinquish every slave in their possession. But the +slaves <i>are</i> in their possession—they are entailed upon them by +their ancestors. And can they set them free, and still suffer +them to remain in the country? Would this be policy? Would it be +safe? No. When they can be transported to the soil from whence +they were derived—by the aid of the Colonization Society, by +Government, by individuals, or by any other means—then let them +be emancipated, and not before.'—[Lowell (Mass.) Telegraph.]</p></div><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[Pg 66]</a></span></p> + +<p>It is a self-evident proposition, that just so far as you alleviate the +pressure of guilt upon the consciences of evil doers, you weaken the +power of motive to repent, and encourage them to sin with impunity. To +descant upon the wrongs of the slave-system, and yet exonerate the +supporters of it from reprehension, is to deal in absurdities: we might +preach in this manner until the crack of doom, and never gain a convert. +Paradoxes may amuse, but they never convince the mind.</p> + +<p>Now, I defy the most ingenious advocates of perpetual slavery to produce +stronger arguments in its favor than are given in the foregoing +extracts. What better plea could they make? what higher justification +could they need? Nay, these apologies of colonizationists represent +oppression not merely as innocent, but even commendable—as a system of +benevolence, upheld by philanthropists and sages!</p> + +<p>'I do not condemn the detention of the slaves in bondage under the +circumstances which are yet existing,' says an advocate; by which +consolatory avowal we are taught that the criminality of man-stealing +depends upon <i>circumstances</i>, and not upon the fact that it is a daring +violation of the rights of man and the laws of God.</p> + +<p>'The planter sees that the condition of the great mass of emancipated +Africans is one, in comparison with which the condition of his slaves is +<i>enviable</i>,' assert the Board of Managers!—a concession which +transforms robbery into generosity, cruelty into mercy, and leads the +slaveholder to believe that, instead of deserving censure, his conduct +is really meritorious!—a concession which is at war with common sense, +and contrary to truth.</p> + +<p>'I am not complaining of the owners of slaves—I do not doubt that the +slaves are happier than they could be if set free in this country,' +declares an apologist, even in Massachusetts! Stripes and servitude +would doubtless soon alter his opinion. With him, to sell human beings +at public auction, and to separate husbands and wives, and children and +parents, is not a subject of complaint! and to be a slave, to be fed +upon a peck of corn per week, unable to possess property, liable to be +torn from the partner of his bosom and children at a moment's warn<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[Pg 67]</a></span>ing +mal-treated worse than a brute, &c. &c. &c. is more desirable than to be +a free man, able to acquire wealth, unrestricted in his movements, from +whom none may wrest his wife or children, and who can find redress for +any outrage upon his person or property!</p> + +<p>'Policy, and even <i>humanity</i>,' cries another, 'forbid the progress of +manumission'! Indeed! But is it right to hold our fellow creatures as +chattels, and to perpetuate their ignorance and servitude? O no! this is +<i>wrong</i>, but it would be a greater wrong to emancipate them! Is this +folly or villany? To oppress our brother is wrong, but to cease from +oppressing him would not be right!</p> + +<p>'I would be a slaveholder to-day without scruple,' says another +advocate.</p> + +<p>'Many owners of slaves,' another declares, 'hold them in strict +accordance with the principles of humanity and justice'!!! Yes, to +deprive men of their inalienable rights is to do unto them as we would +have them do unto us!</p> + +<p>Finally, another boldly declares that the slaves are treated <i>too +indulgently</i>!—The laws which regard them as beasts, but punish them for +the commission of crime as severely as if they possessed the knowledge +of angels, he must suppose are too lenient. Their allowance of corn is +too liberal; they ought not to wear any raiment; to sleep in their +wretched huts is calculated to make them effeminate—the open field is a +more suitable place for cattle; no religious instruction should be +granted even orally to them! The slaves, as a body, too kindly treated! +The Lord have compassion upon any of their number who shall come under +the control of him who holds this opinion!</p> + +<p>Sentiments, like these, act upon the consciences of slave owners like +opiates upon the body, lulling them into a slumber as profound and fatal +as death. It were almost as hopeless a task to attempt to arouse, alarm +and animate them, so long as they repose under the stupefying effects of +this poison, as to raise the dead. This must not be. Slaveholders are +the enemies of God and man; their garments are red with the blood of +souls; their guilt is aggravated beyond the power of language to +describe; and they must be made to see and realise their<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[Pg 68]</a></span> awful +condition. Truth must send its arrows into their consciences, and Terror +rouse them to exertion, and Conviction bring them upon their knees, and +Repentance propitiate the anger of Heaven, or they perish by the sword. +The slaves must be free; and He who is no respecter of person is now +holding out to us this alternative—either to wait until they burst +their chains and wade through a river of blood to freedom, or to +liberate them willingly ourselves. Can we hesitate in our choice? Be +this our only reply to those who apologise for the oppressors, and fix +the standard of policy higher than that of duty: 'Wo unto them that call +evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for +darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Wo unto them +that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight! which +justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the +righteous from him!'</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="SECTION_III" id="SECTION_III"></a>SECTION III.</h2> + +<h3>THE AMERICAN COLONIZATION SOCIETY RECOGNISES SLAVES AS PROPERTY.</h3> + + +<p><span class="smcap">The</span> heresies of this combination are flagrant and numerous. A larger +volume than this is needed to define and illustrate them all. Much +important evidence, and many pertinent reflections, I am compelled to +suppress.</p> + +<p>My next allegation against it is, <i>that it recognises slaves as +property</i>. This recognition is not merely technical, or strictly +confined to a statutable interpretation. I presume the advocates of the +Society will attempt to evade this point, by saying that it never meant +to concede the moral right of the masters to possess human beings; but +the evidence against them is full and explicit. The Society, if language +mean any thing, does unequivocally acknowledge property in slaves to be +as legitimate and sacred as any other property, of which to deprive the +owners either by force or by legislation, without making restitution, +would be unjust and tyrannical. Here is the proof:<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[Pg 69]</a></span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>'It interferes in no wise with the <i>rights of property</i>.' * * +'It is utterly opposed to any measures which might infringe upon +the <i>rights of property</i>.' * * 'We hold their slaves <i>as we hold +their other property</i>, <span class="smcap">SACRED</span>.'—[African Repository, vol. i. +pp. 39, 225, 283.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'Does this Society wish to meddle with our slaves as our +<i>rightful property</i>? I answer <i>no</i>, I think not.' * * 'The +Society cannot be justly charged with aiming to disturb the +<i>rights of property</i> or the peace of society.' * * 'It seeks to +affect no man's <i>property</i>.' * * 'To found in Africa, an empire +of <i>christians and republicans</i>; to reconduct the blacks to +their native land, without disturbing the order of society, the +<i>laws of property</i>, or the rights of individuals,' &c.—[African +Repository, vol. ii. pp. 13, 58, 334, 375.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'They are also convinced, that the Society have conducted their +operations with so much prudence, as to give no cause of alarm +to the holders of slaves, for the security of <i>this +property</i>.'—[African Repository, volume iii. p. 341.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'The rights of masters are to remain sacred in the eyes of the +Society.'—[African Repository, vol. iv. p. 274.]</p> + +<p>'The Society has never interfered, and has no disposition to +interfere with the rights of private property.' * * 'The alarm +for the rights of property appears to have subsided, and the +Society is no longer charged with any sinister or insidious +design. It has constantly disclaimed any intention of disturbing +the rights of others; and its conduct entitles its declaration +to credit.' * * 'The American Colonization Society has, at all +times, solemnly disavowed any purpose of interference with the +institutions or rights of our Southern communities.' * * 'Our +friends, who are cursed with this greatest of human evils +(slavery) deserve our kindest attention and consideration. Their +<i>property</i> and safety are both involved.'—[African Repository, +vol. v. pp. 215, 241, 307, 334.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'It has constantly disclaimed all intention whatever of +interfering, in the smallest degree, with the rights of +property.' * * 'The Society, from considerations like these, +whilst it disclaims the remotest idea of ever disturbing the +<i>right of property</i> in slaves,' &c. * * 'It is not the object of +this Society to liberate slaves, or touch the rights of +<i>property</i>.' * * 'Honorable instances might be adduced of +<i>disinterested benevolence</i> on the part of the owners of slaves, +and of their <i>sacrificing property</i> to a large amount, in their +enfranchisement and restoration to the land of their ancestors.' +* * 'The American Society has disclaimed from the first moment +of its institution, all intention of interfering with <i>rights of +property</i>.' * * 'The federal government has no control over this +subject: it concerns rights of property secured by the federal +compact, upon which our civil liberties mainly depend; it is a +part of the same collection of political rights; and <i>any +invasion of it would impair the tenure by which every other is +held</i>.' * * 'It is equally plain and undeniable, that the +Society in the prosecution of this work, has never interfered or +evinced even a disposition to interfere in any way with the +<i>rights of proprietors of slaves</i>.' * * 'The slaveholder, so far +from having just cause to complain of the Colonization Society, +has reason to congratulate himself, that in this Institution a +channel is opened up, in which the public feeling and public +action can flow on, without doing violence to his +<i>rights</i>.'—[African Repository, vol. vi. pp. 13, 69, 81, 153, +165, 169, 205, 363.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'It was proper again and again to repeat, that it was far from +the intention of the Society to affect, in any manner, the +tenure by which a <i>certain species of property</i> is held. He was +himself a slaveholder; <i>and he considered that kind of property +as inviolable as any other in the country</i>.'—[Speech of Henry +Clay.—First Annual Report.]<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[Pg 70]</a></span></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'Your committee would not thus favorably regard the prayer of +the memorialists, if it sought to impair, <i>in the slightest +degree, the rights of private property</i>.'—[Report of the +committee of the House of Representatives of the United States, +on the memorial of the President and Board of Managers of the +Colonization Society.—Second Annual Report.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'The Society has at all times recognised the constitutional and +<span class="smcap">LEGITIMATE</span> existence of slavery.'—[Tenth Annual Report.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'The Society protests that it has no designs on the rights of +the master in the slave—or the property in his slave, which the +laws guarantee to him.'—[Fourteenth Annual Report.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'Something he must yet be allowed to say, as regarded the object +the Society was set up to accomplish. This object, if he +understood it aright, <i>involved no intrusion on property</i>, <span class="smcap">NOR +EVEN UPON PREJUDICE</span>.'—[Fifteenth Annual Report.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'To the slaveholder, who had charged upon them the wicked design +of interfering with the <span class="smcap">RIGHTS OF PROPERTY</span> under the specious +pretext of removing a vicious and dangerous free population, +they address themselves in a tone of conciliation and sympathy. +We know your rights, say they, and <i>we respect them</i>.' * * +'Equally absurd and false is the objection, that this Society +seeks indirectly to disturb the rights of property, and to +interfere with the well established relation subsisting between +master and slave.'—[African Repository, vol. vii. pp. 100, +228.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'I repeat, that though not a slaveholder, yet I think that every +man ought to be protected in his property, and as the laws of +our country have decreed that negroes are property, every person +that holds a slave, according to these laws, ought to be +protected.'—['A new and interesting View of Slavery.' By +Humanitas, a colonization advocate. Baltimore, 1820.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'We are made to disregard this description of <i>property</i>, and to +touch without reserve the <i>rights</i> of our +neighbors.'—[Proceedings of the First Annual Meeting of the +New-Jersey Colonization Society.]</p></div> + +<p>Thus the American Colonization Society shamelessly surrenders the claims +of justice, and leaves the enemies of oppression weaponless! Hence it +rejects the proposition, that <i>man cannot hold property in man</i>; and we +are called upon to prove that which is self-evident. No accidental +differences of condition or complexion—no vicissitudes of fortune—no +reprisal or purchase or inheritance, can justly make one individual the +slave of another. When God created man, he gave him dominion over the +fowls of the air and the beasts of the field; but not over his fellow +man. 'All men are born free and equal,' and are 'made of one blood.' +Shall we look to wealth as giving one a title to the labor and freedom +of another? Wealth is the creature of circumstances, and not an +arbitrary law of nature. It takes to itself wings, and flies away; and +he who is an opulent tyrant to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[Pg 71]</a></span>-day, may on this principle be an +impoverished slave to-morrow. Does physical strength make valid this +claim? This, too, is evanescent: sickness and age would ultimately +degrade the most muscular tyrants to servitude; and mankind would be +composed of but two parties—the strong and the weak. Can high birth +annul the rights of the lower classes? There is no difference at their +birth, between the children of the beggar and those of the king. 'We +brought nothing into this world,' says an inspired apostle, 'and it is +certain we can carry nothing out.'</p> + +<p>Man is created a rational being; and therefore he is a subject of moral +government, and accountable. Being rational and accountable, he is bound +to improve his mind and intellect. With this design, his Creator has +outstretched the heavens, and set the sun in his course, and hung out +the burning jewels of the sky, and spread abroad the green earth, and +poured out the seas, that he might steadily progress in knowledge.</p> + +<p>The slaves are men; they were born, then, as free as their masters; they +cannot be property; and he who denies them an opportunity to improve +their faculties, comes into collision with Jehovah, and incurs a fearful +responsibility. But we know that they are not treated like rational +beings, and that oppression almost entirely obliterates their sense of +moral obligation to God or man.</p> + +<p>I fully coincide in opinion with the authoress of a work entitled, +'<span class="smcap">Immediate, not Gradual Abolition</span>,' that the holder of a slave, whether +he obtained him by purchase or by inheritance, is as guilty as the +original thief.<a name="FNanchor_K_12" id="FNanchor_K_12"></a><a href="#Footnote_K_12" class="fnanchor">[K]</a> The wretch who stole him could by no possible means +acquire or transmit the right to make a slave of him, or to keep him in +slavery. <i>He has a right to his liberty:</i>—through whatever number of +transfers the usurpation of it may have passed, the right is +undiminished.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[Pg 72]</a></span></p> + +<p>No man, says Algernon Sidney, can have a right over others, unless it be +by them granted to him: That which is not just, is not law; and that +which is not law, ought not to be in force: Whosoever grounds his +pretensions of right upon usurpation and tyranny, declares himself to be +an usurper and a tyrant—that is, an enemy to God and man—and to have +no right at all: <i>That which was unjust in its beginning, can of itself +never change its nature:</i> <span class="smcap">He who persists in doing injustice, aggravates +it, and takes upon himself all the guilt of his predecessors</span>: The right +to be free is a truth planted in the hearts of men, and acknowledged so +to be by all who have hearkened to the voice of nature, and disproved by +none but such as through wickedness, stupidity, or baseness of spirit, +seem to have degenerated into the worst of beasts, and to have retained +nothing of men but the outward shape, or the ability of doing those +mischiefs which they have learnt from their master the devil.</p> + +<p>The following is the indignant, emphatic, eloquent language of <span class="smcap">Henry +Brougham</span>, on the subject of slave property:</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>'<i>Tell me not of rights—talk not of the property of the planter +in his slaves.</i> <span class="smcap">I deny the right—I acknowledge not the +property.</span> The principles, the feelings of our common nature, +rise in rebellion against it. Be the appeal made to the +understanding or to the heart, the sentence is the same that +rejects it. In vain you tell me of the laws that sanction such a +claim! There is a law above all the enactments of human +codes—the same throughout the world, the same in all +times—such as it was before the daring genius of Columbus +pierced the night of ages, and opened to one world the sources +of power, wealth and knowledge; to another, all unutterable +woes;—such it is at this day: it is the law written by the +finger of God on the heart of man; and by that law, unchangeable +and eternal, while men despise fraud, and loathe rapine, and +abhor blood, they shall reject with indignation the wild and +guilty fantasy, that man can hold property in man! In vain you +appeal to treaties, to covenants between nations. The covenants +of the Almighty, whether the old or the new, denounce such +unholy pretensions. To those laws did they of old refer, who +maintained the African trade. Such treaties did they cite, and +not untruly; for by one shameful compact, you bartered the +glories of Blenheim for the traffic in blood. Yet, in despite of +law and of treaties, that infernal traffic is now destroyed, and +its votaries put to death like other pirates. How came this +change to pass? Not assuredly by parliament leading the way; but +the country at length awoke; the indignation of the people was +kindled; it descended in thunder, and smote the traffic, and +scattered its guilty profits to the winds. Now, then, let the +planters beware—let their assemblies beware—let the government +at home beware—let the parliament beware! the same country is +once more awake,—awake to the condition of negro slavery; the +same indignation kindles in the bosom of the same people; the +same cloud is gathering that annihilated the slave trade; and, +if it shall descend again, they, on whom its crash shall fall, +will not be destroyed before I have warned them; but I pray that +their destruction may turn away from us the more terrible +judgments of God!'</p></div><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[Pg 73]</a></span></p> + +<p>Is this the language of fanaticism? Is Henry Brougham a madman?</p> + +<p>The following extracts must close the evidence in support of my third +allegation, that the Colonization Society disregards the fundamental +principle of human liberty and equality, that man cannot hold <i>property</i> +in man:</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>'Let me ask, who can wish under existing circumstances that the +constitution should be altered, when it must bring with it a +<i>violation of property</i>—and when that violation of private +property must engender such hostility of feelings, and elicit +such bitter vituperation? The whole Union would feel a +concussion, and no one can count the costs of the contest.' * * * 'By +means of our colony, they may remove their slaves and +restore them to freedom—and at the same time no way jeopardize +the safety of themselves or their <i>property</i>.'—[Proceedings of +the First Annual Meeting of the New-Jersey Colonization +Society.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'The establishment of our colony will afford facilities to +proprietors for completing in Africa the exercise of the <i>right +which can only be partially exercised in this country, of +disposing of our property, in our own way, without injury to the +community</i>.'—[Fourteenth Annual Report.]</p></div> + +<p>What audacity do those advocates of the Society exhibit, who use, in +reference to beings made a little lower than the angels, language like +this—'disposing of <i>our property</i> in <i>our own way</i>'—'we hold their +<i>slaves</i>, as we hold their other <i>property</i>, <span class="smcap">SACRED</span>'!!<a name="FNanchor_L_13" id="FNanchor_L_13"></a><a href="#Footnote_L_13" class="fnanchor">[L]</a> If they really +mean and believe what they say, it is something more heinous than +impertinence to urge the planters to dispossess themselves of their +property by colonization; and if the slaves belong <i>of right</i> to +them,—are on a par with goods and chattels,—how idle, how supremely +ridiculous it is to mourn over their <i>wretched condition</i>, to sigh for +their emancipation, to declaim against the evil and wickedness of +slavery, or even to denounce the slave trade! But the unfortunate blacks +are not now, and never can be, the property of the planters; +consequently the claims of their pretended owners are no better than +those of the pirate or highway robber.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_K_12" id="Footnote_K_12"></a><a href="#FNanchor_K_12"><span class="label">[K]</span></a> The owners of slaves are licensed robbers, and not the just +proprietors of what they claim: freeing them is not depriving them of +property, but restoring it to the right owner; it is suffering the +unlawful captive to escape. It is not wronging the master, but doing +justice to the slave, restoring him to himself. Emancipation would only +take away property that is its own property, and not ours; property that +has the same right to possess us, as we have to possess it; property +that has the same right to convert our children into dogs and calves and +colts, as we have to convert theirs into these beasts; property that may +transfer our children to strangers, by the same right that we transfer +theirs.—<i>Rice.</i></p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_L_13" id="Footnote_L_13"></a><a href="#FNanchor_L_13"><span class="label">[L]</span></a> 'Is there no difference between a vested interest in a house +or a tenement, and a vested interest in a human being? No difference +between a right to bricks and mortar, and a right to the flesh of man—a +right to torture his body and to degrade his mind at your good will and +pleasure? There is this difference,—the right to the house originates +in law, and is reconcilable to justice; the claim (for I will not call +it a right) to the man, originated in robbery, and is an outrage upon +every principle of justice, and every tenet of religion.'—<i>Speech of +Fowell Buxton in the British Parliament.</i></p></div> +</div> + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<div><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[Pg 74]</a></span></div> +<h2><a name="SECTION_IV" id="SECTION_IV"></a>SECTION IV.</h2> + +<h3>THE AMERICAN COLONIZATION SOCIETY INCREASES THE VALUE OF SLAVES.</h3> + + +<p><span class="smcap">I come</span> now to my fourth charge,—which, although not more serious or +consequential than any of the foregoing, may possibly create more +surprise,—namely, that the Society <i>increases the value of slaves, and +adds strength and security to the system of slavery</i>. It is the +discovery of this fact that is so wonderfully, and to many superficial +observers so inexplicably, increasing the popularity of the Society at +the south. It would require more pages of this work than its necessarily +contracted limits permit, to sum up minutely the evidence on this point, +and to give those illustrations which might serve more clearly to +establish its validity. The most common, as it is the most potent, +argument used by colonization agents among slave owners, to secure their +patronage, is,—'The successful prosecution of our scheme will remove +the chief source of danger to yourselves, and enable you to hold your +property in greater security: the presence of free persons of color +among your slaves is eminently calculated to make them insubordinate, +and to procure their violent emancipation.' This argument, I say, is +introduced into every conversation, and every public address, and every +essay; and whoever carefully consults the numbers of the African +Repository, through seven volumes, will find it repeated in almost every +appeal to the south.</p> + +<p>I choose to consider the testimony of southern men, in regard to the +invigorating effects of the colonization enterprise upon the system of +slavery, conclusive. Here is a very small portion of it: more may be +found under the sixth section of this work.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>'The object of the Colonization Society commends itself to every +class of society. The landed proprietor may ENHANCE THE VALUE OF +HIS PROPERTY by assisting the enterprise.'—[African Repository, +vol. i. p. 67.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'But is it not certain, that should the people of the Southern +States refuse to adopt the opinions of the Colonization Society, +[relative to the gradual abolition<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[Pg 75]</a></span> of slavery,] and continue to +consider it both just and politic to leave, untouched, a system, +for the termination of which, we think the whole wisdom and +energy of the States should be put in requisition, that they +will CONTRIBUTE MORE EFFECTUALLY TO THE CONTINUANCE AND STRENGTH +OF THIS SYSTEM, by removing those now free, than by any or all +other methods which can possibly be devised? Such has been the +opinion expressed by Southern gentlemen of the first talents and +distinction. Eminent individuals have, we doubt not, lent their +aid to this cause, in expectation of at once accomplishing a +generous and noble work for the objects of their patronage and +for Africa, and GUARDING THAT SYSTEM, the existence of which, +though <i>unfortunate</i>, they deem <i>necessary</i>, by separating from +it those, whose disturbing force augments its inherent vices, +and darkens all the repulsive attributes of its character. In +the decision of these individuals, as to the effects of the +Colonization Society, <i>we perceive no error of judgment</i>: OUR +BELIEF IS THE SAME AS THEIRS.'—[Idem, p. 227.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'THE EXECUTION OF ITS SCHEME WOULD AUGMENT INSTEAD OF +DIMINISHING THE VALUE OF THE PROPERTY LEFT BEHIND.'—[Idem, vol. +ii. p. 344.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'The removal of every single free black in America, would be +productive of nothing but safety to the slaveholder, nor would +the emancipation of as many as the benevolence of individual +masters would send off, as far as I can see, be productive of +disaffection among the remainder, more than the example of such +as are every day set free, and sent to the Ohio or elsewhere; +and if so large a part should ever be set free as to create +discontent among the remainder, (and nothing but the +emancipation of a great majority can do this,) yet that +remainder must then, from the terms of the proposition, be so +much diminished, as to be easily kept down by superior +numbers.'—[Idem, vol. iii. p. 202.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'The tendency of the scheme, and one of its objects, is to +<i>secure slaveholders and the whole Southern country</i>, against +certain evil consequences, growing out of the present threefold +mixture of our population.'—[Idem, vol. iv. p. 274.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'We all know the effects produced on our slaves by the +fascinating, but delusive appearance of happiness, exhibited in +persons of their own complexion, roaming in idleness and vice +among them. By removing the most fruitful source of discontent +from among our slaves, we should render them more industrious +and attentive to our commands; and by rendering them more +industrious and obedient, we should naturally secure their +better treatment—we should ameliorate their condition. Our +enemies have admitted that good would result from the removal of +this class. Caius Gracchus declares, that if the Society could +attain "this single object in good faith, (the removal of the +free people of color) he should, perhaps, be among the last +citizens in the commonwealth—who would raise his voice against +it," and the author of the Crisis (who is doubtless regarded as +authority in South Carolina) acknowledges, "that there is no +doubt but that if we in the South, were relieved of this +population, it would be better for our southern cities, where +they principally reside." Nothing can be more plain then, than +that the Colonization Society, in its efforts to remove the free +people of color, is accomplishing a work to which the citizens +of the South, whether friends or foes to the Society, have given +their decided approbation.'—[Idem, vol. vi. p. 205.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'If, as is most confidently believed, the colonization of the +free people of color will render the slave who remains in +America more obedient, more faithful, more honest, and, +consequently, <i>more useful to his master</i>,' &c.—[Second Annual +Report.]<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[Pg 76]</a></span></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'There was but one way, [to avert danger,] but that might be +made effectual, fortunately! It was to PROVIDE AND KEEP OPEN A +DRAIN FOR THE EXCESS BEYOND THE OCCASIONS OF PROFITABLE +EMPLOYMENT. Mr Archer had been stating the case in the +supposition, that after the present class of free blacks had +been exhausted, by the operation of the plan he was +recommending, others would be supplied for its action, in the +proportion of the excess of colored population it would be +necessary to throw off, by the process of voluntary manumission +or sale. This effect must result inevitably from the +depreciating value of the slaves ensuing their disproportionate +multiplication. <i>The depreciation would be relieved and retarded +at the same time, by the process.</i> The two operations would aid +reciprocally, and sustain each other, and both be in the highest +degree beneficial. It was on the ground of interest, therefore, +the most indisputable <i>pecuniary interest</i>, that he addressed +himself to the people and Legislatures of the slaveholding +States.'—[Speech of Mr Archer.—Fifteenth Annual Report.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'Every motive which operates on the minds of slaveholders, +tending to make the colonization of the free blacks an object of +<i>interest</i> to them, should operate in an equal degree to secure +the hearty co-operation of the government of every slaveholding +State.'—[African Repository, vol. vii. p. 176.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'None are obliged to follow our example; AND THOSE WHO DO NOT, +WILL FIND THE VALUE OF THEIR NEGROES INCREASED BY THE DEPARTURE +OF OURS.'—[An advocate of colonization in the Western (Ky.) +Luminary.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'So far from its having a dangerous tendency, when properly +considered, it will be viewed as AN ADDITIONAL GUARD TO OUR +PECULIAR SPECIES OF PROPERTY.'—[An advocate of the Society in +the New-Orleans Argus.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'The slaveholder, who is in danger of having his slaves +contaminated by their free friends of color, will not only be +relieved from this danger, but THE VALUE OF HIS SLAVE WILL BE +ENHANCED.'—[A new and interesting View of Slavery. By +Humanitas, a colonization advocate. Baltimore, 1820.]</p></div> + +<p>It is perfectly obvious, that whatever tends to weaken and depress the +present system, must render the holding of slaves less desirable, and +the prospect of emancipation more auspicious. Cherishing this +conviction, thousands of individuals in this country, and tens of +thousands in Great Britain, are led by conscientious motives to abstain +from the use of productions raised by slave labor, and to prefer those +only which are the fruits of the toil of freemen. They believe in the +soundness of the axiom, that 'the receiver is as bad as the thief;' and +knowing that the slaves are held in bondage not on the ground of +benevolence, or because their liberation would endanger the public +safety, but <i>because they are profitable to their owners</i>, they also +believe that the consumers of slave goods contribute to a fund for +supporting slavery with all its abominations; that they<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[Pg 77]</a></span> are the Alpha +and the Omega of the business; that the slave-trader, the slave-owner, +and the slave-driver, are virtually the agents of the consumer, for by +holding out the temptation, he is the original cause, the first mover in +the horrid process; that we are imperiously called upon to refuse those +articles of luxury, which are obtained at an absolute and lavish waste +of the blood of our fellow men; that a merchant, who loads his vessel +with the proceeds of slavery, does nearly as much in helping forward the +slave trade, as he who loads his vessel in Africa with slaves—they are +both twisting the same rope at different ends; that our patronage is +putting an immense bribe into the hands of the slaveholders to kidnap, +rob and oppress; that, were it not for this, they would be compelled by +sheer necessity to liberate their slaves—for as soon as slave labor +becomes unprofitable, the horrid system cannot be upheld.</p> + +<p>None of these scruples, to my knowledge, are entertained by +colonizationists: their only aim and anxiety seem to be, 'to prune and +nourish the system,'—not to overthrow it; to increase the avarice of the +planters by rendering the labor of their bondmen more productive,—not +to abridge and starve it; to remove the cause of those apprehensions +which might lead them to break the fetters of their victims,—not to +perpetuate it; 'to provide (I quote the confession of the last +distinguished proselyte to the Society, Mr Archer of Virginia) and to +keep open a drain for the <i>excess of increase beyond the occasions of</i> +<span class="smcap">PROFITABLE EMPLOYMENT</span>,'—not to make slave labor ruinous to the +planters.</p> + +<p>By removing whatever number of slaves it be, from this country, the +number which remains must be diminished—and the more the number which +remains is diminished, the more helpless will they become, the less will +be the hope of their ever recovering their own liberty, and the more and +the longer they will be trampled upon.</p> + +<p>The greater the number of slaves transported, <i>the greater will be the +value of the labor of those who remain</i>; the more valuable their labor +is, <i>the greater will be the temptation to over-labor them, and the +more, of course, they will be oppressed</i>.<a name="FNanchor_M_14" id="FNanchor_M_14"></a><a href="#Footnote_M_14" class="fnanchor"></a>[M]<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[Pg 78]</a></span></p> + +<p>The increase of the free colored population disturbs the security of the +planters, and forces many to manumit their slaves through sheer terror. +The expatriation of this class, therefore, manifestly tends to quiet the +apprehensions of the oppressors, to rivet more firmly the chains of the +slaves, to make their services in higher demand, and to render even +their gradual emancipation impracticable.</p> + +<p>Thus the American Colonization Society is the <i>apologist</i>, the <i>friend</i>, +and the <i>patron</i> of <span class="smcap">SLAVEHOLDERS</span> and <span class="smcap">SLAVERY</span>!</p> + +<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_M_14" id="Footnote_M_14"></a><a href="#FNanchor_M_14"><span class="label">[M]</span></a> Stuart's Circular.</p></div> +</div> + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="SECTION_V" id="SECTION_V"></a>SECTION V.</h2> + +<h3>THE AMERICAN COLONIZATION SOCIETY IS THE ENEMY OF IMMEDIATE ABOLITION.</h3> + + +<p><span class="smcap">It</span> follows, as a necessary consequence, that a Society which is not +hostile to slavery, which apologises for the system and for +slaveholders, which recognises slaves as rightful property,<a name="FNanchor_N_15" id="FNanchor_N_15"></a><a href="#Footnote_N_15" class="fnanchor">[N]</a> and which +confessedly increases their value, is <i>the enemy of immediate +abolition</i>. This, I am aware, in the present corrupt state of public +sentiment, will not generally be deemed an objectionable feature; but I +regard it with inexpressible abhorrence and dismay.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[Pg 79]</a></span></p> + +<p>Since the deception practised upon our first parents by the old serpent, +there has not been a more fatal delusion in the minds of men than that +of the gradual abolition of slavery. <i>Gradual</i> abolition! do its +supporters really know what they talk about? Gradually abstaining from +what? From sins the most flagrant, from conduct the most cruel, from +acts the most oppressive! Do colonizationists mean, that slave-dealers +shall purchase or sell a few victims less this year than they did the +last? that slave-owners shall liberate one, two or three out of every +hundred slaves during the same period? that slave-drivers shall apply +the lash to the scarred and bleeding backs of their victims somewhat +less frequently? Surely not—I respect their intelligence too much to +believe that they mean any such thing. But if any of the slaves should +be exempted from sale or purchase, why not all? if justice require the +liberation of the few, why not of the many? if it be right for a driver +to inflict a number of lashes, how many shall be given? Do +colonizationists mean that the practice of separating the husband from +the wife, the wife from the husband, or children from their parents, +shall come to an end by an almost imperceptible process? or that the +slaves shall be defrauded of their just remuneration, less and less +every month or every year? or that they shall be under the absolute, +irresponsible control of their masters? Oh no! I place a higher value +upon their good sense, humanity and morality than this! Well, then, they +would immediately break up the slave traffic—they would put aside the +whip—they would have the marriage relations preserved inviolate—they +would not separate families—they would not steal the wages of the +slaves, nor deprive them of personal liberty! This is +abolition—<i>immediate abolition</i>. It is simply declaring that slave +owners are bound to fulfil—now, without any reluctance or delays—the +golden rule, namely, to do as they would be done by; and that, as the +right to be free is inherent and inalienable in the slaves, there ought +now to be a disposition on the part of the people to break their +fetters. All the horrid spectres which are conjured up, on this subject, +arise from a confusion of the brain, as much as from a corruption of the +heart.</p> + +<p>I utterly reject, as delusive and dangerous in the extreme, every plea +which justifies a procrastinated and an indefinite<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[Pg 80]</a></span> emancipation, or +which concedes to a slave owner the right to hold his slaves as +<i>property</i> for any limited period, or which contends for the gradual +preparation of the slaves for freedom; believing all such pretexts to be +a fatal departure from the high road of justice into the bogs of +expediency, a surrender of the great principles of equity, an +indefensible prolongation of the curse of slavery, a concession which +places the guilt upon any but those who incur it, and directly +calculated to perpetuate the thraldom of our species.</p> + +<p>Immediate abolition does not mean that the slaves shall immediately +exercise the right of suffrage, or be eligible to any office, or be +emancipated from law, or be free from the benevolent restraints of +guardianship. We contend for the immediate personal freedom of the +slaves, for their exemption from punishment except where law has been +violated, for their employment and reward as free laborers, for their +exclusive right to their own bodies and those of their own children, for +their instruction and subsequent admission to all the trusts, offices, +honors and emoluments of intelligent freemen. Emancipation will increase +and not destroy the value of their labor; it will also increase the +demand for it. Holding out the stimulus of good treatment and an +adequate reward, it will induce the slaves to toil with a hundred fold +more assiduity and faithfulness. Who is so blind as not to perceive the +peaceful and beneficial results of such a change? The slaves, if freed, +will come under the watchful cognizance of law; they will not be idle, +but <i>avariciously</i> industrious; they will not rush through the country, +firing dwellings and murdering the inhabitants; for freedom is all they +ask—all they desire—the obtainment of which will transform them from +enemies into friends, from nuisances into blessings, from a corrupt, +suffering and degraded, into a comparatively virtuous, happy and +elevated population.</p> + +<p>Nor does immediate abolition mean that any compulsory power, other than +moral, should be used in breaking the fetters of slavery. It calls for +no bloodshed, or physical interference; it jealously regards the welfare +of the planters; it simply demands an entire revolution in public +sentiment, which will lead to better conduct, to contrition for past +crimes, to a love instead of a fear of justice, to a reparation of +wrongs, to a healing of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[Pg 81]</a></span> breaches, to a suppression of revengeful +feelings, to a quiet, improving, prosperous state of society!</p> + +<p>Now see with what earnestness and inveteracy the friends of the +Colonization Society oppose immediate abolition!</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>'It appears, indeed, to be the only feasible mode by which we +can remove that stigma as well as <i>danger</i> from among us. Their +sudden and entire freedom would be a fearful, and perhaps +dreadful experiment, destructive of all the ends of liberty, for +which their condition would unfit them, and which they would +doubtless greatly abuse. Even their release, at apparently +proper intervals, but uncontrolled as to their future habits and +location, would be a very hazardous charity. Their gradual +emancipation, therefore, under the advantages of a free +government, formed, in their native land, by their own hands, +offering all the rewards usual to industry and economy, and +affording the means of enjoying, in comfort, a reputable and +free existence, is the only rational scheme of relieving them +from the bondage of their present condition.' * * * 'To +eradicate or remove the evil <i>immediately</i>, is impossible; nor +can any law of conscience govern necessity.'—[Af. Rep. vol. i. +pp. 89, 258.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'Vaunt not over us, dear brethren of the north, we inherited the +evil from our forefathers, and we really do not think you do +your brethren any good, or that you serve the interests of the +people of color, when you recommend and enforce premature +schemes of emancipation.' * * * 'The operation, we were aware, +must be—and, for the interests of our country, ought to be +gradual.' * * * 'According to one, (that rash class which, +without a due estimate of the fatal consequence, would forthwith +issue a decree of general, immediate, and indiscriminate +emancipation,) it was a scheme of the slaveholder to perpetuate +slavery.'—[Idem, vol. ii. pp. 12, 254, 336.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'Slavery, in its mildest form, is an evil of the darkest +character. Cruel and unnatural in its origin, no plea can be +urged in justification of its continuance, but the plea of +necessity—not that necessity which arises from our habits, our +prejudices, or our wants; but the necessity which requires us to +submit to existing evils, rather than substitute, by their +removal, others of a more serious and destructive character. It +was this which produced the recognition of slavery in the +constitution of our country; it is this which has justified its +continuance to the present day; and it is in this only that we +can find a palliation for the rigors of our laws, which might +otherwise be considered as the cruel enactments of a dark and +dismal despotism. There have not, I am aware, been found wanting +individuals to deny both the existence and the obligations of +such a necessity. There are men, actuated in some instances, by +a blind and mistaken enthusiasm, and in others, by a spirit of +mischievous intent, loudly calling on us, in the names of +justice and humanity, for the immediate and unqualified +emancipation of our slaves. To men of this description, it is in +vain to point out the inevitable effects of such a course, as +well on the objects of their real or pretended solicitude, as on +the community in which they exist. It is in vain to assure them, +that while the preservation of the latter would require a policy +even more rigorous than pertains to slavery itself, the +short-lived and nominal freedom of the former must end in their +ultimate and utter extinction. All this is of no consequence. +Provided slavery be abolished in name, it matters not what +horrors may be substituted in its room.' * * * 'The scope of the +Society is large enough, but it is in no wise mingled or +confounded with the broad sweeping views of <i>a few fanatics</i> in +America, who would urge us on to the sudden and total abolition +of slavery.'—[Af. Rep. vol. iii. pp. 15, 197.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'What is to be done? Immediate and universal emancipation will +find few, if any advocates, among judicious and reflecting men.' +* * * 'There<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[Pg 82]</a></span> is a portion of our brethren, who have been +laboring for many years, with the most benevolent intentions, +but, as I conceive, with erroneous views, in the cause of +abolition.' * * * 'The Colonization Society, as such, have +renounced wholly the name and the characteristics of +abolitionists.' * * * '<span class="smcap">Into their accounts the subject of +emancipation does not enter at all.</span>' * * * 'Here, that race is +in every form a curse, and if the system, so long contended for +by the uncompromising abolitionist, could prevail, its effect +would be to spread discord and devastation from one end of the +Union to the other.'—[Idem, vol. iv. pp. 202, 303, 306, 363.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'With a writer in the Southern Review we say, "the situation of +the people of these States was not of their own choosing. When +they came to the inheritance, it was subject to this mighty +incumbrance, and it would be criminal in them to ruin or waste +the estate, to get rid of the burden at once." With this writer +we add also, in the language of Capt. Hall, that the +"slaveholders ought not (immediately) to disentangle themselves +from the obligations which have devolved upon them, as the +masters of slaves." We believe that a master <i>may</i> sustain his +relation to the slave, with as little criminality as the slave +sustains his relation to the master. But we feel little sympathy +for those who, in the language of Mr Harrison of Virginia, +"still look upon their slaves in the light in which most men +regarded them when the slave trade was legitimate. Of those, +wherever they are, who hold their slaves with that same +sentiment which impelled the kidnapper when he forcibly bore +them off, I know not how morality can distinguish them from the +original wrong-doers, pirates by nature, and pirates by +civilized law." That the system of slavery must exist +temporarily in this country, we as firmly believe, as that for +its existence a single moment, there can be offered justly no +plea but necessity. Were the very spirit of angelic charity to +pervade and fill the hearts of all the slaveholders in our land, +it would by no means require that all the slaves should be +instantaneously liberated.'—[Af. Rep. vol. v. p. 329.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'The long established habits of the South, the attachments which +are frequently found subsisting between the proprietor and his +servants, together with the difficulty of substituting at once +white for slave labor, and the derangement which would ensue in +the domestic concerns of life, would not merely make general +emancipation at once inexpedient, but the attempt would denote +the extremity of madness and folly, and convulse this government +to its centre.'—[Idem, vol. vi. p. 291.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'The Society, meeting the objections of the <i>abolition +enthusiast</i>, in a like spirit of mildness and forbearance, +assures him of their equal devotion to the pure principles of +liberty and the powerful claims of humanity. We know, say they, +and we deplore the evil of slavery as the deadliest curse to our +common country. We see, and we lament its demoralizing effects +upon the children of our affections, from the budding innocence +of infancy, to the full maturity of manhood. But, we have not, +we do not, and <i>we will not</i> interfere with this delicate, this +important subject. There are rights to be respected, prejudices +to be conciliated, fears to be quelled, and safety to be +observed in all our operations. And we protest, <i>most solemnly +protest</i>, against the adoption of your views, as alike +destructive of the ends of justice, of policy, and of humanity. +No wild dream of the wildest enthusiast was ever more +extravagant than that of turning loose upon society two millions +of blacks, idle and therefore worthless, vicious and therefore +dangerous, ignorant and therefore incapable of appreciating and +enjoying the blessings of freedom. Could <i>your</i> wishes be +realized, your gratulation would be quickly changed into +mourning, your joy into grief, and your labor of love into +visits of mercy to our jails and our penitentiaries, to the +abodes of vice and the haunts of poverty. Come, ye +abolitionists, away with your <i>wild enthusiasm</i>, your <i>misguided +philanthropy</i>.'—[African Repository, vol. vii. p. 101.]<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[Pg 83]</a></span></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'The Colonization Society is removing the greatest obstacles in +the way of emancipation; but none, we think, who is acquainted +with the circumstances and condition of our southern States, +<i>and who has any conscience or humanity</i>, would deem it +expedient or christian to dissolve instantaneously all the ties +which unite masters and slaves.'—[Idem, vol. vii. p. 186.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'It is not right that men should be free, when their freedom +will prove injurious to themselves and others.' * * 'He has +encountered determined opposition from several individuals, who +are so reckless and fanatical as to require the instantaneous +remedying of an acknowledged evil, which may be remedied +gradually, with safety, but which cannot be remedied immediately +without jeopardizing all the interests of all parties +concerned.'—[Idem, p. 202, 280.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'He was quite sure that in the Northern States, there was no +opinion generally prevailing, that immediate, absolute, and +universal emancipation was desirable. There might be, said Mr +Storrs, some who are actuated by pure motives and benevolent +views, who considered it practicable; but he might say with +confidence, that very few, if any, believed that it would be +truly humane or expedient to turn loose upon the community more +than a million of persons, totally destitute of the means of +subsistence, and altogether unprepared in every moral point of +view, to enjoy or estimate their new privileges. Such a +cotemporaneous emancipation of the colored population of the +Southern States could only bring a common calamity on all the +States, and the most severe misery on those who were to be thus +thrown upon society, under the most abject, helpless and +deplorable circumstances.'—[Speech of Hon. Mr Storrs.—Twelfth +Annual Report.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'The condition of a slave suddenly emancipated, and thrown upon +his own resources, is very far from being improved; and, however +laudable the feeling which leads to such emancipation, its +policy and propriety are at least questionable.'—[Report of the +Pennsylvania Colonization Society.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'We may, therefore, fairly conclude the object of immediate +universal emancipation wholly unattainable, or, if attainable, +at too high a price.'—[Mathew Carey's Essays.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'Observation has fully convinced them that emancipation has +often proved injurious to both: consequently laws have been +enacted in several of the States to discourage, if not to +prevent it. The public safety and interest, as well as +individual happiness, seemed to require of legislatures the +adoption of such a measure. For, it appeared highly probable +that the manumitted would not only be poor and wretched, but +likewise a public nuisance; and perhaps at some future day, form +the nucleus of rebellion among those unhappy persons still in +slavery.'—[A colonization advocate in the Middletown +(Connecticut) Gazette.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'To our mind, it is clearly the doctrine of the Bible, that +there may be circumstances, in which the immediate and universal +emancipation of slaves is not a duty. Demanding instantaneous +and universal emancipation, and denouncing every instance of +<i>holding</i> slaves as a crime, is not the way to bring it to pass. +If such a course proceeds from a right spirit, it is from a +right spirit misinformed.'—[Vermont Chronicle.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'When the writer visited England from the colonies, he was +constantly astonished to find the Wilberforceans, or saints, as +they were called, influenced by the <i>wildest enthusiasm</i> upon +the sublime theory of liberty; urging <i>immediate emancipation</i> +of the slave, and yet totally uninformed as to its destructive +consequences to their future welfare, in their present +uneducated condition, without some provision being made to so +enlighten them that they may be enabled to estimate religions +obligations and distinguish between right and wrong; oth<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[Pg 84]</a></span>erwise +it would be indispensable to have strong military posts and +constant martial law to preserve order, and prevent a murderous +anarchy and lawless confusion. It is not anticipated that this +state of things could ever be consummated in the United States; +but it may afford a very salutary lesson in guiding our +consideration of similar occurrences that may take place.'</p> + +<p>—[From a colonization pamphlet, entitled 'Remarks upon a plan +for the total abolition of slavery in the United States. By a +Citizen of New-York.']</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'We do not wish to be understood, as sanctioning the measures +now pursued with respect to the subject of slavery, by some +misguided enthusiasts in the northern and eastern sections of +the United States. Were the measures they advocate with so much +heat, to be adopted, a heavier curse could hardly fall upon our +country. Their operation, we feel fully satisfied, would work +the ruin of those, whom these imprudent advocates of instant and +total emancipation, wish primarily to benefit. We have always +regarded these advocates for the instantaneous abolition of +slavery, in all cases, as doing more injury to our colored +population than any other class of men in the community. The +slaves of this country cannot be at once emancipated. It is +folly, it is madness to talk of it. From the very nature of the +case, in justice to that deeply injured class, in justice to +ourselves, the work must be gradual.' * * * 'We cannot doubt the +ultimate success of the American Colonization Society. And +however much some of the clamorous advocates of instant, +immediate abolition may vent their rage against this noble +institution, it will prosper, it will flourish. Our intelligent +community are beginning to see that the American Colonization +Society presents <i>the only door of hope</i> to the +republic.'—[Western Luminary.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'But <i>what</i> shall be done? Some—and their motives and +philanthropic zeal are worthy of all honor—plead for immediate +emancipation. But Mr Ladd had seen enough to know that <i>that</i> +would be a curse to all parties. He acknowledged a difficulty +here; <i>but it is a difficulty that often occurs in morals</i>. When +we have gone far in a wrong road, it often happens that we +cannot in a moment put ourselves in the right one. One penalty +of such a sin is, that it clings to us, and cannot be shaken off +at once with all its bitter consequences by a mere +volition.'—[Speech of William Ladd, Esq.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'The warmest friend to the abolition of slavery, while he +deplores the existence of the evil, must admit the necessity of +cautious and gradual measures to remove it. The inhabitants of +the South cannot, and ought not, suddenly to emancipate their +slaves, to remain among them free. Such a measure would be no +blessing to the slaves, but the very madness of self-destruction +to the whites. In the South, the horrid scenes that would too +certainly follow the liberation of their slaves, are present to +every imagination, to stifle the calls of justice and humanity. +A fell spirit of avarice is thus invigorated and almost +justified, by the plea of necessity.'—[First Annual Report of +the New Jersey Col. Soc.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'The impropriety and impolicy of manumitting slaves, <i>in any +case</i>, in our country, one would suppose, must be apparent to +all. It is not a little astonishing that individuals acquainted +with the facts, and the evils brought upon society by the free +black population, should persist in declaring that duty and +humanity call upon us to give the slaves their freedom. It +really appears to me that there is entirely too much "namby +pamby sentimentality" and affected feeling exhibited respecting +the condition of slaves. Do these individuals believe that +benevolence and humanity command us to turn loose upon society a +set of persons who confessedly only serve to swell the amount of +crime, while they add nothing to the industry, to the wealth, or +the strength of the country? Because abstractedly considered, +man has no right to hold his fellow man in bondage, shall we +give up our liberty, and the peace of society, in order that +this principle may not be violated? The fact is, <i>the negroes +are happier when kept in bondage</i>. In their master they find a +willing and efficient protector, to guard them<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[Pg 85]</a></span> from injury and +insult, to attend to them when sick and in distress, and to +provide for their comfort and support, when old age overtakes +them. When in health, they are well fed and clothed, and by no +means, in common cases, are they hardly worked.'—[A warm +advocate of African Colonization in the Alexandria Gazette.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'But there are other difficulties in the way of immediate +emancipation. We believe that no one, who has taken charge of an +infant, and made a cripple of him, either in his feet, his +hands, or his mind, so that when he is of mature age, he is +unable to take care of himself, has a right to turn him out of +doors, to perish or destroy himself, and call it, giving him his +liberty. After having reduced him to this condition, he is bound +to afford him the support and protection, which he has rendered +necessary.</p> + +<p>'This appears to us to be the true relation of the southern +planters to their slaves. Not that the southern planters have +generally been guilty of personal cruelty; but such has been the +general result of the system acted upon, and such the relation +growing out of it. The slaves have grown up, under the eye of +their masters, unable to take care of themselves; and their +masters, for whose comfort and convenience this has been done, +are bound to provide for them.</p> + +<p>'Nor do we think that the exhortation, to "do right and trust +Providence," applies at all to this case; for the very question +is, "what is right?" Would it be right for the slave merchant, +in the midst of the Atlantic, to knock the manacles from his +prisoners and throw them overboard, and call this, giving them +their liberty and trusting Providence with the result? But how +else could he reduce the doctrine of immediate and complete +emancipation to practice?'—[Vermont Chronicle.]</p></div> + +<p>The miserable sophistry contained in the foregoing extracts scarcely +needs a serious refutation. 'To say that immediate emancipation will +only increase the wretchedness of the slaves, and that we must pursue a +system of <i>gradual</i> abolition, is to present to us the double paradox, +that we must continue to do evil, in order to cure the evil which we are +doing; and that we must continue to be unjust, and to do evil, that good +may come.' The fatal error of <i>gradualists</i> lies here: They talk as if +the friends of abolition contended only for the emancipation of the +slaves, without specifying or caring what should be done with or for +them! as if the planters were invoked to cease from one kind of villany, +only to practise another! as if the manumitted slaves must necessarily +be driven out from society into the wilderness, like wild beasts! This +is talking nonsense: it is a gross perversion of reason and common +sense. Abolitionists have never said, that mere manumission would be +doing justice to the slaves: they insist upon a remuneration for years +of unrequited toil, upon their employment as free laborers, upon their +immediate and coefficient instruction, and upon the exercise of a +benevolent supervision over them on the part of their employers. They +declare, in the first place, that to break the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[Pg 86]</a></span> fetters of the slaves, +and turn them loose upon the country, without the preservative +restraints of law, and destitute of occupation, would leave the work of +justice only half done; and, secondly, that it is absurd to suppose that +the planters would be wholly independent of the labor of the blacks—for +they could no more dispense with it next week, were emancipation to take +place, than they can to-day. The very ground which they assume for their +opposition to slavery,—that it necessarily prevents the improvement of +its victims,—shows that they contemplate the establishment of schools +for the education of the slaves, and the furnishing of productive +employment, immediately upon their liberation. If this were done, none +of the horrors which are now so feelingly depicted, as the attendants of +a sudden abolition, would ensue.</p> + +<p>But we are gravely told that education must <i>precede</i> emancipation. The +logic of this plea is, that intellectual superiority justly gives one +man an oppressive control over another! Where would such a detestable +principle lead but to practices the most atrocious, and results the most +disastrous, if carried out among ourselves? Tell us, ye hair-splitting +sophists, the exact quantum of knowledge which is necessary to +constitute a freeman. If every dunce should be a slave, your servitude +is inevitable; and richly do you deserve the lash for your obtuseness. +Our white population, too, would furnish blockheads enough to satisfy +all the classical kidnappers in the land.</p> + +<p>The reason why the slaves are so ignorant, is because they are held in +bondage; and the reason why they are held in bondage, is because they +are so ignorant! They ought not to be freed until they are educated; and +they ought not be educated, because on the acquisition of knowledge they +would burst their fetters! Fine logic, indeed! How men, who make any +pretensions to honesty or common sense, can advance a paradox like this, +is truly inexplicable. 'I never met with a man yet,' says an able writer +in Kentucky, 'who impliedly admits the enslaving of human beings as +consistent with the exercise of christian duties, who could talk or +write ten minutes on the subject, without expressing nonsense, or +contradicting himself, or advancing heresy which would expose him to +censure on any other<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[Pg 87]</a></span> subject.' In this connexion, I make the following +extract from the Report of the <i>Dublin Negro's Friend Society</i>, of which +<span class="smcap">Wilberforce</span> is President, and <span class="smcap">Clarkson</span> Vice President:</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>'They do not recognize the false principle, that education, as a +preparation for freedom, must precede emancipation; or that an +amelioration of the slaves' condition should be a substitute for +it: on the contrary, THEY INSIST UPON UNPROCRASTINATED +EMANCIPATION, as a right which is unrighteously withheld, and +the restoration of which is, in their opinion, the first and +most indispensable step to all improvement, and absolutely +essential to the application of the only remedy for that moral +debasement, in which slavery has sunk its victims.'</p></div> + +<p>I cannot portray the absurdity of the doctrine of gradual abolition, and +the danger and folly of attempting to mitigate the system of slavery, +more strikingly, than by presenting the following eloquent extracts from +a speech of the Rev. Dr. Thomson of Edinburgh, one of the most learned +and able divines in Great Britain, whose sudden death was recorded in +the newspapers a few months since:</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>'The word <i>immediate</i> may no doubt be considered as a strong +word; but you will observe that it is used as contrasted with +the word <i>gradual</i>. And were I to criticise the term <i>gradual</i> +as certain opponents have treated the term <i>immediate</i>, I could +easily, by the help of a little quibbling, bring you to the +conclusion, that as hitherto employed it means that the +abolition is never to take place, and that, by putting it into +their petition, they are to be understood as deprecating rather +than asking the emancipation of the slaves. "<i>Immediate</i>," they +argue, "evanishes as soon as you utter it; it is gone before +your petition reaches parliament." How absurd! If I should say +to my servant while engaged in work, "You must go to the south +side of the town with a message for me <i>immediately</i>," is it +indeed implied in the order I have given him, that he could not +fulfil it, unless he set off without his hat, without his coat, +without his shoes, without those habiliments which are requisite +for his appearing decently in the streets of Edinburgh, and +executing the task that I had assigned him? The meaning of the +word as used by us is perfectly clear, and cannot be +misapprehended by any one: it is not to be made a subject of +metaphysical animadversion: it is to be considered and +understood under the direction of common sense, and especially +as modified and expounded by those statements with which it is +associated both in our resolutions and in the petition; and +viewed in that light, <i>immediate abolition</i> is not merely an +intelligible phrase, but one that does not warrant a particle of +the alarm which some have affected to take at it, and is not +liable to any one of those objections which some have been +pleased to make to it.</p> + +<p>'To say that we will come out of the sin by degrees—that we +will only forsake it slowly, and step by step—that we will +pause and hesitate and look well about us before we consent to +abandon its gains and its pleasures—that we will allow another +age to pass by ere we throw off the load of iniquity that is +lying so heavy upon us, lest certain secularities should be +injuriously affected—and that we will postpone the duty of +"doing justly and loving mercy," till we have removed every +petty difficulty out of the way, and got all the conflicting +interests that are involved in the measure reconciled and +satisfied;—to say this, is to trample on the demands of moral +obligation, and to disregard the voice which<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[Pg 88]</a></span> speaks to as from +heaven. The path of duty is plain before us; and we have nothing +to do but to enter it at once, and to walk in it without turning +to the right hand or to the left. Our concern is not with the +result that may follow our obedience to the divine will. Our +great and primary concern is to obey that will. God reigns over +his universe in the exercise of infinite perfection: he commands +us to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke; and +submitting, without procrastination, and without any attempts at +compromise, to that command, we may be assured that he will take +care of all the effects that can be produced by compliance with +his authority, and give demonstration to the truth that +obedience to his behests is our grand and only security for a +prosperous lot.</p> + +<p>'We are by no means indifferent to the expediency of the case. +On the contrary, we think ourselves prepared to prove, by fair +reasoning and by ascertained fact, that the expediency of the +thing is all on our side; that immediate abolition is the only +secure and proper way of attaining the object which we all +profess to have in view; that to defer the measure to a distant +period, and to admit the propriety of getting at it by a course +of mitigation, is the surest mode of frustrating every hope we +might otherwise entertain, and giving over the slaves to +interminable bondage.' * * *</p> + +<p>'I do not deny, Sir, that the evils of practical slavery may be +lessened. By parliamentary enactments, by colonial arrangements, +by appeals to the judgment and feelings of planters, and by +various other means, a certain degree of melioration <i>may</i> be +secured. But I say, in the first place, that, with all that you +can accomplish, or reasonably expect, of mitigation, you cannot +alter the nature of slavery itself. With every improvement you +have superinduced upon it, you have not made it less debasing, +less cruel, less destructive, in its essential character. The +black man is still the <i>property</i> of the white man. And that one +circumstance not only implies in it the transgression of +inalienable right and everlasting justice, but is the fruitful +and necessary source of numberless mischiefs, the very thought +of which harrows up the soul, and the infliction of which no +superintendence of any <ins id="mycorr4" class="mycorr" +title="Original: goverment"><a name="corr4" id="corr4"></a>government</ins> can either prevent or control. +Mitigate and keep down the evil as much as you can, still it is +there in all its native virulence, and still it will do its +malignant work in spite of you. The improvements you have made +are merely superficial. You have not reached the seat and vital +spring of the mischief. You have only concealed in some measure, +and for a time, its inherent enormity. Its essence remains +unchanged and untouched, and is ready to unfold itself whenever +a convenient season arrives, notwithstanding all your +precaution, and all you vigilance, in those manifold acts of +injustice and inhumanity, which are its genuine and its +invariable fruits. You may white-wash the sepulchre,—you may +put upon it every adornment that fancy can suggest,—you may +cover it over with all the flowers and evergreens that the +garden or the fields can furnish, so that it will appear +beautiful outwardly unto men. But it is a sepulchre still,—full +of dead men's bones and of all uncleanness. Disguise slavery as +you will,—put into the cup all the pleasing and palatable +ingredients which you can discover in the wide range of nature +and of art,—still it is a bitter, bitter draught, from which +the understanding and the heart of every man, in whom nature +works unsophisticated and unbiassed, recoils with unutterable +aversion and abhorrence. Why, Sir, slavery is the very Upas tree +of the moral world, beneath whose pestiferous shade all +intellect languishes, and all virtue dies. And if you would get +quit of the evil, you must go more thoroughly and effectually to +work than you can ever do by any or by all of those palliatives, +which are included under the term "mitigation." The foul +sepulchre must be taken away. The cup of oppression must be +dashed to pieces on the ground. The pestiferous tree must be cut +down and eradicated; it must be, root and branch of it, cast +into the consuming fire, and its ashes scattered to the four +winds of heaven. It is thus you must deal with slavery. You must +annihilate it,—annihilate it now,—and annihilate it for ever.</p> + +<p>'Get your mitigation. I say in the second place, that you are +thereby, in all probability farther away than ever from your +object. It is not to the Govern<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[Pg 89]</a></span>ment or the Parliament at home +that you are to look—neither is it to the legislatures and +planters abroad that you are to look—for accomplishing the +abolition of negro slavery. Sad experience shows that, if left +to themselves, they will do nothing efficient in this great +cause. It is to the sentiments of the people at large that you +are to look, to the spread of intellectual light, to the +prevalence of moral feeling, to the progress, in short, of +public opinion, which, when resting on right principles and +moving in a right direction, must in this free and Christian +country prove irresistible. But observe, Sir, the public mind +will not be sufficiently affected by the statement of abstract +truths, however just, or by reasonings on the tendencies of a +system, however accurate. It must be more or less influenced by +what is visible, or by what is easily known and understood of +the actual atrocities which accompany slavery, wherever it is +left to its own proper operation. Let it be seen in its native +vileness and cruelty, as exhibited when not interfered with by +the hand of authority, and it excites universal and unqualified +detestation. But let its harsher asperities be rubbed off; take +away the more prominent parts of its iniquity; see that it look +somewhat smoother and milder than it did before; make such +regulations as ought, if faithfully executed, to check its +grosser acts of injustice and oppression; give it the appearance +of its being put under the humanizing sway of religious +education and instruction; do all this, and you produce one +effect at least,—you modify the indignation of a great number +of the community; you render slavery much less obnoxious; you +enable its advocates and supporters to say in reply to your +denunciations of its wickedness, "O, the slaves are now +comfortable and happy; they do not suffer what they did; they +are protected and well treated," and in proof of all this, they +point to what are called "mitigations." But mark me, Sir; under +these mitigations, slavery still exists, ready at every +convenient season to break forth in all its countless forms of +inhumanity; meanwhile the public feeling in a great measure +subsides; and when the public feeling—such an important and +indispensable element in our attempts to procure abolition—is +allowed to subside, tell me, Sir, when, and where, and by what +means it is again to be roused into activity. I must say, for +one, that though I sympathize with my sable brethren, when I +hear of them being spared even one lash of the cart-whip; yet +when I take a more enlarged view of their condition—when I +consider the nature of that system under which they are placed, +and when I look forward to their deliverance, and the means by +which alone it is to be effected, I am tempted, and almost if +not altogether persuaded, to deprecate that insidious thing +termed "mitigation," because it directly tends to perpetuate the +mighty evil, which will by and by throw off the improvements by +which it is glossed over as quite unnatural to it, will +ultimately grow up again into all its former dreadfulness, and +continue to wither and crush beneath it, all that is excellent +and glorious in man.</p> + +<p>'But if our rulers and legislators will undertake to emancipate +the slaves, and do it as it ought to be done, immediately, I beg +those who set themselves against such <ins id="mycorr5" class="mycorr" +title="Original: a a measure"><a name="corr5" id="corr5"></a>a measure</ins>, to point out +the danger, and to prove it. The <i>onus</i> lies upon <i>them</i>. And +what evidence do they give us? Where is it to be found? In what +circumstance shall we discover it? From what principles and +probabilities shall we infer it? We must not have mere +hypothesis—mere allegations—mere fancied horrors, dressed up +in frightful language. We must have proof to substantiate, in +some good measure, their theory of rebellion, warfare, and +blood. If any such thing exists, let them produce it.' * * * 'But +if you push me, and still urge the argument of insurrection and +bloodshed, for which you are far more indebted to fancy than to +fact, as I have shown you, then I say, be it so. I repeat that +maxim, taken from a heathen book, but pervading the whole Book +of God, <i>Fiat justitia</i>—<i>ruat cælum</i>. Righteousness, Sir, is +the pillar of the universe. Break down that pillar, and the +universe falls into ruin and desolation. But preserve it, and +though the fair fabric may sustain partial dilapidations, it may +be rebuilt and repaired—it <i>will</i> be rebuilt, and repaired, and +restored to all its pristine strength, and magnificence, and +beauty. If there must be violence, let it even come, for it will +soon pass away—let it come and rage its little hour, since it +is to be succeeded by lasting freedom, and prosperity and +happiness. Give<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[Pg 90]</a></span> me the hurricane rather than the pestilence. +Give me the hurricane, with its thunder, and its lightning, and +its tempest;—give me the hurricane, with its partial and +temporary devastations, awful though they be;—give me the +hurricane, with its purifying, healthful, salutary +effects;—give me that hurricane, infinitely rather than the +noisome pestilence, whose path is never crossed, whose silence +is never disturbed, whose progress is never arrested, by one +sweeping blast from the heavens; which walks peacefully and +sullenly through the length and breadth of the land, breathing +poison into every heart, and carrying havoc into every home, +enervating all that is strong, defacing all that is beautiful, +and casting its blight over the fairest and happiest scenes of +human life—and which, from day to day, and from year to year, +with intolerant and interminable malignity, sends its thousands +and its tens of thousands of hapless victims into the +ever-yawning and never-satisfied grave!'</p></div> + +<p>It is said, by way of extenuation, that the present owners of slaves are +not responsible for the origin of this system. I do not arraign them for +the crimes <i>of their ancestors</i>, but for the constant perpetration and +extension of similar crimes. The plea that the evil of slavery was +entailed upon them, shall avail them nothing: in its length and breadth +it means that the robberies of one generation justify the robberies of +another! that the inheritance of stolen property converts it into an +honest acquisition! that the atrocious conduct of their fathers +exonerates them from all accountability, thus presenting the strange +anomaly of a race of men incapable of incurring guilt, though daily +practising the vilest deeds! Scarcely any one denies that blame attaches +somewhere: the present generation throws it upon the past—the past, +upon its predecessor—and thus it is cast, like a ball, from one to +another, down to the first importers of the Africans! 'Can that be +<i>innocence</i> in the temperate zone, which is the <i>acme of all guilt</i> near +the equator? Can that be <i>honesty</i> in one meridian of longitude, which, +at one hundred degrees east, is the <i>climax of injustice</i>?' Sixty +thousand infants, the offspring of slave-parents, are annually born in +this country, and doomed to remediless bondage. Is it not as atrocious a +crime to kidnap these, as to kidnap a similar number on the coast of +Africa?</p> + +<p>It is said, moreover, that we ought to legislate prospectively, on this +subject; that the fetters of the present generation of slaves cannot be +broken; and that our single aim should be, to obtain the freedom of +their offspring, by fixing a definite period after which none shall be +born slaves. But this is inconsistent, inhuman and unjust. The following +extracts from the speech of the Rev. Dr. Thomson are conclusive on this +point:<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[Pg 91]</a></span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>'In the first place, it amounts to an indirect sanction of the +continued slavery of all who are now alive, and of all who may +be born before the period fixed upon. This is a renunciation of +the great moral principles upon which the demand for abolition +proceeds. It consigns more than 800,000 human beings to bondage +and oppression, while their title to freedom is both +indisputable and acknowledged. And it is not merely an +inconsistency on the part of the petitioners, and a violation of +the duty which they owe to such a multitude of their fellow-men, +but it weakens or surrenders the great argument by which they +enforce their application for the extinction of colonial +slavery.</p> + +<p>'Besides, it is vain to expect that the planters will acquiesce +in such a prospective measure, any more than in the liberation +of the existing slaves, for the progeny of the existing slaves +must be considered by them as much a part of their property as +these slaves themselves. And they would regard it equally unjust +to deprive them of what is hereafter to be produced from their +own slave stock, as it would be to deprive a farmer, by an +anticipating law of all the foals and of all the calves that +might be produced in his stable and in his cow-house, after a +given specified date.</p> + +<p>'We must be true to our own maxims, which are taken from the +word of God; and ask for all that we are entitled to have on the +ground of justice and humanity, and be contented with nothing +less.</p> + +<p>'In the second place, the plan objected to is not merely an +acquiescence in the continuance of crime, it is a violation of +the best feelings of our nature. For, let any man but reflect on +the circumstance of children being born to slavery, merely +because they came into the world the last hour of December 1830, +instead of the first hour of January 1, 1831—and of children in +the same family, brothers and sisters—some of them destined to +bondage for life, and others gifted with freedom, for no other +reason than that the former were born before, and the latter +after, a particular day of a particular year—and of parents +being unjustly and inhumanly flogged in the very sight of their +offspring arbitrarily made free, while they are as arbitrarily +kept slaves—let any man but reflect on those things, and unless +the sensibilities of his heart be paralysed even to deadness, he +must surely revolt at such a cruel and cold blooded allotment in +the fortune of those little ones, and be satisfied with nothing +short of the emancipation of the whole community, without a +single exception.</p> + +<p>'In the third place, supposing all children born after January +1, 1831, were declared free, how are they to be educated? That +they may be prepared for the enjoyment of that liberty with +which you have invested them, they must undergo a particular and +appropriate training. So say the <i>gradualists</i>. Very well; under +whom are they to get this training? Are they to be separated +from their parents? Is that dearest of natural ties to be broken +asunder? Is this necessary for your plan? And are not you thus +endeavoring to cure one species of wickedness by the +instrumentality of another? But if they are to be left with +their parents and brought up under their care, then either they +will be imbued with the faults and degeneracies that are +characteristic of slavery, and consequently be as unfit for +freedom as those who have not been disenthralled: or they will +be well nurtured and well instructed by their parents, and this +implies a confession that their parents themselves are +sufficiently prepared for liberty, and that there is no good +reason for withholding from them, the boon that is bestowed upon +their children.</p> + +<p>'Whatever view, in short, we take of the question, the +prospective plan is full of difficulty or contradictions, and we +are made more sensible than ever that there is nothing left for +us, but to take the consistent, honest, uncompromising course of +demanding the abolition of slavery with respect to the present, +as well as to every future generation of the negroes in our +colonies.'</p></div> + +<p>We are told that 'it is not right that men should be free, when their +freedom will prove injurious to themselves and oth<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[Pg 92]</a></span>ers.' This has been +the plea of tyrants in all ages. If the immediate emancipation of the +slaves would prove a curse, it follows that slavery is a blessing; and +that it cannot be unjust, but benevolent, to defraud the laborer of his +hire, to rank him as a beast, and to deprive him of his liberty. But +this, every one must see, is at war with common sense, and avowedly +doing evil that good may come. This plea must mean, either that a state +of slavery is more favorable to the growth of virtue and the +dispensation of knowledge than a state of freedom—(a glaring +absurdity)—or that an immediate compliance with the demands of justice +would be most unjust—(a gross contradiction.)</p> + +<p>It is boldly asserted by some colonizationists, that '<i>the negroes are +happier when kept in bondage</i>,' and that 'the condition of the great +mass of emancipated Africans is one in comparison with which the +condition of the slaves is <i>enviable</i>.' What is the inference? Why, +either that slavery is not oppression—(another paradox)—or that real +benevolence demands the return of the free people of color to their +former state of servitude. Every kidnapper, therefore, is a true +philanthropist! Our legislature should immediately offer a bounty for +the body of every free colored person! The colored population of +Massachusetts, at $200 for each man, woman and child, would bring at +least <i>one million three hundred thousand dollars</i>. This sum would +seasonably replenish our exhausted treasury. The whole free colored +population of the United States, at the same price, (which is a low +estimate,) would be worth <i>sixty-five millions of dollars</i>!! Think how +many churches this would build, schools and colleges establish, +beneficiaries educate, missionaries support, bibles and tracts +circulate, railroads and canals complete, &c. &c. &c.!!!</p> + +<p>The Secretary of the Colonization Society assures us, (vide the African +Repository, vol. v. p. 330,) that '<i>were the very spirit of angelic +charity to pervade and fill the hearts of all the slaveholders in our +land, it would by no means require that all the slaves should be +instantaneously liberated</i>'!!—i. e. should the slaveholders become +instantaneously metamorphosed into angels, they would still hold the +rational creatures of God as<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[Pg 93]</a></span> their <i>property</i>, and yet commit no sin! +Think, for one moment, of an angel in the capacity of a +man-stealer—feeding his victims upon a peck of corn per week, or three +bushels of corn and a few herrings every 'quarter-day,' as a +compensation for their severe labor—flourishing a cowskin over their +heads, and applying it frequently to their naked bodies! Think of him +selling parents from children, and children from parents, at private +sale or public auction!</p> + +<p>Many slaveholders are giving up their slaves from conscientious motives; +they cannot, they dare not longer keep them in servitude; they believe +that the law of God has a higher claim upon their obedience than the +laws of their native State. Now suppose all the owners of slaves in our +land should be suddenly and simultaneously convicted of sin, and moved +to repentance in a similar manner, and should say to their slaves, 'God +forbid that we should longer call you our property, or place you on a +level with our cattle, or defraud you of your just dues, or sell you or +your wives or children to others, or deny you the means of instruction, +or lacerate your bodies! henceforth you are free—but you want +employment, and we need laborers—go and work as freemen, and be paid as +freemen!'—suppose, I say, a case like this should happen, and a troop +of <i>gradualists</i> should surround these penitent oppressors, and cry, +'Were the very spirit of angelic charity to pervade and fill your +hearts, it would by no means require that all your slaves should be +instantaneously liberated—your throats will be cut, your houses +pillaged, and desolation will stalk through the land, if you carry your +mad purpose into effect—emancipate by a slow, imperceptible +process!'—how would this advice sound? What should be their reply? +Clearly this: 'Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto +men more than unto God, judge ye.' Here would be presented a strange +spectacle indeed—one party confessing and resolving to forsake their +sins, and another urging them to disregard the admonitions of +conscience, and to leave off sinning by degrees! To be sure, a few, a +very few, would be <i>generously</i> allowed to reform <i>instanter</i>!</p> + +<p>Those who prophesy evil, and only evil, concerning immediate abolition, +absolutely disregard the nature and constitution of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[Pg 94]</a></span> man, as also his +inalienable rights, and annihilate or reverse the causes and effects of +human action. They are continually fearful lest the slaves, in +consequence of their grievous wrongs and intolerable sufferings, should +attempt to gain their freedom by revolution; and yet they affect to be +equally fearful lest a general emancipation should produce the same +disastrous consequences. How absurd! They <i>know</i> that oppression must +cause rebellion; and yet they pretend that a removal of the cause will +produce a bloody effect! This is to suppose an effect without a cause, +and, of course, is a contradiction in terms. Bestow upon the slaves +personal freedom, and all motives for insurrection are destroyed. Treat +them like rational beings, and you may surely expect rational treatment +in return: treat them like beasts, and they will behave in a beastly +manner.</p> + +<p>Besides, precedent and experience make the ground of abolitionists +invulnerable. In no single instance where their principles have been +adopted, has the result been disastrous or violent, but beneficial and +peaceful even beyond their most sanguine expectations. The immediate +abolition of slavery in Mexico, in Colombia, and in St. Domingo,<a name="FNanchor_O_16" id="FNanchor_O_16"></a><a href="#Footnote_O_16" class="fnanchor">[O]</a> was +eminently preservative<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[Pg 95]</a></span> and useful in its effects. The manumitted slaves +(numbering more than two thousand,) who were settled in Nova Scotia, at +the close of our revolutionary war, by the British government, 'led a +harmless life,' says Clarkson, 'and gained the character of an +industrious and honest people from their white neighbors.' A large +number who were located at Trinidad, as free laborers, at the close of +our last war, 'are now,' according to the same authority, 'earning their +own livelihood, and with so much industry and good conduct, that the +calumnies originally spread against them have entirely died away.' +According to the Anti-Slavery Reporter for January, 1832, three thousand +prize negroes at the Cape of Good Hope had received their freedom—four +hundred in one day; 'but not the least difficulty or disorder occurred: +servants found masters, masters hired servants—all gained homes, and at +night scarcely an idler was to be seen.'</p> + +<p>These and many other similar facts show conclusively the safety of +immediate abolition. Gradualists can present, in abatement of them, +nothing but groundless apprehensions and criminal distrust. The argument +is irresistible.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_N_15" id="Footnote_N_15"></a><a href="#FNanchor_N_15"><span class="label">[N]</span></a> The slaves, they say, are their <i>property</i>. Once admit +this, and all your arguments for interference are vain, and all your +plans for amelioration are fruitless. The whole question may be said to +hang upon this point. If the slaves are not property, then slavery is at +an end. The slaveholders see this most clearly; they see that while you +allow these slaves to be their <i>property</i>, you act inconsistently and +oppressively in intermeddling, as you propose to do, with what is theirs +as much as any other of their goods and chattels: you must proceed, +therefore, in your measures for amelioration, as you call it, with +'hesitating steps and slow;' and there is nothing you can do for +restraining punishment, for regulating labor, for enforcing manumission, +for introducing education and Christianity, which will not be met with +the remonstrance, undeniably just by your own concessions, that you are +encroaching on the sacred rights of property,—the slaveholders see all +this, and they can employ it to paralyse and defeat all your efforts to +get at emancipation, and to prepare for it. It is on this account, that +I wish it settled in your minds, as a fixed and immutable principle, +that there is and can be no property of man in man. Adopt this +principle, and give it that ascendency over your minds to which it is +entitled;—and slavery is swept away.—<i>Speech of Rev. Dr Thomson of +Edinburgh.</i></p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_O_16" id="Footnote_O_16"></a><a href="#FNanchor_O_16"><span class="label">[O]</span></a> The history of the Revolution in St Domingo is not +generally understood in this country. The result of the instantaneous +emancipation of the slaves, in that island, by an act of the +Conventional Assembly of France in the month of February, 1794, settles +the controversy between the <i>immediatists</i> and <i>gradualists</i>. 'After +this public act of emancipation,' says Colonel Malenfant, who was +resident in the island at the time, 'the negroes <i>remained quiet</i> both +in the South and in the West, and <i>they continued to work upon all the +plantations</i>.' 'Upon those estates which were abandoned, <i>they continued +their labors</i>, where there were any, even inferior agents, to guide +them; and on those estates, where no white men were left to direct them, +they betook themselves to the planting of provisions; but upon <i>all the +plantations</i> where the whites resided, the blacks <i>continued to labor as +quietly as before</i>.' 'On the Plantation Gourad, consisting of more than +four hundred and fifty laborers, <i>not a single negro refused to work</i>; +and yet this plantation was thought to be under the worst discipline and +the slaves the most idle of any in the plain.' General Lacroix, who +published his 'Memoirs for a History of St Domingo,' at Paris, in 1819, +uses these remarkable words: 'The colony marched, <i>as by enchantment</i>, +towards its ancient splendor; <i>cultivation prospered</i>; every day +produced perceptible proofs of its progress. The city of the Cape and +the plantations of the North rose up again visibly to the eye.' General +Vincent, who was a general of a brigade of artillery in St Domingo, and +a proprietor of estates in that island, at the same period, declared to +the Directory of France, that 'every thing was <i>going on well in St +Domingo</i>. The proprietors were in peaceable possession of their estates; +cultivation was making rapid progress; <i>the blacks were industrious, and +beyond example happy</i>.' So much for the horrible concomitants of a +general emancipation! So much for the predicted indolence of the +liberated slaves! Let confusion of face cover all abolition alarmists in +view of these historical facts! This peaceful and prosperous state of +affairs continued from 1794, to the invasion of the island by Leclerc in +1802. The attempt of Bonaparte to reduce the island to its original +servitude was the sole cause of that sanguinary conflict which ended in +the total extirpation of the French from its soil.—[Vide Clarkson's +'Thoughts on the Necessity of Improving the Condition of the Slaves in +the British Colonies,' &c.]</p></div> +</div> + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="SECTION_VI" id="SECTION_VI"></a>SECTION VI.</h2> + +<h3>THE AMERICAN COLONIZATION SOCIETY IS NOURISHED BY FEAR AND SELFISHNESS.</h3> + + +<p><span class="smcap">The</span> reader will find on the fifth page of my introductory remarks, the +phrase 'naked terrors;' by which I mean, that, throughout all the +speeches, addresses and reports in behalf of the Society, it is +confessed, in language strong and explicit, that an irrepressible and +agonizing fear of the influence of the free people of color over the +slave population is the primary, essen<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[Pg 96]</a></span>tial and prevalent motive for +colonizing them on the coast of Africa—and not, as we are frequently +urged to believe, a desire simply to meliorate their condition and +civilize that continent. On this point, the evidence is abundant.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>'In reflecting on the utility of a plan for colonizing the free +people of color, with whom our country abounds, it is natural +that we should be first struck by its tendency to confer a +benefit on ourselves, by ridding us of a population for the most +part idle and useless, and too often vicious and mischievous.' + * * * 'Such a class must evidently be a burden and a nuisance to +the community; and every scheme which affords a prospect of +removing so great an evil must deserve to be most favorably +considered.</p> + +<p>'But it is not in themselves merely that the free people of +color are a nuisance and burthen. They contribute greatly to the +corruption of the slaves, and to aggravate the evils of their +condition, by rendering them idle, discontented and disobedient. +This also arises from the necessity under which the free blacks +are, of remaining incorporated with the slaves, of associating +habitually with them, and forming part of the same class in +society. The slave seeing his free companion live in idleness, +or subsist however scantily or precariously by occasional and +desultory employment, is apt to grow discontented with his own +condition, and to regard as tyranny and injustice the authority +which compels him to labor.<a name="FNanchor_P_17" id="FNanchor_P_17"></a><a href="#Footnote_P_17" class="fnanchor">[P]</a></p> + +<p>'Great, however, as the benefits are, which we may thus promise +ourselves, from the colonization of the free people of color, by +its tendency to prevent the discontent and corruption of our +slaves,' &c. * * 'The considerations stated in the first part of +this letter, have long since produced a thorough conviction in +my mind, that the existence of a class of free people of color +in this country is highly injurious to the whites, the slaves +and the free people of color themselves: consequently that all +emancipation, to however small an extent, which permits the +persons emancipated to remain in this country, is an evil, which +must increase with the increase of the operation, and would +become altogether intolerable, if extended to the whole, or even +to a very large part of the black population. I am therefore +strongly opposed to emancipation, in every shape and degree, +unless accompanied by colonization.'—[General Harper's +Letter—First Annual Report, pp. 29, 31, 32, 33, 36.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'The slaves would be greatly benefitted by the removal of the +free blacks, who now corrupt them and render them +discontented.'—[Second An. Rep.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'What are these objects? They are in the first place to aid +ourselves, by relieving us from a species of population pregnant +with future danger and present inconvenience.'—[Seventh +Report.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'They are dangerous to the community, and this danger ought to +be removed. Their wretchedness arises not only from their +bondage, but from their political and moral degradation. The +danger is not so much that we have a million and a half of +slaves, as that we have in our borders nearly two millions of +men who are necessarily any thing rather than loyal +citizens—nearly two millions of ignorant and miserable beings +who are banded together by the very same circumstances, by which +they are so widely separated in character and in interest from +all the citizens of our great republic.'—[Seventh Annual +Report.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'It may be safely assumed, that there is not an individual in +the community, who has given to the subject a moment's +consideration, who does not regard the existence of the free +people of color in the bosom of the country, as an evil of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[Pg 97]</a></span> +immense magnitude, and of a dangerous and alarming tendency. +Their abject and miserable condition is too obvious to be +pointed out. All must perceive it, and perceiving it, cannot but +lament it. But their deplorable condition is not more obvious to +the most superficial observer, than is (what is far worse, and +still more to be dreaded,) the powerful and resistless influence +which they exert over the slave population. While their +character remains what it now is, (and the laws and structure of +the country in which they reside, prevent its permanent +improvement,) this influence must of necessity be baneful and +contaminating. Corrupt themselves, like the deadly Upas, they +impart corruption to all around them. Their numbers too, are +constantly and rapidly augmenting. Their annual increase is +truly astonishing, certainly unexampled. The dangerous +ascendency which they have already acquired over the slaves, is +consequently increasing with every addition to their numbers; +and every addition to their numbers is a subtraction from the +wealth and strength, and character, and happiness, and safety of +the country. And if this be true, as it unquestionably is, the +converse is also true; the danger of their undue influence will +lessen with every diminution of their numbers; and every +diminution of their numbers must add, and add greatly, to the +prosperity of the country.'—[Twelfth Annual Report.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'Another reason is, the pressing and vital importance of +relieving ourselves, as soon as practicable, from this most +dangerous element in our population.' * * 'We all know the +effects produced on our slaves by the fascinating, but delusive +appearance of happiness, exhibited in some persons of their own +complexion, roaming in idleness and vice among them. By removing +the most fruitful source of discontent from among our slaves, we +should render them more industrious and attentive to our +commands.'—[Fourteenth Annual Report.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'What is the free black to the slave? A standing perpetual +incitement to discontent. Though the condition of the slave be a +thousand times the best—supplied, protected, instead of +destitute and desolate—yet, the folly of the condition, held to +involuntary labor, finds, always, allurement, in the spectacle +of exemption from it, without consideration of the adjuncts of +destitution and misery. The slave would have then, little +excitement to discontent but for the free black.'—[Fifteenth +Annual Report.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'The evils which arise from the communication of the free people +of color with our slaves, must be obvious to every reflecting +mind; and the consequences which may result from this +communication at some future day, when circumstances are more +favorable to their views, are of a more alarming character. Sir, +circumstances must have brought us to the conclusion, if our +observation had not enabled us to make the remark, that it is +natural for our slaves, so closely allied to the free black +population by national peculiarities, and by relationship, to +make a comparison between their respective conditions, and to +repine at the difference which exists between them. This is a +serious evil, and can only be removed <i>by preventing the +possibility of a comparison</i>.</p> + +<p>'By removing these people, we rid ourselves of a <ins id="mycorr6" class="mycorr" title="Original: lage"><a name="corr6" id="corr6"></a>large</ins> party who +will always be ready to assist our slaves in any mischievous +design which they may conceive; and who are better able, by +their intelligence, and the facilities of their communication, +to bring those designs to a successful termination.'—[African +Repository, vol. i. p. 176.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'The labors of the Colonization Society appear to us highly +deserving of praise. The blacks, whom they carry from the +country, belong to a class far more noxious than the slaves +themselves. They are free without any sense of character to +restrain them, or regular means of obtaining an honest +livelihood. Most of the criminal offences committed in the +southern States are chargeable to them, and their influence over +the slaves is pernicious and alarming.' * * * 'What is the true +nature of the evil of the existence of a portion of the African +race in our population? It is not that there are some, but that +there are so many<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[Pg 98]</a></span> among us of a different caste, of a different +physical, if not moral, constitution, who never can amalgamate +with the great body of our population. In every country, persons +are to be found varying in their color, origin and character, +from the native mass. But this anomaly creates no inquietude or +apprehension, because the exotics, from the smallness of their +number, are known to be utterly incapable of disturbing the +general tranquillity. Here, on the contrary, the African part of +our population bears so large a proportion to the residue of +European origin, as to create the most lively apprehension, +especially in some quarters of the Union. Any project, +therefore, by which, in a material degree, the dangerous element +in the general mass, can be diminished or rendered stationary, +deserves deliberate consideration.'—[African Repository, vol. +ii. pp. 27, 338.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'Made up, for the most part, either of slaves or of their +immediate descendants; elevated above the class from which it +has sprung, only by its exemption from domestic restraint; and +effectually debarred by the law, from every prospect of equality +with the actual freemen of the country; it is a source of +perpetual uneasiness to the master, and of envy and corruption +to the slave.' * * 'To remove these persons from among us, will +increase the <i>usefulness</i>, and improve the moral character of +those who remain in servitude, and <i>with whose labors the +country is unable to dispense</i>. That instances are to be found +of colored free persons, upright and industrious, is not to be +denied. But the greater portion, as is well known, are a source +of malignant depravity to the slaves on the one hand, and of +corrupt habits to many of our white population on the other. The +arts of subsistence with many of them, are incompatible with the +security of property.' * * * 'I am a Virginian—I dread for her +the corroding evil of this numerous caste, and I tremble for the +danger of a disaffection spreading through their seductions, +among our servants.' * * * 'Are they vipers, who are sucking our +blood? we will hurl them from us. It is not sympathy alone,—not +sickly sympathy, no, nor manly sympathy either,—which is to act +on us; but vital policy, self-interest, are also enlisting +themselves on the humane side in our breasts.'—[African +Repository, vol. iii. pp. 10, 67, 197, 201.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'All must concur in regarding the present condition of the free +colored race in America as inconsistent with its future social +and political advancement, and, where slavery exists at all, as +calculated to aggravate its evils without any atoning good. +Among those evils, the most obvious is the restraint imposed +upon emancipation by the laws of so many of the slaveholding +States: laws, deriving their recent origin from the obvious +manifestation which the increase of the free colored population +has furnished, of the inconvenience and danger of multiplying +their number where slavery exists at all.' * * * 'By the success +of this scheme, our country will be enriched. The free blacks +constitute a material spoke in that wheel which is crushing down +the wealth of our land. The moment we carry this plan into +vigorous prosecution, we shall call many of our countrymen to a +state of comparative wealth. The removal of the annual increase +of our colored population, would give to our mariners a +considerable scope of employment, whilst the trade of the Colony +would be a source of profit.' * * 'It places the attainment of +the grand object in view, that is, to withdraw from the United +States annually, so many of the colored population, and provide +them a comfortable home and all the advantages of civilization +in Africa, <i>as will make the number here remain stationary</i>.' + * * * 'Let us recur to the principle abovementioned—that every +black family occupies the room of a white family. On this +principle we are lost, if we suffer the colored population to +multiply, unchecked, upon our hands; because they will increase +faster than the whites, and will crowd them out of all the +Southern country. But on the same principle we are saved, if by +any means of colonization, we can retard the increase of the +blacks, and gain ground on them in the South. That we can do +with ease, if our people will unite in prosecuting the scheme. +Every family taken from the blacks, will add also a family to +the whites, and make an actual difference of two families in our +favor. This exchange will leave fewer blacks<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[Pg 99]</a></span> to remove, while +it will increase our ability to remove them. Self-interest and +self-preservation furnish motives enough to excite our +exertions.' * * 'By thus repressing the rapid increase of +blacks, the white population would be enabled to reach and soon +overtop them. The consequence would be security.'—[African +Repository, vol. iv. pp. 53, 141, 271, 276, 344.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'The existence of a class of men in the bosom of the community, +who occupy a middle rank between the citizen and the slave—who +encountering every positive evil incident to each condition, +share none of the benefits peculiar to either, has been long +clearly seen and deeply deplored by every man of observation. +The master feels it in the unhappy influence which the free +blacks have upon the slave population. The slave feels it in the +restless, discontented spirit which his association with the +free black engenders.' * * * * 'But, there is yet a more +important and alarming view, in which this subject necessarily +presents itself to the mind of every Virginian. A community of +the character that has been described, with this additional +peculiarity, that it differs from the class from which it has +sprung, only in its exemption from <i>the wholesome restraints of +domestic authority</i>, is found in the midst of a numerous and +rapidly increasing slave population; and while its partial +freedom, trammelled, as it is, by the necessary rigors of the +law, is nevertheless sufficiently attractive, to be a source of +uneasiness and dissatisfaction to those who have not attained to +its questionable privileges, its exemption from the prompt and +efficient inquisition appertaining to slavery, makes it an +important instrument in the corruption and seduction of those, +who yet remain the property of their masters.' * * * 'Who would +not rejoice to see our country liberated from her black +population? Who would not participate in any efforts to restore +those children of misfortune to their native shores, and kindle +the lights of science and civilization through Africa? Who that +has reflection, does not tremble for the political and moral +well-being of a country, that has within its bosom, a growing +population, bound to its institutions by no common sympathies, +and ready to fall in with any faction that may threaten its +liberties?' * * * 'The existence of this race among us; a race +that can neither share our blessings nor incorporate in our +society, is already felt to be a curse; and though the only +curse entailed on us, if left to take its course, it will become +the greatest that could befal the nation.</p> + +<p>'Shall we then cling to it, and by refusing the timely expedient +now offered for deliverance, retain and foster the <i>alien +enemies</i>, till they have multiplied into such greater numbers, +and risen into such mightier consequence as will for ever bar +the possibility of their departure, and by barring it, bar also +the possibility of fulfilling our own high destiny?' * * 'The +object of this Society is two-fold; for while it immediately and +ostensibly directs its energies to the amelioration of the +condition of the free people of color, it relieves our country +from an unprofitable burden, and which, if much longer submitted +to, may record upon our history the dreadful cries of vengeance +that but a few years since were registered in characters of +blood at St. Domingo.' * * 'It is the removal of the <i>free</i> +blacks from among us, that is to save us, sooner or later, from +those dreadful events foreboded by Mr Jefferson, or from the +horrors of St. Domingo. The present number of this unfortunate, +degraded, and anomalous class of inhabitants cannot be much +short of half a million; and the number is fast increasing. They +are emphatically a mildew upon our fields, a scourge to our +backs, and a stain upon our escutcheon. To remove them is mercy +to ourselves, and justice to them.'—[African Repository, vol. +v. pp. 28, 51, 88, 278, 304, 348.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'All admit the utility of the separation of the free people of +color from the residue of the population of the United States, +if it be practicable. It is desirable for them, <i>for the slaves +of the United States</i>, and for the white race. The vices of this +class do not spring from any inherent depravity in their natural +constitution, but from their unfortunate situation. Social +intercourse is a want which we are prompted to gratify by all +the properties of our nature. And as they cannot obtain it in +the better circles of society, nor always among them<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[Pg 100]</a></span>selves, +they resort to slaves and to the most debased and worthless of +the whites. Corruption, and all the train of petty offences, are +the consequences. Proprietors of slaves in whose neighborhood +any free colored family is situated, know how infectious and +pernicious this intercourse is.' * * * 'Who, if this promiscuous +residence of whites and blacks, of freemen and slaves, is for +ever to continue, can imagine the servile wars, the carnage and +the crimes which will be its probable consequences, without +shuddering with horror?' * * 'It were madness to shut our eyes +to these facts and conclusions. This rapid increase of the +blacks is as certain as the progress of time. The fatal +consequences of that increase, if it be not checked, are equally +so. Something must be done. The American Colonization Society +proposes a remedy—the removal to Africa of the blacks who are +free, or shall hereafter become so, with their consent.' * * +'The colored population is considered by the people of Tennessee +and Alabama in general, as an immense evil to the country—but +the free part of it, by all, as the greatest of all evils.... +They feel severely the effects of the deleterious influence +which the free negroes exert upon the slaves—and they look, +moreover, into futurity, and there they behold an appalling +scene—in less than one hundred years, (a short time, we should +hope, in the life of this republic,) 16,000,000 of blacks.' + * * * * 'Since the recent revolution in the island of St. Domingo, +which has placed it in the hands of the African race, it was +thought by some that there an asylum might be found for this +part of our population. But to that place there were also +serious objections, which would prevent its adoption to any +considerable extent. The nearness of that Island to our southern +borders, and the evil consequences that might result from +embodying the free persons of color in the vicinity of those +parts of the United States, where slaves are so numerous, +forbade the friends of humanity to provide a home for them in +that Island.'—[African Repository, vol. vi. pp. 17, 23, 68, 77, +226.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'The existence, within the very bosom of our country, of an +<ins id="mycorr8" class="mycorr" title="Original: amomalous"><a name="corr8" id="corr8"></a>anomalous</ins> race of beings, the most debased upon earth, who +neither enjoy the blessings of freedom, nor are yet in the bonds +of slavery, is a great national evil, which every friend of his +country most deeply deplores. They constitute a large mass of +human beings, who hang as a vile excrescence upon society—the +objects of a low debasing envy to our slaves, and to ourselves +of universal suspicion and distrust.' * * 'If this process were +continued a second term of duplication, it would produce the +extraordinary result of forty white men to one black in the +country—a state of things in which we should not only cease to +feel the burdens which now hang so heavily upon us, but actually +regard the poor African as an object of curiosity, and not +uneasiness.' * * 'Enough, under favorable circumstances, might +be removed for a few successive years—if young <i>females</i> were +encouraged to go—to keep the whole colored population in +check.'—[African Repository, vol. vii. pp. 230, 232, 246.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'The existence of such a population among us is a most manifest +evil. And every year adds to its threatening aspect. They are +more than a sixth of our population! Their ratio of increase +exceeds that of the whites. They have all the lofty and immortal +powers of man. And the time must arrive, when they will +fearlessly claim the prerogatives of man. They may do it in the +spirit of revenge. They may do it in the spirit of desperation. +And the result of such a mustering of their energies—who can +look at it even in distant prospect without horror? Almost as +numerous are they now, as our whole population when this nation +stood forth for freedom in a contest with the mightiest power of +the civilized world. And if nothing is done to <i>arrest their +increase</i>, we shall have in twenty years four millions of +slaves; in forty years eight millions; in sixty years sixteen +millions, and a million of free blacks;—seventeen millions of +people; seven millions more than our present white +population;—enough for a powerful empire! And how can they be +governed? Who can foretel those scenes of carnage and terror +which our own children may witness, unless a sea<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[Pg 101]</a></span>sonable remedy +be applied? The remedy is now within our reach. <i>We can stop +their increase</i>; we can diminish their number.'—[Rev. Baxter +Dickinson's Sermon delivered at Springfield, Mass. in 1829.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'We have a numerous people, who, though they are among us, are +not of us; who are aliens and outcasts in the land of their +birth. A people whose condition is degraded and miserable; who, +so far from adding to our national strength, are an element of +weakness, and detract from the amount of human effort. A people, +whose condition, while it excites our commiseration, must awaken +our fears.' * * 'Those persons of color who have been +emancipated, are only nominally free; and the whole race, so +long as they remain among us, and whether they be slaves or +free, must <i>necessarily</i> be kept in a condition full of +wretchedness to them and full of danger to the whites. This view +of the subject is rendered the more alarming by the rapid +increase of this portion of our population.'—[Second Annual +Report of the New-York State Colonization Society, pp. 4, 34.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'We would ask, whence have the troubles, which have taken place +among the slaves of Louisiana, originated? Trace the causes, and +we will invariably find them to have proceeded from the +suggestions and officious interferences of the free blacks. +Their very existence in our limits, enjoying supposed +independence, excites the envy and dissatisfaction of the +slaves. The latter naturally inquire, why is it, that persons of +the same color, are permitted to possess more privileges than +they do?... We know the danger to which we are exposed from such +a class of beings living in the very heart of our population, +and increasing greatly every year.'—[An advocate of the Society +in the New-Orleans Argus.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'Among us the free negroes are multiplying rapidly; both +conscience and religion, as well as propagation, increase them, +and, unless instant and decisive steps are taken to prevent +their increase, you will soon have 50,000 <i>determined and +vengeful enemies</i> in the heart of your country, protected there +by the constitution, forsooth, by which it seems we are +forbidden to expel the free negroes, or to prevent farther +importations of this deadly pest in the persons of +slaves.'—[Louisville Focus.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'Will not the people of the United States be induced to do +something to remove their colored population? I refer to their +condition, whether bond or free. They are wretched and +dangerous, and should be removed. And the danger arises, not +because we have thousands of slaves within our borders, but +because there are nearly two millions of colored men, who are by +necessity any thing rather than loyal citizens.'—[Address by +Gabriel P. Disosway, Esq.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'It is not now a novel or a debateable proposition, that slavery +is a great moral and political curse. It is equally clear that +its multitudinous evils are greatly increased by the existence +among us of a mongrel population, who, freed from the shackles +of bondage, yet bear about them the badge of inferiority, +stamped upon them indelibly by the hand of nature, and are +therefore deprived of those rights of citizenship, without which +they must necessarily be a degraded caste—depraved in morals +and vicious in conduct, and <i>exercising a mischievous and +dangerous influence over those to whom they are nominally +superior</i>. Their mere existence among the slaves is sufficient, +of itself, to excite in the bosoms of the latter a feeling of +dissatisfaction with their own condition, apparently worse, +because of the coercion to labor which it imposes; but +essentially better, because of the comforts which that labor +procures, and of which the idle and dissolute habits of the free +negro almost invariably deprive him. The slave, however, is not +capable of reasoning correctly, if he reasons at all, on these +truths. He envies the free negro his idleness, and his freedom +from restraint, with all its attendant disadvantages of poverty +and disease,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[Pg 102]</a></span> crime and punishment—and hence, he will sometimes +indulge the delusive dream of effecting his own emancipation by +the murder of those who hold him in bondage. Take away from him +this cause of dissatisfaction, and this incentive to +insurrection, and then these "impracticable hopes," which now +sometimes flit before his imagination, will no longer embitter +his hours of labor, and urge him to the commission of those +horrid deeds of massacre, which, though they may glut a +momentary revenge, must result disastrously, not only to the +slaves engaged immediately in their perpetration, but to all +that unfortunate race. Our true interests require that they +shall remove from among us—and no longer be a source of +disquietude to the whites, <i>of envy to the slaves</i>, and of +degradation to themselves.'—[Lynchburg (Va.) Virginian.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'For the most conclusive reasons this removal should be to +Africa. If it be to the West Indies, to Texas, to Canada, then, +how strong and various the objections to building up, in the +vicinity of our own nation, a mighty empire, from a race of men, +<i>so unlike ourselves</i>? But, if the removal be to Africa, then it +is to a <i>happy distance</i> from us and to their father land.... +Then let it aid in removing that population, which, under its +peculiar relation to the whites, and under its degrading social +and civil disabilities, is a most fruitful source of national +dishonor, demoralization, weakness and <i>horrid +danger</i>.'—[Memorial of the New-York State Colonization +Society.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'The males removed should be persons between 16 and 17 years of +age; the females between 13 and 14. Now as a number would be +annually removed equal to the whole increase, and as that number +would be composed of individuals, of such ages that their +removal would affect the future increase of the race in the +greatest possible degree, I believe that their numbers would not +only not increase, but would diminish. And the number removed +might be increased as the proportion of white persons in the +State became greater, until the removal reached a point at which +all the males who attained the age of sixteen, and all the +females who attained the age of fourteen, in any given year, +would during that year be removed.'—[Petersburg (Va.) Times.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'They are well calculated to render the slaves sullen, +discontented, unhappy and refractory—and the masters +suspicious, fearful of consequences, and disposed to enhance the +rigor of the condition of their slaves, in order to avert the +dangers that appear to impend over them from the promulgation of +the anti-slavery doctrines; thus, in this case, as in so many +others, the imprudent zeal of friends is likely to produce as +much substantial injury as the animosity of decided enemies +could accomplish.'—[Mathew Carey's Essays.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'Hatred to the whites is, with the exception in some cases of an +attachment to the person and family of the master, nearly +universal among the black population. We have then a foe, +cherished in our very bosoms—a foe willing to draw our +life-blood whenever the opportunity is offered, and, in the mean +time, intent upon doing us all the mischief in his +power.'—[Southern Religious Telegraph.]</p></div> + +<p>Does the reader wish for any additional proof that the governing motive +of the American Colonization Society is fear—undisguised, <i>excessive</i> +<span class="smcap">FEAR</span>? Language is altogether inadequate to express my indignation and +contempt, in view of such a heartless and cowardly exhibition of +sentiment. There is a deep sense of guilt, an awful dread of +retribution, manifested in the foregoing extracts; but we perceive no +evidence of contrition for past or present injustice, on the part of +those terror<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[Pg 103]</a></span>-stricken plotters. Instead of returning to those, whom +they have so deeply injured, 'with repenting and undissembling love;' +instead of seeking to conciliate and remunerate the victims of their +prejudice and oppression; instead of resolving to break the yoke of +servitude and let the oppressed go free; it seems to be their only +anxiety and aim to outwit the vengeance of Heaven, and strengthen the +bulwarks of tyranny, by expelling the free people of color from our +shores, and effecting such a diminution of the number of slaves as shall +give the white population a triumphant and irresistible superiority! +'<i>Check the increase!</i>' is their cry—'let us retain in everlasting +bondage as many as we can, <i>safely</i>; but the proportion must be at least +ten millions of ourselves to two millions of our vassals, else we shall +live in jeopardy! To do justly is not our intention; we only mean to +remove the surplus of our present stock; we think we shall be able, by +this prudent device, to oppress and rob with impunity. Our present +wailing is not for our heinous crimes, but only because our avarice and +cruelty have carried us beyond our ability to protect ourselves: we +lament, not because we hold so large a number in fetters of iron, but +because we cannot safely hold more!'</p> + +<p>Ye crafty calculators! ye hard-hearted, incorrigible sinners! ye greedy +and relentless robbers! ye contemners of justice and mercy! ye +trembling, pitiful, pale-faced usurpers! my soul spurns you with +unspeakable disgust. Know ye not that the reward of your hands shall be +given you? 'Wo unto them that decree unrighteous decrees, and that write +grievousness which they have prescribed; to turn aside the needy from +judgment, and to take away the right from the poor, that widows may be +their prey, and that they may rob the fatherless! And what will ye do in +the day of visitation, and in the desolation which shall come from far? +to whom will ye flee for help? and where will ye leave your +glory?'—'What mean ye that ye beat my people to pieces, and grind the +face of the poor? saith the Lord God of hosts.'—'Behold, the hire of +the laborers which have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept +back by fraud, crieth; and the cries of them which have reaped are +entered into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth.' Repent! repent!<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[Pg 104]</a></span> <i>now</i>, +in sackcloth and ashes. Think not to succeed in your expulsive crusade; +you cannot hide your motives from the Great Searcher of hearts; and if a +sinful worm of the dust, like myself, is fired with indignation at your +dastardly behaviour and mean conspiracy to evade repentance and +punishment, how must the anger of Him, whose holiness and justice are +infinite, burn against you? Is it not a fearful thing to fall into the +hands of the living God? You may plot by day and by night; you may heap +together the treasures of the land, and multiply and enlarge your +combinations, to extricate yourselves from peril; but <i>you cannot +succeed</i>. Your only alternative is, either to redress the wrongs of the +oppressed <i>now</i>, and humble yourselves before God, or prepare for the +chastisements of Heaven. I repeat it—<span class="smcap">Repentance</span> or <span class="smcap">Punishment</span> must be +yours.</p> + +<p>There are several points upon which I wish to fasten the attention of +the reader:</p> + +<p>1. The inhumanity and craftiness of these propositions for the removal +of the free people of color.</p> + +<p>It will be seen that the conspirators have taxed their ingenuity to the +utmost, to ascertain the exact number of emigrants which must be +transported annually, the amount of money that must be raised, the +persons that must be selected, the number of vessels that must be +employed, &c. &c. It is their determination, if the necessary means can +be obtained, to transport the annual increase of our colored population; +but in this calculation we find no allowance made for unwillingness or +resistance on the part of those who are the objects of their +supervision. It is taken for granted that all will be induced to go into +exile, or must be made willing compulsorily. Nothing else is +contemplated but their entire expulsion. In order to insure a reduction +of this 'alarming increase,' and effectually to check the fruitfulness +of generation, even the unmanly and scandalous proposition is made to +remove principally those of both sexes who are just come to the age of +puberty! The system of <i>espionage</i>, established by Napoleon to prevent +the possibility of a successful conspiracy, was not more detestable and +observant than is this violent and unnatural project. 'If young +<i>females</i> were encouraged to go'!—why, then they could not propagate +here! Infamous calculation!<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[Pg 105]</a></span></p> + +<p>2. The principal object avowed for the removal of the free people of +color, is, their corruptive and dangerous influence over the slave +population.</p> + +<p>It is demonstrated, then, beyond disputation, that this removal will +infuse new strength into the tottering system of slavery, tighten the +grasp of the masters upon the throats of the slaves, lull them into a +profound and quiet sleep, postpone the hour of emancipation, and enhance +the security and value of slave property. The terror of mind which calls +for this separation cannot be benevolence, and the combination which +seeks to effect it cannot merit support. It were folly to hope that the +owners of slaves will ultimately emancipate them, from conscientious +motives. In the first place, they affect to be innocent in holding their +victims in servitude; secondly, they are assured by their colonization +brethren that they are not guilty of oppression, but, on the contrary, +are watchful guardians; and lastly, they are obstinate in shutting their +eyes upon the light, and kindle into a rage on being arraigned for their +tyrannous conduct. Our only ground of hope, then, is in increasing the +difficulty of holding their slaves, in multiplying the causes of their +apprehensions, in destroying the value of slave labor, and in making +their situation full of disquietude and distress. Such a course is not +inconsistent with benevolence—such a course we are obligated to pursue, +as we value the present and everlasting welfare of the oppressor and the +oppressed, and desire to have a conscience void of offence toward God +and toward man. It may—it <i>must</i> be effected by a scrupulous abstinence +from the productions of slavery; by encouraging planters to cultivate +their lands by the hands of free laborers; by educating our free colored +population, and placing them on an equality with ourselves; and by +constantly exhibiting the criminality of holding rational and immortal +beings in servile bondage. Thus, and thus only, shall we be able to +liberate our enslaved countrymen.</p> + +<p>3. Consider the inevitable consequence of these reiterated and malignant +statements, with regard to the habits and designs of the free people of +color.</p> + +<p>First, it deters a large number of masters from liberating their slaves, +and hence directly perpetuates the evils of slavery:<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[Pg 106]</a></span> it deters them for +two reasons—an unwillingness to augment the wretchedness of those who +are in servitude by turning them loose upon the country, and a dread of +increasing the number of their enemies. It creates and nourishes the +bitterest animosity against the free blacks. It has spread an alarm +among all classes of society, in all parts of the country; and, acting +under this fearful impulse, they begin to persecute, believing +self-preservation imperiously calls for this severe treatment. The +legislative enactment of Ohio, which not long since drove many of the +colored inhabitants of that State into Upper Canada, was the legitimate +fruit of the anathemas of the Colonization Society. A bill has been +reported in the same legislature for preventing free people of color +from participating in the benefit of the common school fund, in order to +hasten their expulsion from the State! Other States are multiplying +similar disabilities, and hanging heavier weights upon their free +colored population. The Legislature of Louisiana has enacted that +whosoever shall make use of language, in any public discourse, from the +bar, the bench, the pulpit, the stage, or in any other place whatsoever +shall make use of language, in any private discourses, or shall make use +of signs or actions having a tendency to produce discontent among the +colored population, shall suffer imprisonment at hard labor, not less +than three years, nor more than twenty-one years, or <span class="smcap">DEATH</span>, at the +discretion of the court!! It has also prohibited the instruction of the +blacks in Sabbath Schools—$500 penalty for the first offence—<span class="smcap">DEATH</span> for +the second!! The Legislature of Virginia has passed a bill which +subjects all free negroes who shall be convicted of remaining in the +commonwealth contrary to law, to the liability of <i>being sold by the +sheriff</i>. All meetings of free negroes, at any school-house or +meeting-house, for teaching them reading or writing, are declared an +unlawful assembly; and it is made the duty of any justice of the peace +to issue his warrant to enter the house where such unlawful assemblage +is held, for the purpose of apprehending or dispersing such free +negroes. A fine is to be imposed on every white person who instructs at +such meetings. All emancipated slaves, who shall remain more than twelve +months, contrary to law, shall revert to the executors as<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[Pg 107]</a></span> assets. Laws +have been passed in Georgia and North Carolina, imposing a heavy tax or +imprisonment on every free person of color who shall come into their +ports in the capacity of stewards, cooks, or seamen of any vessels +belonging to the non-slaveholding States. The Legislature of Tennessee +has passed an act forbidding free blacks from coming into the State to +remain more than twenty days. The penalty is a fine of from ten to fifty +dollars, and confinement in the penitentiary from one to two years. +Double the highest penalty is to be inflicted after the first offence. +The act also prohibits manumission, without an immediate removal from +the State. The last Legislature of Maryland passed a bill, by which no +free negro or mulatto is allowed to emigrate to, or settle in the State, +under the penalty of fifty dollars for every week's residence therein; +and if he refuse or neglect to pay such fine, he shall be committed to +jail and sold by the sheriff at public sale; and no person shall employ +or harbor him, under the penalty of twenty dollars for every day he +shall be so employed, hired or harbored! It is not lawful for any free +blacks to attend any meetings for religious purposes, unless conducted +by a <i>white</i> licensed or ordained preacher, or some respectable white +person duly authorised! All free colored persons residing in the State, +are compelled to register their names, ages, &c. &c.; and if any negro +or mulatto shall remove from the State, and remain without the limits +thereof for a space longer than thirty consecutive days, unless before +leaving the State he deposits with the clerk of the county in which he +resides, <i>a written statement of his object in doing so</i>, and his +intention of returning again, or unless he shall have been detained by +sickness or coercion, <i>of which he shall bring a certificate</i>, he shall +be regarded as a resident of another State, and be subject, if he +return, to the penalties imposed by the foregoing provisions upon free +negroes and mulattoes of another State, migrating to Maryland! It is not +lawful for any person or persons to purchase of any free negro or +mulatto any articles, unless he produce a certificate from a justice of +the peace, or three respectable persons residing in his neighborhood, +that he or they have reason to believe, and do believe, that such free +negro or mulatto came honestly and bona fide into possession of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[Pg 108]</a></span> any +such articles so offered for sale! A bill has been reported to the +Legislature of Pennsylvania, which enacts, that from and after a +specified time, no negro or mulatto shall be permitted to emigrate into +and settle in that State, without entering into bond in the penal sum of +<i>five hundred dollars</i>, conditioned for his good behavior. If he neglect +or refuse to comply with this requisition, such punishment shall be +inflicted upon him as is now directed in the case of vagrants. Free +colored residents are not to be allowed to migrate from one township or +county to another, without producing a certificate from the Clerk of the +Court of Quarter Sessions, or a Justice of the Peace, or an Alderman! +The passage of a similar law has been urged even upon the Legislature of +Massachusetts by a writer in the Salem Gazette!</p> + +<p>All these proscriptive measures, and others less conspicuous but equally +oppressive,—which are not only flagrant violations of the Constitution +of the United States, but in the highest degree disgraceful and +inhuman,—are resorted to, (to borrow the language of the Secretary in +his Fifteenth Annual Report,) 'for the more complete accomplishment of +the great objects of the American Colonization Society'!!</p> + +<p>I appeal to the candor and common sense of the reader, if this grievous +persecution be not justly chargeable to the Society? It is constantly +thundering in the ears of the slave States—'Your free blacks +contaminate your slaves, excite their deadliest hate, and are a source +of <i>horrid danger</i> to yourselves! They must be removed, or your +destruction is inevitable!' What is their response? Precisely such as +might be expected—'We know it; we dread the presence of this class; +their influence over our slaves weakens our power, and endangers our +safety; they must, <i>they shall</i> be expatriated, or be crushed to the +earth if they remain!' It says to the free States—'Your colored +population can never be rendered serviceable, intelligent or loyal; they +will only, and always, serve to increase your taxes, crowd your +poor-houses and penitentiaries, and corrupt and impoverish society!' +Again, what is the natural response?—'It is even so; they are offensive +to the eye, and a pest in community; theirs is now, and must inevitably +be,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[Pg 109]</a></span> without a reversal of the laws of nature, the lot of vagabonds; it +were useless to attempt their intellectual and moral improvement among +ourselves; and therefore be this their alternative—either to emigrate +to Liberia, or remain for ever a despicable caste in this country!'</p> + +<p>Hence the enactment of those sanguinary laws, to which reference has +been made: hence, too, the increasing disposition which is every where +seen to render the situation of the free blacks intolerable. Never was +it so pitiable and distressing—so full of peril and anxiety—so +burdened with misery, despondency and scorn; never were the prejudices +of society so virulent and implacable against them; never were their +prospects so dark, and dreary, and hopeless; never was the hand of power +so heavily laid upon their limbs; never were they so restricted in +regard to locomotion and the advantages of education, as at the present +time. Athwart their sky scarcely darts a single ray of light—above and +around them darkness reigns, and an angry tempest is mustering its +fearful strength, and 'thunders are uttering their voices.' Treachery is +seeking to decoy, and violence to expel them. For all this, and more +than this, and more that is to come, the American Colonization Society +is responsible. And no better evidence is needed than this: <span class="smcap">their +persecution, traducement and wretchedness increase in exact ratio with +the influence, popularity and extension of this Society</span>! The fact is +undeniable, and it is conclusive. For it is absurd to suppose, that as +the disposition and ability of an association to alleviate misery +increase, so will the degradation and suffering of the objects of its +charities.</p> + +<p>The assertion that the free blacks corrupt the morals of the slaves, is +too ludicrous to need a serious refutation. Corrupt the morals of those +who are recognized and treated as brutes, and who know as little of the +laws of God as of the laws of the land! Immaculate creatures! The system +of slavery is constantly developing new excellencies: it is, we now +perceive, the protector of virtue, the enemy of vice, and a purifier of +the soul!</p> + +<p>But something more indiscreet and preposterous than this, is advanced +for our admiration. We are gravely assured, first, by a New-England +clergyman, that, generally, the condition of the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[Pg 110]</a></span> free man of color 'is +one in comparison with which the condition of the slave is <i>enviable</i>;' +and, secondly, by the last distinguished convert to the Colonization +Society—the Hon. Mr. Archer of Virginia—'the condition of the slave is +<i>a thousand times</i> the best, [the disparity is wonderful!]—<i>supplied</i>, +<i>protected</i>, instead of <i>destitute</i> and <i>desolate</i>'!<a name="FNanchor_Q_18" id="FNanchor_Q_18"></a><a href="#Footnote_Q_18" class="fnanchor">[Q]</a> Let us draw a +brief comparison. The limbs of the free black are fetterless; he is +controlled by no brutal driver; he bleeds not under the lash; he is his +own master; his wife and children cannot be torn from his arms; he +enjoys the fruits of his own labor; he can improve his own mind, make +his own bargains, manage his own business, go from place to place, and +assert his own rights. The situation and privileges of the slave are +exactly the reverse. Reader, are they 'enviable'—'a thousand times the +best'—in comparison with those of the former? I do not mean to say that +there are no instances in which the slave fares as well as the free man +of color; but the argument of these apologists implies that a state of +slavery is superior to a state of freedom, or it is worthless.</p> + +<p>4. It appears, from the quotations that have been given, that the only +reason why the free blacks are not colonized in the 'far West,' or in +Canada, or Hayti, or Mexico, is, because their proximity to the slave +States might prove detrimental. If they could be sent to any or to all +these places, without any danger to ourselves, why then all objections +would cease. This confession places the hypocrisy of this Society in +bold relief. It pretends to be anxious to evangelize benighted Africa, +and stop the slave trade; but only assure it that the blacks may be +safely colonized nearer home, and Africa might still continue to grope +in darkness, and the slave trade to increase in enormity, and its bowels +of compassion would speedily cease to yearn!—Hence it is that the rapid +enlargement of the Wilberforce Settlement in Upper Canada so disturbs +the repose of the advocates of African colonization; and many of them +would rejoice at its overthrow.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_P_17" id="Footnote_P_17"></a><a href="#FNanchor_P_17"><span class="label">[P]</span></a> How very strange that the slave should 'regard as tyranny +and injustice the authority <ins id="mycorr7" class="mycorr" title="Original: which which"><a name="corr7" id="corr7"></a>which</ins> compels him to labor' without +recompense!!!</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_Q_18" id="Footnote_Q_18"></a><a href="#FNanchor_Q_18"><span class="label">[Q]</span></a> Paupers and criminals are supplied and <i>protected</i>. How +invidious to treat them so generously, and leave honest, hard-working +men exposed to destitution and abandonment! They ought to be sent to the +poor-house or penitentiary forthwith.</p></div> +</div> + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<div><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[Pg 111]</a></span></div> +<h2><a name="SECTION_VII" id="SECTION_VII"></a>SECTION VII.</h2> + +<h3>THE AMERICAN COLONIZATION SOCIETY AIMS AT THE UTTER EXPULSION OF THE +BLACKS.</h3> + + +<p><span class="smcap">The</span> implacable spirit of this Society is most apparent in its +determination not to cease from its labors, until our whole colored +population be expelled from the country. The following is the evidence +in confirmation of this charge:</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>'How came we by this population? By the prevalence for a century +of a guilty commerce. And will not the prevalence for a century +of a restoring commerce, place them on their own shores? Yes, +surely!'—[African Repository, vol. i. p. 347.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'For several years the subject of abolition of slavery has been +brought before you. I am decidedly opposed to the project +recommended. NO SCHEME OF ABOLITION WILL MEET MY SUPPORT, THAT +LEAVES THE EMANCIPATED BLACKS AMONG US. Experience has proved, +that they become a corrupt and degraded class, as burthensome to +themselves as they are hurtful to the rest of society. To permit +the blacks to remain amongst us, after their emancipation, would +be to aggravate and not to cure the evil.'—[Idem, vol. ii. pp. +188, 189.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'We would say, LIBERATE THEM ONLY ON CONDITION OF THEIR GOING TO +AFRICA OR TO HAYTI.'—[Idem, vol. iii. p. 26.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'<i>I am not complaining of the owners of slaves</i>; IT WOULD BE AS +HUMANE TO THROW THEM FROM THE DECKS IN THE MIDDLE PASSAGE, AS TO +SET THEM FREE IN OUR COUNTRY.' * * * 'The Colonization Society, +I undertake to show, presents such a scheme. Slaveholders have +given it their approbation; they will approve it, and they can +approve of no other. <i>Any scheme of emancipation without +colonization</i>, they know and see and feel to be productive of +nothing but evil; evil to all whom it affects: to the white +population, to the slaves, to the <i>manumitted themselves</i>.' * * +'Throughout the slaveholding States there is a strong objection, +even among the warmest friends of the African race, to slaves +being liberated and allowed to remain among us; and some States +have enacted laws against it. <i>The objection is, in our +individual opinion, well founded.</i>'—[Idem, vol. iv. pp. 226, +300, 340.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'In connexion with this subject, your memorialists beg leave to +mention, that by an act of the Virginia Legislature, passed in +1805, emancipated slaves forfeit their freedom by remaining for +a longer period than twelve months, within the limits of the +Commonwealth. This law, odious and unjust as it may at first +view appear, and hard as it may seem to bear upon the liberated +negro, was doubtless dictated by sound policy, and <i>its repeal +would be regarded by none with more unfeigned regret, than by +the friends of African Colonization</i>. It has restrained many +masters from giving freedom to their slaves, and has thereby +contributed to check the growth of an evil <i>already too great +and formidable</i>.' * * 'Under the influence of a policy, already +referred to, <i>and justified by the necessity from which it +sprung</i>, the laws of Virginia have prohibited emancipa<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[Pg 112]</a></span>tion +within the limits of the State, but on condition of the early +removal of the individual emancipated.' * * 'While hundreds, +perhaps we might say thousands, of the free colored people, are +seeking a passage to Liberia; hundreds who hold slaves, would +willingly set them at liberty, were the means of their removal +provided. And till those means are provided, the liberation of +the slave would neither be a blessing to himself, nor the +public. His liberty under any circumstances may be a debt due, +in the abstract, to the claims of human nature; but when applied +to him individually, it would be a calamity. We cannot conceive +of a more deplorable state of society, than what our +slaveholding states would present, with their black population +afloat, without a home, without the means of subsistence, and +without those self-relying habits, which might lead them to +obtain an independent livelihood. <i>It is not therefore incumbent +upon those who hold slaves, to set them at liberty, till some +means are provided for their removal, or at least for their +subsistence.</i> They owe it neither to themselves, to their +country, nor the unfortunate beings around them.' * * * 'Those +slaves still in my possession, I cannot conscientiously +emancipate, unless they shall be removed by the Society to +Liberia.'—[Idem, vol. v. pp. 20, 53, 89, 177.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'If the question were submitted, whether there should be either +immediate or gradual emancipation of all the slaves in the +United States, <i>without their removal or colonization</i>, painful +as it is to express the opinion, I HAVE NO DOUBT THAT IT WOULD +BE UNWISE TO EMANCIPATE THEM.' * * 'Is our posterity doomed to +endure forever not only all the ills flowing from the state of +slavery, but all which arise from incongruous elements of +population, separated from each other by invincible prejudices, +and by natural causes? Whatever may be the character of the +remedy proposed, we may confidently pronounce it inadequate, +unless it provides efficaciously for the <i>total</i> and <i>absolute</i> +separation, by an extensive space of water or of land, at least, +of the white portion of our population from that, which is free, +of the colored.' * * 'Who, if this promiscuous residence of +whites and blacks, of freemen and slaves, is forever to +continue, can imagine the servile wars, the carnage and the +crimes which will be its probable consequences, without +shuddering with horror?' * * 'Gentlemen of the highest +respectability from the South, assure us, that there is among +the owners of slaves a very extensive and increasing desire to +emancipate them. Their patriotism, their humanity, nay their +self-interest, prompt to this; but it is not expedient, it is +not safe to do it, <i>without being able to remove them</i>.' * * +'How important it is, as it respects our character abroad, that +we hasten to <i>clear our land of our black population</i>!'</p> + +<p>'Some benevolent minds in the overflowings of their +philanthropy, advocate amalgamation of the two classes, saying, +let the colored class be freed, and remain among us as denizens +of the Empire; surely all classes of mankind are alike descended +from the primitive parentage of Eden, then why not intermingle +in one common society as friends and brothers. <i>No, Sir, no.</i> I +hope to prove at no very distant day, that a Southron can make +sacrifices for the cause of Colonization beyond seas; but for a +Home Department in those matters, I repeat, <i>no, Sir, no</i>. What +right, I demand, have the children of Africa to an homestead in +the white man's country?'<a name="FNanchor_R_19" id="FNanchor_R_19"></a><a href="#Footnote_R_19" class="fnanchor">[R]</a></p> + +<p>'Let the regenerated African rise to Empire; nay, let Genius +flourish, and Philosophy shed its mild beams to enlighten and +instruct the posterity of Ham, returning "redeemed and +disenthralled," from their long captivity in the New World. But, +Sir, be all these benefits enjoyed by the African race under the +shade of their native palms. <i>Let the Atlantic billow heave its +high and</i><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[Pg 113]</a></span><i> everlasting barrier between their country and ours.</i> +Let this fair land, which the white man won by his chivalry, +which he has adorned by the arts and elegancies of polished +life, be kept sacred for his descendants, untarnished by the +footprint of him who hath ever been a slave.'—[Idem, vol. vi. +pp. 5, 12, 23, 110, 364, 371, 372.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'The idea of emancipating our slaves, and <i>permitting them to +remain within the limits of the U. S.</i> whether as a measure of +humanity or of policy, is most decisively reprobated by +universal public sentiment.... Does any man in his senses desire +this population to remain among us? If the whole community could +reply, IT WOULD RESPOND IN ONE UNIVERSAL NEGATIVE.'—[Idem, vol. +vii. pp. 230, 231.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'In reflecting on the utility of a plan for colonizing the free +people of color, with whom our country abounds, it is natural +that we should be first struck by its tendency to confer a +benefit on ourselves, <i>by ridding us of a population</i> for the +most part idle and useless, and too often vicious and +mischievous.... All emancipation, to however small an extent, +<i>which permits the persons emancipated to remain in this +country</i>, is an evil, which must increase with the increase of +the operation, and would become altogether intolerable, if +extended to the whole, or even to a very large part, of the +black population. I am therefore strongly opposed to +emancipation, in every shape and degree, <i>unless accompanied by +colonization</i>.'—[First Annual Report.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'They will annex the condition that the emancipated SHALL LEAVE +THE COUNTRY.'—[Second Annual Report.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'They require that the <i>whole mass</i> of free persons of color, +and those who may become such with the consent of their owners, +<i>should be progressively removed</i> from among us, as fast as +their own consent can be obtained, and as the means can be found +for their removal and for their proper establishment in Africa. +Nothing short of this progressive but complete removal can +accomplish the great objects of this measure, in relation to the +security, prosperity, and happiness of the United +States.'—[Seventh Annual Report.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'Is it either safe or prudent to retain amongst us a large +population, on whom we can place no reliance, but from the +control which the laws exercise over it? Can this class be +animated by any feelings of patriotism towards a country by +which they feel themselves oppressed?'—[Ninth Annual Report.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'Colonization, to be correct, must be beyond seas.—Emancipation, +<i>with the liberty to remain on this side of the Atlantic</i>, IS +BUT AN ACT OF DREAMY MADNESS!'—[Thirteenth Annual Report.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'Has our country the resources demanded for the accomplishment +of an object of such magnitude? The transportation of more than +two millions of souls to a remote country is indeed an object of +formidable aspect. It obviously cannot be accomplished at once. +But that the number can be gradually diminished, <i>till utterly +extinguished</i>, may be made to appear, it is believed, from a +little arithmetical calculation....' 'It has been said that the +entire shipping of the country, both public and private, would +hardly be competent for an object of this magnitude. But careful +calculation has proved, that one eighteenth of the mercantile +shipping alone, entirely devoted to the enterprise, is competent +to carry it into complete consummation. And why might not our +brilliant and growing <i>navy</i> aid to some extent the humane and +patriotic cause? If necessary, why might not <i>the marine of +other lands</i> be chartered? Strange indeed it is if shipping +enough could be found half a century ago to reduce hundreds of +thousands of this race in a single year to a wretched vassalage, +and in this age of aug<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[Pg 114]</a></span>mented light, and wealth, and improvement +in every art, enough cannot be found for the single benevolent +object before us!'—[Rev. Baxter Dickinson's Sermon delivered in +Springfield in 1829.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'How much soever we may regret that so little is done for the +intellectual and moral improvement of the free colored +population, as the surest preventive against crime, still we +must acknowledge it is in vain to attempt raising their +character to a level with that of the other inhabitants. They +must find an asylum beyond the influence of the white +population, or the majority of them will <i>ever be found unworthy +of the boon of freedom</i>. There must be that asylum for them, or +we despair of ever being able to improve materially their +condition, or to eradicate slavery from our soil, and thus +prevent the awful catastrophe which threatens our republic. They +must be furnished with facilities to leave this country and +establish themselves in a community of their own.'—'I have +alluded to the difficulties which are presented to the minds of +benevolent and conscientious slaveholders, wishing to manumit +their slaves. From what has been said, it is evident that unless +some drain is opened to convey out of the country the +emancipated, the laws which relate to emancipation, must +continue in force with all their rigor. Without this drain, we +can hope for no repeal, or relaxation of those laws where the +slaves are very numerous. The mass of slaveholders can never let +go their hold on their slaves, and suffer them, ignorant, +vicious and treacherous, to roam at large. If no drain is +opened, necessity will compel them, as their slaves increase, +and consequently the danger, to add statute to statute in regard +to their slaves, until it be found necessary to arm one part of +the population to control the other. I may add, that as bitter +an enemy as I am to slavery, I cannot greatly desire that these +laws should be relaxed—that slavery should be abolished, +<i>unless its unfortunate and degraded subjects can be removed +from the country</i>. If this is not effected, whatever may be our +views and wishes on this subject, I am confident that +slaveholders will justify themselves in resorting to almost any +measures to keep their slaves in entire subjection.'—[An +advocate of the Society in the Middletown (Ct.) Gazette.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'To talk of emancipating the slave population of these States +without providing them with an asylum, is truly idle. The free +blacks already scattered through the country, are a dangerously +burthensome order of people. They cannot amalgamate with the +population—the ordinances of nature are against it. They must, +in the main, be a degraded order, hanging loosely upon +society.'—[Idem.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'The slaves <i>are</i> in their possession—they are entailed upon +them by their ancestors. And can they set them free, <i>and still +suffer them to remain in the country</i>? Would this be +policy?—Would it be safe? NO. When they can be transported to +the soil from whence they were derived—by the aid of the +Colonization Society, by government, by individuals, or by any +other means—then let them be emancipated, and not +before.'—[Lowell (Mass.) Telegraph.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'Avarice and iniquity have torn from that injured continent, +within thirty years, no less than 1,500,000 slaves; and cannot +humanity, religion, and justice, restore an equal number in the +same time? If we desire to accomplish this work, it is plain +that we can do it, and that too with a sum contemptible when +compared with the magnitude of the evil.'—[Address of Gabriel +P. Disosway.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'We thank God that the ultimate accomplishment of the great +scheme of colonization is now placed beyond a doubt, in +Maryland; and that the day is not even distant when <i>the whole +of our colored population</i> will have transferred themselves, by +our assistance, from slavery or degradation here, to peace, and +plenty, and power, and prosperity, and liberty, and +independence, in a land which Providence originally gave +them.'—[Baltimore Gazette.]<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[Pg 115]</a></span></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'It tends, and may powerfully tend, to rid us gradually and +entirely, in the United States, of slaves and slavery: a great +moral and political evil, of increasing virulence and extent, +from which much mischief is now felt, and very great calamity in +future is justly apprehended.'—[First Annual Report.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'What can be done to mitigate or prevent the existing and +apprehended evils, resulting from our black population? +EMANCIPATION, WITHOUT REMOVAL FROM THE COUNTRY, IS OUT OF THE +QUESTION.' * * 'As long as our present feelings and prejudices +exist, the abolition of slavery cannot be accomplished without +the removal of the blacks—THEY CANNOT BE EMANCIPATED AS A +PEOPLE, AND REMAIN AMONG US.'—[Second Annual Report of the +New-York State Col. Soc.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'It would gladly, however, grasp at a still grander object—that +of restoring to the land of their fathers the whole colored race +within our borders. Nor probably will it be satisfied to rest +from its labors, till this object, in all its magnitude, is +accomplished.'—[Rev. Baxter Dickinson's Sermon.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'It must appear evident to all, that every endeavor to divert +the attention of the community, or even a portion of the means, +which the present crisis to imperatively calls for, from the +Colonization Society, to measures calculated to bind the colored +population to this country and seeking to raise them (<i>an +impossibility</i>) to a level with the whites, whether by founding +colleges or in any other way, tends directly in the proportion +that it succeeds, to counteract and thwart the whole plan of +colonization. Although none would rejoice more than myself to +see this unhappy race elevated to the highest scale of human +being, it has always seemed to me that this country was not the +theatre for such a change. Far happier they, far happier we, had +they never touched our soil, or breathed our air. As it is, to +attain solid happiness and permanent respectability, they should +now remove to a more congenial clime.'—[New Haven Religious +Intelligencer for July, 1831.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'The recent murderous movements of the people of color in some +of the southern States, evinces the dreadful consequences of +slavery, and the absolute necessity of colonizing all free +blacks immediately, and of manumitting and colonizing slaves as +fast as circumstances will justify the measure. We believe, and +have for many years, that this is the only course, which will +ensure prosperity and safety to our southern +brethren.'—[New-Hampshire Observer.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'The removal annually of one hundred thousand, it may be safely +calculated, would sink the parent stock forty thousand in each +year, and this in thirty years would reduce the blacks of the +Union to a very small number—perhaps not one would +remain.'—[National (Ohio) Historian.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'We will demonstrate, that the conveyance of the present annual +increase would, in less than thirty years, remove the whole to +Africa. Let all, for instance, born in any single year, say of +the age of twenty, be removed to Africa; and in each succeeding +year, let all of that age be removed in the same manner.—Then, +admitting, what is far too much to admit, that a generation +lasts fifty years, on an average, the generation on the stage +when the process commenced, would have become extinct at the end +of thirty years, and all their increase or offspring would have +been removed to Africa. Thirty years would, even in this way, +clear them entirely from this country.—But there are two +circumstances which would, in fact, make the time much shorter.</p> + +<p>'1. It is known that a generation lasts but a little more than +thirty years. The generation, then, on the stage at the +commencement of the process, would virtually be extinct in a +little more than ten years. 2. By the removal of the most +prolific part, the annual increase would itself be diminished +more than a thirtieth part, in each successive year; that is, it +would be diminished in an arithmetical<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[Pg 116]</a></span> ratio, so that it would +be reduced to nothing before the arrival of the thirtieth +year.'—[American Spectator.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'It is "a consummation devoutly to be wished," that we should +get clear of the free people of color now, and as they are +successively liberated, as well on their own account as ours; +and I trust and hope, we shall both have the pleasure to see a +moral certainty of the removal of all these poor people back to +the same country from which their ancestors were +taken.'—[African Repository, vol. iii. p. 311.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'Neither do we consider liberty worth their acceptance, <i>unless +they can be sent out of the country</i>. There is no doubt that a +large proportion of the slaves enjoy life quite as well as those +who are free.'—[Oxford (Me.) Observer.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'It is estimated that there are 2,350,680 blacks in the United +States, 339,360 of whom are free denizens of this republic. The +object of this Society is <span class="smcap">the removal of these to +Africa</span>.'—[New-York Standard.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'We hope to make it for the interest of the owners, in some way, +to part with their slaves;—not to be let loose among our white +population, but to be carried back to the land of their +fathers.'—[N. Y. Journal of Commerce.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'If they are to be placed above their present degraded +condition, they must be removed to a country where they can rise +as high as any man—be eligible to any office—then you will see +them rise with the rapidity of the tide.'—[Southern Religious +Telegraph.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'God has put a mark upon the black man.' ... 'The God of Nature +intended they should be a <i>distinct</i>, free and independent +community.'—[New-Haven Palladium.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'We do not ask that the provisions of our Constitution and +statute book should be so modified as to relieve and exalt the +condition of the colored people, <i>whilst they remain with us</i>. +LET THESE PROVISIONS STAND IN ALL THEIR RIGOR, to work out the +ultimate and unbounded good of this people. Persuaded that their +condition here is not susceptible of a radical and permanent +improvement, <span class="smcap">WE WOULD DEPRECATE ANY LEGISLATION THAT SHOULD +ENCOURAGE THE VAIN AND INJURIOUS HOPE OF IT</span>.'—[Memorial of the +New-York State Colonization Society.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'Let the wise and good among us unite in removing the blacks +from the country. Would it not be expedient for the properly +constituted authorities to prevent the manumission of slaves in +every case, unless provision is made, at the same time, to +secure their removal from the country?'—[Alexandria Gazette.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'We should be in favor of the abolition of slavery, if its +abolishment could be effected with safety, and the colored +population sent back to Africa; but merely to have them obtain +freedom and let loose upon society, would be the greatest curse +that could befal <i>them</i> or <i>community</i>.'—[Essex Chronicle and +County Republican.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'THE ABOLITION OF SLAVERY WAS NO OBJECT OF DESIRE TO HIM, UNLESS +ACCOMPANIED BY COLONIZATION. So far was he from desiring it, +unaccompanied by this condition, that HE WOULD NOT LIVE IN A +COUNTRY WHERE THE ONE TOOK PLACE WITHOUT THE OTHER'!!!—[Mr +Mercer's Speech in Congress.]</p></div> + +<p>In order to wipe off the reproach due to this violent expulsion, it was +necessary, on the part of the Society, to find some<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[Pg 117]</a></span> pretext that would +not only seem to justify but confer credit on the measure. Accordingly, +it agreed to represent the colored inhabitants of the United States as +aliens and foreigners, who, cast upon our shores by a cruel fatality, +were sighing to return to their native land. 'Poor unfortunate +exiles!'—how touching the appeal, how powerful the motive to assist, +how likely to excite the compassion of the nation! Ah! what an air of +disinterested benevolence, of generous compassion, of national +attachment, must such an enterprise wear in the eyes of the world! Who +that loved his own country, and deprecated an eternal absence from it, +could refuse to help in restoring the unfortunate Africans to their +long-estranged home? Such was, and is, and is likely to be, the artifice +resorted to, in order to cover a base conspiracy, and give popularity to +one of the wildest and most disgraceful crusades the world has ever +witnessed. Let the following evidence suffice:</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>'At no very distant period, we should see all the free colored +people in our land transferred to <i>their own country</i>.' * * 'Let +us send them back to <i>their native land</i>.' * * 'By returning +them to <i>their own ancient land</i> of Africa, improved in +knowledge and in civilization, we repay the debt which has so +long been due them.'—[African Repository, vol. i. pp. 65, 146, +176.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'And though we may not live to see the day when the sons of +Africa shall have returned to <i>their native soil</i>,' &c. * * 'To +found in Africa an empire of christians and republicans; to +reconduct the blacks to <i>their native land</i>,' &c.—[Idem, pp. +13, 375.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'Who would not rejoice to see our country liberated from her +black population? Who would not participate in any efforts to +restore those children of misfortune to <i>their native shores</i>?' +* * 'The colored population of this country can never rise to +respectability here; in <i>their native soil</i> they can.' * * 'The +only remedy afforded is, to colonize them in <i>their mother +country</i>.' * * 'They would go to that <i>home</i> from which they +have been long absent.' * * 'Shall we ... retain and foster the +<i>alien enemies</i>?'—[Idem, 88, 179, 185, 237.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'Be all these benefits enjoyed by the African race under the +shade of their native palms.'—[Idem, vol. vi. p. 372.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'We have a numerous people, who, though they are among us, <i>are +not of us</i>.'—[Second Annual Report of the N. Y. State Col. +Soc.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'Among us is a growing population of <i>strangers</i>.' * * 'It will +furnish the means of granting to <i>every African exile</i> among us +a happy home in the land of his fathers.'—[Rev. Baxter +Dickinson's Sermon.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'Africa is indeed inviting her long exiled children to return to +her bosom.'—[Circular of Rev. Mr Gurley.]</p></div> + +<p>Nothing could be more invidious or absurd than the foregoing +representation. The great mass of our colored popula<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[Pg 118]</a></span>tion were born in +this country. This is their native soil; here they first saw the light +of heaven, and inhaled the breath of life; here they have grown from +infancy to manhood and old age; from these shores they have never +wandered; they are the descendants of those who were forcibly torn from +Africa two centuries ago; their fathers assisted in breaking the yoke of +British oppression, and achieving that liberty which we prize above all +price; and they cherish the strongest attachment to the land of their +birth. Now, as they could not have been born in two countries, and as +they were certainly born here, it follows that Africa is not their +native home, and, consequently, that the Society has dealt in romance, +or something more culpable, in representing them as strangers and +aliens. It might as rationally charge them with being natives of Asia or +Europe, or with having descended from the regions of the moon. To see +ourselves gravely represented in a British periodical as natives of +Great Britain, I doubt not would create great merriment; and a scheme +for our transportation would add vastly to our sport.</p> + +<p>'But,' we are told, 'God has put a mark upon the black man.' True; and +he has also put a mark upon every man, woman and child, in the world; so +that every one differs in appearance from another—is easily +identified—and, to make the objection valid, should occupy a <i>distinct</i> +portion of territory, be himself a nation, enact his own laws, and live +in perpetual solitude! The difference between a black and a white skin +is not greater than that between a white and a black one. In either +case, the mark is distinctive; and the blacks may as reasonably expel +the whites, as the whites the blacks. To make such a separation we have +no authority; to attempt it, would end only in disappointment; and, if +it were carried into effect, those who are clamorous for the measure +would be among the first to be cast out. The all-wise Creator, having +'made of <i>one blood</i> all nations of men to dwell on all the face of the +earth,' it is proper for them to associate freely together; and he is a +proud worm of the dust who is ashamed to acknowledge this common +relationship.</p> + +<p>Again we are told: 'The God of Nature intended the blacks should be a +<i>distinct</i> community.' But has he been frustrated in<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[Pg 119]</a></span> his intentions? +Where is the proof of such purpose? Let us have something more than the +<i>ipse dixit</i> of the Society. Yes, we are seriously assured that Nature +has played falsely! Colored persons were born by mistake in this +country: they should have been born in Africa! We must therefore rectify +the error, with all despatch, by transporting them to their <i>native +soil</i>! Truly, a most formidable enterprise! There occur at least sixty +thousand of such <i>mistakes</i>, annually; while the Society has corrected +only about two thousand in fourteen years! But—courage! men engaged in +a laudable enterprise should never despair!</p> + +<p>There are some difficulties, however, in the accomplishment of this +mighty task, which cannot be easily overcome. Granting the position +assumed by colonizationists, that the <i>blacks</i> and the <i>whites</i> should +occupy different countries, how do they intend to dispose of that +numerous and rapidly increasing class who are neither white nor black, +called mulattoes? We have not been informed to what country they belong; +but the point ought to be settled before any classification be made. +Colonizationists must define, moreover, the exact shade of color which +is to retain or banish individuals; for every candid mind will admit, +that it would be as unnatural to send <i>white</i> blood to Africa, as to +keep <i>black</i> blood in America. 'If the color of the skin is to give +construction to our constitution and laws, let us, at once, begin the +work of excision. Let us raise an army of pure whites, if such an army +can be found; and let us drive out and transport to foreign climes, men, +women and children, who cannot bring the most satisfactory vouchers, +that their veins are flowing with the purest English blood. Indeed, let +us shut up our ports against our own mariners, who are returning from an +India voyage, and whose cheeks and muscles could not wholly withstand +the influence of the breezes and tropics to which they were exposed. Let +us make every shade of complexion, every difference of stature, and +every contraction of a muscle, a Shibboleth, to detect and cut off a +brother Ephraimite, at the fords of Jordan. Though such a crusade would +turn every man's sword against his fellow; yet, it might establish the +right of precedence to different features, statures and colors, and +oblige<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[Pg 120]</a></span> some friends of colonization to test the feasibility and equity +of their own scheme.'</p> + +<p>If I must become a colonizationist, I insist upon being consistent: +there must be no disagreement between my creed and practice. I must be +able to give a reason why all our tall citizens should not conspire to +remove their more diminutive brethren, and all the corpulent to remove +the lean and lank, and all the strong to remove the weak, and all the +educated to remove the ignorant, and all the rich to remove the poor, as +readily as for the removal of those whose skin is 'not colored like my +own;' for Nature has sinned as culpably in diversifying the size as the +complexion of her progeny, and Fortune in the distribution of her gifts +has been equally fickle. I cannot perceive that I am more excusable in +desiring the banishment of my neighbor because his skin is darker than +mine, than I should be in desiring his banishment because he is a +smaller or feebler man than myself. Surely it would be sinful for a +black man to repine and murmur, and impeach the wisdom and goodness of +God, because he was made with a sable complexion; and dare I be guilty +of such an impeachment, by persecuting him on account of his color? I +dare not: I would as soon deny the existence of my Creator, as quarrel +with the workmanship of his hands. I rejoice that he has made one star +to differ from another star in glory; that he has not given to the sun +the softness and gentleness of the moon, nor to the moon the intensity +and magnificence of the sun; that he presents to the eye every +conceivable shape, and aspect, and color, in the gorgeous and +multifarious productions of Nature; and I do not rejoice less, but +admire and exalt him more, that, notwithstanding he has made of one +blood the whole family of man, he has made the whole family of man to +differ in personal appearance, habits and pursuits.</p> + +<p>I protest against sending any to Africa, in whose blood there is any +mixture of our own; for, I repeat it, white blood in Africa would be as +repugnant to Nature, as black blood is in this country. Now; most +unfortunately for colonizationists, the spirit of amalgamation has been +so active for a long series of years,—especially in the slave +States,—that there are comparatively<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[Pg 121]</a></span> few, besides those who are +annually smuggled into the south from Africa, whose blood is not tainted +with a foreign ingredient. Here, then, is a difficulty! What shall be +done? All black blood <i>must</i> be sent to Africa; but how to collect it is +the question. What shall be done! Why, we must resort to <i>phlebotomy</i>!</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">'Therefore, prepare thee to cut off the flesh.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">———————— nor cut thou less nor more,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But just a pound of flesh: if thou tak'st more,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Or less, than just a pound,—be it but so much<br /></span> +<span class="i0">As makes it light, or heavy, in the substance,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Or the division of the twentieth part<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Of one poor scruple; nay, if the scale do turn<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But in the estimation of a hair,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thou diest, and all thy goods are confiscate!'<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p>The colonization crusade cannot now fail of being popular. Phlebotomy +being agreed to as a <i>dernier resort</i>, I shall briefly enumerate some of +the various professions and classes which may expect to derive no +inconsiderable gain from its execution; for as our government, in +conjunction with benevolent associations, is to appropriate millions of +dollars to accomplish this object, the pay will be sure and liberal.</p> + +<p>In the first place, there will be more than a million patients, for +whose accommodation hospitals must be erected. These hospitals will +employ brick-makers, masons, carpenters, painters, glaziers, &c. &c. +&c.; of course, the approval of a large body of mechanics is readily +secured.</p> + +<p>Physicians will next obtain an extensive practice. Their patients, in +consequence of a free application of the lancet, must necessarily be +debilitated, and can be kept 'quite low' until a long score of charges +be run up against the government.</p> + +<p>Among so many patients and so much unavoidable sickness, druggists and +apothecaries will obtain a profitable sale for their medicines. Nurses +will be next in demand, who may expect high wages. Even the lowly +washers of soiled clothes will find the life-blood of the victims +'coined into drachms' for their reward. It is highly probable that many +of the patients may die under the expurgatory process, and hence sextons +and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[Pg 122]</a></span> coffin-makers may calculate upon good times. With death come +mourning and lamentation, and 'weeds of wo.' Dealers in crape will +doubtless secure a handsome patronage. Lawyers may hope to profit by the +demise of those who possess property. Indeed, almost every class in +community must, to a greater or less extent, feel the beneficial effects +of this philanthropic but novel experiment. The blood, taken from the +veins of the blacks, may be transfused into our own, and the general +pulse acquire new vigor.</p> + +<p>Supposing a majority of the patients should recover, three other classes +will thrive by their expulsion—namely, ship-builders, merchants and +seamen. As our vessels are all occupied in profitable pursuits, new ones +must be built—freights will rise—and the wages of seamen be +proportionably enhanced.—But a truce to irony.</p> + +<p>The American Colonization Society, in making the banishment of the +slaves the condition of their emancipation, inflicts upon them an +aggravated wrong, perpetuates their thraldom, and disregards the claims +of everlasting and immutable justice. The language of its most +distinguished supporters is, 'Emancipation, with the liberty to remain +on this side of the Atlantic, is but an act of dreamy +madness'—'Emancipation, without removal from the country, is out of the +question'—'All emancipation, to however small an extent, which permits +the person emancipated to remain in this country, is an evil'—'They +cannot be emancipated as a people, and remain among us.' Thus the +restoration of an inalienable right, and an abandonment of robbery and +oppression, are made to depend upon the practicability of transporting +more than one sixth portion of our whole population to a far distant and +barbarous land! It is impossible to imagine a more cruel, heaven-daring +and God-dishonoring scheme. It exhibits a deliberate and perverse +disregard of every moral obligation, and bids defiance to the +requisitions of the gospel.</p> + +<p>Listen to the avowal of Mr Mercer of Virginia, one of the main pillars +and most highly extolled supporters of the Society: 'The abolition of +slavery was no object of desire to him, unless accompanied by +colonization. So far was he from de<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[Pg 123]</a></span>siring it, unaccompanied by this +condition, that <i>he would not live in a country where the one took place +without the other</i>'! This language may be correctly rendered thus: 'I +desire to see two millions of human beings plundered of their rights, +and subjected to every species of wrong and outrage, <i>ad infinitum</i>, if +they cannot be driven out of the country. I am perfectly willing to live +with them while they are treated worse than cattle,—ignorant, vicious, +and wretched,—and while they are held under laws which forbid their +instruction; and not only am I willing thus to live, but I am determined +to practise the same oppression. But, if they should be emancipated with +liberty to remain here, and placed in a situation favorable to their +moral and intellectual improvement—a situation in which they could be +no longer bought and sold, lacerated and manacled, defrauded and +oppressed—I would abandon my native land, and never return to her +shores.' And this is the language of a <i>philanthropist</i>! and this the +moral principle of the boasted champion of the American Colonization +Society! Whose indignation does not kindle, whose astonishment is not +profound, whose disgust is not excited, in view of these sentiments?</p> + +<p>But this is not the acme of colonization insanity. The assertion is made +by a highly respectable partisan, and endorsed by the organ of the +Society, that '<i>it would be as humane to throw the slaves from the decks +in the middle passage</i>, [i. e. into the ocean,] <i>as to set them free in +our country</i>'!!! And even Henry Clay, who is an oracle in the cause, has +had the boldness to declare, that the slaves should be held in +everlasting servitude if they cannot be colonized in Africa!! And this +sentiment is echoed by another, who says, 'Liberate them only on +condition of their going to Africa or Hayti'!</p> + +<p>I will not even seem to undervalue the good sense and quick perception +of the candid and intelligent reader, by any farther endeavors to +illustrate the sacrifice of principle and inhumanity of purpose which +are contained in the extracts under the present section. With so strong +an array of evidence before him, no one, who is not mentally blind or +governed by prejudice, can fail to rise from its perusal with amazement +and abhorrence, and a determination to assist in overthrowing a +combination which is<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[Pg 124]</a></span> based upon the rotten foundation of expediency and +violence.</p> + +<p>The Colonization Society expressly denies the right of the slaves to +enjoy freedom and happiness in this country; and this denial +incontestibly tends to rivet their fetters more firmly, or make them the +victims of a relentless persecution.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_R_19" id="Footnote_R_19"></a><a href="#FNanchor_R_19"><span class="label">[R]</span></a> What right have we to an homestead in the red man's +country? Let us return to the land of our fathers, and leave this soil +untarnished by the footprint of him who hath a white skin! What right +have the hosts of foreign emigrants, who are flocking to our shores, to +an homestead among ourselves?</p></div> +</div> + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="SECTION_VIII" id="SECTION_VIII"></a>SECTION VIII.</h2> + +<h3>THE AMERICAN COLONIZATION SOCIETY IS THE DISPARAGER OF THE FREE BLACKS.</h3> + + +<p><span class="smcap">The</span> leaders in the African colonization crusade seem to dwell with a +malignant satisfaction upon the poverty and degradation of the free +people of color, and are careful never to let an opportunity pass +without heaping their abuse and contempt upon them. It is a common +device of theirs to contrast the condition of the slaves with that of +this class, and invariably to strike the balance heavily in favor of the +former! In this manner, thousands are led to look upon slavery as a +benevolent system, and to deprecate the manumission of its victims. +Nothing but a love of falsehood, or an utter disregard of facts, could +embolden these calumniators to deal so extensively in fiction. What! the +slaves more happy, more moral, more industrious, more orderly, more +comfortable, more exalted, than the free blacks! A more enormous +exaggeration, a more heinous libel, a wider departure from truth, was +never fabricated, or uttered, or known. The slaves, as a body, are in +the lowest state of degradation; they possess no property; they cannot +read; they are as ignorant, as their masters are reckless, of moral +obligation; they have no motive for exertion; they are thieves from +necessity and usage; their bodies are cruelly lacerated by the +cart-whip; and they are disposable property. And yet these poor +miserable, perishing, mutilated creatures are placed above our free +colored population in dignity, in enjoyment, in privilege, in +usefulness, in respectability!!<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[Pg 125]</a></span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>'There is a class, however, more numerous than all these, +introduced amongst us by violence, notoriously ignorant, +degraded and miserable, mentally diseased, broken-spirited, +<i>acted upon by no motives to honorable exertions</i>, SCARCELY +REACHED IN THEIR DEBASEMENT BY THE HEAVENLY LIGHT; yet where is +the sympathy and effort which a view of their condition ought to +excite? They wander unsettled and unbefriended through our land, +or sit indolent, abject and sorrowful, by the "streams which +witness their captivity." Their freedom is <i>licentiousness</i>, and +to many RESTRAINT <span class="smcap">WOULD PROVE A BLESSING</span>. To this remark there +are exceptions; exceptions proving that to change their state +would be to elevate their character; that virtue and enterprise +are absent, only, because absent are the causes which create the +one, and the motives which produce the other.'—[African +Repository, vol. i. p. 68.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'Free blacks are a greater nuisance than even slaves +themselves.' * * * 'They knew that where slavery had been +abolished it had operated to the advantage of the masters, not +of the slaves: they saw this fact most strikingly illustrated in +the case of the free negroes of Boston. If, on the anniversary +celebrated by the free people of color, of the day on which +slavery was abolished, they looked abroad, what did they see? +Not freemen, in the enjoyment of every attribute of freedom, +with the stamp of liberty upon their brows! No, Sir; they saw a +ragged set, crying out liberty! for whom liberty had nothing to +bestow, and whose enjoyment of it was but in name. He spoke of +the great body of the blacks; there were some few honorable +exceptions, he knew, which only proved what might be done for +all.'—[African Repository, vol. ii. p. 328.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'Although there are individual exceptions distinguished by high +moral and intellectual worth, yet the free blacks in our country +are, as a body, more vicious and degraded than any other which +our population embraces.' * * * 'If, then, they are a useless +and dangerous species of population, we would ask, is it +generous in our southern friends to burthen us with them? +Knowing themselves the evils of slavery, can they wish to impose +upon us an evil scarcely less tolerable? We think it a mistaken +philanthropy, which would liberate the slave, unfitted by +education and habit for freedom, and cast him upon a merciless +and despising world, where his only fortune must be poverty, his +only distinction degradation, and his only comfort +insensibility.' * * * 'I will look no farther when I seek for +the <i>most degraded, the most abandoned race on the earth</i>, but +rest my eyes on this people. What but sorrow can we feel at the +<i>misguided piety</i> which has set free so many of them by +death-bed devise or sudden conviction of injustice? Better, far +better, for us, had they been kept in bondage, where the +opportunity, the inducements, the necessity of vice would not +have been so great. Deplorable necessity, indeed, to one borne +down with the consciousness of the violence we have done. Yet I +am clear that, whether we consider it with reference to the +welfare of the State, or the happiness of the blacks, it were +better to have left them in chains, than to have liberated them +to receive such freedom as they enjoy, and greater freedom <i>we +cannot, must not</i> allow them.' * * 'There is not a State in the +Union not at this moment groaning under the evil of this class +of persons, a curse and a contagion whereever they reside.' + * * 'The increase of a free black population among us has been +regarded as a greater evil than the increase of +slaves.'—[African Repository, vol. iii. pp. 24, 25, 197, 203, +374.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'Mr. Mercer adverted to the situation of his native State, and +the condition of the free black population existing there, whom +he described as a horde of miserable people—the objects of +universal suspicion; <i>subsisting by plunder</i>.'—[Idem, vol. iv. +p. 363.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'They leave a country in which though born and reared, they are +strangers and aliens; where <i>severe necessity</i> places them in a +class of degraded beings; where they are free without the +blessings and privileges of liberty; where in<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[Pg 126]</a></span> ceasing to be +slaves of one, they have become subservient to many; where, +neither freemen nor slaves, but placed in an anomalous grade +which they do not understand and others disregard; where no kind +instructer, no hope of preferment, no honorable emulation +prompts them to virtue or deters from vice; their industry +waste, not accumulation; their regular vocation, any thing or +nothing as it may happen; their greater security, sufferance; +their highest reward, forgiveness; vicious themselves and the +cause of vice in others; discontented and exciting discontent; +scorned by one class and <i>foolishly envied by another</i>; thus, +and <span class="smcap">WORSE CIRCUMSTANCED</span>, they, cannot but choose to +move.'—[Idem, vol. v. p. 238.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'Of all the descriptions of our population, <i>and of either +portion of the African race</i>, the free people of color are, by +far, as a class, the <span class="smcap">MOST CORRUPT, DEPRAVED, AND ABANDONED</span>. The +laws, it is true, proclaim them free; but prejudices, more +powerful than any laws, deny them the privileges of freemen. +They occupy a middle station between the free white population +and the slaves of the United States, and the tendency of their +habits is to corrupt both.' * * * 'That the free colored +population of our country is a great and constantly increasing +evil must be readily acknowledged. Averse to labor, with no +incentives to industry or motives to self-respect, they maintain +a precarious existence by petty thefts and plunder, themselves, +or by inciting our domestics, not free, to rob their owners to +supply their wants.' * * * 'If there is in the whole world, a +more wretched class of human beings than the free people of +color in this country, I do not know where they are to be found. +They have no home, no country, no kindred, no friends. They are +lazy and indolent, because they have no motives to prompt them +to be industrious. They are in general destitute of principle, +because they have nothing to stimulate them to honorable and +praise-worthy conduct. Let them be maltreated ever so much, the +law gives them no redress unless some white person happens to be +present, to be a witness in the case. If they acquire property, +they hold it by the courtesy of every vagabond in the country; +and sooner or later, are sure to have it filched from +them.'—[Idem, vol. vi. pp. 12, 135, 228.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'The existence, within the very bosom of our country, of an +anomalous race of beings, <span class="smcap">THE MOST DEBASED UPON EARTH</span>, who +neither enjoy the blessings of freedom, nor are yet in the bonds +of slavery, is a great national evil, which every friend of his +country most deeply deplores.... Tax your utmost powers of +imagination, and you cannot conceive one motive to honorable +effort, which can animate the bosom, or give impulse to the +conduct of a free black in this country. Let him toil from youth +to age in the honorable pursuit of wisdom—let him store his +mind with the most valuable researches of science and +literature—and let him add to a highly gifted and cultivated +intellect, a piety pure, undefiled, and "unspotted from the +world"—it is all nothing: he would not be received into the +very lowest walks of society. If we were constrained to admire +so uncommon a being, our very admiration would mingle with +disgust, because, in the physical organization of his frame, we +meet an insurmountable barrier, even to an approach to social +intercourse, and in the Egyptian color, which nature has stamped +upon his features, a principle of repulsion so strong as to +forbid the idea of a communion either of interest or of feeling, +as utterly abhorrent. Whether these feelings are founded in +reason or not, we will not now inquire—perhaps they are not. +But education and habit, and prejudice have so firmly riveted +them upon us, that they have become as strong as nature +itself—and to expect their removal, or even their slightest +modification, would be as idle and preposterous as to expect +that we could reach forth our hands, and remove the mountains +from their foundations into the vallies, which are beneath +them.'—[African Repository, vol. vii. pp. 230, 331.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'We have been charged with wishing only to remove our free +blacks, that we may the more effectually rivet the chains of the +slave. But the class we first<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[Pg 127]</a></span> seek to remove, are neither +freemen nor slaves; <i>but between both</i>, <span class="smcap">AND MORE MISERABLE THAN +EITHER</span>.' * * * 'Who is there, that does not know something of +the condition of the blacks in the northern and middle States? +They may be seen in our cities and larger towns, wandering like +foreigners and outcasts, in the land which gave them birth. They +may be seen in our penitentiaries, and jails, and poor-houses. +They may be found inhabiting the abodes of poverty, and the +haunts of vice. But if we look for them in the society of the +honest and respectable—if we visit the schools in which it is +our boast that the meanest citizen can enjoy the benefits of +instruction—we might also add, if we visit the sanctuaries +which are open for all to worship,<a name="FNanchor_S_20" id="FNanchor_S_20"></a><a href="#Footnote_S_20" class="fnanchor">[S]</a> and to hear the word of +God; we shall not find them there.' * * 'Leaving slavery and its +subjects for the moment entirely out of view, there are in the +United States 238,000 blacks denominated free, but whose freedom +confers on them, we might say, no privilege but the <i>privilege +of being more vicious and miserable than slaves can +be</i>.'—[Seventh Annual Report, pp. 12, 87, 99.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'Placed midway between freedom and slavery, they know neither +the incentives of the one, nor the restraints of the other; but +are alike injurious by their conduct and example, to all other +classes of society.'—[Eight Annual Report.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'Of all classes of our population, the most vicious is that of +the free colored. It is the inevitable result of their moral, +political, and civil degradation. Contaminated themselves, they +extend their vices to all around them, to the slaves and to the +whites.'—[Tenth Annual Report.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'The question arises, where shall these outcasts go? Ohio, and +the free States of the West, which formerly invited them into +their bosom, no longer offer them a welcome home. Disgusted with +their laziness and vice, the inevitable concomitants of the +anomalous relation in which they stand to society, the +authorities of those States are seeking to get rid of what they +find, too late, to be a curse to any settlement of whites—a +thriftless race of vagabonds, whose footsteps are the sure +precursors of indigence and crime. One of the most intelligent +gentlemen of Ohio, (Mr Charles Hammond,) in a recent notice of +this subject, says, "This dangerous class of population has +increased considerably within a few years past, and the slaves +States cannot too soon adopt efficient measures to get rid of +it. Emigrations to Liberia ought to be provided for, and +insisted upon, and the legislatures should pass laws to prevent +emancipation, without adequate provision for the <ins id="mycorr11" class="mycorr" title="Original: transportion"><a name="corr11" id="corr11"></a>transportation</ins> of +the manumitted."'—[Lynchburg Virginian.]<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[Pg 128]</a></span></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'As it is now, they are for the most part in a debased and +wretched condition. They have the vices of our community without +its virtues. And what is worse, I speak of the majority, they +have no desire to rise from their state of abject depression—no +wish to gain a respectable elevation of character. Consequently +it is difficult, if not impossible, to present them motives +Which shall incite them to enter on a course of industry and +virtue.' * * * 'Bound by no political ties to the community in +which they dwell, and excluded for the most part from exercising +the rights and privileges of freemen, on the ground of their +alleged inferiority and worthlessness, they have no inducements +to abandon lives of indolence, sensuality and recklessness, or +to support the laws and institutions of the government placed +over them. Nothing but the fear of suffering the penalty of +violated law, can prevent them from preying on those among whom +they live.'—[Middletown (Ct.) Gazette.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'They have taken the free black that, as a class, dwells among +us a living nuisance, nominally free, but bowed to the ground by +public opinion—<span class="smcap">IN ONE PART OF THE COUNTRY DULL AS A BRUTISH +BEAST, IN ANOTHER THE WILD STIRRER UP OF SEDITION AND +INSURRECTION</span>—they have shewn him to be capable of quiet and +judicious self-government.— ... We cannot shut our eyes any +longer upon the disadvantages of our black population, whether +in slavery or freedom. It is a sword perpetually suspended over +our heads by a single hair; it is the fountain of bitter waters +that poisons all our enjoyments.'—[Speeches of J. R. Townsend, +Esq. and W. W. Campbell, Esq. New-York city.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'The fact was most glaring, without an inquiry, that the same +shackles which bound them, fastened them also to the resources +of the soil, and the interests of the community; and when these +were broken, and the incentives of authority removed, the weight +of ignorance, the want of better incentives, and the fatal and +untried power of grateful but ruinous idleness, sunk them to a +state, which, however elevated in theory, was in fact more +degraded and more miserable than that of bondage. In addition to +all this, pauperism, with the numerous evils of corrupt and +corrupting indolence, threatened to impose its sluggish weight +upon a groaning community. Hence, the progress of emancipation +was, for the time, most righteously arrested.'—[Address of the +Board of Managers of the African Education Society.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'Who are the free people of color in the United States? In what +circumstances does philanthropy find them! There are indeed +individuals and families, who are sober, industrious, pious. But +what are the remainder, the mass? Every one knows that their +condition is deep and wretched degradation; but, only a few have +ever formed any accurate conception of the reality. The fact is, +that as a class they are branded. They have no home, no country, +no such personal interest in the welfare of the community, as +gives a certain degree of manliness to almost every white +man.... Three hundred thousand freemen in this country, are +freemen only in name, forming only little else than a mass of +pauperism and crime.... Here the black man is paralysed and +crushed by the constant sense of inferiority. He has no +effectual incentives to manly enterprise. He stands in a +degraded class of society; and out of that class he never dreams +of rising.'—[Christian Spectator.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'This is the true condition of the free colored population of +our land. They are placed mid way between freedom and slavery; +they feel neither the moral stimulants of the one, nor the +restraints of the other, and are alike injurious to every other +class of the community.'—[Southern Religious Telegraph.]</p></div> + +<p>I repel these charges against the free people of color, as unmerited, +wanton and untrue. It would be absurd to pretend,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[Pg 129]</a></span> that, as a class, +they maintain a high character: it would be equally foolish to deny, +that intemperance, indolence and crime prevail among them to a mournful +extent. But I do not hesitate to assert, from an intimate acquaintance +with their condition, that they are more temperate and more industrious +than that class of whites who are in as indigent circumstances, but who +have certainly far greater incentives to labor and excel; that they are +superior in their habits to the hosts of foreign emigrants who are +crowding to our shores, and poisoning our moral atmosphere; and that +their advancement in intelligence, in wealth, and in morality, +considering the numberless and almost insurmountable difficulties under +which they have labored, has been remarkable. I am informed that +twenty-five or thirty years ago, the colored inhabitants of Philadelphia +scarcely owned a dollar's worth of real estate, whereas they now own +enough to amount to hundreds of thousands of dollars. This fact speaks +volumes in praise of their industry and economy; for, be it remembered, +they have had to accumulate this property in small sums, by shaving the +beards, cleaning the boots and clothes, and being the servants of their +white contemners, and in other menial employments. In Baltimore, +Philadelphia, New-York, and other places, there are several colored +persons whose individual property is worth from ten thousand to one +hundred thousand dollars;<a name="FNanchor_T_21" id="FNanchor_T_21"></a><a href="#Footnote_T_21" class="fnanchor">[T]</a> and in all those cities, there are primary +and high schools for the education of the colored +population—flourishing churches of various denominations—and numerous +societies for mutual assistance and improvement, &c. In Philadelphia +alone, I believe, there are nearly fifty colored<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[Pg 130]</a></span> associations for +benevolent, literary, scientific and moral purposes.<a name="FNanchor_U_22" id="FNanchor_U_22"></a><a href="#Footnote_U_22" class="fnanchor">[U]</a> Yet these are +the people of whom it is said, 'they are acted upon by no motives to +honorable exertions;' that they are 'scarcely reached in their +debasement by the heavenly light' (almost a denial of the power of the +Holy Ghost); that 'their freedom is licentiousness;' that 'they are a +greater nuisance than even the slaves themselves;' that they are 'the +most degraded, the most abandoned race on the earth;' that they are<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[Pg 131]</a></span> +'worse circumstanced than the slave population;' that they have 'no +privilege but the privilege of being more vicious and miserable than +slaves can be;' and that they are 'a thriftless race of vagabonds, whose +footsteps are the sure precursors of indigence and crime.' And these +false and infamous charges are brought against them by a Society which +professes to cherish for them the highest regard, and to be anxious to +give them respectability in the eyes of the world!</p> + +<p>The truth is, the traducers of the free blacks have no adequate +conception of the amount of good sense, sterling piety, moral honesty, +virtuous pride of character, and domestic enjoyment, which exists among +this class. The spirited remarks of the colored citizens of New-York, in +their address to the public, (<i>vide</i> <span class="smcap">Part II</span>. p. 16,) in reference to +their calumniators, are exceedingly apposite: 'Their patrician +principles prevent an intercourse with men in the middle walks of life, +among whom a large portion of our people may be classed. We ask them to +visit the dwellings of the respectable part of our people, and we are +satisfied that they will discover more civilization and refinement, than +will be found among the same number of white families of an equal +standing.' A personal examination enables me to say that this challenge +is neither presumptuous nor boastful. I confess, I have been most +agreeably, nay, wonderfully disappointed, in my intercourse with them, +which is daily elevating them in my estimation. Many of their number I +proudly rank among my most familiar friends and correspondents.</p> + +<p>With regard to the 'ragged set in Boston, crying out liberty!' every +candid resident will testify that this is a libellous representation; +that our free blacks are a quiet, orderly, well-dressed, and (as far as +they can obtain employment) industrious class of citizens; and that +their improvement is rapid and constant. Every curious observer who +visits their houses of worship, will be surprised at the general +neatness of attire and propriety of manners of the worshippers. 'A +ragged set,' forsooth! The slander may be uttered in the city of +Washington, at an anniversary of the American Colonization Society; but +no man, who regards his character for veracity and intelligence, <i>dare</i> +publish it in Boston.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[Pg 132]</a></span></p> + +<p>The effects of this reiterated abuse are eminently mischievous. It +serves to kindle the fires of persecution, to strengthen prejudice, to +drive its victims to despair, and to increase the desire for their +banishment. 'Tax your utmost powers of imagination,' says one of the +colonization advocates, 'and you cannot conceive <i>one motive</i> to +honorable effort, which can animate the bosom, or give impulse to the +conduct of the free black in this country'! Is this language calculated +to allay animosity, or beget confidence, or suppress contempt, or heal +division, or excite sympathy? Far otherwise. Are there not thousands of +living witnesses to prove the falsity of this assertion; thousands who +adorn the doctrine of God their Saviour, and whose 'motives to honorable +effort' are higher than heaven and vast as eternity; thousands, who, +though their enemies spare no efforts to crush them in the dust, and in +despite of mountains of difficulties, rise up with a giant's strength to +respectability and usefulness? 'No motive to honorable effort'! Perish +the calumny!</p> + +<p>Again, they are stigmatized as the 'wild stirrers up of sedition and +insurrection.' This charge is even more malignant than the other, and +utterly groundless. Its propagation, however, tends directly to excite a +persecution which may drive the accused to sedition, in self-defence. +There is no evidence that any free man of color was enlisted in the late +bloody struggle in Virginia, or in any manner accessary thereto. On the +contrary, it was deprecated by our colored citizens generally, not only +on account of its sanguinary acts, but because they knew it would +operate to their own disadvantage by being placed to their account. The +following honorable expression of feeling was made at a public meeting +of the people of color in Wilmington, Delaware, about that period:</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>'The subscribers, having a knowledge of the alarm which prevails +in the minds of some of the citizens of this place, on account +of various reports which some mischievous person or persons have +circulated, in regard to the colored population, beg leave to +represent, on behalf of themselves and brethren, that having +made inquiry into the subject, they have found said reports to +be without the least foundation; and they owe it to themselves +further to declare, that, so far from any disposition on the +part of the colored people to disturb the peace and good order +of the community, they are, on the contrary, fully aware that it +consists not less with their interests than their duty to +refrain from every art that would excite commotion or disorder, +in which the colored people would have<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[Pg 133]</a></span> every thing to lose and +nothing to gain. We have been treated by the citizens of +Wilmington and its vicinity with kindness, for which we ought to +be grateful, and it is our solemn purpose to pursue such a +course of conduct as may merit a continuance of their favor and +confidence. Should any among us be found so wicked and blinded +as to enter into plots and contrivances, inimical to the present +harmony, we thus solemnly pledge ourselves to our white friends +and neighbors, that we will be among the first to sound the +alarm, and unite in effecting their apprehension and +suppression.'</p></div> + +<p>The free colored citizens of Baltimore, Maryland, also came out unitedly +in the following pacific and truly exemplary spirit:</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>'Whereas, there has prevailed in this city, during the past +week, a very unpleasant excitement, originating from suspicions +and reports totally without foundation, and highly derogatory to +our good sense; and whereas this excitement, though +unnecessarily created, may, in its ultimate tendency, prove +prejudicial to the interests of the free colored population of +this State. Therefore,</p> + +<p>'Resolved, That we challenge the most rigid investigation as to +the truth of those evil reports, which have recently been so +industriously propagated in this city by the credulous, and +those who are totally unacquainted with the character of colored +Baltimoreans.</p> + +<p>'Resolved, That we are not so reckless of our true interest, so +blind to utter helplessness—not to say so devoid of humanity, +as to entertain the hostile designs, or to cherish the fiendish +passions, which it seems have been, by the unthinking, so +unjustly attributed to us.</p> + +<p>'Resolved, That we have been too long in the land of bibles, and +temples, and ministers, to look upon blood and carnage with +complacency—that we have been too long in this enlightened +metropolis, to think of the amelioration of our condition, in +any other way than that sanctioned by the Gospel of Peace.</p> + +<p>'Resolved, That we rely upon a peaceable and upright conduct, for +a continuance of that favor and protection which we have +hitherto enjoyed, and which, the liberal, the wise, and the +good, are ever ready to accord.'</p></div> + +<p>How impolitic, then, as well as unjust, to brand this meek and +magnanimous class as 'the wild stirrers up of sedition and +insurrection'!</p> + +<p>This treatment, I repeat, is impolitic—nay, suicidal. To abuse, +proscribe and exasperate them, to trample them under our feet, to goad +them on the right hand and on the left, is not the way to secure their +loyalty, but rather to make them revengeful, desperate and seditious. +Our true policy is, to meliorate their condition, invigorate their +hopes, instruct their ignorant minds, admit them to an equality of +privileges with ourselves, nourish and patronise their genius, and, by +giving them mechanical trades and mercantile advantages, open to them +the avenue to competence and wealth. We shall thus make them contented +and happy, and place them in a situation which will lead them still more +heartily to deprecate any insurrectionary movements among our slave +population. The following is the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[Pg 134]</a></span> conciliatory and generous language of +a man, who has been denounced as a blood-hound and a monster. It will be +well for us if we profit by it.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>'Americans! notwithstanding you have and do continue to treat us +more cruel than any heathen nation ever did a people it had +subjected to the same condition that you have us, let us reason. +Had you not better take our body, while you have it in your +power, and while we are yet ignorant and wretched, not knowing +but little, give us education, and teach us the pure religion of +our Lord and Master, which is calculated to make the lion lie +down in peace with the lamb, and which millions of you have +beaten us nearly to death for trying to obtain since we have +been among you, and thus at once gain our affection while we are +ignorant? Throw away your fears and prejudices then, and +enlighten us and treat us like men, and we will like you more +than we do now hate you. And tell us now no more about +colonization; for America is as much our country as it is yours. +Treat us like men, and there is no danger but we will all live +in peace and happiness together; for we are not, like you, +hard-hearted, unmerciful, and unforgiving. What a happy country +this will be, if the whites will listen! What nation under +heaven, will be able to do any thing with us, unless God gives +us up into its hand? But, Americans, I declare to you, while you +keep us and our children in bondage, and treat us like brutes, +to make us support you and your families, we cannot be your +friends. You do not look for it, do you? Treat us then like men, +and we will be your friends. And there is not a doubt in my +mind, but that the whole of the past will be sunk into oblivion, +and we yet, under God, will become a united and happy +people.'<a name="FNanchor_V_23" id="FNanchor_V_23"></a><a href="#Footnote_V_23" class="fnanchor">[V]</a></p></div> + +<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_S_20" id="Footnote_S_20"></a><a href="#FNanchor_S_20"><span class="label">[S]</span></a> A cruel taunt. The wonder is not that colored persons do +not more generally visit our sanctuaries, but that they <i>ever</i> should +attend. If they go, they are thrust into obscure, remote and unseemly +pens or boxes, as if they were not embraced in the offers of redeeming +love, and were indeed a part of the brute creation. It is an awful +commentary upon the pride of human nature. I never can look up to these +scandalous retreats for my colored brethren, without having my soul +overwhelmed with emotions of shame, indignation and sorrow. No black +man, however virtuous, respectable or pious he may be, can own or occupy +a pew in a central part of any of our houses of worship. And yet it is +reproachfully alleged—by a clergyman, too!—that 'if we visit the +sanctuaries which are <i>open to all</i> (!) to worship, and to hear the word +of God, we shall not find them there'! No—I hope they will respect +themselves and the religion of Jesus more, than to occupy the places +alluded to.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_T_21" id="Footnote_T_21"></a><a href="#FNanchor_T_21"><span class="label">[T]</span></a> Francis Devany, the colored sheriff of Liberia, is reputed +by colonizationists to be worth property to the value of twenty-five +thousand dollars; and they have trumpeted the fact all over the country, +and so repeatedly as almost to lead one to imagine that he is the +greatest and wealthiest man in all the world! James Forten, the +reputable colored sail-maker of Philadelphia,—a gentleman of highly +polished manners and superior intelligence,—with whom Devany worked as +a journeyman, can <i>buy him out</i> three or four times over. Joseph Cassey, +another estimable and intelligent man of color, or the widow of Bishop +Allen, both of Philadelphia, can purchase him. I mention their names, +not to extol them, but simply to show, that what begets fame in Liberia +is unproductive here.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_U_22" id="Footnote_U_22"></a><a href="#FNanchor_U_22"><span class="label">[U]</span></a> The following statement, recently published in the +Philadelphia 'Friend and Advocate of Truth,' is very creditable to the +colored inhabitants of that city:</p> +<div class="blockquot"><p>'Many erroneous opinions have prevailed, with regard to the true +character and condition of the free colored people of +Pennsylvania. They have been represented as an idle and +worthless class, furnishing inmates for our poor-houses and +penitentiaries. A few plain facts are sufficient to refute these +gratuitous allegations. In the city and suburbs of Philadelphia, +by the census of 1830, they constituted about eleven per cent., +or one ninth of the whole population. From the account of the +guardians of the poor, printed by order of the board, it appears +that of the out-door poor receiving regular weekly supplies, in +the first month, 1830, the time of the greatest need, the people +of color were about one to twenty-three whites; or not quite +four per cent., a disproportion of whites to colored, of more +than two to one in favor of the latter. When it is considered +that they perform the lowest offices in the community—that the +avenues to what are esteemed the most honorable and profitable +professions in society, are in a great measure, if not wholly +closed against them, these facts are the more creditable to +them. One cause of this disproportion, which we presume is but +little known, but which is worthy of special notice, will be +found in the numerous societies among themselves for mutual aid. +These societies expended, in one year, about six thousand +dollars for the relief of the sick and the indigent of their own +color, from funds raised among themselves. Besides, the taxes +paid by the colored people of Philadelphia, exceed in amount the +sums expended out of the funds of the city for the relief of +their poor.'</p></div> +<p> +It is also a fact that the proportion of whites in the alms-house in +New-York is greater than that of the blacks. I am aware that other +evidence, of a different kind, may be adduced in other places; but it is +in the highest degree unfair to measure the whole body of blacks by the +whole body of whites—for the privileges and advantages of the whites +are as ten thousand to one: they monopolise almost every branch of +business and every pursuit of life—they have all the means necessary to +make men virtuous, intelligent, active, and opulent. Far different is +the situation of the free blacks. How slender are their means! how mean +and limited their occupations! how inferior their advantages! Almost +every avenue to wealth, preferment and usefulness, is closed against +them. How are they persecuted! how avoided in the streets! how excluded +from the benefits of society! To point at them the finger of scorn, to +taunt them for their inferiority or helplessness, is like putting out +the eyes and clipping the wings of the eagle, and then reproaching him +because he can neither see nor fly. To boast of our superior refinement, +intelligence and virtue, is the extreme of vainglory, and adding insult +to injury. Shame! shame!</p></div> +</div> + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="SECTION_IX" id="SECTION_IX"></a>SECTION IX.</h2> + +<h3>THE AMERICAN COLONIZATION SOCIETY DENIES THE POSSIBILITY OF ELEVATING +THE BLACKS IN THIS COUNTRY.</h3> + + +<p><span class="smcap">The</span> detestation of feeling, the fire of moral indignation, and the agony +of soul which I have felt kindling and swelling within me, in the +progress of this review, under this section reach the acme of intensity. +It is impossible for the mind to conceive, or the tongue to utter, or +the pen to record, sentiments more derogatory to the character of a +republican and Christian people than the following:</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>'Introduced as this class has been, in a way which cannot be +justified, injurious in its influence to the community, degraded +in character and miserable in condition, <i>forever excluded</i>, by +public sentiment, by law and by a physical distinction, from the +most powerful motives to exertion,' &c. * * 'In addition to all +the causes which tend to pollute, to degrade and render them +miserable, there are principles of <i>repulsion</i> between them and +us, which can <i>never</i><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[Pg 135]</a></span> be overcome.' * * 'Their bodies are free, +their minds enslaved. They can neither bless their brethren in +servitude, nor rise from their own obscurity, nor add to the +purity of our morals, nor to our wealth, nor to our political +strength.' * * 'Let us recollect that our fathers have placed +them here; and that our prejudices, prejudices <i>too deep to be +eradicated</i> while they remain among us, have produced the +standard of their morals.' * * 'Nor will it be questioned that +their establishment on the African coast ... will confer on them +invaluable blessings which <i>in this country</i> they can <i>never</i> +enjoy.' * * 'They <i>must be</i> hewers of wood and drawers of water. +Do what they will, there is but this one prospect before +them.'—[African Repository, vol. 1, pp. 34, 144, 162, 176, 226, +317.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'Shut out from the privileges of citizens, separated from us by +the <i>insurmountable</i> barrier of color, they can <i>never</i> +amalgamate with us, but must remain <i>for ever</i> a distinct and +inferior race, repugnant to our republican feelings, and +dangerous to our republican institutions.' * * * 'It is not that +there are some, but that there are so many among us of a +different physical, if not moral, constitution, who <i>never</i> can +amalgamate with the great body of our population.'—[African +Repository, vol. ii. pp. 188, 189, 338.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'In consequence of his own inveterate habits, and the no less +inveterate prejudices of the whites, it is a sadly demonstrated +truth, that the negro <i>cannot, in this country</i>, become an +enlightened and useful citizen. Driven to the lowest stratum of +society, and enthralled there for melancholy ages, his mind +becomes proportionably grovelling, and to gratify his animal +desires is his most exalted aspiration.' * * 'The negro, <i>while +in this country</i>, will be treated as an inferior being.' * * +'Our slavery is such, as that no device of our philanthropy for +elevating the wretched subjects of its debasement to the +ordinary privileges of men, can descry one cheering glimpse of +hope that our object can <i>ever</i> be accomplished. The very +commencing act of freedom to the slave, is to place him in a +condition still worse, if possible, both for his moral habits, +his outward provision, and for the community that embosoms him, +than even that, deplorable as it was, from which he has been +removed. He is now a freeman; but his complexion, his features, +every peculiarity of his person, pronounce to him another +doom,—that every wish he may conceive, every effort he can +make, shall be <i>little better than vain</i>. Even to every talent +and virtuous impulse which he may feel working in his bosom, +obstacles stand in impracticable array; not from a defect of +essential title to success, but from <i>a positive external law, +unreasoning and irreversible</i>.' * * 'The elevation of a degraded +class of beings to the privileges of freemen, which, though +free, they can <i>never</i> enjoy, and to the prospects of a happy +immortality.' * * 'They again most solemnly repeat to the free +colored people of Virginia their belief, that <i>in Africa alone</i> +can they enjoy that complete emancipation from a degrading +inequality, which in a greater or less degree pervades the +United States, if not in the laws, in the whole frame and +structure of society, and which in its effects on their moral +and social state is scarcely less degrading than slavery +itself.'—[African Repository, vol. iii. pp. 25, 26, 66, 68, +345.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'But there is one large class among the inhabitants of this +country—degraded and miserable—whom none of the efforts in +which you are accustomed to engage, can materially benefit. +Among the twelve millions who make up our census, two millions +are Africans—separated from the possessors of the soil by +birth, <i>by the brand of indelible ignominy</i>, by prejudices, +mutual, deep, <i>incurable</i>, by an <i>irreconcileable diversity of +interests</i>. They are aliens and outcasts;—they are, as a body, +degraded beneath the influence of nearly all the motives which +prompt other men to enterprise, and almost below the sphere of +virtuous affections. Whatever may be attempted for the general +improvement of society, their wants are untouched.—Whatever may +be effected for elevating the mass of the nation in the scale of +happiness or of intellectual and moral character, their<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[Pg 136]</a></span> +degradation is the same—dark, and deep, and <i>hopeless</i>. +Benevolence seems to overlook them, or struggles for their +benefit in vain. Patriotism forgets them, or remembers them only +with shame for what has been, and with dire forebodings, of what +is yet to come.' * * 'It is taken <i>for granted</i> that in present +circumstances, any effort to produce a general and thorough +amelioration in the character and condition of the free people +of color must be to a great extent fruitless. In every part of +the United States there is a broad and <i>impassible</i> line of +demarcation between every man who has <i>one drop</i> of African +blood in his veins and every other class in the community. The +habits, the feelings, all the prejudices of society—prejudices +which neither <i>refinement</i>, nor <i>argument</i>, nor <i>education</i>, nor +<i>religion</i> itself can subdue—mark the people of color, whether +bond or free, as the subjects of a degradation <i>inevitable</i> and +<i>incurable</i>. The African in this country belongs by birth to the +very lowest station in society; and from that station <i>he can +never rise</i>, <span class="smcap">BE HIS TALENTS, HIS ENTERPRISE, HIS VIRTUES WHAT +THEY MAY</span>.... They constitute a class by themselves—a class out +of which <i>no individual can be elevated</i>, and below which, none +can be depressed. And this is the difficulty, the invariable and +insuperable difficulty in the way of every scheme for their +benefit. Much can be done for them—much has been done; but +still they are, and, <i>in this country</i>, <span class="smcap">ALWAYS MUST BE</span> a +depressed and abject race.'—[African Repository, vol. iv. pp. +117, 118, 119.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'The distinctive complexion by which it is marked, <i>necessarily</i> +debars it from all familiar intercourse with the more favored +society that surrounds it, and of course denies to it <i>all hope</i> +of either social or political elevation, by means of individual +merit, however great, or individual exertions, however +unremitted.' * * 'It is deemed unnecessary to repeat what has +already been said, of the character of the population in +question, of its <i>hopeless degradation</i>, and its baneful +influence, in the situation in which it is now placed.' * * * +'The colored population of this country can <i>never</i> rise to +respectability and happiness here.' * * 'It was at an early +period seen and acknowledged, that neither the objects of +benevolence nor the interests of the nation could be materially +benefitted by any plan or measures that permitted them to remain +within the United States.' * * 'They leave a country in which +though born and reared, they are strangers and aliens; where +severe necessity places them in a class of degraded beings.' * * +'With us they have been degraded by slavery, and <span class="smcap">STILL FURTHER +DEGRADED</span> <i>by the mockery of nominal freedom</i>. We have +endeavored, but endeavored in vain, to restore them either to +self-respect, or to the respect of others. <i>It is not our fault +that we have failed</i>; it is not theirs. It has resulted from a +cause over which neither they, nor we, can ever have control. +<i>Here</i>, therefore, they must be <i>for ever debased</i>: more than +this, they must be <i>for ever useless</i>; more even than this, they +must be <span class="smcap">FOR EVER A NUISANCE</span>, from which it were a blessing for +society to be rid. And yet they, and they only, are qualified +for colonizing Africa.' * * * 'Whether bond or free, their +presence will be <i>for ever a calamity</i>. Why then, in the name of +God, should we hesitate to encourage their departure? The +existence of this race among us; a race that can neither share +our blessings nor incorporate in our Society, is already felt to +be a curse.'—[African Repository, vol. v. pp. 51, 53, 179, 234, +238, 276, 278.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'Is our posterity doomed to endure for ever not only all the +ills flowing from the state of slavery, but all which arise from +incongruous elements of population, separated from each other by +<i>invincible prejudices</i>, and by natural causes?' * * 'Here +<i>invincible prejudices</i> exclude them from the enjoyment of the +society of the whites, and deny them all the advantages of +freemen. The bar, the pulpit, and our legislative halls are shut +to them by the irresistible force of public sentiment. No +talents however great, no piety however pure and devoted, no +patriotism however ardent, can secure their admission. They +constantly hear the accents, and behold the triumphs, of a +liberty <i>which here they<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[Pg 137]</a></span> can never enjoy</i>.' * * 'It is against +this increase of colored persons, who take but a nominal freedom +here, and <i>cannot rise</i> from their degraded condition, that this +Society attempts to provide.' * * 'They may be emancipated; but +emancipation <i>cannot elevate their condition</i> or augment their +capacity for self-preservation.—Want and suffering will +gradually diminish their numbers, and they will disappear, as +the inferior has always disappeared, before the superior race.' +* * 'Our great and good men purposed it primarily as a system of +relief for two millions of fellow men in our own county—a +population dangerous to ourselves and <i>necessarily degraded +here</i>.' * * 'The free blacks, by the moral necessity of their +civil disabilities, are and <i>must for ever be a +nuisance</i>—equally, and more to the owner of slaves, than to +other members of the community.'—[African Repository, vol. vi. +pp. 12, 17, 82, 168, 295, 368.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'Incorporated into our country as freemen, yet separated from it +by odious and degrading distinctions, they feel themselves +condemned to a hopeless and debasing inferiority. They know that +their very complexion will <i>for ever</i> exclude them from the +rank, the privileges, the honors, of freemen. No matter how +great their industry, or how abundant their wealth—no matter +what their attainments in literature, science or the arts—no +matter how correct their deportment or what respect their +characters may inspire, they can never, <span class="smcap">NO, NEVER</span> be raised to a +footing of equality, not even to a familiar intercourse with the +surrounding society.' * * 'To us it seems evident that the man +of color may as soon <i>change his complexion</i>, as rise above all +sense of past inferiority and debasement in a community, from +the social intercourse of which, he must expect to be in a great +measure excluded, not only until prejudice shall have no +existence therein, but until the freedom of man in regulating +his social relations is proved to be abridged by some law of +morality or the gospel.... Is it not <i>wise</i>, then, for the free +people of color and their friends to <i>admit</i>, what cannot +reasonably be doubted, that the people of color must, in this +country, remain for ages, <i>probably for ever</i>, a separate and +inferior caste, weighed down by causes, powerful, universal, +inevitable; <i>which neither legislation nor christianity can +remove?</i>'</p> + +<p>'Let the free black in this country toil from youth to age in +the honorable pursuit of wisdom—let him store his mind with the +most valuable researches of science and literature—and let him +add to a highly gifted and cultivated intellect, a piety pure, +undefiled, and "unspotted from the world"—it is all nothing: he +would not be received into the very lowest walks of society. If +we were constrained to admire so uncommon a being, our very +admiration would mingle with disgust, because, in the physical +organization of his frame, we meet an insurmountable barrier, +even to an approach to social intercourse, and in the Egyptian +color, which nature has stamped upon his features, a principle +of repulsion so strong as to forbid the idea of a communion +either of interest or of feeling, as utterly abhorrent. Whether +these feelings are founded in reason or not, we will not now +inquire—perhaps they are not. But education and habit and +prejudice have so firmly riveted them upon us, that they have +become as strong as nature itself—and to expect their removal, +or even their slightest modification, would be as idle and +preposterous as to expect that we could reach forth our hands, +and remove the mountains from their foundations into the +vallies, which are beneath them.'—[African Repository, vol. +vii. pp. 100, 195, 196, 231.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'And can we not find some spot on this large globe which will +receive them kindly, and where they may escape those prejudices +which, in this country, must <i>ever</i> keep them <i>inferior</i> and +<i>degraded</i> members of society?'—[Third Annual Report.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'A population which, even if it were not literally enslaved, +<i>must for ever remain</i> in a state of degradation no better than +bondage.' * * 'Here the thing is impossible; a slave cannot be +really emancipated. You may call him<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[Pg 138]</a></span> free, you may enact a +statute book of laws to make him free, but you cannot bleach him +into the enjoyment of freedom.' * * 'The Soodra is not farther +separated from the Brahmin in regard to all his privileges, +civil, intellectual, and moral, than the negro is from the white +man by the prejudices which result from the difference made +between them by the God of nature. A barrier more difficult to +be surmounted than the institution of the caste, cuts off, and +while the present state of society continues <i>must always</i> cut +off, the negro from all that is valuable in +citizenship.'—[Seventh Annual Report.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'Let the arm of our government be stretched out for the defence +of our African colony, and this objection will no longer exist. +There, <i>and there alone</i>, the colored man can enjoy the motives +for honorable exertion.'—[Ninth Annual Report.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'In the distinctive and indelible marks of their color, and the +prejudices of the people, an <i>insuperable</i> obstacle has been +placed to the execution of any plan for elevating their +character, and placing them on a footing with their brethren of +the same common family.'—[Tenth Annual Report.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'Far from shuddering at the thought of leaving the comfortable +fireside among us, for a distant and unknown shore yet covered +by the wilderness, they have preferred real liberty there, to a +mockery of freedom here, and have turned their eyes to Africa, +as the only resting place and refuge of the colored man, in the +deluge of oppression that surrounds him.'—[Eleventh Annual +Report.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'The race in question were known, as a class, to be destitute, +depraved—the victims of all forms of social misery. The +peculiarity of their fate was, that this was not their condition +by accident or transiently, but <i>inevitably</i> and <i>immutably</i>, +whilst they remained in their present place, by a law as +infallible in its operation, as any of physical nature.' * * +'Their residence amongst us is attended by evil consequences to +society—causes <i>beyond the control of the human will</i> must +prevent their <i>ever</i> rising to equality with the whites.' * * +'The Managers consider it clear that causes exist, and are +operating to prevent their improvement and elevation to any +considerable extent as a class, in this country, which are +fixed, not only beyond the control of the friends of humanity, +<span class="smcap">BUT OF ANY HUMAN POWER</span>. <i>Christianity cannot do for them here, +what it will do for them in Africa.</i> This is not the fault of +the colored man, <i>nor of the white man, nor of Christianity; but +an ordination of Providence, and no more to be changed than the +laws of nature</i>. Yet, were it otherwise, did no cause exist but +prejudice, to prevent the elevation, in this country, of our +free colored population, still, were this prejudice so strong +(which is indeed the fact) as to forbid the hope of any great +favorable change in their condition, what folly for them to +reject blessings in another land, because it is prejudice which +debars them from such blessings in this! But in truth no +legislation, no humanity, no benevolence can make them +insensible to their past condition, can unfetter their minds, +can relieve them from the disadvantages resulting from inferior +means and attainments, can abridge the right of freemen to +regulate their social intercourse and relations, which will +leave them <i>for ever a separate and depressed class</i> in the +community; in fine, nothing can in any way do much here to raise +them from their miseries to respectability, honor and +usefulness.'—[Fifteenth Annual Report.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'That no adequate means of attaining this great end existed, +short of the segregation of the black population from the +white—that an <span class="smcap">IMPASSIBLE BARRIER</span> existed in the state of +society in this country, between these classes—that whatever +might be the liberal sentiments of some good men among us, the +blacks were marked with an <i>indelible note of inferiority</i>—they +saw placed high before them a station which here they <i>could +never reach</i>, and by a natural reaction they fell back into a +position where self-respect lent them no stim<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[Pg 139]</a></span>ulus, and virtuous +principles and actions lost more than half their motive—that in +fact they were a branded and degraded caste—the Pariahs of the +United States, and destined <i>as long as they remained with us</i> +to be hewers of wood and drawers of water—that the increase of +this population in a greater ratio than the whites, was +calculated to excite just apprehension—that no one could say +that when a few more millions should be added to their numbers, +the example of Hayti might not rouse them to an effort to break +their chains; and he would ask what man could contemplate, +without shuddering, all the complicated atrocity and bloody +revenge of such a revolt?' * * 'Those persons of color who have +been emancipated, are only nominally free, and the whole race, +so long as they remain among us, and whether they be slaves or +free, must <i>necessarily</i> be kept in a condition full of +wretchedness to them and full of danger to the whites.'—[Second +Annual Report of New-York State Colonization Society.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'Many of those citizens who ardently wish for the removal of +such of the free colored population, as are willing to go, to +any place where they could enjoy, <i>what they can never enjoy +here</i>, that is, all the advantages of society,' &c. * * 'That +the free colored population in this country labor under the most +oppressive disadvantages, which their freedom can by no means +counterbalance, is too obvious to admit of doubt. I waive all +inquiry whether this is right or wrong. I speak of things as +they are—not as they might, or as they ought to be. They are +cut off from the most remote chance of amalgamation with the +white population, by feelings or prejudices, call them what you +will, that are ineradicable. Their situation is more unfavorable +than that of many slaves. "With all the burdens, cares and +responsibilities of freedom, they have few or none of its +substantial benefits. Their associations are, and must be, +chiefly with slaves. Their right of suffrage gives them little, +if any, political influence, and they are practically, if not +theoretically excluded from representation and weight in our +public councils." <i>No merit, no services, no talents can elevate +them to a level with the whites.</i> Occasionally, an exception may +arise. A colored individual, of great talents, merits, and +wealth, may emerge from the crowd. Cases of this kind are to the +last degree rare. The colored people are subject to legal +disabilities, more or less galling and severe, in almost every +state of the Union. Who has not deeply regretted their late +harsh expulsion from the State of Ohio, and their being forced +to abandon the country of their birth, which had profited by +their labors, and to take refuge in a foreign land? Severe +regulations have been recently passed in Louisiana, to prevent +the introduction of free people of color into the State. +Whenever they appear, they are to be banished in sixty days. The +strong opposition to a negro college in New-Haven, speaks in a +language not to be mistaken, the jealousy with which they are +regarded. And there is no reason to expect, that the lapse of +centuries will make any change in this respect. <span class="smcap">They will always +unhappily be regarded as an inferior race.</span>'—[Mathew Carey's +'Reflections.']</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'Instances of emancipation have not essentially benefitted the +African, and <i>probably never will</i>, while he remains among us. +In this country, public opinion does, <i>and will</i>, consign him to +an inferiority, <i>above which he can never rise</i>. Emancipation +can <span class="smcap">NEVER</span> make the African, while he remains in this country, a +real free man. Degradation <span class="smcap">MUST</span> and <span class="smcap">WILL</span> press him to the earth; +no cheering, stimulating influence will he here feel, <i>in any of +the walks of life</i>.'—[Circular of the Massachusetts +Colonization Society for 1832.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'With us color is the bar. Nature has raised up barriers between +the races, <i>which no man with a proper sense of the dignity of +his species desires to see surmounted</i>.' * * 'What effects does +emancipation produce without removal? A discontented and useless +population; having no sympathies with the rest of the community, +<i>doomed by immoveable barriers to eternal degradation</i>. I know +that there are among us, those of warm and generous hearts, who +believe that we may retain the black man here, and raise him up +to the full<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[Pg 140]</a></span> and perfect stature of human nature. That degree of +improvement can never take place except the races be +amalgamated; and amalgamation is a day-dream. It may seem +strong, but it is true that "a skin not colored like our own" +will separate them from us, <i>as long as our feelings continue a +part of our nature</i>.'—[Speeches delivered at the formation of +the Young Men's Auxiliary Colonization Society in New-York +city.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'These [subsistence, political and social considerations] they +can <i>never</i> enjoy here.' * * 'You may manumit the slave, but you +cannot make him a white man. He still remains a negro or a +mulatto. The mark and the recollection of his origin and former +state still adhere to him; the feelings produced by that +condition, in his own mind and in the minds of the whites, still +exist; he is associated by his color, and by these recollections +and feelings, with the class of slaves; and a barrier is thus +raised between him and the whites, that is between him and the +free class, which he can never hope to transcend.' * * 'A vast +majority of the free blacks, as we have seen, are and <i>must be</i>, +an idle, worthless and thievish race.'—[First Annual Report.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'Here they are condemned to a state of <i>hopeless</i> inferiority, +and consequent degradation. As they <i>cannot</i> emerge from this +state, they lose, by degrees, the hope, at last the desire of +emerging.'—[Second Annual Report.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'The existence in any community of a people forming a distinct +and degraded caste, <i>who are forever excluded by the fiat of +society and the laws of the land</i>, from all hopes of equality in +social intercourse and political privileges, must, from the +nature of things, be fraught with unmixed evil. Did this +committee believe it possible, by any acts of legislation, to +remove this blotch upon the body politic, by so elevating the +social and moral condition of the blacks in Ohio, that they +would be received into society on terms of equality, and would +by common consent be admitted to a participation of political +privileges—<span class="smcap">WERE SUCH A THING POSSIBLE</span>, even after a lapse of +time and by pecuniary sacrifice, most gladly would they +recommend such measures as would subserve the cause of humanity, +by producing such a result. For the purposes of legislation, it +is sufficient to know, that the blacks in Ohio <i>must always +exist as a separate and degraded race</i>, that when the leopard +shall change his spots and the Ethiopian his skin, then, <span class="smcap">BUT NOT +TILL THEN</span>, may we expect that the descendants of Africans will +be admitted into society, on terms of social and political +equality.'—[Report of a Select Committee of the Legislature of +Ohio.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'No possible contingency can ever break down or weaken the +impassable barrier which at present separates the whites from +social communion with the blacks. Neither education, nor wealth, +nor any other means of distinction known to our communities, can +elevate blacks to a level with whites, in the United +States.'—[American Spectator.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'However unjust may be the prejudices which exist in the whites +against the blacks, and which operate so injuriously to the +latter—<i>they are probably too deep to be obliterated</i>; and true +philanthropy would dictate the separation of two races of men, +so different, <span class="smcap">WHOM NATURE HERSELF HAS FORBIDDEN TO MINGLE INTO +ONE</span>; but of whom, while they remain associated, <i>one or the +other must of necessity have the superiority</i>. For the future +welfare of both, we trust that the project of colonizing the +Africans, as they shall gradually be emancipated, although a +work of time, may not be altogether hopeless.'—[Brandon (Vt.) +Telegraph.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'The character and circumstances of this portion of the +community fall under every man's notice, and the least +observation shows that they <i>cannot</i> be useful or happy among +us.'—[Oration by Gabriel P. Disosway, Esq.]<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[Pg 141]</a></span></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'It is of vast importance to these people, as a class, that +their hopes and expectations of temporal prosperity <i>should be +turned to Africa</i>, and that they should not regard our country +as their permanent residence, or as that country in which they +will <i>ever</i>, as a people, enjoy equal privileges and blessings +with the whites.'—[Rev. Mr Gurley's Letter to the Rev. S. S. +Jocelyn.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'To attain solid happiness and permanent respectability, they +should now remove to a more congenial clime.... To raise them to +a level with the whites is <span class="smcap">AN IMPOSSIBILITY</span>.'—[New-Haven +Religious Intelligencer.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'In Liberia—the land of their forefathers, they will be +restored to real freedom, which they have never yet enjoyed, and +which it is folly for them to expect they can ever enjoy among +the whites.'—[Norfolk Herald.]</p></div> + +<p>'My bowels, my bowels! I am pained at my very heart; my heart maketh a +noise in me.' Are we pagans, are we savages, are we devils? Can pagans, +or savages, or devils, exhibit a more implacable spirit, than is seen in +the foregoing extracts? It is enough to cause the very stones to cry +out, and the beasts of the field to rebuke us.</p> + +<p>Of this I am sure: no man, who is truly willing to admit the people of +color to an equality with himself, can see any insuperable difficulty in +effecting their elevation. When, therefore, I hear an +individual—especially a professor of Christianity—strenuously +contending that there can be no fellowship with them, I cannot help +suspecting the sincerity of his own republicanism or piety, or thinking +that the beam is in his own eye. My bible assures me that the day is +coming when even the 'wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard +shall lie down with the kid, and the wolf and the young lion and the +fatling together;' and, if this be possible, I see no cause why those of +the same species—God's rational creatures—fellow countrymen, in truth, +cannot dwell in harmony together.</p> + +<p>How abominably hypocritical, how consummately despicable, how +incorrigibly tyrannical must this whole nation appear in the eyes of the +people of Europe!—professing to be the <i>friends</i> of the free blacks, +actuated by the purest motives of benevolence toward them, desirous to +make atonement for past wrongs, challenging the admiration of the world +for their patriotism, philanthropy and piety—and yet (hear, O heaven! +and be astonished, O earth!) shamelessly proclaiming, with a voice +louder than thunder, and an aspect malignant as sin, that while their +colored countrymen remain among them, they must be<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[Pg 142]</a></span> trampled beneath +their feet, treated as inferior beings, deprived of all the invaluable +privileges of freemen, separated by the brand of indelible ignominy, and +debased to a level with the beasts that perish! Yea, that they may as +soon change their complexion as rise from their degradation! that no +device of philanthropy can benefit them here! that they constitute a +class out of which <i>no individual can be elevated</i>, and below which, +<i>none can be depressed</i>! that no talents however great, no piety however +pure and devoted, no patriotism however ardent, no industry however +great, no wealth however abundant, can raise them to a footing of +equality with the whites! that 'let them toil from youth to old age in +the honorable pursuit of wisdom—let them store their minds with the +most valuable researches of science and literature—and let them add to +a highly gifted and cultivated intellect, a piety pure, undefiled, and +unspotted from the world, <i>it is all nothing</i>—they would not be +received into the <i>very lowest walks of society</i>—admiration of such +uncommon beings would mingle with <i>disgust</i>!' Yea, that 'there is a +broad and impassible line of demarcation between every man who has <i>one +drop</i> of African blood in his veins and every other class in the +community'! Yea, that 'the habits, the feelings, all the prejudices of +society—prejudices which neither <i>refinement</i>, nor <i>argument</i>, nor +<i>education</i>, nor <span class="smcap">RELIGION</span> itself can subdue—mark the people of color, +whether bond or free, as the subjects of a degradation <i>inevitable</i> and +<i>incurable</i>'! Yea, that '<i>Christianity</i> cannot do for them here, what it +will do for them in Africa'! Yea, that 'this is not the fault of the +colored man, <span class="smcap">NOR OF THE WHITE MAN</span>, nor of Christianity; but <span class="smcap">an +ordination of Providence</span>, <i>and no more to be changed than the</i> <span class="smcap">LAWS OF +NATURE</span>'!!!</p> + +<p>Again I ask, are we pagans, are we savages, are we devils? Search the +records of heathenism, and sentiments more hostile to the spirit of the +gospel, or of a more black and blasphemous complexion than these, cannot +be found. I believe that they are libels upon the character of my +countrymen, which time will wipe off. I call upon the spirits of the +just made perfect in heaven, upon all who have experienced the love of +God in their souls here below, upon the christian converts in India and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[Pg 143]</a></span> +the islands of the sea, to sustain me in the assertion that there <i>is</i> +power enough in the religion of Jesus Christ to melt down the most +stubborn prejudices, to overthrow the highest walls of partition, to +break the strongest caste, to improve and elevate the most degraded, to +unite in fellowship the most hostile, and to equalize and bless all its +recipients. Make me <i>sure</i> that there is not, and I will give it up, now +and for ever. 'In Christ Jesus, all are one: there is neither Jew nor +Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor +female.'</p> + +<p>These sentiments were not uttered by infidels, nor by worthless +wretches, but in many instances by professors of religion and <i>ministers +of the gospel</i>! and in almost every instance by reputedly the most +enlightened, patriotic and benevolent men in the land! Tell it not +abroad! publish it not in the streets of Calcutta! Even the eminent +President of Union College, (Rev. Dr. Nott,) could so far depart, +unguardedly I hope, from christian love and integrity, as to utter this +language in an address in behalf of the Colonization Society:—'With us +they [the free people of color] have been degraded by slavery, and +<i>still further degraded by the mockery of nominal freedom</i>.' Were this +true, it would imply that we of the free States are more barbarous and +neglectful than even the traffickers in souls and men-stealers at the +south. We have not, it is certain, treated our colored brethren as the +law of kindness and the ties of brotherhood demand; but have we outdone +slaveholders in cruelty? Were it true, to forge new fetters for the +limbs of these degraded beings would be an act of benevolence. But their +condition is as much superior to that of the slaves, as happiness is to +misery. The second portion of this work, containing their proceedings in +a collective capacity, shows whether they have made any progress in +intelligence, in virtue, in piety, and in happiness, since their +liberation. Again he says: '<i>We have endeavored</i>, but endeavored in +vain, <i>to restore them either to self-respect, or to the respect of +others</i>.' It is painful to contradict so worthy an individual; but +nothing is more certain than that this statement is altogether +erroneous. We have derided, we have shunned, we have neglected them, in +every possible manner. They have had to rise not only under the +mountainous weight of their own ignorance<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[Pg 144]</a></span> and vice, but with the +additional and constant pressure of our contempt and injustice. In +despite of us, they have done well. Again: '<i>It is not our fault that we +have failed</i>; it is not theirs.' We <i>are</i> wholly and exclusively in +fault. What have we done to raise them up from the earth? What have we +<i>not</i> done to keep them down? Once more: 'It has resulted from a cause +over which neither they, nor we, can ever have control.' In other words, +they have been made with skins not colored like our own,' and +<i>therefore</i> we cannot recognise them as fellow-countrymen, or treat them +like rational beings! One sixth of our whole population <i>must</i>, <span class="smcap">FOR +EVER</span>, in this land, remain a wretched, ignorant and degraded race,—and +yet nobody be culpable—<i>none but the Creator</i> who has made us +<i>incapable</i> of doing unto others as we would have them do unto us! +Horrible—horrible! If this be not an impeachment of Infinite +Goodness,—I do not say intentionally but <i>really</i>,—I cannot define it. +The same sentiment is reiterated by a writer in the Southern Religious +Telegraph, who says—'The exclusion of the free black from the civil and +literary privileges of our country, depends on another circumstance than +that of character—a circumstance, which, as it was entirely beyond his +control, so it is unchangeable, and will for ever operate. This +circumstance is—<i>he is a black man</i>'!! And the Board of Managers of the +Parent Society, in their Fifteenth Annual Report, declare that '<i>an +ordination of Providence</i>' prevents the general improvement of the +people of color in this land! How are God and our country dishonored, +and the requirements of the gospel contemned, by this ungodly plea! +Having satisfied himself that the Creator is alone blameable for the +past and present degradation of the free blacks, Dr. Nott draws the +natural and unavoidable inference that 'here, therefore, they must be +<i>for ever debased, for ever useless, for ever a nuisance, for ever a +calamity</i>,' and then gravely declares (mark the climax!) 'and yet <span class="smcap">THEY</span>, +[these ignorant, helpless, miserable creatures!] <span class="smcap">AND THEY ONLY</span>, are +qualified for colonizing Africa'!! 'Why then,' he asks, '<i>in the name of +God</i>,'—(the abrupt appeal, in this connexion, seems almost +profane,)—'should we hesitate to encourage their departure?'<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[Pg 145]</a></span></p> + +<p>Nature, we are positively assured, has raised up impassable barriers +between the races. I understand by this expression, that the blacks are +of a different species from ourselves, so that all attempts to generate +offspring between us and them must prove as abortive, as between a man +and a beast. It is a law of Nature that the lion shall not beget the +lamb, or the leopard the bear. Now the planters at the south have +clearly demonstrated, that an amalgamation with their slaves is not only +possible, but a matter of course, and eminently productive. It neither +ends in abortion nor produces monsters. In truth, it is often so +difficult in the slave States to distinguish between the fruits of this +intercourse and the children of white parents, that witnesses are +summoned at court to solve the problem! Talk of the barriers of Nature, +when the land swarms with living refutations of the statement! Happy +indeed would it be for many a female slave, if such a barrier could +exist during the period of her servitude to protect her from the lust of +her master!</p> + +<p>In France,<a name="FNanchor_W_24" id="FNanchor_W_24"></a><a href="#Footnote_W_24" class="fnanchor">[W]</a> England,<a name="FNanchor_X_25" id="FNanchor_X_25"></a><a href="#Footnote_X_25" class="fnanchor">[X]</a> Spain, and other countries, persons of color +maintain as high a rank and are treated as honorably as<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[Pg 146]</a></span> any other class +of the inhabitants, in despite of the 'impassable barriers of Nature.' +Yet it is proclaimed to the world by the Colonization Society, that the +American people can never be as republican in their feelings and +practices as Frenchmen, Spaniards or Englishmen! Nay, that <i>religion</i> +itself cannot subdue their malignant prejudices, or induce them to treat +their dark-skinned brethren in accordance with their professions of +republicanism! My countrymen! is it so? Are you willing thus to be held +up as tyrants and hypocrites for ever? as less magnanimous and just than +the populace of Europe? No—no! I cannot give you up as incorrigibly +wicked, nor my country as sealed over to destruction. My confidence +remains, like the oak—like the Alps—unshaken, storm-proof. I am not +discouraged—I am not distrustful. I still place an unwavering reliance +upon the omnipotence of truth. I still believe that the demands of +justice will be satisfied; that the voice of bleeding humanity will melt +the most obdurate hearts; and that the land will be redeemed and +regenerated by an enlightened and energetic public opinion. As long as +there remains among us a single copy of the Declaration of Independence, +or of the New Testament, I will not despair of the social and political +elevation of my sable countrymen. Already a rallying-cry is heard from +the East and the West, from the North and the South; towns and cities +and states are in commotion; volunteers are trooping to the field; the +spirit of freedom and the fiend of oppression are in mortal<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[Pg 147]</a></span> conflict, +and all neutrality is at an end. Already the line of division is drawn: +on one side are the friends of truth and liberty, with their banner +floating high in the air, on which are inscribed in letters of light, +'<span class="smcap">Immediate Abolition</span>'—'<span class="smcap">No compromise with Oppressors</span>'—'<span class="smcap">Equal +Rights</span>'—'<span class="smcap">No Expatriation</span>'—'<span class="smcap">Duty, and not Consequences</span>'—'<span class="smcap">Let Justice +be done, though the heavens should fall!</span>'—On the opposite side stand +the supporters and apologists of slavery in mighty array, with a black +flag on which are seen in bloody characters, '<span class="smcap">African +Colonization</span>'—'<span class="smcap">Gradual Abolition</span>'—'<span class="smcap">Rights of Property</span>'—'<span class="smcap">Political +Expediency</span>'—'<span class="smcap">No Equality</span>'—'<span class="smcap">No Repentance</span>'—'<span class="smcap">Expulsion of the +Blacks</span>'—'<span class="smcap">Protection to Tyrants!</span>'—Who can doubt the issue of this +controversy, or which side has the approbation of the Lord of Hosts?</p> + +<p>In the African Repository for September, 1831, there is an elaborate +defence of the Colonization Society, in which occurs the following +passage:—'It has been said that the Society is unfriendly to the +improvement of the free people of color while they remain in the United +States. <i>The charge is not true.</i>' I reiterate the charge; and the +evidence of its correctness is before the reader. The Society prevents +the education of this class in the most insidious and effectual manner, +by constantly asserting that they must always be a degraded people in +this country, and that the cultivation of their minds will avail them +nothing. Who does not readily perceive that the prevalence of this +opinion must at once paralyze every effort for their improvement? For it +would be a waste of time and means, and unpardonable folly, for us to +attempt the accomplishment of an impossible work—of that which we know +will result in disappointment. Every discriminating and candid mind must +see and acknowledge, that, to perpetuate their ignorance, it is only +necessary to make the belief prevalent that they 'must be for ever +debased, for ever useless, for ever an inferior race,' and their +thraldom is sure.</p> + +<p>I am aware that a school has been established for the education of +colored youth, under the auspices of the Society; but it is sufficient +to state that none but those who consent to emigrate to Liberia are +embraced in its provisions.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[Pg 148]</a></span></p> + +<p>In the Appendix to the Seventh Annual Report, p. 94, the position is +assumed that 'it is a well established point, that the public safety +forbids either the emancipation or <i>general instruction</i> of the slaves.' +The recent enactment of laws in some of the slave States, prohibiting +the instruction of free colored persons as well as slaves, has received +something more than a tacit approval from the organ of the Society. A +prominent advocate of the Society, (G. P. Disosway, Esq.,) in an oration +on the fourth of July, 1831, alluding to these laws, says,—'The public +safety of our brethren at the South requires them [the slaves] to be +kept ignorant and uninstructed.' The Editor of the Southern Religious +Telegraph, who is a clergyman and a warm friend of the colonization +scheme, remarking upon the instruction of the colored population of +Virginia, says:</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>'Teaching a servant to read, is not teaching him the religion of +Christ. The great majority of the white people of our country +are taught to read; but probably not one in five, of those who +have the Bible, is <i>a christian</i>, in the legitimate sense of the +term. If black people are as depraved and as averse to true +religion as the white people are—and we know of no difference +between them in this respect—teaching them to read the Bible +will make christians of <i>very</i> few of them. [What a plea!] ... +If christian masters were to teach their servants to read, we +apprehend that they would not feel the obligation as they ought +to feel it, of giving them oral instruction, and often +impressing divine truth on their minds. [!!] ... If the free +colored people were generally taught to read, <i>it might be an +inducement to them to remain in this country</i>. WE WOULD OFFER +THEM NO SUCH INDUCEMENT. [!!] ... A knowledge of letters and of +all the arts and sciences, cannot counteract the influences +under which the character of the negro <i>must</i> be formed in this +country.... It appears to us that a greater benefit <ins id="mycorr9" +class="mycorr" title="Original: may may"><a name="corr9" id="corr9"></a>may</ins> be +conferred on the free colored people, by planting good schools +for them in Africa, and encouraging them to remove there, than +by giving them the knowledge of letters to make them contented +in their present condition.'—[Telegraph of Feb. 19, 1831.]</p></div> + +<p>Jesuitism was never more subtle—Papal domination never more exclusive. +The gospel of peace and mercy preached by him who holds that ignorance +is the mother of devotion! who would sequestrate the bible from the eyes +of his fellow men! who contends that knowledge is the enemy of religion! +who denies the efficacy of education in elevating a degraded population! +who would make men brutes in order to make them better christians! who +desires to make the clergy infallible guides to heaven! Now what folly +and impiety is all this! Besides, is it not mockery to preach +repentance, and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, to the benighted blacks, +and at the same time deny them the right and ability to 'search the +scriptures' for themselves?<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[Pg 149]</a></span></p> + +<p>The proposition which was made last year to erect a College for the +education of colored youth in New-Haven, it is well known, created an +extraordinary and most disgraceful tumult in that place, (the hot-bed of +African colonization,) and was generally scouted by the friends of the +Society in other places. The American Spectator at Washington, (next to +the African Repository, the mouth-piece of the Society,) used the +following language, in relation to the violent proceedings of the +citizens of New-Haven: 'We not only <i>approve the course</i>, which they +have pursued, but we <i>admire the moral courage</i>, which induced them, +<i>for the love of right</i>, (!) to incur the censure of both sections of +the country.'</p> + +<p>As a farther illustration of the complacency with which colonizationists +regard the laws prohibiting the instruction of the blacks, I extract the +following paragraph from the 'Proceedings of the New-York State +Colonization Society, on its second anniversary:'</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>'It is the business of the free—<i>their safety requires it</i>—to +keep the slaves in ignorance. Their education is utterly +prohibited. Educate them, and they break their fetters. Suppose +the slaves of the south to have the knowledge of freemen, they +would be free, or be exterminated by the whites. This renders it +necessary to prevent their instruction—to keep them from Sunday +Schools, and other means of gaining knowledge. But a few days +ago, a proposition was made in the legislature of Georgia, to +allow them so much instruction as to enable them to read the +bible; which was promptly rejected by a large majority. I do not +mention this for the purpose of <i>condemning the policy</i> of the +slaveholding States, but to lament its <i>necessity</i>.'</p></div> + +<p>Elias B. Caldwell, one of the founders, and the first Secretary of the +Parent Society, in a speech delivered at its formation, advanced the +following monstrous sentiments:</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>'The more you improve the condition of these people, the more +you cultivate their minds, the more <i>miserable</i> you make them in +their present state. You give them a higher relish for those +privileges <i>which they can never attain</i>, and turn what you +intend for a blessing into a curse. No, if they must remain in +their present situation, <i>keep them in the lowest state of +ignorance and degradation</i>. The nearer you bring them to the +condition of <i>brutes</i>, the better chance do you give them of +possessing their apathy.'</p></div> + +<p>So, then, the American Colonization Society advocates, and to a great +extent perpetuates the ignorance and degradation of the colored +population of the United States!</p> + +<p>In a critical examination of the pages of the African Repository, and of +the reports and addresses of the Parent Society and its auxiliaries, I +cannot find in a single instance any impeachment of the conduct and +feelings of society toward the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[Pg 150]</a></span> people of color, or any hint that the +prejudice which is so prevalent against them is unmanly and sinful, or +any evidence of contrition for past injustice, or any remonstrance or +entreaty with a view to a change of public sentiment, or any symptoms of +moral indignation at such unchristian and anti-republican treatment. On +the contrary, I find the doctrine every where inculcated that this +hatred and contempt, this abuse and proscription, are not only +excusable, but the natural, inevitable and incurable effects of +constitutional dissimilitude, growing out of an ordination of +Providence, for which there is no remedy but a separation between the +two races. If the free blacks, then, have been 'still further degraded +by the mockery of nominal freedom,' if they 'must always be a separate +and degraded race,' if 'degradation must and will press them to the +earth,' if from their present station 'they can never rise, be their +talents, their enterprise, their virtues what they may,' if 'in Africa +alone, they can enjoy the motives for honorable ambition,' the American +Colonization Society is responsible for their debasement and misery; for +as it numbers among its supporters the most influential men in our +country, and boasts of having the approbation of an overwhelming +majority of the wise and good whose examples are laws, it is able, were +it willing, to effect a radical change in public sentiment—nay, it is +at the present time public sentiment itself. But though it has done +much, and may do more, (all that it can it will do,) to depress, +impoverish and dispirit the free people of color, and to strengthen and +influence mutual antipathies, it is the purpose of God, I am fully +persuaded, to humble the pride of the American people by rendering the +expulsion of our colored countrymen utterly impracticable, and the +necessity for their admission to equal rights imperative. As neither +mountains of prejudice, nor the massy shackles of law and of public +opinion, have been able to keep them down to a level with slaves, I +confidently anticipate their exaltation among ourselves. Through the +vista of time,—a short distance only,—I see them here, not in Africa, +not bowed to the earth, or derided and persecuted as at present, not +with a downcast air or an irresolute step, but standing erect as men +destined heavenward, unembarrassed, untrammelled, with none to molest or +make them afraid.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_V_23" id="Footnote_V_23"></a><a href="#FNanchor_V_23"><span class="label">[V]</span></a> Walker's Appeal.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_W_24" id="Footnote_W_24"></a><a href="#FNanchor_W_24"><span class="label">[W]</span></a> Why is it that the free people of color are now, in almost +every part of our country, threatened with banishment from State to +State, and with hunting from city to city, until there shall be no place +for the soles of their feet in this their native land? Is it because +they are in reality, as slaveholders tell us, an inferior race of +beings? No, my friends: their consistent conduct, their polished +manners, and their great respectability, wherever they have enjoyed the +advantages of equality of education and equality of motives, proclaim +the contrary. The true cause of this almost universal prescription is to +be found in the melancholy fact that we have been guilty of the most +atrocious injustice to their forefathers and to themselves. We would +therefore now banish the evidence of our guilt from before our eyes: for +whom a man has injured, he is almost sure to hate. Some of the finest +men I met with, during a residence of three years in London and Paris, +were the offspring of African mothers. There no distinction is made in +any grade of society, on account of color. I have repeatedly seen black +gentlemen sitting on the sofas, conversing with the ladies, at the +hospitable mansion of that universal philanthropist, <span class="smcap">Lafayette</span>; and +there were no persons present who appeared more respectable, or who were +more respected.—[Address of Arnold Buffum, President of the New-England +Anti-Slavery Society, delivered in Boston, Feb. 16, 1832.]</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_X_25" id="Footnote_X_25"></a><a href="#FNanchor_X_25"><span class="label">[X]</span></a> In England, it is common to see respectable and genteel +people open their pews when a black stranger enters the church; and at +hotels, nobody thinks it a degradation to have a colored traveller sit +at the same table. We have heard a well authenticated anecdote, which +illustrates the different state of feeling in the two countries on this +subject. A wealthy American citizen was residing at London for a season, +which time the famous Mr Prince Saunders was there. The London breakfast +hour is very late; and Prince Saunders happened to call upon the +American while his family were taking their morning repast. Politeness +and native good feelings prompted the lady to ask her guest to take a +cup of coffee—but then the <i>prejudices of society</i>—how could she +overcome <i>them</i>? True, he was a gentleman in character, manners and +dress; but he had a black skin; and how could white skins sit at the +same table with him? If his <i>character</i> had been as black as perdition, +the difficulty might have been overcome, however reluctantly; but his +<i>skin</i> being black, it was altogether out of the question. So the lady +sipped her coffee, and Prince Saunders sat at the window, occasionally +speaking in reply to conversation addressed to him. At last all retired +from the breakfast table—and then the lady, with an air of sudden +recollection, said, 'I forgot to ask if you had breakfasted, Mr +Saunders! Won't you let me give you a cup of coffee?' 'I thank you, +madam,' he replied, with a dignified bow, 'I am engaged to breakfast +with the <span class="smcap">Prince Regent</span> this morning!' +</p><p> +We laugh at the narrow bigotry of the Mahometan, who feels contaminated +if a Christian shares his dinner, and who will not give his vile carcass +burial, for fear of pollution. Is our prejudice against persons of color +more rational or more just? The plain fact is, our prejudice has the +same foundation as that of the Mahometan—both are grounded in pride and +selfishness. A law has lately passed in Turkey, imposing a fine upon +whoever shall call a Christian a dog. <i>Let us try to keep pace with the +Turks in candor and benevolence.</i>—[Massachusetts Journal and Tribune.]</p></div> +</div> + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<div><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[Pg 151]</a></span></div> +<h2><a name="SECTION_X" id="SECTION_X"></a>SECTION X.</h2> + +<h3>THE AMERICAN COLONIZATION SOCIETY DECEIVES AND MISLEADS THE NATION.</h3> + + +<p><span class="smcap">It</span> is now about fifteen years since the American Colonization Society +sprang into existence—a space of time amply sufficient to test its +ability. In its behalf the pulpit and the press (two formidable engines) +have been exerted to an extraordinary degree; statesmen, and orators, +and judges, and lawyers, and philanthropists, have eloquently advocated +its claims to public patronage. During this protracted period, and with +such powerful auxiliaries, a careless observer might naturally suppose +that much must have been accomplished towards abolishing slavery. But +what is the fact? Less than one hundred and fifty souls have been +removed annually to Africa—in all, about two thousand souls in fifteen +years!!—a drop from the Atlantic ocean—a grain of earth from the +American continent! In the mean time, the increase of the slaves has +amounted to upwards of <i>half a million</i>! and every week more than <i>one +thousand</i> new-born victims are added to their number. Before a vessel, +with one hundred and fifty passengers, can go to and return from Africa, +more than ten thousand slave infants will have been added to our +population: while she is preparing to depart, or waiting for a fair +wind, the increase will freight her many times.</p> + +<p>The following eloquent and comprehensive Circular (published last year +in London by Capt. Charles Stuart, in consequence of the visit of +Elliott Cresson, an agent who was sent out to dupe the philanthropists +of England) exhibits the inefficiency and criminality of the Society in +a striking light:</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>'<span class="smcap">American Colonization Society. Liberia.</span>—This Society was +formed in the United States, in 1817.</p> + +<p>Its Thirteenth Annual Report has just reached this country.</p> + +<p>Its object, as expressed by itself, (see the Thirteenth Report, +page 41, app. 9, art. 2,) "Is to promote and execute a plan for +colonizing the free people of color, residing in 'the United +States' in Africa, or such other place as Congress shall deem +most expedient."</p> + +<p>The facts of the case are these:</p> + +<p> +1. That the United States have about 2,000,000 enslaved blacks.<br /> +2. That they have about 500,000 free blacks.<br /> +3. That both these classes are rapidly increasing.<br /> +4. That both are exceedingly depressed and degraded.<br /> +</p> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[Pg 152]</a></span> +The duty of the United States to them, is the same exactly as we +owe to our colored fellow-subjects in our slave colonies, viz. +to obey God, by letting them go free, by placing them beneath +wise and equitable laws, and by loving them all, and treating +them like brethren; that is to say, the unquestionable duty of +the people of the United States is to emancipate their 2,000,000 +slaves, and to raise the 500,000 free colored people to that +estimation in their native country which is due to them.</p> + +<p>But the American Colonization Society deliberately rejects both +of these first great duties, and confines itself to the +colonization in Africa of the free colored people. They say, in +page 5, of their Thirteenth Report, "To abolition she could not +look—and need not look." It "could do nothing in the slave +States for the cause of humanity;" and in page 8, "Emancipation, +with the liberty to remain on this side of the Atlantic, is but +an act of dreamy madness."</p> + +<p>Now in thus deliberately letting the great crime of negro +slavery alone; and in thus substituting a little restricted act +of very dubious benevolence to a few, for the great and sacred +duty of right which they owe to all,—they hurt the great cause +of everlasting truth and love, in the following particulars:</p> + +<p>1. By offering to the nation a hope, at which many of their best +men seem eagerly grasping, of getting rid of the colored people +abroad—they conduce more and more, as this hope prevails, to +keep out of mind the superior, unalterable, and immediate duty +of righting them at home.</p> + +<p>2. By removing whatever number it be, from their native country, +the number which remains must be diminished,—and the more the +number which remains is diminished, the more helpless will they +become—the less will be the hope of their ever recovering their +own liberty—and the more and longer will they be trampled upon.</p> + +<p>3. The more the people of the United States (and this is equally +true of Great Britain) substitute a <i>half-way</i> duty, difficult, +expensive, and partial as it must be, and criminal as it +unquestionably is—for the <i>whole</i> duty which they owe their +negro fellow-subjects, of putting them, before the law, upon a +par with themselves—the less will they be likely to feel their +sin in continuing to wrong them; and the less they feel their +sin, the less likely will they be to repent of it, and to do +their duty.</p> + +<p>4. The greater the number of slaves transported, the greater +will be the value of the labor of those who remain; the more +valuable their labor is, the greater will be the temptation to +over-labor them, and the more, of course, they will be +oppressed.</p> + +<p>5. The American Colonization Society directly supports the false +and cruel idea that the native country of the colored people of +the United States, is not their native country, and that they +never can be happy until they either exile themselves, or are +exiled; and thus powerfully conduces to extinguish in them all +those delightful hopes, and to prevent all that glorious +exertion, which would make them a blessing to their country. In +this particular, the American Colonization Society takes up a +falsehood, as cruel to the colored people, as it is disgraceful +to themselves; dwells upon it, as if it were an irrefragable +truth; urges it, as such, upon others; and thus endeavors with +all its force, to make <i>that practically true</i>, which is one of +the greatest stains in the American character; which is one of +the greatest scourges that could possibly afflict the free +colored people; and which, in itself, is essentially and +unalterably false. For be the pertinacity of prejudice what it +may, in asserting that the blacks of America never can be +amalgamated in all respects, in equal brotherhood with the +whites, it will not the less remain an everlasting truth, that +the wickedness which produced and perpetuates the assertion, is +the only ground of the difficulty, and that all that is +requisite to remove the whole evil, is the relenting in love of +the proud and cruel spirit which produced it. Could the American +Colonization Society succeed in establishing their views on this +subject, as being really true of the people of the United +States, it would only prove that the people of the United States +were past repentance; that they were given over, through their +obstinacy in sin, finally to believe a lie; to harden +themselves, and to perish in their iniquity. But they<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[Pg 153]</a></span> have not +succeeded in establishing this fearful fact against themselves; +and as long as they continue capable of repentance, it <i>never</i> +can be true, that the proud and baneful prejudices which now so +cruelly alienate them from their colored brethren, may not, will +not, must not, yield to the sword of the Spirit, to the Word of +God, to the blessed weapons of truth and love.</p> + +<p>The American Colonization Society is beautiful and beneficial as +far as it supports the cause commenced at Sierra Leone, by +introducing into Africa, civilization, commerce, and genuine +Christianity—by checking the African slave trade—and by +serving in love the emigrants who choose to pass to Liberia.</p> + +<p>But it powerfully tends to veil the existing and outrageous +atrocity of negro slavery; and it corroborates against the +people of color, whether enslaved or free, one of the most base, +groundless, and cruel prejudices, that has ever disgraced the +powerful, or afflicted the weak.</p> + +<p>The following calculations may throw further light upon the +subject.</p> + +<p>The United States have about 2,000,000 slaves, and about 500,000 +free colored people.</p> + +<p>The American Colonization Society has existed for thirteen +years, and has exported yearly, upon an average, about 150 +persons.</p> + +<p>Meanwhile the natural yearly increase has been 56,000 souls; and +nearly a million have died in slavery!!</p> + +<p>But it may be said, this is only the beginning—more may be +expected hereafter.—Let us see.</p> + +<p>The average price of transporting each individual is calculated +at 30 dollars: suppose it to be reduced to 20, and then, as +56,000 must be exported yearly, in order merely to prevent +increase, 1,120,000 dollars would be yearly requisite simply for +transportation. Where is this vast sum to come from? Or suppose +it supplied, still, in the mass of crime and wretchedness, as it +now exists, there would be <i>no decrease</i>! Two millions of human +beings every 30 years would still be <i>born</i> and <i>die</i> in +slavery!!</p> + +<p>But perhaps you wish to extinguish the crime in thirty years.</p> + +<p>Then you must begin by transporting at least 100,000 yearly. In +order to do this, you must have an annual income of upwards of +2,000,000 dollars; and if you have not only to transport, but +also to purchase, you would probably want yearly, <i>twenty +millions</i> more!!</p> + +<p>Where are you to get this?—</p> + +<p>Or suppose it got, and still one generation would perish in +their wretchedness; 2,000,000 of immortal souls—plundered by +you of the most sacred rights of human nature; of rights <i>always +the same</i>, and everlastingly <i>inalienable</i>, however +plundered—would have perished <i>unredressed</i>, and gone to +confront you at the bar of God.</p> + +<p>And will He not make inquisition for blood? And what will it +avail you to say, "Oh, we satisfied ourselves, and traversed +land and sea, and spent thousands to satisfy others, that if we +transported a few hundreds or thousands of our oppressed +fellow-subjects to a distant country, yearly, with care, we +might guiltlessly leave the remaining hundreds of thousands, or +the millions, in slavery, and harmlessly indulge the invincible +repugnance which we felt to a colored skin. We really thought it +better, to exile our colored brethren from their native country, +or to render their lives in it, intolerable by scorn, should +they obstinately persist in remaining in it;—we really thought +this better, than humbling ourselves before our brother and our +God, and returning to both with repenting and undissembling +love."</p> + +<p>Is not such language similar to the swearer's prayer!!</p> + +<p>Great Britain and the United States, the two most favored, and +the two most guilty nations upon earth, both need rebuke. They +ought to be brethren, mutually dear and honorable to each other, +in all that is true and kind. But never, never, let them support +one another in guilt.</p> + +<p>People of Great Britain, it is your business—it is <i>your +duty</i>,—to give to negro slavery no rest, but to put it +down—not by letting the trunk alone, while you idly busy +yourselves in lopping off, or in aiding others to lop off, a few +of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[Pg 154]</a></span> the straggling branches—but by laying the axe at once to +its roots, and by putting your united nerve into the steel, till +this great poison-tree of lust and blood, and of all abominable +and heartless iniquity, fall before you; and law, and love, and +God and man, shout victory over its ruin.</p> + +<p>Hearken—thus saith the Lord, "Rob not the poor, because he is +poor; neither oppress the afflicted in the gate. For the Lord +will plead their cause, and spoil the soul of those that spoiled +them." Prov. xxii. 22, 23.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">London</span>, July 15, 1831. <span class="rfloat">C. STUART.'</span><a name="FNanchor_Y_26" id="FNanchor_Y_26"></a><a href="#Footnote_Y_26" class="fnanchor">[Y]</a></p></div> + +<p>Sometimes the Society professes to be able to remove the whole colored +population in less than thirty years! and the belief is prevalent that +the project is feasible. Again it tells us—</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>'Admitting that the colonization scheme contemplates the +ultimate abolition of slavery, yet that result could only be +produced <i>by the gradual and slow operation of</i> <span class="smcap">CENTURIES</span>.' * * +'How came we by this population? By the prevalence for a century +of a guilty commerce. And will not the prevalence <i>for a +century</i> of a restoring commerce, place them on their own +shores? Yes, surely!' * * 'There are those, Sir, who ask—and +could not a quarter century cease and determine the two great +evils? You and I, my dear Sir, on whom the frost of time has +fallen rather perceptibly, would say a century. And now, let me +ask, could ever a century, in the whole course of human affairs, +be better employed?'—[African Repository, vol. i. pp. 217, 347; +vol. v. p. 366.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'It is not the work of a day nor a year, it is not a work of one +time, nor of two, nor of three, but it is one which will now +commence, <i>and may continue for ages</i>.'—[A new and interesting +View of Slavery. By Humanitas, a colonization advocate. +Baltimore, 1820.]</p></div> + +<p>Wild enthusiasts in the cause may respond—'The Society never expected +to accomplish much single-handed: it is about to enlist the energies of +the General Government—and doubtless Congress will appropriate several +millions of dollars annually for the purchase and colonization of the +slaves.'</p> + +<p>But are they sure, or is it probable, that Congress will make this +appropriation? And if it should, what can they do without the consent of +the people of color to remove? That con<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[Pg 155]</a></span>sent can never be obtained. Is +it, then, proposed to buy the slaves of their masters, as if the claim +of property were valid? It were better that the money should rust at the +bottom of the deep!—better to buy bank-notes, and convert them to +ashes! To purchase slaves would only serve to make brisk the +slave-market. Their value would immediately rise in all the slave +States; especially in Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Kentucky, and North +Carolina, where they are now comparatively worthless—<i>and there would +be an end to voluntary emancipation</i>: for who would sacrifice his +'property,' when he might obtain an equivalent for it? Slave traders and +slave owners would be zealous to prevent any lack of miserable objects +for the bounty offered by government: if the natural increase were not +sufficient, they would be careful to make the importation from Africa +exceed the exportation to that ill-fated continent. Such a purchase +would be directly patronising the slave trade, at home and abroad, and +bribing masters to keep their slaves for the highest bidder. Besides, it +would be a gross violation of the great fundamental principle, that 'man +cannot hold property in man.'</p> + +<p>I know it is easy to make calculations. I know it is an old maxim, that +'figures cannot lie:' and I very well know, too, that our philanthropic +arithmeticians are prodigiously fond of <span class="smcap">FIGURING</span>, but of doing nothing +else. Give them a slate and pencil, and in fifteen minutes they will +clear the continent of every black skin; and, if desired, throw in the +Indians to boot. While they depopulate America, they find not the least +difficulty in providing for the wants of the emigrating myriads to the +coast of Africa: we have ships enough, and, notwithstanding the hardness +of the times, money enough. O, the surpassing utility of the arithmetic! +it is more potent than the stone of the philosopher, which, <i>when +discovered</i>, is to transmute, at a touch, base metal into pure gold!</p> + +<p>In one breath, colonization orators tell us that the free blacks are +pests in the community; that they are an intemperate, ignorant, lazy, +thievish class; that their condition is worse than that of the slaves; +and that no efforts to improve them in this country can be successful, +owing to the prejudices of society. In the next breath we are told what +mighty works these miser<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[Pg 156]</a></span>able outcasts are to achieve—that they are the +missionaries of salvation,<a name="FNanchor_Z_27" id="FNanchor_Z_27"></a><a href="#Footnote_Z_27" class="fnanchor">[Z]</a> who are to illumine all Africa—that they +will build up a second American republic—and that our conceptions +cannot grasp the result of their labors. Now I, for one, have no faith +in this instantaneous metamorphosis.<a name="FNanchor_AA_28" id="FNanchor_AA_28"></a><a href="#Footnote_AA_28" class="fnanchor">[AA]</a> I believe that neither a sea +voyage nor an African climate has any miraculous influence upon the +brain. I believe that ignorant and depraved black men, who are +transported across the ocean, will be ignorant and depraved black men on +reaching the coast of Africa. I believe, also, that they who are capable +of doing well, surrounded by barbarians, may do better among a civilized +and christian people.</p> + +<p>It is stated in a Circular put forth by the Society last year, that +'from the <i>actual experience</i> of the Society, it has been found that +$20, <i>or less</i>, will defray the whole expense of transporting an +individual to the Colony.' This is a very deceptive statement. The +receipts of the Society from 1820 to 1830, amounted to $112,841 89; the +expenses during the same period were $106,457 72; balance on hand, +$6,384 17. Nine<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[Pg 157]</a></span>teen expeditions had been fitted out, and 1,857 +emigrants,<a name="FNanchor_AB_29" id="FNanchor_AB_29"></a><a href="#Footnote_AB_29" class="fnanchor">[AB]</a> <i>including re-captured Africans</i>, landing on the shores +of Africa—averaging annually, for the ten years, about 186 persons, or +since the organization of the Society, about 124 persons. 'The +emigrants,' the Board of Managers inform us, in a recent address to +Auxiliary Societies, 'for the last three years, average about 227, while +the expenses, <i>exclusive of transportation, and temporary subsistence of +the new colonists</i>, exceed <span class="smcap">TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS</span>'!! In the very last +number of the African Repository, (for April, 1832,) the Vice-Agent at +Liberia, A. D. Williams, writes to the Rev. R. R. Gurley as follows:—'I +think the price, say $35, fixed by the Board for the transportation of +each emigrant, <i>is entirely too low</i>: it should be at least $40, if not +$45.' Why, then, does the Society attempt to impose upon public +credulity, by stating that only $20 are requisite for every individual +transportation, when the actual cost has been more than thrice, and is +likely to be more than double that amount?<a name="FNanchor_AC_30" id="FNanchor_AC_30"></a><a href="#Footnote_AC_30" class="fnanchor">[AC]</a><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[Pg 158]</a></span></p> + +<p>The Society has succeeded in making the people believe that the +establishment of a colony or colonies on the coast of Africa is the only +way to abolish the foreign slave trade: on this account it has secured +an extensive patronage. Here is another fatal delusion. I shall show not +only that it has not injured this trade in the least, but that the trade +<i>continues to increase in activity and cruelty</i>. Let us look at its own +admissions.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>'We regret to say, that the slave trade appears to be carried on +to a great extent, and with circumstances of the most revolting +cruelty.' * * * 'The French slave trade, notwithstanding the +efforts of the government, appears to be undiminished. The +number of Spanish vessels employed in the trade is immense, and +as the treaty between England and Spain only permits the seizure +of vessels having slaves actually on board, many of these watch +their opportunity on the coast, run in, and receive all their +slaves on board in a single day.' * * 'By an official document +from Rio de Janeiro, it appears that the following importations +of slaves were made into that port in 1826 and 1827.</p> + +<p class="indent2">'1826, landed alive, 35,966 ... died on the passage 1,905</p> +<p class="indent2">'1827, landed alive, 41,384 ... died on the passage 1,643</p> + +<p>'Thus it would seem, (says the Boston Gazette,) that to only one +port in the Brazils, and in the course of two years, +<i>seventy-seven thousand three hundred and fifty</i> human beings +were transported from their own country, and placed in a state +of slavery.'—[African Repository, vol. i. v. pp. 179, 181.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'It is not by legal arguments, or penal statutes, or armed +ships, that the slave trade can be prevented. Almost every power +in Christendom has denounced it. It has been declared felony—it +has been declared piracy; and the fleets of Britain and America +have been commissioned to drive it from the ocean. Still, in +defiance of all this array of legislation and of armament, slave +ships ride triumphant on the ocean; and in these floating +caverns, less terrible only than the caverns which demons +occupy, from sixty to eighty thousand wretches, received +pinioned from the coast of Africa, are borne annually away to +slavery or death. Of these wretches a frightful number are, with +an audacity that amazes, landed and disposed of within the +jurisdiction of this republic.'—[Idem, vol. v. 274.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'Notwithstanding all the efforts that have been made to suppress +the slave trade, by means of solemn treaties and laws declaring +it to be piracy; and not<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[Pg 159]</a></span>withstanding the attempts to +exterminate it by the naval forces of the United States and +Great Britain, the inhuman traffic is still pursued to as great +an extent as at any former period, and with greater cruelty than +ever.'—[African Repository, vol. vi. p. 345.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'The slave trade, which many suppose has been every where +abolished for years, there is reason to believe is still carried +on to almost as great an extent as ever. It has been recently +stated in the papers, that an association of merchants at Nantz, +in France, had undertaken to supply the island of Cuba with +thirty thousand fresh negro slaves annually! And in Brazil, it +is well known, that for several years past, the importations +have even exceeded this number.'—[Idem, vol. vii. p. 248.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'Africa, for three long centuries, has been ravaged by the slave +trade. Notwithstanding all that has been done to suppress that +traffic, notwithstanding its formal abolition by all civilized +nations, it is carried on at the present hour, <i>with all its +atrocities unmitigated</i>. The flags of France, Portugal, Brazil, +and Spain, with the connivance of those governments, afford to +the slave trader, in spite of laws and treaties and armed +cruisers, a partial protection, of which he avails himself to +the utmost. And with what cruelty he carries on his war against +human nature, every year affords us illustrations sufficiently +horrible.'—[Christian Spectator for September, 1830.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'This horrible traffic, notwithstanding its abolition by every +civilized nation in the world, except Portugal and Brazil, and +notwithstanding the decided measures of the British and American +governments, is still carried on to almost as great an extent as +ever. Not less than 60,000 slaves, according to the most +moderate computation, are carried from Africa annually. This +trade is carried on by Americans to the American states. And the +cruelties of this trade, which always surpassed the powers of +the human mind to conceive, <i>are greater now than they ever were +before</i>. We might, but we will not, refer to stories, recent +stories, of which the very recital would be torment.'—[Seventh +Annual Report.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'Notwithstanding the vigilance of the powers now engaged to +suppress the slave trade, I have received information, that in a +single year, in the single island of Cuba, slaves equal in +amount to one half of the above number of fifty-two thousand +have been illicitly introduced.' * * 'Mr Mercer submitted the +following preamble and resolutions:—Whereas, to the affliction +of the Christian world, the African slave trade, notwithstanding +all the efforts, past and present, for its suppression, still +exists and is conducted <i>with aggravated cruelty</i>, by the +resources of one continent, to the dishonor of another, and to +an extent little short of the desolation of a third,' +&c.—[Tenth Annual Report.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'It is painful to state, that the Managers have reason to +believe that the slave trade is still prosecuted, to a great +extent, and with circumstances of undiminished atrocity. The +fact, that much was done by Mr Ashmun to banish it from the +territory, under the colonial jurisdiction, is unquestionable; +but, <i>it now exists, even on this territory</i>; and a little to +the north and south of Liberia, it is seen in its true +characters—of fraud, rapine, and blood! In the opinion of the +late Agent, the present efforts to suppress this trade must +prove abortive.'—[Thirteenth Annual Report.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'Some appalling facts in regard to the slave trade have come to +the knowledge of the Board of Managers during the last year. +<i>With undiminished atrocity and activity</i> is this odious traffic +now carried on <i>all along the African coast</i>. Slave factories +are established <i>in the immediate vicinity of the Colony</i>, and +at the Gallinas (between Liberia and Sierra Leone) not less than +nine hundred slaves were shipped during the last summer, in the +space of three weeks.'—[Fourteenth Annual Report, 1831.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'In defiance of all laws enacted, it is estimated that no less +than <i>fifty thousand</i> Africans were, during the last year, +(1831,) carried into foreign slavery. During the months of +February and March of the same year, two thousand were<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[Pg 160]</a></span> landed +on the island of Cuba.'—[Circular published by the +Massachusetts Colonization Society for 1832.]</p></div> + +<p>Here, then, is the acknowledgment of the Society, that it has +accomplished <i>nothing</i> toward the suppression of the slave trade in +fifteen years! Nor has the settlement at Sierra Leone effected aught in +thirty years! Nor have the untiring labors of Wilberforce and Clarkson, +for a longer period, produced any visible effect! The accursed traffic +still continues to increase—and why? Simply <i>because the market for +slaves is not destroyed</i>. Break up this market, and you annihilate the +slave trade. Keep it open, and you may line the shores of Africa and +America with naval ships and armed troops, and the trade will continue. +No proposition in Euclid is plainer. So long as there is a brisk market +for goods, that market will be supplied. The assertion has been made in +Congress by Mr Mercer of Virginia, (one of the Vice-Presidents of the +Society,) that these horrible cargoes are smuggled into our southern +states to a deplorable extent. In 1819, Mr Middleton, of South Carolina, +declared it to be his belief 'that 13,000 Africans were annually +smuggled into our southern states.' Mr Wright of Virginia estimated the +number at 15,000!!!—[<i>Vide</i> Seventh Annual Report—app.]—This number +is seven times as great as that which the Colonization Society has +transported in fifteen years!<a name="FNanchor_AD_31" id="FNanchor_AD_31"></a><a href="#Footnote_AD_31" class="fnanchor">[AD]</a> By letting the system of slavery +alone, then, and striving to protect it, the Society is encouraging and +perpetuating the foreign slave trade!</p> + +<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_Y_26" id="Footnote_Y_26"></a><a href="#FNanchor_Y_26"><span class="label">[Y]</span></a> 'We think the annual increase, as computed by Capt. Stuart, +too low by 10 or 15,000. The estimate also of the expense of +transportation is much below the actual cost. Besides, there is no +provision made for the support of these helpless beings after their +arrival in Africa, until they could provide for their own wants. Double +the cost of transportation would be required for their subsistence till +they could maintain themselves, without making any provision for +implements of husbandry, mechanics' tools, &c. &c. without which they +would all perish, even without the help of a pestiferous climate. But +yet the table shows at one view the utter futility of the whole scheme +of African Colonization. Slavery can no more be removed by these means +than the waters of the Mississippi can be exhausted by steam engines. +And the removal of slavery is the great consummation to which all +benevolent efforts for benefitting the African race in this country, +should ultimately tend. All schemes that do not promote this end will +prove futile, and will end in disappointment. The axe must be laid to +the root of the corrupt tree. It is a system that admits of no +palliation, no compromise.'—['Herald of Truth,' Philadelphia.]</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_Z_27" id="Footnote_Z_27"></a><a href="#FNanchor_Z_27"><span class="label">[Z]</span></a> 'Every emigrant to Africa is a <i>missionary</i> carrying with +him credentials in the holy cause of civilization, religion, and free +institutions'!!—[Speech of H. Clay—Tenth Annual Report.]—Why does not +Mr Clay increase this band of <i>missionaries</i>, by sending out some of his +own slaves? Is he consistent?</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_AA_28" id="Footnote_AA_28"></a><a href="#FNanchor_AA_28"><span class="label">[AA]</span></a></p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>'As to the morals of the colonists, I consider them <i>much better +than those of the people of the United States</i>. That is, you may +take an equal number of inhabitants from any section of the +Union, and you will find more drunkards, more profane swearers +and Sabbath breakers, &c., than in Liberia. Indeed I know of no +country where things are conducted more quietly and orderly than +in this colony; you rarely hear an oath, and as to riots or +breaches of the peace, I recollect of but one instance, and that +of a trifling nature, that has come under my notice since I +assumed the government of the colony. The Sabbath is more +strictly observed than I ever saw it in the United +States.'—[Letter from J. Mechlin, Jr. Governor of the Colony of +Liberia.]</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>'I saw no intemperance, nor did I hear a profane word uttered by +any one.' [Letter of Capt. William Abels.]</p></div> + +<p>If these statements be a true representation of the moral condition of +the colonists; if 'their morals are much better than those of the people +of the United States;' let us immediately bring back these expatriated +<i>missionaries</i> to civilize and reform ourselves; for, according to our +own confession, we need their instruction and example as much as any +heathen nation. If these 'missionaries,' who, in this country, could +'scarcely be reached in their debasement by the heavenly light;' if +these 'most degraded, most abandoned beings on the earth,' have actually +risen up to this exalted height of intelligence and purity, in so brief +a period after a separation from ourselves, how desperately wicked and +corrupt does the fact make our own conduct appear!</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_AB_29" id="Footnote_AB_29"></a><a href="#FNanchor_AB_29"><span class="label">[AB]</span></a> Of this number, nearly three-fourths were free persons of +color. If the Society is anxious to emancipate the slaves, why does it +not confine its efforts exclusively to their transportation, seeing so +many are offered for that purpose? Doubtless the reply will be—'O, it +is important, in the incipient state of the colony, to send free persons +of color, because they are more intelligent and virtuous.' Ah! is it so? +What! give the preference to those whom it elsewhere brands as 'more +corrupt, depraved and abandoned than the slaves can be,' and who +'contribute greatly to the <i>corruption of the slaves</i>?' 'O!' it may +reply, 'a careful selection is made between the virtuous and +vicious—none are sent whose character is not reputable.' But what is to +become of this choice selection, when it is able (as it hopes to be) to +send off even as many as seventy thousand annually?</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_AC_30" id="Footnote_AC_30"></a><a href="#FNanchor_AC_30"><span class="label">[AC]</span></a> 'The expense of transporting such persons from the United +States to the coast of Africa, has been variously estimated. By those +who compute it at the lowest rate, the mere expense of this +transportation has been estimated at $20 per head. In this estimate, +however, is not comprehended the expense of transporting the persons +destined for Africa, to the port of their departure from the United +States, or the necessary expense of sustaining them, either there or in +Africa, for a reasonable time after their first arrival. All these +expenses combined, the Committee think they estimate very low, when they +compute the amount at $100 per head. It has been estimated by some at +double this amount; and if past experience may be relied upon as proving +any thing, the official documents formerly furnished to the Senate by +the Department of the Navy, show that the expenses attending the +transportation of the few captured slaves who have been returned to +Africa by the United States, at the expense of this government, <i>far +exceeds even the largest estimate</i>. But taking the expense to be only +what the Committee have estimated it: Then the sum requisite to +transport the whole number of the free colored population of the United +States, would exceed twenty-eight millions of dollars; and the expense +of transporting a number, equal only to the mere annual increase of this +population, would exceed seven hundred thousand dollars per annum. Sums +which would impose upon the people of this country, an additional +burthen of taxation, greater than this Committee believe they could +easily bear; and much greater than ought to be imposed upon them for any +such purpose.' * * 'The annual increase of the slave population, at +present, is at least 57,000. Now allow the same sum per head for the +transportation of these persons, that has been estimated for the +transportation in the other similar case; and the sum requisite to +defray the expense of the transportation of all the slaves in the United +States, would be one hundred and ninety millions of dollars; and that +requisite to defray the expense of the transportation of a number only +equal to their mere annual increase, would be five millions seven +hundred thousand dollars per annum. But to either of these sums must be +added the reasonable equivalent, or necessary aid, to be paid by the +United States to humane individuals, in order to induce them voluntarily +to part with their property. The Committee have no 'data' by which they +can measure what this might be. But any sum, however small, will make so +great an augmentation of the amount, as almost to baffle calculation, +and to exhibit this project at once, as one exceeding, very far, indeed, +any revenue which the United States could ever draw from their citizens, +even if the object was to increase and multiply, instead of reducing the +numbers of the class of productive labor.'—[Mr Tazewell's Report—U. S. +Senate, 1828.]</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_AD_31" id="Footnote_AD_31"></a><a href="#FNanchor_AD_31"><span class="label">[AD]</span></a> The following amusing anecdote is a capital illustration +of the folly of those colonizationists, who are endeavoring to suppress +the rising tide of our colored population by extracting a few drops +annually with their 'mop and pattens.' Dame Partington is clearly +outdone by them, in regard to pertinacity of purpose and feebleness of +execution. Rev. Sidney Smith, in his speech at the Taunton meeting, +(England,) said: +</p><p> +'The attempt of the House of Lords to stop the progress of Reform, +reminded him of the conduct of the excellent Mrs. Partington, during the +great storm at Sidmouth, in 1824. The tide rose to an incredible height; +the waves rushed in upon the houses, and every thing was threatened with +destruction. In the midst of the fearful commotion of the elements, Dame +Partington, who lived upon the sea beach, was seen at the door of her +house, with mop and pattens, trundling her mop and sweeping out the sea +water, and vigorously pushing back the Atlantic. The Atlantic was +roused, and so was Mrs. Partington; but the contest was unequal. The +Atlantic beat Mrs. Partington. She was excellent at a slop or a puddle, +but she could do nothing with a tempest.'</p></div> +</div> +<h4>END OF PART I.</h4> + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<div><span class='pagenum'><a name="pt2-Page_1" id="pt2-Page_1">[Pg 1]</a></span></div> +<h1><span style="font-size: larger">THOUGHTS</span> +<br /><span style="font-size: smaller">ON</span> +<br />AFRICAN COLONIZATION.<br /></h1> + +<h2>PART II.</h2> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>SENTIMENTS OF THE PEOPLE OF COLOR.</h2> + +<p><span class="smcap">If</span> the American Colonization Society were indeed actuated by the purest +motives and the best feelings toward the objects of its supervision; if +it were not based upon injustice, fraud, persecution and incorrigible +prejudice; still if its purposes be contrary to the wishes and injurious +to the interests of the free people of color, it ought not to receive +the countenance of the public. Even the trees of the forest are keenly +susceptible to every touch of violence, and seem to deprecate +transplantation to a foreign soil. Even birds and animals pine in exile +from their native haunts; their local attachments are wonderful; they +migrate only to return again at the earliest opportunity. Perhaps there +is not a living thing, from the hugest animal down to the minutest +animalcule, whose pleasant associations are not circumscribed, or that +has not some favorite retreats. This universal preference, this love of +<i>home</i>, seems to be the element of being,—a constitutional attribute +given by the all-wise Creator to bind each separate tribe or community +within intelligent and well-defined limits: for, in its absence, order +would be banished<span class='pagenum'><a name="pt2-Page_2" id="pt2-Page_2">[Pg 2]</a></span> from the world, collision between the countless +orders of creation would be perpetual, and violence would depopulate the +world with more than pestilential rapidity.</p> + +<p>Shall it be said that beings endowed with high intellectual powers, +sustaining the most important relations, created for social enjoyments, +and made but a little lower than the angels—shall it be said that their +local attachments are less tenacious than those of trees, and birds, and +beasts, and insects? I know that the blacks are classed, by some, who +scarcely give any evidence of their own humanity but their shape, among +the brute creation: but are they <i>below</i> the brutes? or are they more +insensible to rude assaults than forest-trees?</p> + +<p>'Men,' says an erratic but powerful writer<a name="FNanchor_AE_32" id="FNanchor_AE_32"></a><a href="#Footnote_AE_32" class="fnanchor">[AE]</a>—'men are like trees: +they delight in a rude [and native] soil—they strike their roots +downward with a perpetual effort, and heave their proud branches upward +in perpetual strife. Are they to be removed?—you must tear up the very +earth with their roots, rock and ore and impurity, or they perish. They +cannot be translated with safety. Something of their home—a little of +their native soil, must cling to them forever, or they die.'</p> + +<p>This love of home, of neighborhood, of country, is inherent in the human +breast. It accompanies the child from its earliest reminiscence up to +old age: it is written upon every tangible and permanent object within +the habitual cognizance of the eye—upon stone, and tree, and +rivulet—upon the green hill, and the verdant plain, and the opulent +valley—upon house, and garden, and steeple-spire—upon the soil, +whether it be rough or smooth, sandy or hard, barren or luxuriant.</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">'Like ivy, where it grows, 'tis seen<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To wear an everlasting green.'<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p>The man who does not cherish it is regarded as destitute of sensibility; +and to him is applied by common consent the burning rebuke of Sir Walter +Scott:</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">'Breathes there the man, with soul so dead,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Who never to himself hath said,</span><span class='pagenum'><a name="pt2-Page_3" id="pt2-Page_3">[Pg 3]</a></span><br /> +<span class="i2">This is my own, my native land!<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Whose heart hath ne'er within him burned,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">As home his footsteps he hath turned,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">From wandering on a foreign strand!<br /></span> +<span class="i0">If such there breathe, go, mark him well;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">For him no Minstrel raptures swell;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">High though his titles, proud his name,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Boundless his wealth as wish can claim;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Despite those titles, power, and pelf,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The wretch, concentred all in self,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Living, shall forfeit fair renown,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And, doubly dying, shall go down<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To the vile dust, from whence he sprung,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Unwept, unhonored, and unsung.'<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p>Whose bosom does not thrill with pleasurable emotion whenever he listens +to that truest, sweetest, tenderest effusion,—'Home, sweet home?'</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">''Mid pleasures and palaces though we may roam,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Be it ever so humble, there's no place like home;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">A charm from the skies seems to hallow us there,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Which, seek thro' the world, is ne'er met with elsewhere.<br /></span> +<span class="i7">Home—home!<br /></span> +<span class="i7">Sweet, sweet home!<br /></span> +<span class="i4"><i>There's no place like home!</i><br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">'An exile from home, splendor dazzles in vain—<br /></span> +<span class="i0">O give me my lowly thatched cottage again;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The birds singing gaily that came at my call—<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Give me them, with the peace of mind dearer than all!<br /></span> +<span class="i7">Home—home!<br /></span> +<span class="i7">Sweet, sweet home!<br /></span> +<span class="i4"><i>There's no place like home!</i>'<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p>No one will understand me to maintain that population should never be +thinned by foreign emigration; but only that such an emigration is +unnatural. The great mass of a neighborhood or country must necessarily +be stable: only fractions are cast off and float away on the tide of +adventure. Individual enterprise or estrangement is one thing: the +translation of an entire people to an unknown clime, another. The former +may be moved by a single impulse—by a love of novelty, or a desire of +gain,<span class='pagenum'><a name="pt2-Page_4" id="pt2-Page_4">[Pg 4]</a></span> or a hope of preferment: he leaves no perceptible void in +society. The latter can never be expatriated but by some extraordinary +calamity, or by the application of intolerable restraints. They must +first be rendered broken-hearted or loaded with chains—hope must not +merely sicken but die—cord after cord must be sundered—ere they will +seek another home. Our pilgrim-fathers were driven out from the mother +country by ecclesiastical domination: to worship God according to the +dictates of their own consciences, was the only cause of their exile. +Had they been permitted to enjoy this sacred right,—no matter how great +were their temporal privations, or their hopes of physical +enjoyments,—they would not have perilled their lives on the stormy +deep, to obtain an asylum in this western hemisphere.</p> + +<p>It may be said, in reply to the foregoing remarks upon the love of home +and of country, that the people of color cannot cherish this abhorrence +of migration, because here they have no 'continuing city,' and are not +recognised as fellow-countrymen. In <span class="smcap">Part I.</span>, I have shown, by copious +extracts, that colonizationists artfully represent them as aliens and +foreigners, wanderers from Africa—destitute of that <i>amor patriæ</i>, +which is the bond of union—seditious—without +alliances—irresponsible—unambitious—cherishing no attachment to the +soil—feeling no interest in our national prosperity—ready for any +adventure—eager to absent themselves from the land—malignant in their +feelings towards society—incapable of local preference—content to +remain in ignorance and degradation—&c. &c. &c.</p> + +<p>Every such representation is a libel, as I shall show in subsequent +pages. The language of the people of color is,—'This is our country: +here were we born—here will we live and die—we know of no other place +that we can call our true and appropriate home—here are our earliest +and most pleasant associations—we are freemen, we are brethren, we are +countrymen and fellow-citizens—we are not for insurrection, but for +peace and equality.' This is not the language of sedition or alienated +affection. Their <i>amor patriæ</i> is robust and deathless: like the oak, +tempests do but strengthen its roots and confer victory<span class='pagenum'><a name="pt2-Page_5" id="pt2-Page_5">[Pg 5]</a></span> upon it. Even +the soil on which the unhappy slave toils and bleeds, is to him +consecrated earth.</p> + +<p>African colonization is directly and irreconcileably opposed to the +wishes of our colored population as a body. Their desires ought to be +tenderly regarded. In all my intercourse with them in various towns and +cities, I have never seen one of their number who was friendly to this +scheme—and I have not been backward in canvassing their opinions on +this subject. They are as unanimously opposed to a removal to Africa, as +the Cherokees from the council-fires and graves of their fathers. It is +remarkable, too, that they are as united in their respect and esteem for +the republic of Hayti. But <i>this is their country</i>—they are resolute +against every migratory plot, and willing to rely on the justice of the +nation for an ultimate restoration to all their lost rights and +privileges. What is the fact? Through the instrumentality of <span class="smcap">Benjamin +Lundy</span>,<a name="FNanchor_AF_33" id="FNanchor_AF_33"></a><a href="#Footnote_AF_33" class="fnanchor">[AF]</a> the distinguished and veteran champion of emancipation, a +great highway has been opened to the Haytien republic, over which our +colored population may travel <i>toll free</i>, and at the end of their brief +journey be the free occupants of the soil, and meet such a reception as +was never yet given to any sojourners in any country, since the +departure of Israel into Egypt. One would think, that, with such +inducements and under such circumstances, this broad thoroughfare would +present a most animating spectacle; that the bustle and roar of a +journeying multitude would fall upon the ear like the strife of the +ocean, or the distant thunder of the retiring storm; and that the song +of the oppressor and the oppressed, a song of deliverance to each, would +go up to heaven, till its echoes were seemingly the responses of angels +and justified spirits. But it is not so. Only here and there a traveller +is seen to enter upon the road—there is no noise of preparation or +departure; but a silence, deeper than the breathlessness of midnight, +rests upon our land—not a shout of joy is heard throughout our +borders!<span class='pagenum'><a name="pt2-Page_6" id="pt2-Page_6">[Pg 6]</a></span></p> + +<p>How shall we account for this amazing apathy but on the ground that our +colored population are unwilling to leave their native homes, no matter +how strong soever are the inducements held out to them abroad?</p> + +<p>If it be said that they are not compelled to emigrate against their +wishes—I answer, it is true that direct <i>physical force</i> is not +applied; but why are they induced to remove? Is it because they +instinctively prefer Africa to their native country? Do they actually +<i>court</i> the perils of the sea,—the hostilities of a savage tribe,—the +sickening influences of an African climate? Or are they not peremptorily +assured that they never can, <i>and never shall</i>, enjoy their rights and +privileges at home—and thus absolutely compelled to leave all that is +dear behind, and to seek a shelter in a strange land—a land of darkness +and cruelty, of barbarism and wo?</p> + +<p>The free people of color, and even the slaves, have on numerous +occasions given ocular demonstration of their attachment to this +country. Large numbers of them were distinguished for their patient +endurance, their ardent devotion, and their valorous conduct during our +revolutionary struggle. In the last war, they signalized themselves in a +manner which extorted the applause even of their calumniators—of many +who are doubtless at the present day representing them as seditious and +inimical to the prosperity of the country. I have before me a +Proclamation in the French language, issued by General Andrew Jackson, +of which the following is a translation:</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>'<big><span class="smcap">Proclamation to the Free People of Color.</span></big></p> + +<p>'Soldiers!—When on the banks of the Mobile, I called you to +take up arms, inviting you to partake the perils and glory of +your white fellow citizens, <i>I expected much from you</i>; for I +was not ignorant that you possessed qualities most formidable to +an invading enemy. I knew with what fortitude you could endure +hunger and thirst, and all the fatigues of a campaign. <i>I knew +well how you loved your</i> <span class="smcap">NATIVE</span> <i>country</i>, and that you had, as +well as ourselves, to defend what man holds most dear—his +parents, relations, wife, children and property. <span class="smcap">You have done +more than I expected.</span> In addition to the previous qualities I +before knew you to possess, I found, more<span class='pagenum'><a name="pt2-Page_7" id="pt2-Page_7">[Pg 7]</a></span>over, among you <i>a +noble enthusiasm</i> which leads to the performance of great +things.</p> + +<p>'Soldiers!—The President of the United States shall hear how +praiseworthy was your conduct in the hour of danger, and the +Representatives of the American people will, I doubt not, give +you the praise your exploits entitle you to. <i>Your General +anticipates them in applauding your noble ardor.</i></p> + +<p>'The enemy approaches; his vessels cover our lakes; our brave +citizens are united, and all contention has ceased among them. +Their only dispute is, who shall win the prize of valor, or who +the most glory, its noblest reward.</p> + +<p>'By order.</p> + +<p class="right"><big>'THOMAS BUTLER</big>, <i>Aid de Camp</i>.'</p> +</div> + +<p>In commenting upon the above Proclamation, an intelligent writer in the +New-Orleans '<span class="smcap">Liberalist</span>' of March 15, 1830, very expressively +remarks:—'Those who served in the memorable campaign of 1814 will know +if the hero of the west was guilty of exaggeration. Just as fatal as was +every glance of his keen eye to the English lines, so is every word of +this Proclamation a killing thunderbolt to the detractors of this +portion of our fellow beings, now so inhumanly persecuted.' Yes—when +peril rears its crest, and invasion threatens our shores, then prejudice +is forgotten and the tongue of detraction is still—then the people of +color are no longer brutes or a race between men and monkeys, no longer +turbulent or useless, no longer aliens and wanderers from Africa—but +they are complimented as intelligent, patriotic citizens from whom much +is expected, and who have property, home and country at stake! Ay, and +richly do they merit this compliment.</p> + +<p>A respectable colored gentleman in the city of New-York, referring to +this famous Proclamation, makes the following brief comment: 'When we +could be of any use to the army, we possessed all the cardinal virtues; +but now that time has passed, we forsooth are the most miserable, +worthless beings the Lord in his wise judgment ever sent to curse the +rulers of this troublesome world! I feel an anathema rising from my +heart, but I have suppressed it.'</p> + +<p>How black is the ingratitude, how pitiful the hypocrisy, manifested in +our conduct as a people, toward our colored popula<span class='pagenum'><a name="pt2-Page_8" id="pt2-Page_8">[Pg 8]</a></span>tion! Every cheek +should wear the blush of shame—every head be bowed in self-abasement!</p> + +<p>From the organization of the American Colonization Society, down to the +present time, the free people of color have publicly and repeatedly +expressed their opposition to it. They indignantly reject every overture +for their expatriation. It has been industriously circulated by the +advocates of colonization, that I have caused this hostility to the +African scheme in the bosoms of the blacks; and that, until the +Liberator was established, they were friendly to it. This story is +founded upon sheer ignorance. It is my solemn conviction that I have not +proselyted a dozen individuals; for the very conclusive reason that no +conversions were necessary. Their sentiments were familiar to me long +before they knew my own. My opponents abundantly overrate my influence, +in acknowledging that I have overthrown, in a single year, the +concentrated energies of the mightiest men in the land, and the +perpetual labors of fifteen years. They shall not make me vain. Such a +concession affords substantial evidence of perverted strength and +misapplied exertion.</p> + +<p>If the people of color were instantly to signify their willingness to +emigrate, my hostility to the American Colonization Society would +scarcely abate one jot: for their assent could never justify the +principles and doctrines propagated by the Society. Those principles and +doctrines have been shown, I trust, to be corrupt, selfish, +proscriptive, opposed to the genius of republicanism and to the spirit +of christianity.</p> + +<p>The first public demonstration of hostility to the colonization scheme +was made in 1817, by the free colored inhabitants of Richmond, Virginia. +The proceedings of their meeting, copies of which were printed for +distribution, I have accidentally mislaid. To the sentiments of the +people of color, as expressed in the following pages, I cannot too +earnestly solicit the serious attention of every good man and true +philanthropist. After such an exhibition, persistance in expelling this +portion of our population from our shores must be productive of +aggravated guilt and the most dreadful collisions.<span class='pagenum'><a name="pt2-Page_9" id="pt2-Page_9">[Pg 9]</a></span></p> + + +<h4>A VOICE PROM PHILADELPHIA.</h4> + +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Philadelphia</span>, January, 1817.</p> + +<p>At a numerous meeting of the people of color, convened at Bethel church, +to take into consideration the propriety of remonstrating against the +contemplated measure, that is to exile us from the land of our nativity; +James Forten was called to the chair, and Russell Parrott appointed +secretary. The intent of the meeting having been stated by the chairman, +the following resolutions were adopted, without one dissenting voice.</p> + +<p>Whereas our ancestors (not of choice) were the first successful +cultivators of the wilds of America, we their descendants feel ourselves +entitled to participate in the blessings of her luxuriant soil, which +their blood and sweat manured; and that any measure or system of +measures, having a tendency to banish us from her bosom, would not only +be cruel, but in direct violation of those principles, which have been +the boast of this republic.</p> + +<p>Resolved, That we view with deep abhorrence the unmerited stigma +attempted to be cast upon the reputation of the free people of color, by +the promoters of this measure, 'that they are a dangerous and useless +part of the community,' when in the state of disfranchisement in which +they live, in the hour of danger they ceased to remember their wrongs, +and rallied around the standard of their country.</p> + +<p>Resolved, That we never will separate ourselves voluntarily from the +slave population in this country; they are our brethren by the ties of +consanguinity, of suffering, and of wrong; and we feel that there is +more virtue in suffering privations with them, than fancied advantages +for a season.</p> + +<p>Resolved, That without arts, without science, without a proper knowledge +of government, to cast into the savage wilds of Africa the free people +of color, seems to us the circuitous route through which they must +return to perpetual bondage.</p> + +<p>Resolved, That having the strongest confidence in the justice of God, +and philanthropy of the free states, we cheerfully submit our destinies +to the guidance of Him who suffers not a sparrow to fall, without his +special providence.</p> + +<p>Resolved, That a committee of eleven persons be appointed to open a +correspondence with the honorable Joseph Hopkinson, member of Congress +from this city, and likewise to inform him of the sentiments of this +meeting, and that the following named persons constitute the committee, +and that they have power to call a general meeting, when they in their +judgment may deem it proper.<span class='pagenum'><a name="pt2-Page_10" id="pt2-Page_10">[Pg 10]</a></span></p> + +<p>Rev. Absalom Jones, Rev. Richard Allen, James Forten, Robert Douglass, +Francis Perkins, Rev. John Gloucester, Robert Gorden, James Johnson, +Quamoney Clarkson, John Summersett, Randall Shepherd.</p> + +<p class="right"><big>JAMES FORTEN</big>, Chairman.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Russell Parrott</span>, Secretary.</p> + +<p>At a numerous meeting of the free people of color of the city and county +of Philadelphia, held in pursuance of public notice, at the school house +in Green's court, on the evening of August 10th, for the purpose of +taking into consideration the plan of colonizing the free people of +color of the United States, on the coast of Africa, James Forten was +appointed chairman, and Russell Parrott, secretary.</p> + +<p>Resolved unanimously, That the following address, signed on behalf of +the meeting, by the Chairman and Secretary, be published and circulated.</p> + +<h4><i>To the humane and benevolent Inhabitants of the city and county +of Philadelphia.</i></h4> + +<p>The free people of color, assembled together, under circumstances of +deep interest to their happiness and welfare, humbly and respectfully +lay before you this expression of their feelings and apprehensions.</p> + +<p>Relieved from the miseries of slavery, many of us by your aid, +possessing the benefits which industry and integrity in this prosperous +country assure to all its inhabitants, enjoying the rich blessings of +religion, by opportunities of worshipping the only true God, under the +light of Christianity, each of us according to his understanding; and +having afforded to us and to our children the means of education and +improvement; we have no wish to separate from our present homes, for any +purpose whatever. Contented with our present situation and condition, we +are not desirous of increasing their prosperity but by honest efforts, +and by the use of those opportunities for their improvement, which the +constitution and laws allow to all. It is therefore with painful +solicitude, and sorrowing regret, we have seen a plan for colonizing the +free people of color of the United States on the coast of Africa, +brought forward under the auspices and sanction of gentlemen whose names +give value to all they recommend, and who certainly are among the +wisest, the best, and the most benevolent of men, in this great nation.</p> + +<p>If the plan of colonizing is intended for our benefit; and those who now +promote it, will never seek our injury; we humbly and respectfully urge, +that it is not asked for by us;<span class='pagenum'><a name="pt2-Page_11" id="pt2-Page_11">[Pg 11]</a></span> nor will it be required by any +circumstances, in our present or future condition; as long as we shall +be permitted to share the protection of the excellent laws and just +government which we now enjoy, in common with every individual of the +community.</p> + +<p>We, therefore, a portion of those who are the objects of this plan, and +among those whose happiness, with that of others of our color, it is +intended to promote; with humble and grateful acknowledgments to those +who have devised it, renounce and disclaim every connexion with it; and +respectfully but firmly declare our determination not to participate in +any part of it.</p> + +<p>If this plan of colonization now proposed, is intended to provide a +refuge and a dwelling for a portion of our brethren, who are now held in +slavery in the south, we have other and stronger objections to it, and +we entreat your consideration of them.</p> + +<p>The ultimate and final abolition of slavery in the United States, by the +operation of various causes, is, under the guidance and protection of a +just God, progressing. Every year witnesses the release of numbers of +the victims of oppression, and affords new and safe assurances that the +freedom of all will be in the end accomplished. As they are thus by +degrees relieved from bondage, our brothers have opportunities for +instruction and improvement; and thus they become in some measure fitted +for their liberty. Every year, many of us have restored to us by the +gradual, but certain march of the cause of abolition—parents, from whom +we have been long separated—wives and children whom we had left in +servitude—and brothers, in blood as well as in early sufferings, from +whom we had been long parted.</p> + +<p>But if the emancipation of our kindred shall, when the plan of +colonization shall go into effect, be attended with transportation to a +distant land, and shall be granted on no other condition; the +consolation for our past sufferings and of those of our color who are in +slavery, which have hitherto been, and under the present situation of +things would continue to be, afforded to us and to them, will cease for +ever. The cords, which now connect them with us, will be stretched by +the distance to which their ends will be carried, until they break; and +all the sources of happiness, which affection and connexion and blood +bestow, will be ours and theirs no more.</p> + +<p>Nor do we view the colonization of those who may become emancipated by +its operation among our southern brethren, as capable of producing their +happiness. Unprepared by education, and a knowledge of the truths of our +blessed religion, for their new situation, those who will thus become +colonists will themselves be surrounded by every suffering which can +afflict the members of the human family.<span class='pagenum'><a name="pt2-Page_12" id="pt2-Page_12">[Pg 12]</a></span></p> + +<p>Without arts, without habits of industry, and unaccustomed to provide by +their own exertions and foresight for their wants, the colony will soon +become the abode of every vice, and the home of every misery. Soon will +the light of Christianity, which now dawns among that portion of our +species, be shut out by the clouds of ignorance, and their day of life +be closed, without the illuminations of the gospel.</p> + +<p>To those of our brothers, who shall be left behind, there will be +assured perpetual slavery and augmented sufferings. Diminished in +numbers, the slave population of the southern states, which by its +magnitude alarms its proprietors, will be easily secured. Those among +their bondmen, who feel that they should be free, by rights which all +mankind have from God and from nature, and who thus may become dangerous +to the quiet of their masters, will be sent to the colony; and the tame +and submissive will be retained, and subjected to increased rigor. Year +after year will witness these means to assure safety and submission +among their slaves, and the southern masters will colonize only those +whom it may be dangerous to keep among them. The bondage of a large +portion of our brothers will thus be rendered perpetual.</p> + +<p>Should the anticipations of misery and want among the colonists, which +with great deference we have submitted to your better judgment, be +realized; to emancipate and transport to Africa will be held forth by +slaveholders as the worst and heaviest of punishments; and they will be +threatened and successfully used to enforce increased submission to +their wishes, and subjection to their commands.</p> + +<p>Nor ought the sufferings and sorrows, which must be produced by an +exercise of the right to transport and colonize such only of their +slaves as may be selected by the slaveholders, escape the attention and +consideration of those whom with all humility we now address. Parents +will be torn from their children—husbands from their wives—brothers +from brothers—and all the heart-rending agonies which were endured by +our forefathers when they were dragged into bondage from Africa, will be +again renewed, and with increased anguish. The shores of America will, +like the sands of Africa, be watered by the tears of those who will be +left behind. Those who shall be carried away will roam childless, +widowed, and alone, over the burning plains of Guinea.</p> + +<p>Disclaiming, as we emphatically do, a wish or desire to interpose our +opinions and feelings between all plans of colonization, and the +judgment of those whose wisdom as far exceeds ours as their situations +are exalted above ours; <i>we humbly</i>, respect<span class='pagenum'><a name="pt2-Page_13" id="pt2-Page_13">[Pg 13]</a></span>fully, and fervently +intreat and beseech your disapprobation of the plan of colonization now +offered by 'the American Society for colonizing the free people of color +of the United States.'—Here, in the city of Philadelphia, where the +voice of the suffering sons of Africa was first heard; where was first +commenced the work of abolition, on which heaven has smiled, for it +could have had success only from the Great Maker; let not a purpose be +assisted which will stay the cause of the entire abolition of slavery in +the United States, and which may defeat it altogether; which proffers to +those who do not ask for them what it calls benefits, but which they +consider injuries; and which must insure to the multitudes whose prayers +can only reach you through us, <span class="smcap">MISERY</span>, <i>sufferings, and perpetual +slavery</i>.</p> + +<p class="right"><big>JAMES FORTEN</big>, Chairman.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Russell Parrott</span>, Secretary.</p> + + +<h4>A VOICE FROM NEW-YORK.</h4> + +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">New-York</span>, January, 1831.</p> + +<p>At a public meeting of the colored citizens of New-York, held at Boyer +Lodge Room, on Tuesday evening, the 25th ult. Mr Samuel Ennals was +called to the chair, and Mr Philip Bell appointed secretary. The +chairman stated that the object of the meeting was to take into +consideration the proceedings of an association, under the title of the +'New-York Colonization Society.' An address to the 'Citizens of +New-York' relative to that Society, was read from the Commercial +Advertiser of the 8th ult.; whereupon the following resolutions were +unanimously adopted.</p> + +<p>Whereas a number of gentlemen in this city, of mistaken views with +respect to the wishes and welfare of the people of this state, on the +subject of African colonization, and in pursuance of such mistaken views +are using every exertion to form 'African Colonization Societies;' and +whereas a public document, purporting to be an address to the people of +the 'city of New-York' on this subject, contains opinions and assertions +regarding the people of color as unfounded as they are unjust and +derogatory to them—Therefore</p> + +<p>Resolved, That this meeting do most solemnly protest against the said +address, as containing sentiments with respect to the people of color, +unjust, illiberal and unfounded; tending to excite the prejudice of the +community.</p> + +<p>Resolved, That in our opinion the sentiments put forth in the<span class='pagenum'><a name="pt2-Page_14" id="pt2-Page_14">[Pg 14]</a></span> +resolution at the formation of the 'Colonization Society of the city of +New-York,' are such as to impress this community with the belief that +the colored population are a growing evil, immoral, and destitute of +religious principles.</p> + +<p>Resolved, That we view the resolution calling on the worshippers of +Christ to assist in the unholy crusade against the colored population of +this country, as totally at variance with true Christian principles.</p> + +<p>Resolved, That we claim <i>this country, the place of our birth, and not +Africa</i>, as our mother country, and all attempts to send us to Africa we +consider as gratuitous and uncalled for.</p> + +<p>Resolved, That a committee of three persons be appointed to draft an +address to the people of New-York, and to be published, together with +these resolutions, and the same be signed by the Chairman and Secretary.</p> + +<p class="right"><big>SAMUEL ENNALS</big>, Chairman.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Philip Bell</span>, Secretary.</p> + + +<h4><i>An Address to the Citizens of New-York.</i></h4> + +<p>In protesting against the sentiments and declarations to our prejudice +with which the above noticed 'address' and 'resolutions' abound, we are +well aware of the power and influence we have attempted to resist. The +gentlemen named as officers of the 'Colonization Society' are men of +high standing, their dictum is law in morals with our community; but we +who feel the effect of their proscription, indulge the hope of an +impartial hearing.</p> + +<p>We believe many of those gentlemen are our friends, and we hope they all +mean well; we care not how many Colonization Societies they form to send +slaves from the south to a place where they may enjoy freedom; and if +they can 'drain the ocean with a bucket,' may send '<i>with their own +consent</i>,' the increasing free colored population: but we solemnly +protest against that Christian philanthropy which in acknowledging our +wrongs commits a greater by vilifying us. The conscientious man would +not kill the animal, but cried 'mad dog,' and the rabble despatched him. +These gentlemen acknowledge the anomaly of those political ethics which +make a distinction between man and man, when their foundation is, 'that +all men are born equal,' and possess in common 'unalienable rights;' and +to justify the withholding of these 'rights' would proclaim to +foreigners that we are 'a distinct and inferior race,' without religion +or morals, and implying that our condition cannot be improved here +because there exists an unconquerable prejudice in the whites towards +us. We absolutely deny these positions,<span class='pagenum'><a name="pt2-Page_15" id="pt2-Page_15">[Pg 15]</a></span> and we call upon the learned +author of the 'address' for the indications of distinction between us +and other men. There are different <i>colors</i> among all species of +animated creation. A difference of color is not a difference of species. +Our structure and organization are the same, and not distinct from other +men; and in what respects are we inferior? Our political condition we +admit renders us less respectable, but does it prove us an inferior part +of the human family? Inferior indeed we are as to the means which we +possess of becoming wealthy and learned men; and it would argue well for +the cause of justice, humanity and true religion, if the reverend +gentlemen whose names are found at the bottom of President Duer's +address, instead of showing their benevolence by laboring to move us +some four thousand miles off, were to engage actively in the furtherance +of plans for the improvement of our moral and political condition in the +country of our birth. It is too late now to brand with inferiority any +one of the races of mankind. We ask for proof. Time was when it was +thought impossible to civilize the red man. Yet our own country presents +a practical refutation of the vain assertion in the flourishing +condition of the Cherokees, among whom intelligence and refinement are +seen in somewhat fairer proportions than are exhibited by some of their +white neighbors. In the language of a writer of expanded views and truly +noble sentiments, 'the blacks must be regarded as the real authors of +most of the arts and sciences which give the whites at present the +advantage over them. While Greece and Rome were yet barbarous, we find +the light of learning and improvement emanating from this, by +supposition, degraded and accursed continent of Africa, out of the midst +of this very woolly-haired, flat-nosed, thick lipped, and coal black +race, which some persons are tempted to station at a pretty low +intermediate point between men and monkeys.'<a name="FNanchor_AG_34" id="FNanchor_AG_34"></a><a href="#Footnote_AG_34" class="fnanchor">[AG]</a> It is needless to dwell +on this topic; and we say with the same writer, the blacks had a long +and glorious day: and after what they have been and done, it argues not +so much a mistaken theory, as sheer ignorance of the most notorious +historical facts, to pretend that they are naturally inferior to the +whites.</p> + +<p>We earnestly desire that this address may not be misunderstood. We have +no objection in the abstract to the Colonization Society; but we do +protest against the means which that Society uses to effect its +purposes. It is evident, to any impartial observer, that the natural +tendency of all their speeches, reports, sermons, &c. is to widen the +breach between us and<span class='pagenum'><a name="pt2-Page_16" id="pt2-Page_16">[Pg 16]</a></span> the whites, and give to prejudice a tenfold +vigor. It has produced a mistaken sentiment toward us. Africa is +considered the home of those who have never seen its shores. The poor +ignorant slave, who, in all probability, has never heard the name of +Christ, by the colonization process is suddenly transformed into a +'missionary,' to instruct in the principles of Christianity and the arts +of civilized life. The Friends have been the last to aid the system +pursued by the Society's advocates. And we say (for we feel it) that in +proportion as they become colonizationists, they become less active and +less friendly to our welfare as citizens of the United States.</p> + +<p>There does exist in the United States a prejudice against us; but is it +unconquerable? Is it not in the power of these gentlemen to subdue it? +If their object is to benefit us, why not better our condition here? +What keeps us down but the want of wealth? Why do we not accumulate +wealth? Simply because we are not encouraged. If we wish to give our +boys a classical education, they are refused admission into your +colleges. If we consume our means in giving them a mercantile education, +you will not employ them as clerks; if they are taught navigation, you +will not employ them as captains. If we make them mechanics, you will +not encourage them, nor will white mechanics work in the same shop with +them. And with all these disabilities, like a mill-stone about us, +because we cannot point to our statesmen, bankers and lawyers, we are +called an inferior race. Look at the glaring injustice towards us. (A +foreigner, before he knows one of our streets from another, mounts a +cart under the license of another man, or is a public porter, a +lamp-lighter, a watchman, &c.)</p> + +<p>These gentlemen know but little of a large portion of the colored +population of this city. Their opinions are formed from the unfortunate +portion of our people whose characters are scrutinized by them as judges +of courts. Their patrician principles prevent an intercourse with men in +the middle walks of life, among whom a large portion of our people may +be classed. We ask them to visit the dwellings of the respectable part +of our people, and we are satisfied that they will discover more +civilization and refinement than will be found among the same number of +white families of an equal standing.</p> + +<p>Finally, we hope that those who have so eloquently pleaded the cause of +the Indian, will at least endeavor to preserve consistency in their +conduct. They put no faith in Georgia, although she declares that the +Indians shall not be removed but '<i>with their own consent</i>.' Can they +blame us if we attach the same credit to the declaration that they mean +to colonize us<span class='pagenum'><a name="pt2-Page_17" id="pt2-Page_17">[Pg 17]</a></span> 'only with our consent?' They cannot indeed use force; +that is out of the question. But they harp so much on 'inferiority,' +'prejudice,' 'distinction,' and what not, that there will no alternative +be left us but to fall in with their plans. We are content to abide +where we are. We do not believe that things will always continue the +same. The time must come when the declaration of independence will be +felt in the heart as well as uttered from the mouth, and when the rights +of all shall be properly acknowledged and appreciated. God hasten that +time. This is our home, and this our country. Beneath its sod lie the +bones of our fathers: for it some of them fought, bled, and died. Here +we were born, and here we will die.</p> + + +<h4>A VOICE FROM BOSTON.</h4> + +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Boston</span>, March 12, 1831.</p> + +<p>Pursuant to public notice, a meeting was held by the colored citizens of +Boston, February 15th, at their school-house, for the purpose of +expressing their sentiments in a remonstrance against the doings of the +State Colonization Society, Feb. 10th. It was called to order by Mr J. +G. Barbadoes. Mr Robert Roberts was elected chairman, and Mr James G. +Barbadoes secretary. A prayer was then offered up to the throne of +grace, by the Rev. Mr Snowden. The chairman having explained the object +of the meeting, sundry resolutions were offered by Mr Barbadoes, and +fairly discussed. On motion, a committee of five was chosen to amend the +resolutions, and to draft an address to certain white citizens who had +formed a State Society auxiliary to the American Colonization Society, +and to the enlightened public. John T. Hilton, James G. Barbadoes, Rev. +Hosea Easton, Thomas Dalton and Thomas Cole were placed on the +committee.</p> + +<p>The committee, to whom was referred the subject of an attempt, by +certain white citizens, to establish in this State a Society auxiliary +to the American Colonization Society, whose supposed object was the +removal of the free colored population to western Africa, have with +diligence sought for and obtained every fact within their reach, +relative to what was enjoined upon them by the respectable body by whom +they were delegated; and now respectfully</p> + +<p class="center"><span class="smcap">Report:</span></p> + +<p>That they have attended to the duty with which they were charged, with +all the wisdom, prudence and fidelity which they<span class='pagenum'><a name="pt2-Page_18" id="pt2-Page_18">[Pg 18]</a></span> possessed, and which +the merits of the case required. They therefore submit to the +consideration of the meeting their several conclusions on the subject.</p> + +<p>The duty of your committee seemed to be divided into three general +inquiries:—1st. To ascertain whether the Society above named was truly +established in this metropolis. 2d. By whom it was established, and for +what purpose. 3d. If established for the purpose entertained by the free +colored population, what method should be adopted in regard to +expressing their disapprobation thereto.</p> + +<p>As to the first inquiry, your committee can state, that every doubt is +now removed respecting the formation of such a Society, the proceedings +of the meeting being published, together with the names of the officers.</p> + +<p>On the second inquiry, your committee refer you to the 2d Article of the +Constitution of said Society, (published in the Boston Courier of Feb. +16, 1831,) which reads thus:</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>'The object to which this Society shall be exclusively devoted, +shall be to aid the parent institution at Washington, in the +colonization of the free people of color of the United States on +the coast of Africa; and to do this not only by the contribution +of money, but by the exertion of its influence to promote the +formation of other societies.'</p></div> + +<p>We deem any explanation here unnecessary.</p> + +<p>In regard to the third and most essential inquiry, your committee +report, that they know of no better way of expressing their +disapprobation of such measures, than to use every exertion to persuade +their brethren not to leave the United States upon any consideration +whatever; but if there are or should be any exasperated in consequence +of abuse from their white countrymen, and who are determined to leave +the country, we think it desirable to recommend them to Hayti or Upper +Canada, where they will find the laws equal. Your committee deem it +expedient also to urge this duty upon the several ministers of color +throughout the United States, and all other persons of color whose +influence may have any bearing in preventing their brethren from +yielding to a request so unjust and cruel.</p> + +<p>And if your respectable body should not think your committee were going +beyond the bounds of their duty, they would recommend the clerical order +throughout the United States, who have had or who are having any thing +to do with the deceptive scheme above alluded to, to read the 13th +chapter of Ezekiel. Read it—read it—and understand it. Your committee +would recommend those clergymen, who have not defiled their garment with +the blood of the innocent, to read the 1st, 2nd, 11th and 12th verses of +the 24th chapter of Proverbs.</p> + +<p>In support of the sentiments thus expressed, it becomes<span class='pagenum'><a name="pt2-Page_19" id="pt2-Page_19">[Pg 19]</a></span> necessary that +our reasons should accompany them, why we object to the plan of dragging +us to Africa—a country to us unknown, except by geography. In the first +place, we are told that Africa is our native country; consequently the +climate will be more congenial to our health. We readily deny the +assertion. How can a man be born in two countries at the same time? Is +not the position superficial to suppose that American born citizens are +Africans? In regard to the climate, what better proof do we want of its +salubrity, than to know that of the numerous bodies who have embarked, a +large portion of them have immediately fallen victims, on their arrival, +to the pestilence usual to that place?</p> + +<p>It is again said, that the establishment of a colony on the coast of +Africa will prevent the slave trade. We might as well argue, that a +watchman in the city of Boston would prevent thievery in New-York, or +any other place; or that the custom-house officers there would prevent +goods being smuggled into any other port of the United States.</p> + +<p>We are aware, that such an unnecessary expense devoted to the +application of a remedy so far from the disease, is absolutely contrary +to common sense. We are sensible that the moral disease, <i>slavery</i>, is +in America, and not in Africa. If there was no market for the vending of +slaves, there would be no inducement for the thief to steal them. The +remedy for this evil, we humbly conceive, consists of three general +prescriptions, viz. 1st. Let him who stealeth obey the word of God, and +steal no more. 2d. Let him who hath encouraged the thief by purchase, +(and consequently is a partaker with him,) do so no more. 3rd. Let the +clerical physicians, who have encouraged, and are encouraging, both the +thief and the receiver, by urging their influence to the removal of the +means of their detection, desist therefrom, and with their mighty weight +of influence step into the scale of justice: then will be done away this +horrible traffic in blood.</p> + +<p>From the above considerations, we sincerely recommend to our white +countrymen honor and humanity, which will render useless the +transportation of the colored population to the coast of Africa, it +being altogether gratuitous and uncalled for.</p> + +<p>We proceed to offer several objections to the operation alluded to—one +is, the circumstance of the project originating with those who were +deeply interested in slavery, and who hold slaves as their property. We +consider the fact no evidence of the innocence of its design. We further +object, because its members admit slavery to be an evil, and use no +means to destroy it; but are exerting all their influence to urge every +free<span class='pagenum'><a name="pt2-Page_20" id="pt2-Page_20">[Pg 20]</a></span> person of color to Africa, (whose right to this soil holds good +with any other citizen,) thereby rivetting the chains of slavery +stronger than ever upon their oppressed brethren.</p> + +<p>Again we object, because the whole spring of action seems to originate +in the fear lest the free colored people may whisper liberty in the ears +of the oppressed. We would suggest, however, that they who are fond of +liberty should not be annoyed at its sound, from whatever source it may +come.</p> + +<p>Again we object, on the ground of there being sufficient land in the +United States, on which a colony might be established that would better +meet the wishes of the colored people, and at a much cheaper rate than +could possibly be done by sending them to a howling wilderness far away, +and to them unknown.</p> + +<p>One of the leaders of the newly formed Society argued that in case a +colony was formed for the blacks in the United States, they would in a +short time be removed, as has been the case with the poor Indians. To +obviate this objection, we here inform him that Hayti will hold all the +slaves he will send her; and as for the free people, we expect they can +go where they please, either to Africa, Hayti or Upper Canada, or remain +at home, without asking the consent of a slaveholding party. Nor can we +conceive why free citizens, acting this liberty, should interfere with +them, if they are—as they have represented themselves to be—honest and +benevolent men. We conceive that the question in view stands in two +distinct points—the removal of the free colored population from this +country, or the acknowledgment of them as citizens. The former position +must be acknowledged, on all sides, a means of perpetuating slavery in +our land; the latter, of abolishing it; consequently it may be seen who +are for the well-being of their country.</p> + +<p>We regret that our interest has thus drawn us before the public, on +account of the regard we entertain towards many of our warmest friends +who have been deceived by a cloak of philanthropy, smooth words, and a +sanctified appearance. We remind them, however, that the blood of Abel +is beginning to be heard by many who are willing to acknowledge that +they hear it.</p> + +<p>We cannot close our duty without gratefully acknowledging the respect we +entertain for those who have defended our cause with more than Spartan +courage. It is the opinion of your committee, that they are to be +respected as our countrymen, our brethren, and our fellow citizens—not +to say they are to be applauded as men, whose great acts are based upon +the acclamation of their fellow men; but rather let us hold up their +hands, and let their works praise them. We shall only add an expression +of our hopes, that the Spirit of Liberty, recently<span class='pagenum'><a name="pt2-Page_21" id="pt2-Page_21">[Pg 21]</a></span> awakened in the old +world, may redouble its thundering voice, until every tyrant is seized +with a Belshazzar tremble at the hand-writing upon the wall of his +corrupt palace.</p> + +<p>In addition to the above, your committee submit the following +resolutions for your acceptance.</p> + +<p>Resolved, That this meeting contemplate, with lively interest, the rapid +progress of the sentiments of liberty among our degraded brethren, and +that we will legally oppose every operation that may have a tendency to +perpetuate our present political condition.</p> + +<p>Resolved, That this meeting look upon the American Colonization Society +as a clamorous, abusive and peace-disturbing combination.</p> + +<p>Resolved, That this meeting look upon the conduct of those clergymen, +who have filled the ears of their respective congregations with the +absurd idea of the necessity of removing the free colored people from +the United States, as highly deserving the just reprehension directed to +the false prophets and priests, by Jeremiah the true prophet, as +recorded in the 23d chapter of his prophecy.</p> + +<p>Resolved, That this meeting appeal to a generous and enlightened public +for an impartial hearing relative to the subject of our present +political condition.</p> + +<p>Resolved, That the gratitude of this meeting, which is so sensibly felt, +be fully expressed to those editors whose independence of mind and +correct views of the rights of man have led them so fearlessly to speak +in favor of our cause; that we rejoice to behold in them such a strong +desire to extend towards us the inestimable blessing in the gift of a +wise Providence which is demanded by all nature, and for which their +veteran fathers struggled in the revolution.</p> + +<p class="right"><big>ROBERT ROBERTS</big>, Chairman.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">James G. Barbadoes</span>, Secretary.</p> + + +<h4>A VOICE FROM BALTIMORE.</h4> + +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Baltimore</span>, March 21, 1831.</p> + +<p>At a respectable meeting of persons of color, convened, pursuant to +public notice, for the purpose of expressing their sentiments in regard +to the pretensions of the American Colonization Society, William +Douglass was called to the chair, and William Watkins appointed +secretary. The object of the call having been explicitly stated, the +meeting immediately proceeded to the consideration of the following +resolutions, which were unanimously adopted:—On motion,<span class='pagenum'><a name="pt2-Page_22" id="pt2-Page_22">[Pg 22]</a></span></p> + +<p>Resolved, That it is the belief of this meeting, that the American +Colonization Society is founded more in a selfish policy, than in the +true principles of benevolence;—and, therefore, so far as it regards +the life-giving spring of its operations, is not entitled to our +confidence, but should be viewed by us with all that caution and +distrust which our happiness demands.</p> + +<p>Resolved, That we are not insensible to the means usually employed by +that Society, and its auxiliaries, to effectuate our removal—that we +sincerely deprecate their gratuitous and illiberal attacks upon, and +their too frequently exaggerated statements of our moral standing in the +community—that such means are unworthy of a magnanimous people, and of +a virtuous and noble cause.</p> + +<p>Resolved, That we consider the land in which we were born, and in which +we have been bred, our only '<i>true and appropriate home</i>,'—and that +when <i>we</i> desire to remove, we will apprise the public of the same, in +due season.</p> + +<p>Resolved, That we are deeply sensible that many of our warm and sincere +friends have espoused the colonization system, from the purest +motives,—and that we sincerely regret their efforts to ameliorate our +condition are not more in accordance with our wishes.</p> + +<p>Resolved, That the proceedings of this meeting be published in the daily +papers of this city, signed by the Chairman and Secretary.</p> + +<p class="right"><big>WILLIAM DOUGLASS</big>, Chairman.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">William Watkins</span>, Secretary.</p> + + +<h4>A VOICE FROM WASHINGTON.</h4> + +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Washington</span>, May 4, 1831.</p> + +<p>Pursuant to previous notice, a large and very respectable meeting of the +colored citizens of Washington, D. C., convened at the African Methodist +Episcopal church on Wednesday evening last, for the purpose of +expressing their views upon the subject of African colonization. Mr John +W. Prout was called to the chair, and Arthur Waring was appointed +secretary.</p> + +<p>The chairman briefly explained the object of the meeting, in a short +speech well adapted to the occasion, which was followed by several neat +and very appropriate addresses delivered by sundry gentlemen present.</p> + +<p>The following preamble and resolutions were offered and adopted, nearly +unanimously.</p> + +<p>Whereas we consider that the period has arrived for the colored citizens +of this place to express their opinion upon the<span class='pagenum'><a name="pt2-Page_23" id="pt2-Page_23">[Pg 23]</a></span> subject of colonization +in Liberia; a subject of great importance to themselves, as well as to +the colored citizens of the United States generally; and whereas our +brethren at a distance are desirous of obtaining information relative to +the object and policy pursued by the American Colonization Society: +Therefore, be it</p> + +<p>Resolved, That this meeting view with distrust the efforts made by the +Colonization Society to cause the free people of color of these United +States to emigrate to Liberia on the coast of Africa, or elsewhere.</p> + +<p>Resolved, That it is the declared opinion of the members of this +meeting, that the soil which gave them birth is their only <i>true and +veritable home</i>, and that it would be impolitic, unwise and improper for +them to leave their home without the benefits of education.</p> + +<p>Resolved, That this meeting conceive that among the advocates of the +colonization system, they have many true and sincere friends; and do +regret that their actions, although prompted no doubt by the purest +motives, do not meet our approbation.</p> + +<p>Resolved, That we believe the <span class="smcap">PRESS</span> to be the most efficient means of +disseminating light and knowledge among our brethren; and that this +meeting do acknowledge with gratitude the efforts made in our behalf, by +the editors of the Genius of Universal Emancipation, and the +Liberator;—and do most earnestly recommend their respective papers to +our brethren generally, for their approval and support.</p> + +<p>Resolved, That the foregoing resolutions be signed by the Chairman and +Secretary, and published.</p> + +<p class="right"><big>JOHN W. PROUT</big>, Chairman.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Arthur Waring</span>, Secretary.</p> + + +<h4>A VOICE FROM BROOKLYN.</h4> + +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Brooklyn</span>, (N. Y.) June 3, 1831.</p> + +<p>At a numerous and respectable meeting of the colored inhabitants of the +village and township of Brooklyn, convened in the African Hall, +Nassau-street, for the purpose of taking into consideration our views in +relation to the Colonization Society—</p> + +<p>The throne of grace was addressed by the Rev. Mr Hogarth, after which +Henry C. Thompson was called to the chair, and George Hogarth appointed +secretary.</p> + +<p>Appropriate addresses were delivered by Messrs George Hogarth, James +Pennington, and George Woods. The following resolutions were then +adopted:<span class='pagenum'><a name="pt2-Page_24" id="pt2-Page_24">[Pg 24]</a></span>—</p> + +<p>Resolved, unanimously, That the call of this meeting be approved of; and +that the colored citizens of this village have, with friendly feelings, +taken into consideration the objects of the American Colonization +Society, together with all its auxiliary movements, preparatory for our +removal to the coast of Africa; and we view them as wholly gratuitous, +not called for by us, and not essential to the real welfare of our race: +That we know of no other country in which we can justly claim or demand +our rights as citizens, whether civil or political, but in these United +States of America, our native soil: And, that we shall be active in our +endeavors to convince the members of the Colonization Society, and the +public generally, that we are <i>men</i>, that we are <i>brethren</i>, that we are +<i>countrymen</i> and <i>fellow-citizens</i>, and demand an equal share of +protection from our federal government with any other class of citizens +in the community.</p> + +<p>It was also Resolved, That the following persons, viz.: James +Pennington, Henry C. Thompson, and George Woods, be appointed a +committee to draft an address to the public, expressing our views more +fully in relation to the Colonization Society; and that a delegate be +appointed to proceed to the city of Philadelphia, to represent us in the +ensuing convention, (which will commence its sitting the 6th inst.) to +co-operate with the measures that may then be adopted for the general +welfare of our race.</p> + +<p class="right"><big>HENRY C. THOMPSON</big>, Chairman.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">George Hogarth</span>, Secretary.</p> + + +<h4><i>Address to the Colored Citizens of Brooklyn, (N. Y.) and its Vicinity.</i></h4> + +<p>Respected brethren, and fellow-citizens:—As men and as christians, +whose secular and eternal interests are the same, we are seriously +called upon by truth and reason, and every thing of which human action +is composed, to take into consideration the objects of the American +Colonization Society; which aims to remove us, the free people of color, +from this, our beloved and native land, to the coast of Africa; a +country unknown to us in every respect.</p> + +<p>As they propose to remove us with our own free will and consent, we do +not contradict the assertion, that their objects, in the abstract, are +salutary and benevolent; but when we hear those influential gentlemen, +who are advocating this cause, generalize by language directly +calculated to increase that prejudice, which is already one grand reason +of our wretchedness, we are moved by a spirit of reliance upon justice +and humanity, to lift our positive and decided voice against their +proceed<span class='pagenum'><a name="pt2-Page_25" id="pt2-Page_25">[Pg 25]</a></span>ings; and consider them as a stigma upon our morals as a people, +as natives and citizens of this country, to whom equal rights are +guaranteed by the Declaration of Independence.</p> + +<p>When we consider that by abridging men in their moral liberty, we touch +their responsibility to the highest authority in the universe, we should +shudder at the thought of retaining such feelings as would lead to any +irreligious or impolitic acts; nor should we be willing to yield one +particle of ours to others, unless it be on the ground of expediency, +and in some way conducive to the glory of God.</p> + +<p>We are sorry to say that those gentlemen have injured their cause, and +perhaps caused much good to be evil spoken of, by making use of improper +language, in their discussions upon our character and condition in this +country; without using one effort to improve or prepare us for the posts +of honor and distinction which they hold forth to us, whenever we set +foot on this much talked of, and long expected promised land. We would +ask the Colonization Society, what are they doing at home to improve our +condition? It is a true proverb, that 'charity begins at home.' How can +they extend their charities with christian sympathies and feeling some +thousand miles across the Atlantic ocean, when they are not willing, +with a few exceptions, to give us even a christian instruction while +among them? To prove the assertion, we would inquire, how many of our +sable brethren have been elevated to any post of distinction in this +country? Even in states, where our numbers have almost doubled, have we +seen one statesman, one officer, or one juror? No! in our village and +its vicinity, how many of us have been educated in colleges, and +advanced into different branches of business; or taken into mercantile +houses, manufacturing establishments, &c.? Are we not even prohibited +from some of the common labor and drudgery of the streets, such as +cartmen, porters, &c.? It is a strange theory to us, how these gentlemen +can promise to honor and respect us in Africa, when they are using every +effort to exclude us from all rights and privileges at home.</p> + +<p>They say, 'that those of our friends, who look for the day when we shall +have equal rights in this country, are mistaken.' May we not accept it +as an assurance, that they will do all they can to prevent us from +arriving to any degree of respectability at home, in our own land? Away +then with such false sympathies and friendships! they are as foreign to +us as the coast of Africa!</p> + +<p>We truly believe, that many gentlemen who are engaged in the +Colonization Society are our sincere friends and well-wish<span class='pagenum'><a name="pt2-Page_26" id="pt2-Page_26">[Pg 26]</a></span>ers; they +wish to do something for us, consequently they have subscribed largely +to it, because there was no other plan on foot. Some of them have been +deluded into its schemes, with a view of thoroughly civilizing and +christianizing Africa, by our free people of color and emancipated +slaves, who may, from time to time, be colonized on its coasts, with +their consent. We conceive that such measures are fraught with +inconsistency, and in no way calculated to have such an effect. To send +a parcel of uninstructed, uncivilized, and unchristianized people, to +the western coast of Africa, with bibles in their hands to teach the +natives the truths of the gospel, social happiness, and moral virtue, is +mockery and ridicule in the extreme.</p> + +<p>Missionary families should be well instructed in the rudiments of our +holy religion, that their example may shine forth as lights in that much +neglected and benighted land. We are much in favor of christianizing +Africa; but not according to the plans of the Colonization Society, to +purchase their lands of them, with a few paltry guns, beads, &c., and +then establish forts and garrisons, to protect traders and traffickers, +without, perhaps, once naming the religion of Jesus to them. We well +know that the examples of traders and traffickers are in no way +calculated to induce heathens to embrace our religion. For example, we +will refer to the early settlements of our American colonies, and +inquire what religious impressions did the settlers make (who were wise +and learned from Europe) upon the aborigines of our country? We believe +that a few men, well instructed and possessing a true missionary spirit, +are calculated to do more good in that country, than a thousand on the +colonization plan.</p> + +<p>Many wish us to go to Africa, because they say that our constitutions +are better adapted to that climate than this. If so, we would ask why so +many of our hearty, hale and healthy brethren, on arriving in that +country, fall victims to the malignant fevers and disorders, prevalent +in those regions? We would observe, that none are exempt from being +touched with the contagion. It operates more severely upon those from +the higher latitudes.</p> + +<p>Some of our brethren have come to the conclusion to leave this country, +with all its prejudices, and seek an asylum in foreign climes. We would +recommend to your serious consideration, the location in Upper Canada; a +place far better adapted to our constitutions, our habits, and our +morals; where prejudice has not such an unlimited sway; where you will +be surrounded by Christians, and have an opportunity to become civilized +and christianized.</p> + +<p>Brethren, it is time for us to awake to our interests; for the<span class='pagenum'><a name="pt2-Page_27" id="pt2-Page_27">[Pg 27]</a></span> +Colonization Society is straining every nerve for the accomplishment of +its objects. By their last publications we see, that they have invoked +all Christian assemblies and churches throughout the Union, to exert +their influence, by raising subscriptions to send us (the strangers +within their gates, as they call us) to the coast of Africa. They have +got the consent of eleven states, who have instructed their senators to +do something in the next Congress for our removal. Maryland calls +imperatively on the general government to send us away, or else they +will colonize their own free blacks. They have, by their influence, +stopped the emancipation of slaves in a measure, except for colonization +purposes.</p> + +<p>We owe a tribute of respect to the state of New-York, for her not having +entered into the confederacy. Though she is the last in proclaiming +general emancipation to the slave, yet we find her slow in adopting any +such unchristian measures. We may well say, she is deliberate in her +councils, and determinate in her resolutions.</p> + +<p>Finally, brethren, we are not strangers; neither do we come under the +alien law. Our constitution does not call upon us to become naturalized; +we are already American citizens; our fathers were among the first that +peopled this country; their sweat and their tears have been the means, +in a measure, of raising our country to its present standing. Many of +them fought, and bled, and died for the gaining of her liberties; and +shall we forsake their tombs, and flee to an unknown land? No! let us +remain over them and weep, until the day arrive when Ethiopia shall +stretch forth her hands to God. We were born and nurtured in this +Christian land; and are surrounded by christians, whose sacred creed is, +to do unto all men as ye would they should do unto you—to love our +neighbors as ourselves; and which expressly declares, if we have respect +to persons, we commit sin. Let us, brethren, invoke the christian's God, +in our behalf, to do away the prejudices of our brethren, that they may +adopt the solemn truths of the gospel, and acknowledge that God is no +respecter of persons—that he has made of one blood all the nations that +dwell on the face of the earth—that they may no longer bring their +reasonings in contact with the omniscience of Deity; and insinuate to +the public, that our intellect and faculties are measurably inferior to +those of our fairer brethren. Because adversity has thrown a veil over +us, and we, whom God has created to worship, admire and adore his divine +attributes, shall we be held in a state of wretchedness and degradation, +with monkeys, baboons, slaves, and cattle, because we possess a darker +hue?<span class='pagenum'><a name="pt2-Page_28" id="pt2-Page_28">[Pg 28]</a></span></p> + +<p>We feel it our duty ever to remain true to the constitution of our +country, and to protect it, as we have always done, from foreign +aggressions. Although more than three hundred thousand of us are +virtually deprived of the rights and immunities of citizens, and more +than two millions held in abject slavery, yet we know that God is just, +and ever true to his purpose. Before him the whole world stands in awe, +and at his command nations must obey. <span class="smcap">He</span> who has lately pleaded the +Indian's cause in our land, and who has brought about many signal +events, to the astonishment of our generation, we believe is in the +whirlwind, and will soon bring about the time when the sable sons of +America will join with their fairer brethren, and re-echo liberty and +equal rights in all parts of Columbia's soil.</p> + +<p>We pray the Lord to hasten the day, when prejudice, inferiority, +degradation and oppression shall be done away, and the kingdoms of this +world become the kingdoms of our God and his Christ.</p> + +<p>Signed in behalf of a public meeting in Brooklyn.</p> + +<p class="right"><big>H. C. THOMPSON</big>, Chairman.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">George Hogarth</span>, Secretary.</p> + + +<h4>A VOICE FROM HARTFORD.</h4> + +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Hartford</span>, Ct., July 14, 1831.</p> + +<p>At a large and respectable meeting of the colored inhabitants of the +city of Hartford and its vicinity, convened at the vestry room of the +African church, on the 13th inst. for the purpose of expressing their +views in relation to the American Colonization Society, Mr Henry Foster +was called to the chair, and Mr Paul Drayton appointed secretary. The +object of the meeting was then stated in a brief and pertinent manner, +after which extracts from several speeches delivered by the founders of +the colonization scheme, together with the general sentiments of +colonizationists extracted from the African Repository, were laid before +the meeting, and the following resolutions were unanimously adopted:</p> + +<p>Resolved, That it is the opinion of this meeting, that the American +Colonization Society is actuated by the same motives which influenced +the mind of Pharaoh, when he ordered the male children of the Israelites +to be destroyed.</p> + +<p>Resolved, That it is the belief of this meeting, that the Society is the +greatest foe to the free colored and slave population with whom liberty +and equality have to contend.<span class='pagenum'><a name="pt2-Page_29" id="pt2-Page_29">[Pg 29]</a></span></p> + +<p>Resolved, That we look upon the man of color that would be influenced by +the Society to emigrate to Liberia, as an enemy to the cause and a +traitor to his brethren.</p> + +<p>Resolved, That it is the opinion of this meeting, that many of those who +are engaged in this unjust scheme would be willing, if it were, in their +power, to place us before the point of the bayonet, and drive us out of +existence—so that they may get rid of that dark cloud, as we are +termed, which hangs over these United States.</p> + +<p>Resolved, That, in our belief, we have committed no crime worthy of +banishment, and that we will resist all the attempts of the Colonization +Society to banish us from this our native land.</p> + +<p>Resolved, That we consider ourselves the legitimate sons of these United +States, from whence we will never consent to be transported.</p> + +<p>Resolved, That we will resist, even unto death, all the attempts of this +Society to transport us to the pestilential shores of Liberia.</p> + +<p>Resolved, That we will not countenance the doctrine of any pretended +minister of the gospel, who is in league with those conspirators against +our rights. We would, therefore, warn them to beware of following the +footsteps of Balaam, who taught Balak to cast a stumbling block in the +way of the children of Israel; for we verily believe, that if God +almighty have to deliver his people by his mighty arm of power, they +will share the fate of that false prophet.</p> + +<p>Resolved, That, though we be last in calling a meeting, we feel no less +the pernicious influence of this Society than the rest of our brethren; +and that we consider all their pretexts, whether under the cloak of +religion or philanthropy, gratuitous and uncalled for. We would, +therefore, advise the Society, that as we have learned that there are +one hundred and fifty thousand dollars in its funds, it had better +appropriate this sum in meliorating the condition of our brethren the +slaves, in this their native land, and raising them from that +degradation into which they are plunged.</p> + +<p>Resolved, That the thanks of the meeting be returned to Messrs William +Lloyd Garrison, Isaac Knapp, and every friend of emancipation, for their +benevolent exertions in our behalf.</p> + +<p>Resolved, That the proceedings of this meeting be signed by the Chairman +and Secretary, and sent to the Liberator for publication.</p> + +<p class="right"><big>HENRY FOSTER</big>, Chairman.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Paul Drayton,</span> Secretary.<span class='pagenum'><a name="pt2-Page_30" id="pt2-Page_30">[Pg 30]</a></span></p> + +<h4>A VOICE FROM MIDDLETOWN.</h4> + +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Middletown</span>, Ct., July 15, 1831.</p> + +<p>At a meeting of the colored citizens of Middletown, pursuant to public +notice, held in the Lecture Room in the African church—Mr Joseph +Gilbert was called to the chair, and Amos L. Beman appointed secretary. +The meeting being thus opened, it was warmly and freely addressed by +Messrs Jeffrey, Condoll and Gilbert, when, on motion, it was</p> + +<p>Resolved, That the proceedings of our brethren in Brooklyn, N. Y., meet +our entire approbation: they breathe our sentiments in full, and may our +voices cheerfully accord with them in protesting against leaving this +our native soil. Why should we leave this land, so dearly bought by the +blood, groans and tears of our fathers? Truly this is our home: here let +us live, and here let us die. What! emigrate to Liberia, a land so +detrimental to our health! We have now before us a letter written by a +friend who emigrated from this place to the burning shores of Africa, in +hopes of splendor, wealth and ease; and he says that 'sickness and +distress prevail to a great extent—and it is a clear case that those +who come from the United States must undergo a long and protracted +sickness with this country's fever, and I would not advise my friends to +emigrate.'</p> + +<p class="right"><big>JOSEPH GILBERT</big>, Chairman.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Amos G. Beman</span>, Secretary</p> + + +<h4>A VOICE FROM NEW-HAVEN.</h4> + +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">New-Haven</span>, August 8, 1831.</p> + +<p>At a meeting of the Peace and Benevolent Society of Afric-Americans, +held on the 7th inst., Mr Henry Berrian was called to the chair, and Mr +Henry N. Merriman was appointed secretary. The following resolutions +were then unanimously adopted.</p> + +<p>Resolved, That we consider those christians and philanthropists, who are +boasting of their liberty and equality, saying, that all men are born +free and equal, and yet are endeavoring to remove us from our native +land, to be inhuman in their proceedings, defective in their principles, +and unworthy of our confidence.</p> + +<p>Resolved, That we consider those colonizationists and ministers of the +gospel, who are advocating our transportation to an unknown clime, +because our skin is a little darker than theirs, (notwithstanding God +has made of one blood all nations of men,<span class='pagenum'><a name="pt2-Page_31" id="pt2-Page_31">[Pg 31]</a></span> and has no respect of +persons,) as violaters of the commandments of God and the laws of the +bible, and as trying to blind our eyes by their vain movements—their +mouths being smooth as oil, and their words sharper than any two-edged +sword.</p> + +<p>Resolved, That, while we have no doubt of the sinister motives of the +great body of colonizationists, we believe some of them are our friends +and well-wishers, who have not looked deeply into the subject; but when +they make a careful examination, we think they will find themselves in +error.</p> + +<p>Resolved, That it is our earnest desire that Africa may speedily become +civilized, and receive religious instruction; but not by the absurd and +invidious plan of the Colonization Society—namely, to send a nation of +ignorant men to teach a nation of ignorant men. We think it most wise +for them to send missionaries.</p> + +<p>Resolved, That we will resist all attempts made for our removal to the +torrid shores of Africa, and will sooner suffer every drop of blood to +be taken from our veins than submit to such unrighteous treatment.</p> + +<p>Resolved, That we know of no other place that we can call our true and +appropriate home, excepting these United States, into which our fathers +were brought, who enriched the country by their toils, and fought, bled +and died in its defence, and left us in its possession—and here we will +live and die.</p> + +<p>Resolved, That we consider the American Colonization Society founded on +principles that no Afric-American, unless very weak in mind, will +follow; and any man who will be persuaded to leave his own country and +go to Africa, as an enemy to his country and a traitor to his brethren.</p> + +<p>Resolved, That we have heard with pleasure of the proceedings of our +brethren in neighboring cities; and that a number of this Society will +willingly become auxiliary to the parent Society of Philadelphia, for +the mutual benefit of the Afric-Americans throughout the United States.</p> + +<p>Resolved, That the proceedings of this meeting be signed by the Chairman +and Secretary, and sent to the Liberator for publication.</p> + +<p class="right"><big>HENRY BERRIAN</big>, Chairman.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Henry N. Merriman</span>, Secretary.</p> + + +<h4>A VOICE FROM COLUMBIA.</h4> + +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Columbia</span>, Pa., August 5, 1831.</p> + +<p>At a respectable meeting of Afric-Americans convened pursuant to public +notice, at their school-house, with a view of<span class='pagenum'><a name="pt2-Page_32" id="pt2-Page_32">[Pg 32]</a></span> taking into consideration +the novel scheme of the American Colonization Society, Mr Stephen Smith +was called to the chair, and Mr James Richards appointed secretary. A +prayer was then offered to the throne of grace, by Mr Smith. The +chairman called the house to order, and explained the object of the +meeting in a few preliminary remarks; after which, the meeting proceeded +to business, and adopted the subsequent resolutions.</p> + +<p>Resolved, That we view the country in which we live as our only true and +appropriate home; and let colonizationists pour contempt upon our race, +and slaveholders look on our brethren as a nuisance to the country, yet +here will we live, here were we born, this is the country for which some +of our ancestors fought and bled and conquered, nor shall a conspiring +world be able to drive us hence.</p> + +<p>Resolved, That it is our firm belief, that the Colonization Society is +replete with infinite mischief, and that we view all the arguments of +its advocates as mere sophistry, not worthy our notice as freemen. Being +citizens of these United States, we could call upon our brethren to +awake from their slumber of ignorance, break the chain of prejudice that +has so long bound them, and in the strength of the omnipotent Spirit +give their hearts to God.</p> + +<p>Resolved, That we will resist all attempts to send us to the burning +shores of Africa. Beware of Alexander, the coppersmith, for he hath +done us much harm. May the Lord reward him! We verily believe that if by +an extraordinary perversion of nature, every man and woman, in one +night, should become white, the Colonization Society would fall like +lightning to the earth.</p> + +<p>Resolved, That we will not be duped out of our rights as freemen, by +colonizationists, nor by any other combination of men. All the encomiums +pronounced upon Liberia can never form the least temptation to induce us +to leave our native soil, to emigrate to a strange land.</p> + +<p>Resolved, That we readily coalesce with our brethren in the different +towns and cities, and take the liberty to say, that we as a little flock +feel a fixed resolution to maintain our ground, till the great Author of +our being shall say to those who deprive us of our rights,—Thus saith +the Lord, because ye have not hearkened to me in proclaiming liberty, +every one to his brother, and every man to his neighbor, behold I will +proclaim liberty for you, saith the Lord, to the sword, to the +pestilence, and to the famine.</p> + +<p>Resolved, That it is the decided opinion of this meeting, that<span class='pagenum'><a name="pt2-Page_33" id="pt2-Page_33">[Pg 33]</a></span> African +colonization is a scheme of southern policy, a wicked device of +slaveholders who are desirous of riveting more firmly, and perpetuating +more certainly, the fetters of slavery; who are only anxious to rid +themselves of a population whose presence, influence and example have a +tendency (as they suppose) to produce discontent among the slaves, and +to furnish them with incitements to rebellion.</p> + +<p>Resolved, That this meeting will not encourage a scheme, which has for +its basis prejudice and hatred. Though there may be some good wheat, yet +it is to be feared the enemy has sown tares among it.</p> + +<p>Resolved, That we will support the colony at Canada, the climate being +healthier, better adapted to our constitutions, and far more consonant +with our views than that of Africa.</p> + +<p>Resolved, That we unanimously agree to patronize the Liberator, and use +our best endeavors to get subscribers for the same; and that we are +under renewed obligations to God, that he ever raised up such honest +hearted men as Messrs Garrison and Knapp.</p> + +<p>Resolved, That this meeting cause its proceedings to be sent to the +Liberator for publication; praying that the Lord will succeed all the +lawful efforts of its conductor to meliorate the condition of our +brethren in these United States, trusting his weapons are not carnal, +but mighty through God to pull down the strong holds of the devil.</p> + +<p>Signed by the Chairman and Secretary.</p> + +<p class="right"><big>STEPHEN SMITH</big>, Chairman.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">James Richards</span>, Secretary.</p> + + +<h4>A VOICE FROM NANTUCKET.</h4> + +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Nantucket</span>, August 5, 1831.</p> + +<p>At a respectable meeting of the colored inhabitants of the town of +Nantucket, convened for the purpose of taking into consideration our +views in relation to the American Colonization Society, Mr Arthur Cooper +was called to the chair, and Edward J. Pompey appointed secretary.</p> + +<p>Addresses were delivered by Messrs William Harris and Edward J. Pompey, +in which they took a general view of the Colonization Society, of its +leading members, and some of the speeches and remarks made by gentlemen +at the meetings of said Society. The following resolves were then +adopted:</p> + +<p>Resolved, That the call of this meeting be approved of, and that the +colored citizens of this town have with friendly feel<span class='pagenum'><a name="pt2-Page_34" id="pt2-Page_34">[Pg 34]</a></span>ings taken into +consideration the objects of the Colonization Society, together with its +movements preparatory for our removal to the coast of Africa; and we +view them as wholly gratuitous, not called for by us, and in no way +essential to the welfare of our race; and we believe that our condition +can be best improved in this our own country and native soil, the United +States of America.</p> + +<p>Resolved, That we hold this truth to be self-evident, that all men are +born free and equal; and we are men, and therefore ought to share as +much protection and enjoy as many privileges under our federal +government as any other class of the community.</p> + +<p>Resolved, That we will be zealous in doing all that lies in our power to +improve the condition of ourselves and brethren in this our native land.</p> + +<p>Resolved, That there is no philanthropy towards the people of color in +the colonization plan, but that it is got up to delude us away from our +country and home into a country of sickness and death.</p> + +<p>Resolved, That the thanks of this meeting be returned to every friend +who vindicates our rights and interests.</p> + +<p>Resolved, That the proceedings of this meeting be signed by the Chairman +and Secretary, and sent to Boston, to be published in the Liberator.</p> + +<p class="right"><big>ARTHUR COOPER</big>, Chairman.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Edward J. Pompey</span>, Secretary.</p> + + +<h4>A VOICE FROM PITTSBURGH.</h4> + +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Pittsburgh</span>, (Pa.,) Sept. 1, 1831.</p> + +<p>At a large and respectable meeting of the colored citizens of +Pittsburgh, convened at the African Methodist Episcopal church, for the +purpose of expressing their views in relation to the American +Colonization Society, Mr J. B. Vashon was called to the chair, and Mr R. +Bryan appointed secretary. The object of the meeting was then stated at +considerable length, and in an appropriate manner, by the chairman. The +following resolutions were then unanimously adopted:</p> + +<p>Resolved, That 'we hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men +are created equal, and endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable +rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of +happiness'—Liberty and Equality now, Liberty and Equality forever!<span class='pagenum'><a name="pt2-Page_35" id="pt2-Page_35">[Pg 35]</a></span></p> + +<p>Resolved, That it is the decided opinion of this meeting, that African +colonization is a scheme to drain the better informed part of the +colored people out of these United States, so that the chain of slavery +may be rivetted more tightly; but we are determined not to be cheated +out of our rights by the colonization men, or any other set of +intriguers. We believe there is no philanthropy in the colonization plan +towards the people of color, but that it is got up to delude us away +from our country and home to the burning shores of Africa.</p> + +<p>Resolved, That we, the colored people of Pittsburgh and citizens of +these United States, view the country in which we live as our only true +and proper home. We are just as much natives here as the members of the +Colonization Society. Here we were born—here bred—here are our +earliest and most pleasant associations—here is all that binds man to +earth, and makes life valuable. And we do consider every colored man who +allows himself to be colonized in Africa, or elsewhere, a traitor to our +cause.</p> + +<p>Resolved, That we are freemen, that we are brethren, that we are +countrymen and fellow-citizens, and as fully entitled to the free +exercise of the elective franchise as any men who breathe; and that we +demand an equal share of protection from our federal government with any +class of citizens in the community. We now inform the Colonization +Society, that should our reason forsake us, then we may desire to +remove. We will apprise them of this change in due season.</p> + +<p>Resolved, That we, as citizens of these United States, and for the +support of these resolutions, with a firm reliance on the protection of +divine providence, do mutually pledge to each other our lives, our +fortunes, and our sacred honor, not to support a colony in Africa nor in +Upper Canada, not yet emigrate to Hayti. Here we were born—here will we +live by the help of the Almighty—and here we will die, and let our +bones lie with our fathers.</p> + +<p>Resolved, That we return our grateful thanks to Messrs Garrison and +Knapp, publishers of the Liberator, and Mr Lundy, editor of the Genius +of Universal Emancipation, for their untiring exertions in the cause of +philanthropy.</p> + +<p>Resolved, That the proceedings of this meeting be signed by the Chairman +and Secretary, and published in the Liberator.</p> + +<p class="right"><big>J. B. VASHON</big>, Chairman.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">R. Bryan</span>, Secretary.<span class='pagenum'><a name="pt2-Page_36" id="pt2-Page_36">[Pg 36]</a></span></p> + +<h4>A VOICE FROM WILMINGTON.</h4> + +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Wilmington</span>, July 12, 1831.</p> + +<p>At a large and respectable meeting of the people of color of the borough +of Wilmington, convened in the African Union Church, July 12th, 1831, +for the purpose of considering the subject of colonization on the coast +of Africa:</p> + +<p>On motion, the Rev. Peter Spencer was called to the chair, and Thomas +Dorsey appointed secretary.</p> + +<p>The meeting was addressed by Abraham D. Shad, Junius C. Morell, Benjamin +Pascal and John P. Thompson, after which the following resolutions were +unanimously adopted.</p> + +<p>Resolved, That this meeting view with deep regret the attempt now making +to colonize the free people of color on the western coast of Africa; +believing as we do that it is inimical to the best interests of the +people of color, and at variance with the principles of civil and +religious liberty, and wholly incompatible with the spirit of the +Constitution and Declaration of Independence of these United States.</p> + +<p>Resolved, That we disclaim all connexion with Africa; and although the +descendants of that much afflicted country, we cannot consent to remove +to any tropical climate, and thus aid in a design having for its object +the total extirpation of our race from this country, professions to the +contrary notwithstanding.</p> + +<p>Resolved, That a committee of three persons be appointed to prepare as +soon as practicable an address to the public, setting forth more fully +our views on the subject of colonization. The following persons were +appointed: Abraham D. Shad, Rev. Peter Spencer and W. S. Thomas.</p> + +<p>Signed on behalf of the meeting.</p> + +<p class="right"><big>PETER SPENCER</big>, Chairman.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thomas Dorsey</span>, Secretary.</p> + + +<h4><i>Address of the Free People of Color of the Borough of Wilmington, +Delaware.</i></h4> + +<p>We the undersigned, in conformity to the wishes of our brethren, beg +leave to present to the public in a calm and unprejudiced manner, our +decided and unequivocal disapprobation of the American Colonization +Society, and its auxiliaries, in relation to the free people of color in +the United States. Convinced as we are, that the operations of this +Society have been unchristian and anti-republican in principle, and at +variance with our best interests as a people, we had reason to believe +that the precepts of religion, the dictates of justice and humanity, +would<span class='pagenum'><a name="pt2-Page_37" id="pt2-Page_37">[Pg 37]</a></span> have prevented any considerable portion of the community from +lending their aid to a plan which we fear was designed to deprive us of +rights that the Declaration of Independence declares are the +'unalienable rights' of all men. We were content to remain silent, +believing that the justice and patriotism of a magnanimous people would +prevent the annals of our native and beloved country from receiving so +deep a stain. But observing the growing strength and influence of that +institution, and being well aware that the generality of the public are +unacquainted with our views on this important subject, we feel it a duty +we owe to ourselves, our children and posterity, to enter our protest +against a device so fraught with evil to us. That many sincere friends +to our race are engaged in what they conceive to be a philanthropic and +benevolent enterprise, we do not hesitate to admit; but that they are +deceived, and are acting in a manner calculated most seriously to injure +the free people of color, we are equally sensible.</p> + +<p>We are natives of the United States; our ancestors were brought to this +country by means over which they had no control; we have our attachments +to the soil, and we feel that we have rights in common with other +Americans; and although deprived through prejudice from entering into +the full enjoyment of those rights, we anticipate a period, when in +despite of the more than ordinary prejudice which has been the result of +this unchristian scheme, 'Ethiopia shall stretch forth her hands to +God.' But that this formidable Society has become a barrier to our +improvement, must be apparent to every individual who will but reflect +on the course to be pursued by the emissaries of this unhallowed +project, many of whom, under the name of ministers of the gospel, use +their influence to turn public sentiment to our disadvantage by +stigmatizing our morals, misrepresenting our characters, and endeavoring +to show what they are pleased to call the sound policy of perpetuating +our civil and political disabilities for the avowed purpose of +indirectly forcing us to emigrate to the western coast of Africa. That +Africa is neither our nation nor home, a due respect to the good sense +of the community forbids us to attempt to prove; that our language, +habits, manners, morals and religion are all different from those of +Africans, is a fact too notorious to admit of controversy. Why then are +we called upon to go and settle in a country where we must necessarily +be and remain a distinct people, having no common interest with the +numerous inhabitants of that vast and extensive country? Experience has +proved beyond a doubt, that the climate is such as not to suit the +constitutions of the inhabitants of this country; the fevers and +various<span class='pagenum'><a name="pt2-Page_38" id="pt2-Page_38">[Pg 38]</a></span> diseases incident to that tropical clime, are such as in most +cases to bid defiance to the force of medicine.</p> + +<p>The very numerous instances of mortality amongst the emigrants who have +been induced to leave this their native, for their adopted country, +clearly demonstrate the fallacy of those statements so frequently made +by the advocates of colonization in regard to the healthiness of +Liberia.</p> + +<p>With the deepest regret we have witnessed such an immense sacrifice of +life, in advancing a cause which cannot promise the least advantage to +the free people of color, who, it was said, were the primary objects to +be benefitted by this 'heaven-born enterprise.' But we beg leave most +respectfully to ask the friends of African colonization, whether their +christian benevolence cannot in this country be equally as +advantageously applied, if they are actuated by that disinterested +spirit of love and friendship for us, which they profess? Have not they +in the United States a field sufficiently extensive to show it in? There +is embosomed within this republic, rising one million free people of +color, the greater part of whom are unable to read even the sacred +scriptures. Is not their ignorant and degraded situation worthy of the +consideration of those enlightened and christian individuals, whose zeal +for the cause of the African race has induced them to attempt the +establishment of a republican form of government amid the burning sands +of Liberia, and the evangelizing of the millions of the Mahometans and +pagans that inhabit the interior of that extensive country?</p> + +<p>We are constrained to believe that the welfare of the people of color, +to say the least, is but a secondary consideration with those engaged in +the colonization project. Or why should we be requested to move to +Africa, and thus separated from all we hold dear in a moral point of +view, before their christian benevolence can be exercised in our behalf? +Surely there is no country of which we have any knowledge, that offers +greater facilities for the improvement of the unlearned; or where +benevolent and philanthropic individuals can find a people, whose +situation has greater claims on their christian sympathies, than the +people of color. But whilst we behold a settled determination on the +part of the American Colonization Society to remove us to Liberia, +without using any means to better our condition at home, we are +compelled to look with fearful diffidence on every measure of that +institution. At a meeting held on the 7th inst. in this borough, the +people of color were politely invited to attend, the object of which was +to induce the most respectable part of them to emigrate. The meeting was +addressed by several reverend gentlemen, and very flattering ac<span class='pagenum'><a name="pt2-Page_39" id="pt2-Page_39">[Pg 39]</a></span>counts +given on the authority of letters and statements said to have been +received from individuals of unquestionable veracity. But we beg leave +to say, that those statements differ so widely from letters that we have +seen of recent date from the colony, in regard to the condition and +circumstances of the colonists, that we are compelled in truth to say +that we cannot reconcile such contradictory statements, and are +therefore inclined to doubt the former, as they appear to have been +prepared to present to the public, for the purpose of enlisting the +feelings of our white friends into the measure, and of inducing the +enterprising part of the colored community to emigrate at their own +expense. That we are in this country a degraded people, we are truly +sensible; that our forlorn situation is not attributable to ourselves is +admitted by the most ardent friends of colonization; and that our +condition cannot be bettered by removing the most exemplary individuals +of color from amongst us, we are well convinced, from the consideration +that in the same ratio that the industrious part would emigrate, in the +same proportion those who would remain would become more degraded, +wretched and miserable, and consequently less capable of appreciating +the many opportunities which are now offering for the moral and +intellectual improvement of our brethren. We, therefore, a portion of +those who are the objects of this plan, and amongst those whose +happiness, with that of others of our color, it is intended to promote, +respectfully but firmly disclaim every connexion with it, and declare +our settled determination not to participate in any part of it.</p> + +<p>But if this plan is intended to facilitate the emancipation of those who +are held in slavery in the South, and the melioration of their +condition, by sending them to Liberia; we question very much whether it +is calculated to do either. That the emancipation of slaves has been +measurably impeded through its influence, except where they have been +given up to the Board of Managers, to be colonized in Africa, to us is +manifest. And when we contemplate their uneducated and vitiated state, +destitute of the arts and unaccustomed to provide even for themselves, +we are inevitably led to the conclusion that their situation in that +pestilential country will be miserable in the extreme.</p> + +<p>The present period is one of deep and increasing interest to the free +people of color, relieved from the miseries of slavery and its +concomitant evils, with the vast and (to us) unexplored field of +literature and science before us, surrounded by many friends whose +sympathies and charities need not the Atlantic between us and them, +before they can consent to assist in elevating our brethren to the +standing of men. We therefore par<span class='pagenum'><a name="pt2-Page_40" id="pt2-Page_40">[Pg 40]</a></span>ticularly invite their attention to +the subject of education and improvement; sensible that it is much +better calculated to remove prejudice, and exalt our moral character, +than any system of colonization that has been or can be introduced; and +in which we believe we shall have the co-operation of the wisest and +most philanthropic individuals of which the nation can boast. The +utility of learning and its salutary effects on the minds and morals of +a people, cannot have escaped the notice of any rational individual +situated in a country like this, where in order successfully to +prosecute any mechanical or other business, education is indispensable. +Our highest moral ambition, at present, should be to acquire for our +children a liberal education, give them mechanical trades, and thus fit +and prepare them for useful and respectable citizens; and leave the +evangelizing of Africa, and the establishing of a republic at Liberia, +to those who conceive themselves able to demonstrate the practicability +of its accomplishment by means of a people, numbers of whom are more +ignorant than even the natives of that country themselves.</p> + +<p>In conclusion, we feel it a pleasing duty ever to cherish a grateful +respect for those benevolent and truly philanthropic individuals, who +have advocated, and still are advocating our rights in our native +country. Their indefatigable zeal in the cause of the oppressed will +never be forgotten by us, and unborn millions will bless their names in +the day when the all-wise Creator, in whom we trust, shall have bidden +oppression to cease.</p> + +<table class="left" id="t1" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary=""> +<tr><td><big>ABRAHAM D. SHAD</big>,</td><td style="width:2em;text-align:center;"> }</td><td style="width:10em;" rowspan="3">Committee to prepare an Address.</td></tr> +<tr><td><big>PETER SPENCER</big>,</td><td style="width:2em;text-align:center;"> }</td></tr> +<tr><td><big>WM. S. THOMAS</big>,</td><td style="width:2em;text-align:center;"> }</td></tr> +</table> + + +<h4>A VOICE FROM HARRISBURG.</h4> + +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Harrisburg</span>, Pa., October, 1831.</p> + +<p>At a large, well informed and respectable meeting of the citizens of +Harrisburg, convened at the African Wesleyan Methodist church, for the +purpose of expressing their sentiments in a remonstrance against the +proceedings of the American Colonization Society, Rev. Jacob D. +Richardson was called to the chair, and Jacob G. Williams appointed +secretary. After singing and prayer, Rev. Mr Richardson in some concise +remarks,—equalled by few, and exceeded by none,—expressed the object +of the meeting. The chairman called the house to order, and the +following resolutions were unanimously acceded to:<span class='pagenum'><a name="pt2-Page_41" id="pt2-Page_41">[Pg 41]</a></span></p> + +<p>Resolved, That we hold these truths to be self-evident, (and it is the +boasted declaration of our independence) that all men (black and white, +poor and rich) are born free and equal; that they are endowed by their +Creator with certain inalienable rights; that among these are life, +liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. This is the language of America, +of reason, and of eternal truth.</p> + +<p>Resolved, That we feel it to be our duty to be true to the constitution +of our country, and are satisfied with the form of government under +which we now live; and, moreover, that we are bound in duty and reason +to protect it against foreign invasion. We always have done so, and will +do so still.</p> + +<p>Resolved, That we view the efforts of the Colonization Society as +officious and uncalled for by us. We have never done any thing worthy of +banishment from our friends and home: but this we would say—if the +Colonization Society will use their best endeavors to get our slave +brethren transported to Liberia, when we as a free body of people wish +to go, we will give the colonizationists timely notice.</p> + +<p>Resolved, That it is the firm and decided opinion of this meeting, that +were there no free people of color among us, or if those who are free +had remained in the degraded character of slaves, (or, as they sometimes +call us, monkeys, apes and baboons,) they would never have got up the +chimerical scheme for our transportation to the burning shores of +Africa, with the fancied vision of elevating us, as they say, to dignity +and affluence.</p> + +<p>Resolved, That we cannot remain inactive while colonizationists are +straining every nerve and racking their inventions to find out arguments +to persuade our free colored brethren to migrate to an unknown land, +which we can no more lay claim to than our white brethren can to England +or any other foreign country.</p> + +<p>Resolved, That we reject the inhuman and unchristian measures taken by +the Colonization Society, for the illumination of the colored citizens +of the United States, their appropriate home, in a land of sickness, +affliction and death, when they are not willing, with few exceptions, to +give us a christian education while among them. We would wish to know of +the colonizationists, how, in the name of common sense and reason, do +they expect to do any thing for us thousands of miles across the +Atlantic, when they oppose almost every measure taken by our white +friends and brethren to improve our condition here?</p> + +<p>Resolved, That it is the united opinion of this meeting, that the +enemies of our race, who are members of the Colonization<span class='pagenum'><a name="pt2-Page_42" id="pt2-Page_42">[Pg 42]</a></span> Society, see +that the great Author of universal existence, who 'is no respecter of +persons,' who taught Balaam's ass to speak, and taught Solomon wisdom, +is now enlightening the sable sons of America: hence their object to +drain the country of the most enlightened part of our colored brethren, +so that they may be more able to hold their slaves in bondage and +ignorance.</p> + +<p>Resolved, That we object to leaving the land of our birth, as there is +sufficient land in these United States, on which a colony can be +established that would be far more consonant to the wishes of the +colored population generally, and would be more adapted to their +constitution: neither would it involve the country in such expense as +would be incurred by sending them to a howling wilderness, far away from +the graves of their forefathers, unknown to us in every respect, unless +by geography, which few of us understand.</p> + +<p>Resolved, That this meeting look upon the Colonization Society as a +vicious, nefarious and peace-disturbing combination, and that its +leaders might as well essay to cure a wound with an argument, or set a +dislocated bone by a lecture on logic, as to tell us their object is to +better our condition; because its members acknowledge slavery to be a +national evil, and use no means to annihilate it, but are exerting all +their energies and influence to persuade the free people of color to +remove to Africa, whose rights to Columbia's happy soil holds good with +any other citizen in America.</p> + +<p>Resolved, That we look upon the conduct of those clergymen who have +misled their respective congregations with the preposterous idea of the +necessity of transporting the free people of color to Africa, as highly +deserving the just reprehension directed to the false priests and +prophets by the true prophets of the Most High; yet we gratefully +acknowledge the respect we entertain for those who have defended our +cause—we mean our white friends.</p> + +<p>Resolved, That this meeting appoint Mr George Chester of Harrisburg, as +agent for the Liberator, and will use our utmost endeavors to get +subscribers for the same.</p> + +<p>Resolved, That we will support the Colony in Canada, the climate being +healthy and the rights of our brethren secured.</p> + +<p>Resolved, That the gratitude of this meeting, which is so sensibly felt, +be fully expressed to the Editors of the Liberator and Genius of +Universal Emancipation, Messrs Garrison and Lundy, whose independence of +mind and correct views of the rights of man have led them so intrepidly +to speak in favor of our cause.<span class='pagenum'><a name="pt2-Page_43" id="pt2-Page_43">[Pg 43]</a></span></p> + +<p>Resolved, That the proceedings of this meeting be signed by the Chairman +and Secretary, and sent to the Liberator for publication.</p> + +<p class="right"><big>JACOB D. RICHARDSON</big>, Chairman.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Jacob G. Williams</span>, Secretary.</p> + + +<h4>A VOICE FROM ROCHESTER.</h4> + +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Rochester</span>, N. Y., October, 1831.</p> + +<p>A large number of the colored citizens of Rochester having convened +themselves together, for the important object of taking into +consideration the anti-republican principles of the American +Colonization Society, the Rev. Mr Johnson was called to the chair, and +Mr A. Lawrence was appointed secretary.</p> + +<p>The meeting was then briefly addressed by the secretary as follows:</p> + +<p>Countrymen and Brothers—When viewing the inhumanity and anti-christian +principles of the American Colonization Society, in plotting our removal +to Africa, (which is unknown to us as our native country,) it seems as +though we were called upon publicly to express our feelings on the +subject. We do not consider Africa to be our home, any more than the +present whites do England, Scotland, or Ireland. This is the land our +fathers have tilled before us; this is the land that gave us our +birthright.—The meeting then</p> + +<p>Resolved, That we never will remove to Africa; but should any of our +brethren wish to emigrate, we would recommend Canada as a country far +more congenial to our constitutions;—that we give our most sincere +thanks to our friendly advocates Messrs Garrison and Knapp, and Mr +Benjamin Lundy, who are crying unto their fellow men, night and day, to +let their countrymen go free: they will be called blessed by many +generations yet to come. The Colonization Society say that they cannot +treat us as men while we are with them; but if we will go out of their +reach, they will begin their charity. What should we think of such +religion as this? Because our skin is a little darker than theirs, they +say they cannot think of treating us as men. The scripture says, 'Beware +of wolves in sheep's clothing'—and such they seem to be. We earnestly +believe, with our generous friend Garrison, that it would not be a hard +matter to exceed them in doing right. Our blessed Lord said, that we +should do to all men as we would have them do to us. Now what would they +think, if we should tell them that they would be better off in New +Holland or in Tartary?<span class='pagenum'><a name="pt2-Page_44" id="pt2-Page_44">[Pg 44]</a></span></p> + +<p>Resolved, That we will do all in our power to support the Liberator, +printed by Mr Garrison, and all other works in our behalf.</p> + +<p>Resolved, That the foregoing proceedings be published in the Liberator.</p> + +<p class="right"><big>HENRY JOHNSON</big>, Chairman.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">A. Lawrence</span>, Secretary.</p> + + +<h4>A VOICE FROM PROVIDENCE.</h4> + +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Providence</span>, November 1, 1831.</p> + +<p>At a respectable meeting of the colored people of Providence, R. I., +duly appointed and publicly holden at the African church, on the 31st of +October, 1831, to take into consideration the objects and motives of the +American Colonization Society, Mr George C. Willis was called to the +chair, and Mr Alfred Niger appointed secretary. The meeting was then +addressed at some length by the chairman, stating their object in +assembling together, and exposing the injustice and prejudice by which +he believed the friends of African colonization were actuated. The +following preamble and resolutions were read by the secretary, and +unanimously adopted:</p> + +<p>Whereas our brethren, in different parts of the United States, have +thought proper to call meetings to express their disapprobation of the +American Colonization Society; we, concurring fully with them in +opinion, have assembled ourselves together for the purpose of uniting +with them, in declaring that we believe the operations of the Society +have been unchristian and anti-republican, and at variance with our best +interests as a people. Therefore,</p> + +<p>Resolved, That we will use every fair and honorable means in our power, +to oppose the operations of the above mentioned Society.</p> + +<p>Resolved, That we are truly sensible that we are in this country a +degraded and ignorant people; but that our ignorance and degradation are +not to be attributed to the inferiority of our natural abilities, but to +the oppressive treatment we have experienced from the whites in general, +and to the prejudice excited against us by the members of the +Colonization Society, their aiders and abettors.</p> + +<p>Resolved, That we view, with unfeigned astonishment, the anti-christian +and inconsistent conduct of those who so strenuously advocate our +removal from this our native country to the<span class='pagenum'><a name="pt2-Page_45" id="pt2-Page_45">[Pg 45]</a></span> burning shores of Liberia, +and who with the same breath contend against the cruelty and injustice +of Georgia in her attempt to remove the Cherokee Indians west of the +Mississippi.</p> + +<p>Resolved, That we firmly believe, from the recent measures adopted by +the freemen of the city of New Haven, in regard to the establishment of +a College for our education in that place, that the principal object of +the friends of African colonization is to oppose our education and +consequent elevation here, as it will deprive them of one of their +principal arguments for our removal.</p> + +<p>Resolved, That as our fathers participated with the whites in their +struggle for liberty and independence, and believing with the +Declaration of that Independence, 'that all men are created free and +equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable +rights, among which are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness;' +and as we have committed no crime worthy of banishment—Therefore</p> + +<p>Resolved, That we will not leave our homes, nor the graves of our +fathers, and this boasted land of liberty and christian philanthropy.</p> + +<p>Resolved, That, our unfeigned and sincere thanks be tendered to Messrs +Garrison and Knapp, and to every true friend to our cause, for their +unwearied and truly benevolent exertions in our behalf.</p> + +<p>Resolved, That we will earnestly recommend the Liberator, published in +Boston by the above mentioned gentlemen, to the patronage of our friends +throughout the country.</p> + +<p>Resolved, That the proceedings of this meeting be signed by the Chairman +and Secretary, and sent to Boston, with the request that they may be +published in the Liberator.</p> + +<p class="right"><big>GEORGE C. WILLIS</big>, Chairman.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Alfred Niger</span>, Secretary.</p> + + +<h4>A VOICE FROM TRENTON.</h4> + +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Trenton</span>, November 30, 1831.</p> + +<p>At a respectable meeting of the free people of color in Trenton, +convened in the Mount Zion church, November 30, 1831, for the purpose of +considering the subject of colonization on the coast of Africa—On +motion, the Rev. Lewis Cork was called to the chair, and Abner H. +Francis appointed secretary. The meeting was addressed by Messrs +Gardener and Thompson; after which, the following resolutions were +unanimously adopted.<span class='pagenum'><a name="pt2-Page_46" id="pt2-Page_46">[Pg 46]</a></span></p> + +<p>Resolved, Inasmuch as we, free people of color, have done all that is in +our power to convince the white inhabitants of these United States, that +it is our wish to live peaceably with all men; and inasmuch as our +general demeanor has been that of industry and sobriety, notwithstanding +there are some among us to the contrary, as well as among the whites; +therefore we do most solemnly declare, that the statements made to the +contrary by the Rev. Mr Crosby, in his late addresses in this city, and +all statements by petitioners to legislative bodies, and by the +Colonization Society, or any thing of the same nature, are a positive +libel on our general character.</p> + +<p>Resolved, Whereas we have lived peaceably and quietly in these United +States, of which we are natives, and have never been the cause of any +insurrectionary or tumultuous movements as a body, that we do view every +measure taken by any associated bodies to remove us to other climes, +anti-christian and hostile to our peace, and a violation of the laws of +humanity.</p> + +<p>Resolved, That if, in the opinion of government, our stay or liberty can +no longer be granted in the States in which we live, we see nothing +contrary to the constitution of these United States, or to christianity, +justice, reason or humanity, in granting us a portion of the Western +territory, as a state, with the same franchise as that of Pennsylvania, +New Jersey, or any other free State; for we challenge the Union to prove +that, as free men, we have ever given the least ground for the +uncharitable censures that have been cast upon us.</p> + +<p>Resolved, That we view the American Colonization Society as the most +inveterate foe both to the free and slave man of color; forasmuch as the +agents thereof, and its members who have petitioned the several +legislatures, have unequivocally declared its object, to wit, the +extermination of the free people of color from the Union; and to effect +this they have not failed to slander our character, by representing us +as a vagrant race; and we do therefore disclaim all union with the said +Society, and, once for all, declare that we never will remove under +their patronage; neither do we consider it expedient to emigrate any +where, but to remain in the land and see the salvation of God. +Nevertheless, if any of our brethren should be compelled or see proper +to emigrate, we would recommend to them Upper Canada or Mexico.</p> + +<p>Resolved, That we view with the highest emotion of gratitude, the +benevolence of Great Britain and that of the Canada Company, in +affording an asylum in the Wilberforce settlement, in Upper Canada, for +our oppressed brethren of the South, who have been or may be forced, by +unconstitutional laws, to leave<span class='pagenum'><a name="pt2-Page_47" id="pt2-Page_47">[Pg 47]</a></span> their rightful home and place of +nativity, without any cause except that of having a dark skin.</p> + +<p>Resolved, That this meeting approve the establishment of a college, as +recommended by the Annual Convention held in Philadelphia last June, and +that we give all possible aid to that institution.</p> + +<p>Resolved, That we view the Liberator, edited by William Lloyd Garrison, +as a great herald in the cause of liberty, and that we recommend to the +colored citizens of Trenton the utility of subscribing to the above +named paper.</p> + +<p>Resolved, That there be a committee of three appointed to draft an +address more expressive of our views on the above subject.</p> + +<p>Resolved, That the following persons compose that committee—Sampson +Peters, Robert Thomas, George Cole.</p> + +<p class="right"><big>LEWIS CORK</big>, Chairman.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Abner H. Francis</span>, Secretary.</p> + + +<h4>ADDRESS.</h4> + +<p>We, the undersigned, in conformity to the above appointment, beg leave +to present to the public, in a calm, unprejudiced manner, our decided +disapprobation of the American Colonization Society and its auxiliaries, +in relation to the people of color in the United States. We are well +convinced, from the mass that has been written on the above subject by +those who have preceded us, that it will be difficult to avoid +repetition; nevertheless; we hope to touch some points which have not +been fairly understood by that Society. They have supposed that our +objections are to civilizing and evangelizing Africa; but we beg leave +to say, that it is an error. We are well aware, that there is no surer +way to effect this great object than to plant among the heathen, +colonies of Christian missionaries. We wish, therefore, to be +understood, that we highly approve of the evangelizing of Africa, but +disapprove of the present measures of the American Colonization Society, +if their motives have not been misrepresented by their agents and +others, in some previous addresses in this city and elsewhere. But +viewing them as we now do, we must say that, in our opinion, their false +representations of our general character—their recommending our removal +from our native land—their opposition to our having a part of the West +appointed to us—their objections to our proposed college, and of our +march to science—their false statements in relation to the health of +the colony at Liberia, with a variety of other subjects of the same +nature—all lead to a conclusion, that it is our greatest foe.<span class='pagenum'><a name="pt2-Page_48" id="pt2-Page_48">[Pg 48]</a></span></p> + +<p>We would here ask the public a few questions. First—Is the gospel of +Jesus Christ calculated to lead to insurrectionary measures? If so, why +then send it to the heathen? Second—What gentleman, who has set his +slaves free, has been murdered by them for so doing? Third—What have +those States, who have washed their hands clean of the cursed stain of +slavery, lost by it? Fourth—What neighborhood, where education and +general information have been disseminated among the people of color, is +the worse for it?</p> + +<p>In closing our remarks, we would say, that we do think that the subjects +looked to by the Colonization Society, to civilize Africa, are +incompetent; for we do suppose that men selected for such an important +enterprise, should be men of deed and sound piety—men of regular and +industrious habits, of scientific knowledge and general experience: that +such men can be obtained, we have no doubt; and if there cannot, let us +first prepare some in this country.</p> + +<table class="left" id="t2" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary=""> +<tr><td><big>SAMPSON PETERS</big>,</td><td style="width:2em;text-align:center;"> }</td><td style="width:10em;" rowspan="3">Committee.</td></tr> +<tr><td><big>ROBERT THOMAS</big>,</td><td style="width:2em;text-align:center;"> }</td></tr> +<tr><td><big>GEORGE COLE</big>,</td><td style="width:2em;text-align:center;"> }</td></tr> +</table> + +<h4>A VOICE FROM LYME.</h4> + +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Lyme</span>, Ct., January 9, 1832.</p> + +<p>At a respectable meeting of the colored citizens of this place, held +pursuant to public notice—Mr Luther Wright was called to the chair, and +Mr Daniel R. Condol appointed secretary.</p> + +<p>After some animated remarks by Messrs Wright and Condol, it was</p> + +<p>Resolved, That it is the sincere opinion of this meeting, that the +American Colonization Society is one of the wildest projects ever +patronised by a body of enlightened men; and further, that many of those +who support it would be willing, if it were in their power, to drive us +out of existence.</p> + +<p>Resolved, That though we be last in calling a meeting, we feel no less +the pernicious influence of this Society than the rest of our brethren; +and that we will resist every attempt to banish us from this our native +land.</p> + +<p>Resolved, That we place unshaken reliance upon the promises of Jehovah, +and believe that he will take our reproach away, and give freedom to +those who are held in captivity.</p> + +<p>Resolved, That we are not for insurrection, but for peace, freedom and +equality.<span class='pagenum'><a name="pt2-Page_49" id="pt2-Page_49">[Pg 49]</a></span></p> + +<p>Resolved, That the thanks of this meeting be rendered to Messrs Garrison +and Knapp, for their benevolent exertions in behalf of the oppressed +descendants of Africa; and that they be requested to insert these +proceedings in the Liberator.</p> + +<p class="right"><big>LUTHER WRIGHT</big>, Chairman.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Daniel R. Condol</span>, Secretary.</p> + + +<h4>A VOICE PROM LEWISTOWN.</h4> + +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Lewistown</span>, Pa., January 9, 1832.</p> + +<p>At a numerous meeting held by the free people of color of the borough of +Lewistown, in the African Methodist Episcopal church, Samuel Johnston +was called to the chair, and Martin Johnston appointed secretary. The +following resolutions were then read, and unanimously adopted:</p> + +<p>Resolved, That we will not leave these United States, the land of our +birth, for a home in Africa.</p> + +<p>Resolved, That we will strenuously oppose the colonizing of the free +people of color in Liberia.</p> + +<p>Resolved, That we are willing to emigrate to any part of the United +States which may be granted to us.</p> + +<p>Resolved, That we will support the Liberator, a paper published in +Boston, edited by William Lloyd Garrison; and also the colony in Upper +Canada as an asylum for our oppressed brethren.</p> + +<p>Resolved, That a committee be appointed to prepare an address to be +published in the Liberator.</p> + +<p>Resolved, That the proceedings of this meeting be signed by the Chairman +and Secretary, and forwarded to the editor of the Liberator for +publication.</p> + +<p class="right"><big>SAMUEL JOHNSTON</big>, Chairman.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Martin Johnston</span>, Secretary.</p> + + +<h4>ADDRESS.</h4> + +<p>We, the undersigned, in conformity to the above appointment, beg leave +to present to the public, in a calm and unprejudiced manner, our reasons +for opposing the scheme of African colonization. This is the land of our +birth. The Declaration of Independence declares, that 'all men are born +free and equal:' it does not say that the <i>white</i> man or the <i>black</i> man +is free,—but all, without respect to color, tongues, or nation. We +therefore consider all laws to enslave or degrade the people of color as +contrary to the letter and spirit of this Declaration;<span class='pagenum'><a name="pt2-Page_50" id="pt2-Page_50">[Pg 50]</a></span> and that +according to it we are freemen, and have as indisputable a right to +enjoy our liberty as any white man. To deny it to us, because we differ +in color, is oppression. To say that Africa is our native country is +untrue. Here we were born, and here we mean to die; for all men are born +free.</p> + +<p>We wish to return our grateful thanks to our friends, and to the friends +of the abolition of slavery. We consider slavery a national sin, which, +if not speedily overthrown, will cause this nation to mourn and weep; +for God has declared that Ethiopia shall stretch forth her hands unto +him, and he will hear her cry.</p> + +<p>We would say to colonizationists that we consider them our foes instead +of our friends. It is vain for them to say that we would do better in +Liberia; for we do not believe it. There is room enough in this country +for us; and if they be our friends, let them meliorate our condition +here. Let them join in the work of immediate abolition of slavery. Let +them wash out the stains which disfigure the national character. And +then let them tell us about Liberia.</p> + +<p>One reason why we are opposed to leaving these United States is this: +you have so long denied us the enjoyment and protection of the laws of +God and man in this country, that you wish now to oppress us still more. +But thanks be to Him who holds all things in his hand, we believe He +will plead our cause. Your skirts are already dyed with the blood of +millions of souls. 'Vengeance is mine—I will repay,' saith the Lord.</p> + +<p>Awake, ye wolves in sheep's clothing. Your cup is now full. You are +daily causing innocent blood to be shed. How long, ye slavites, ye +kidnappers, ye that traffic in human flesh, will you sleep? When will +you awake to your best interests? For remember that you will not always +be able to hold your victims in servile chains.</p> + +<table class="left" id="t3" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary=""> +<tr><td><big>J. G. SMITH</big>,</td><td style="width:2em;text-align:center;"> }</td><td style="width:10em;" rowspan="3">Committee.</td></tr> +<tr><td><big>M. WALKER</big>,</td><td style="width:2em;text-align:center;"> }</td></tr> +<tr><td><big>M. JOHNSTON</big>,</td><td style="width:2em;text-align:center;"> }</td></tr> +</table> + +<h4>A VOICE FROM NEW-BEDFORD.</h4> + +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">New-Bedford</span>, January 23, 1832.</p> + +<p>At a meeting of the people of color in New-Bedford, January 23d, for the +purpose of considering and giving their opinion of the American +Colonization Society, and the actual evil or benefit of that Society to +the objects of its supervision, the free people of color, Mr Richard +Johnson was called to the chair, and Richard G. Overing appointed +secretary. After an ad<span class='pagenum'><a name="pt2-Page_51" id="pt2-Page_51">[Pg 51]</a></span>dress from the chair, it was moved that +resolutions expressive of the views of the meeting, respecting the +Colonization Society, be drawn up, and published in some newspaper not +adverse to the rights and well being of all men, be their color what it +may. The following are the resolves of the meeting:</p> + +<p>Resolved, That in whatever light we view the Colonization Society, we +discover nothing in it but terror, prejudice and oppression; that the +warm and beneficent hand of philanthropy is not apparent in the system, +but the influence of the Society on public opinion is more prejudicial +to the interest and welfare of the people of color in the United States, +than slavery itself.</p> + +<p>Resolved, That the Society, to effect its purpose, the removal of the +free people of color, (not the slaves) through its agents, teaches the +public to believe that it is patriotic and benevolent to withhold from +us knowledge and the means of acquiring subsistence, and to look upon us +as unnatural and illegal residents in this country; and thus by force of +prejudice, if not by law, endeavor to compel us to embark for Africa, +and that too, apparently, by our own free will and consent.</p> + +<p>Resolved, That as great a nuisance as we may be in the estimation of +that Society, we yet have a hope in Him who has seen fit to continue our +existence through days worse than which we do not fear, and which +emboldens us as peaceable citizens, to resolve to abide the issue of +coming days in our native land, in which we ask no more than the age in +which we live demands, and which this nation, as republicans and +christians, should not refuse to grant.</p> + +<p>Signed in behalf of the meeting.</p> + +<p class="right"><big>RICHARD JOHNSON</big>, Chairman.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">R. G. Overing</span>, Secretary.</p> + +<p>The foregoing resolutions and addresses are given in plain, it may be +occasionally in severe language; and display an intensity of feeling, a +depth of abhorrence, and a firmness of purpose, honorable to men who +appreciate their rights and love their country. Before I proceed, +however, to comment upon these important proceedings, I shall make some +quotations from the essays and addresses of colored writers, in order to +sustain my assertion that the American Colonization Society is directly +opposed to the wishes of our free colored population.<span class='pagenum'><a name="pt2-Page_52" id="pt2-Page_52">[Pg 52]</a></span></p> + +<p>'<span class="smcap">A Colored Baltimorean</span>'<a name="FNanchor_AH_35" id="FNanchor_AH_35"></a><a href="#Footnote_AH_35" class="fnanchor">[AH]</a> records his sentiments in the following +style:</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>'We believe, sirs, that the people of color in the United States +will never be prevailed over to abandon the land of their birth, +and every thing vernacular with them—to forego many advantages +which they now possess, and many more which they have in +prospect, for the imaginary, or if real, the fleeting and +short-lived honors held out to them by our "Americo-African +empire." Why should we exchange a temperate and salubrious +climate, adapted to our constitutions as Americans, for one, to +us, fraught with disease and death? Why should we leave a land +in which the arts and sciences are flourishing, and which is +beginning to yield to our research, for one, where the +irradiating beams of the sun of science have yet to be announced +by the bright star of hope? Why should we leave a land +illuminated with the blaze of gospel light, for one enshrouded +in pagan gloom? Why should we, who are in tolerable +circumstances in America, who enjoy many of the comforts of +life, and are evidently on the advanced march of mind, cast away +these certain, real, and growing advantages, for those which are +precarious and chimerical? Why should we abandon our firesides, +and every thing associated with the dear name of <i>home</i>—undergo +the fatigues of a perilous voyage, and expose ourselves, our +wives, and our little ones, to the deleterious influences of an +uncongenial sun, for the enjoyment of a liberty divested of its +usual accompaniments, surrounded with circumstances which +diminish its intrinsic value, and render it indeed "a dear +earned morsel"? * * * * * *</p> + +<p>'But "it is the hope of accomplishing the entire subversion of +the slave trade and Mahometan superstition, and all their +subsidiary concomitants, that has actuated the Christian and +stimulated the philanthropist." Noble objects indeed! And who +are those christians and philanthropists? Our friend tells us, +without distinction, that they are "those noble and heroic men +who have enlisted under the banner of colonization." But how +happens it that some of the most distinguished of these +<i>christians</i> and <i>philanthropists</i> are themselves slaveholders, +and so far abettors of the <i>slave trade</i> as to be actually +guilty of selling into a cruel and interminable vassalage the +hapless victims of their tender mercies? Again, how is it that +none but the free people of color have been chosen to evangelize +Africa? Is it because they are under an exclusive moral +obligation to dispel the "gloom<span class='pagenum'><a name="pt2-Page_53" id="pt2-Page_53">[Pg 53]</a></span> of Mahometan superstition?" Is +it because they are pre-eminently qualified in point of morals +and information for the missionary enterprise? None will say +this. Perhaps we shall be told, that the identity of their color +gives them a decided advantage over every other people. But how +is it that those wicked white men, who are in the habit of +resorting thither for the most nefarious purposes, have access +to these people? And we have not forgotten that during the visit +of the Rev. G. R. McGill, in Baltimore, he informed us that +colored men from the United States, being thought by the natives +to be men of information, are received and treated as white men, +and denominated by the same epithet. Since then it does not +appear that we are pre-eminently qualified for this work, why +should it be pressed upon us? * * * *</p> + +<p>'Tell us not that the Sovereign Ruler of the universe, who is +not a respecter of persons, whose "tender mercies are over all +his works," will <i>never</i> elevate us to the dignity of men and +christians, unless we emigrate to Africa. Tell us not that in +this <i>christian</i> country, this "land of the free and home of the +brave," we must <i>for ever</i> remain a degraded and proscribed +race—that we must <i>for ever</i> be treated as the outcasts of +creation. We are aware that this doctrine has been asserted with +all the confidence of inspiration by <i>some</i> of our gospel +ministers. We have heard them proclaim it in a tone calculated +to strengthen the prejudices existing against us. They seem to +forget that there is a superintending providence—that He, who +"sits upon the whirlwind and directs the storm," has ever +manifested himself a friend to the oppressed of every clime. +They seem to forget that the religion of Jesus, wherever it +reigns with unrestrained sway, demolishes every partition wall, +and exterminates out of the heart all those bitter prejudices +which impede the march of the Messiah's kingdom. We should like +to have these prophets give us their ideas in relation to the +millennial reign of Christ. We should like to have them inform +us whether or not the general prejudices and their inseparable +accompaniments, which now lie upon, and operate against us, on +account of our color, will be consistent with this glorious +reign of <i>peace</i>, and <i>love</i>, and <i>joy</i>. Let these ministers +consider that much of our degradation is chargeable to the +indifference (to say the least) that they manifest in regard to +our situation—that if they as patterns of piety hold us at a +distance, it is but natural for the inconsiderate to follow +their example. Let them recollect that while they are making +powerful and irresistible appeals to the humanity of the +American people in behalf of the oppressed of other climes, they +have a people among them whose claims<span class='pagenum'><a name="pt2-Page_54" id="pt2-Page_54">[Pg 54]</a></span> upon their liberality are +paramount to those of any other. Let these ministers tell us how +often they make it their business to visit those portions of +their flocks whose crime is, their color. Nay, one of them said +not long since, to be familiar with the people of color would +destroy his <i>usefulness</i> among the whites. But whether they do +their duty in relation to us or not, we indulge in no fears in +regard to our future condition. We are not distrustful of the +goodness and power of Him who has overruled the evil designs of +those men that first tore our ancestors from their native +shores, who is still overruling, and who will continue to +overrule the designs of all who would treat us as the +offscouring of the earth, because our Creator has not given us a +color as white as their own. If ever there was a people who +could look up to Heaven with unshaken confidence for protection, +it is that people whose sufferings are not the consequences of +their crimes; it is that people whose misfortunes work in them +the graces of faith, patience and hope. And why should we not +cherish these invaluable graces? We are told by high authority, +that "<i>all things</i> shall work together <i>for good</i> to them that +love God"—that "He will give grace and glory, and <i>no good +thing</i> will He <i>withhold</i> from them that walk uprightly." You +see, sirs, we have one straight forward course to pursue—one +marked out by the hand of unerring wisdom. This course we intend +to pursue, without giving ourselves any uneasiness as to the +issue; this we leave to Him who has the administration of the +universe in his hands, and who has declared for our +encouragement, "even the very hairs of your head are all +numbered." Tell us not of the wisdom, and power, and number of +our enemies; He who has given us a hope, which at least makes +our condition tolerable, will say to them, as He did to the +tempestuous billows, "Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further; +and here shall thy proud waves be stayed."'</p> + +<p class="center">* * * * * * * * * *</p> + +<p>'What effect have the evils of slavery in this <i>happy</i> land upon +the mind of the liberal, the unprejudiced, and philanthropic +Lafayette?</p> + +<p>'Hear him, he will speak for himself: "When I am indulging in my +views of American prospects and American liberty, it is +mortifying to be told that in that very country a large portion +of the people are slaves. It is a dark spot on the face of the +nation. <i>Such a state of things cannot always exist.</i>" It was a +sight of the evils alluded to, and their inseparable +concomitants, that extorted from the pen of Mr Jefferson that +comprehensive and soul-thrilling sentence—"I tremble for my +country when I reflect that God is just, and that his justice +cannot sleep<span class='pagenum'><a name="pt2-Page_55" id="pt2-Page_55">[Pg 55]</a></span> for ever." But may we not indulge the hope that +the evils spoken of will yet awaken the sympathies of the +American people—soften their cruel prejudices—arouse their +slumbering energies—and produce in them an unconquerable +determination to wash from their "stars and stripes" one of the +blackest spots that ever cursed the globe, or stained the +historic page? Shall we be told that <i>invincible</i> prejudices +render this great desideratum impracticable? And what is this +but a libel upon the American people? What is it but to say, +there is in them a moral incapacity to do justice, love mercy, +and walk uprightly? Colonization orators, designing politicians, +ministers of Jesus, tell me, how can you thus libel your +countrymen? Surely, there is a regenerating, a redeeming spirit +in the land—a spirit transforming misanthropes into +philanthropists—bondmen into freemen—abettors of slavery into +champions of liberty—a spirit that will yet drive from America +the demon of slavery, and render it indeed "the land of the free +and the home of the brave."'<a name="FNanchor_AI_36" id="FNanchor_AI_36"></a><a href="#Footnote_AI_36" class="fnanchor">[AI]</a></p> + +<p class="center">* * * * * * * *</p> + +<p>'I have just found time to notice a few very exceptionable +features of a communication over the signature of "A +Marylander," published, a few days ago, in the American of our +city. The writer is unquestionably entitled to the credit of +being a thorough-going colonizationist. He writes in the <i>true +spirit</i> of the cause. He seems to be under an excitement +produced by the publication of our anti-colonization +resolutions. This being the case, it is not to be expected that +he would, throughout his communication, avail himself of the +guarded, accommodating, and conciliating language usual with +colonization writers and declaimers. After being convinced that +the people of color are not to be persuaded to leave the land of +their birth, and every thing vernacular with them, for "regions" +which he tells us are "now dark as the valley of the shadow of +death," he says, "I would propose then that Maryland should +colonize her own free blacks." He does not add the usual +qualification, "<i>with their own consent</i>:" he knows this will +never be obtained. He therefore says: "I earnestly <i>hope</i> that +the time <i>is now</i> come when our state will wake up to all the +importance of this subject, and will instantly commence <i>a +system of measures</i> imperatively demanded by the <i>sternest</i> +principles [colonization principles?] of <i>sound</i> policy." We +would tell this precocious statesman that we are not to be +intimidated into colonization "<i>measures</i>" by the angry +effusions of his illiberal soul; that we had rather die in +Maryland under the pressure of unrighteous and<span class='pagenum'><a name="pt2-Page_56" id="pt2-Page_56">[Pg 56]</a></span> cruel laws than +be driven, like cattle, to the pestilential clime of Liberia, +where grievous privation, inevitable disease, and premature +death, await us in all their horrors. We are emboldened thus to +speak, not from a reliance on the mere arm of flesh; no—it is +the righteousness of our cause, a knowledge of the attributes of +Deity, combined with a consciousness of innocence under +suffering, that have inspired us with a moral courage which no +oppression shall shake, no fulminations overawe. Our limits will +not permit us to expatiate, at this time, on the import of the +terms, "<i>a system of measures—the sternest principles</i>," &c. We +would barely remark that the climax of injustice and cruelty, +here suggested, nay, recommended, is the legitimate fruit of the +operations of the American colonization societies relative to +the free people of color. We have always believed that the +"<i>system of measures</i>" here recommended, would be the dernier +resort of these <i>christian</i> associations. The unmerited abuse, +that has been so unsparingly heaped upon us by colonizationists +for expressing our opinions of their project as connected with +our happiness, their manifest determination to effectuate their +object regardless of our consent, abundantly corroborate the +opinion we have long since entertained. We turn, however, from +the contemplation of the persecution and oppression, which, it +seems, are in reserve for us, to notice, briefly, the moving +cause of this virulent and relentless attack upon our rights and +happiness. "The <i>census just taken</i>," says A Marylander, +"<i>admonishes</i> us in the strongest manner, of the necessity of +prompt and efficient measures to drain off this description of +our population." Here then is the <i>patriotic</i>, the <i>benevolent</i>, +the <i>christian</i> principle, by which the colonization societies, +throughout our land, are actuated. This is the selfish policy of +which we complain, and which should be execrated by all <i>true</i> +patriots, philanthropists, and christians. Our increase is +represented as an "<i>alarming evil—an evil</i>," said one of our +colonization orators in the pulpit, not long since, "which +<i>threatens</i> our very <i>existence</i>." Now, if all this be true, how +can they, on their own principles, say we can <i>never</i> be a +people in this country? Surely, they are taking effectual steps +to convince us, that the enjoyment of our rights in this, our +native land, is not only possible, but highly probable. This we +have always believed. And we hope and pray, that it may be +accomplished in a way sanctioned by the gospel of peace: +"without confused noise, or garments rolled in blood." But this +glorious victory over pride and prejudice, by gospel weapons, +will never be accomplished by colonization principles. Nor will +those ministers of the gospel have any part or lot in this<span class='pagenum'><a name="pt2-Page_57" id="pt2-Page_57">[Pg 57]</a></span> +matter, who solemnly declare, in the face of heaven and earth, +that we can <i>never enjoy, in this country</i>, those inalienable +rights of man, whose inviolable preservation promotes the +welfare of the whole human family. Such ministers virtually +declare that they do not believe the doctrines they are bound to +preach; that He, from whom they profess to have received their +commission, is, indeed, "a hard man, reaping where he has not +sown, and gathering where he has not strawed;" that He requires +of them and their flocks, that which they are morally incapable +of performing; that they <i>cannot</i> love their neighbor as +themselves, or do unto others what they wish done unto +themselves, because their Lord, in his wisdom, has given some of +their fellow creatures a different color from their own. These +temporising, retrograde reformers are doing a serious injury to +the people of color. They heed not the warning of Heaven: "Do my +people no harm." They are doing more to strengthen the cruel and +unchristian prejudices, already too powerful against us, than +all the slaveholders in the Union. They hesitate not to declare, +that, in America, we are out of the reach of humanity. They seem +to think that the religion of the benevolent Saviour which +enjoins, "<i>honor all men</i>," and which explicitly says, "if ye +have <i>respect to persons</i>, ye <i>commit sin</i>," is nothing more +than a dead letter, or must <i>for ever</i> remain powerless, in the +United States of America. And have these men the face to contend +with the infidels of our land? Why, one infidel, with the bible +in his hands, would "chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand +to flight." But notwithstanding these discouraging +circumstances, our cause will yet triumph. He who is for us, is +stronger than all that are against us. "The rulers" of the land +may "take counsel together," and some of the professed ministers +of Jesus may "come into their secret," but "He that sitteth in +the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision." +Fear not then, my colored countrymen, but press forward, with a +laudable ambition, for all that heaven has intended for you and +your children, remembering that the path of duty is the path of +safety, and that "righteousness" alone "exalteth a nation."'</p></div> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="pt2-Page_58" id="pt2-Page_58">[Pg 58]</a></span></p><p>If excellence of style, a dignified carriage, sound logic, a high and +abiding faith, and fervent piety, confer credit upon a writer, few have +ever better illustrated these traits than '<span class="smcap">A Colored Baltimorean</span>,' or +deserved a nobler tribute of praise. He who would be ashamed to +acknowledge such a man as his countryman and brother, has yet to learn +his own insignificance and what constitutes the majesty of human nature.</p> + +<p>The following is an extract of a letter from a colored gentleman of +wealth and respectability in Philadelphia, whose friendship is courted +by honorable men, and whose usefulness is scarcely exceeded by any other +citizen:</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>'Is it not preposterous to one, like myself, whose family has +resided in the state of Pennsylvania ever since the great +lawgiver, William Penn, came last to this state from England; +and who fought for the independence of my country, whose +Declaration asserts, that all men are born with free and equal +rights—is it not preposterous to be told that this is not my +country? I was seven months on board of the old Jersey Prison +ship in the year 1780, "the times that tried men's souls;" and +am I now to be told that Africa is my country, by some of those +whose birth-place is unknown? Is it not a contradiction to say +that a man is an alien to the country in which he was born? To +separate the blacks from the whites is as impossible, as to bale +out the Delaware with a bucket. I have always been decidedly of +opinion, that if the Colonization Society would take but half +the pains to improve the children of color in their own country, +and expend but half the money that they are devoting to +accomplish their visionary scheme of christianizing Africa, by +offering premiums to master mechanics to take them as +apprentices, they would do more to destroy prejudice than any +thing else. When I look at this globe, containing eight or nine +hundred millions of inhabitants, and see that they differ in +color from the frozen to the temperate and torrid zones, and +that every thing is variegated, I am astonished that any man +should be so prejudiced against his fellow-man; but we pray for +the aid of the Almighty to take the scales from their eyes; and +that the Liberator may be one of the instruments in commencing +the work.'<a name="FNanchor_AJ_37" id="FNanchor_AJ_37"></a><a href="#Footnote_AJ_37" class="fnanchor">[AJ]</a></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'I would ask some of our pretended white friends, and the +members of the American Colonization Society, why they are so +interested in our behalf as to want us to go to Africa? They +tell us that it is our home; that they desire to make a people +of us, which we can never be here; that they want Africa +civilized; and that we are the very persons to do it, as it is +almost impossible for any white person to exist there. I deny +it. Will some of those guardian angels of the people of color +tell me how it is that we, who were born in the same city or +state with themselves, can live any longer in Africa than they? +I consider<span class='pagenum'><a name="pt2-Page_59" id="pt2-Page_59">[Pg 59]</a></span> it the most absurd assertion that any man of common +sense could make, unless it is supposed, as some have already +said, that we are void of understanding. If we had been born on +that continent, the transportation would be another matter; but +as the fact is the reverse, we consider the United States our +home, and not Africa as they wish to make us believe;—and if we +do emigrate, it will be to a place of our own choice.</p> + +<p>'I would also mention to the supporters of the Colonization +Society, that if they would spend half the time and money that +they do, in educating the colored population and giving them +lands to cultivate here, and secure to them all the rights and +immunities of freemen, instead of sending them to Africa, it +would be found, in a short time, that they made as good citizens +as the whites. Their traducers would hear of fewer murders, +highway robberies, forgeries, &c. &c. being committed, than they +do at present among some of the white inhabitants of this +country.'<a name="FNanchor_AK_38" id="FNanchor_AK_38"></a><a href="#Footnote_AK_38" class="fnanchor">[AK]</a></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'Colonization principles, abstractly considered, are +unobjectionable; but the means employed for their propagation, +we think, are altogether objectionable. We are deprived of our +birthright, and pointed by the colonization partisans to another +country as a home. They speak of the prejudices which exist +against us, as an insuperable hindrance to the improvement of +our situation here. We are sickened by the constant reiteration +of "<i>extraneous mass</i>," "<i>African inferiority</i>," &c. which tends +immediately to justify the slaveholder in his crime, and +increase already existing prejudice. The Colonization Society +never will effect the removal of slavery. The God of justice +will never, in my opinion, let this nation off so easily. It is +in vain to hold back. The eyes of all will ultimately be opened +to see that nothing but universal emancipation can possibly +avert impending wrath.'<a name="FNanchor_AL_39" id="FNanchor_AL_39"></a><a href="#Footnote_AL_39" class="fnanchor">[AL]</a></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'How long, oh! ye boasters of freedom, will ye endeavor to +persuade us, your derided, degraded fellow countrymen, to the +belief that our interest and happiness are prized in high +estimation among you? Be it known, that we are not all such +misguided, deluded mortals as to be duped by your plans; that we +will not suffer ourselves to become so infatuated as to "hurl +reason from her throne," and succumb to your glittering, showy, +<i>dissimulating</i> path to eminence. We spurn with contempt your<span class='pagenum'><a name="pt2-Page_60" id="pt2-Page_60">[Pg 60]</a></span> +unrighteous schemes, and point the finger of derision at your +fruitless attempts. You have commenced them in a day, when +liberty, justice and equality are claimed by almost all, as +nature's rights; for behold! a beam of science, lucid as the +sun, has divinely fallen upon the lightless intellects of a +portion of that ignoble part of your fellow creatures, who have +been so long the victims of your fell injustice and inhumanity. +Would to God that conscience might subdue your malignant +prejudices. Tell us not that our condition can never be bettered +in the land of our birth: you know it not. Make but the attempt +in consecrating a portion of your time, talents and money upon +us here, and you would soon find the cause of Afric's injured +race vindicated by her descendants; and the day which now dawns +would be speedily ushered into blazing light, declaring in its +effulgence the joyful sound of Liberty—Justice—Equality, to +all mankind.'<a name="FNanchor_AM_40" id="FNanchor_AM_40"></a><a href="#Footnote_AM_40" class="fnanchor">[AM]</a></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'There is much to be surprised at, little to admire, and nothing +worthy of imitation, in the "bubbles" of our friends, the +colonizationists. They have enlisted the prejudices and the +support of the wealthy and influential in their favor; they have +succeeded in sending some two or three thousand to Liberia; and +they are flattered with their partial success, and no doubt look +forward to the time when they will behold the whole of the +colored inhabitants of America, in the far distant land of +Africa. But let them not anticipate too much; they have yet one +obstacle to overcome which threatens to overthrow their +"baseless fabric;" or at any rate impede their progress. Their +proceedings have not obtained the approbation of those, whose +approbation is most needed, <i>the colored people themselves</i>. +They are most strangely mistaken if they suppose that it is an +easy matter to win them, either by <i>sophistry</i> or <i>force</i>. The +press has begun its revolutionizing work, overturning in its +progress every thing calculated to suppress inquiry or to blind +the understanding. Already have the intrigues of the designing +been exposed, and already have the colored people set their +faces against oppression.</p> + +<p>'The Colonization Society has erred in matters of <i>policy</i>; for +instead of exerting themselves to gain the confidence of the +colored people, and thus by persuasion to have rid the country +of them, they have acted in a manner calculated to disgust every +humane mind, and have rendered it an utter <i>impossibility</i> to +remove them; and it is most fortunate for the unfortunate, that<span class='pagenum'><a name="pt2-Page_61" id="pt2-Page_61">[Pg 61]</a></span> +they have detected those intriguing spirits in their <i>humane</i> +and <i>charitable</i> undertaking.</p> + +<p>'How many hours of anguish, how much incalculable misery has been +prevented; in short, how many human beings have been saved from +an untimely grave, by the timely interposition of the <span class="smcap">PRESS</span>! It +has said, let it be so, and it <i>was</i> so; its thunders have been +heard, and the oppressor trembles like the earthquake: it has +overthrown, yea, totally demolished the sharp-edged sword of +the Colonization Society.</p> + +<p>'Support the <span class="smcap">PRESS</span> then, ye people of color, and the result will +be a total overthrow of all the darling schemes of the aforesaid +darling Society; it has accomplished wonders, yea, wonders +already; much more can, nay, will be done; again I say, support +the <span class="smcap">PRESS</span>.'<a name="FNanchor_AN_41" id="FNanchor_AN_41"></a><a href="#Footnote_AN_41" class="fnanchor">[AN]</a></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'The African Colonization Society declares that we the people of +color shall have no part nor lot in the free institutions of +this country. Why? Because the Creator of all—the sovereign +Ruler of the universe, who holds in his hands the destiny of +nations, thought fit and proper, in his infinite wisdom, to +tincture us with a darker hue than the paler part of community! +or, if I may say, because the lot of our predecessors happened +to be cast in the torrid zone, beneath the scorching beams of a +vertical sun! These are the objections the African Colonization +Society offer to this community to our remaining in this +country—in the land of freemen! These are the considerations +that prompt them to tell us that we the descendants of Africa +can never be men unless we abandon the land of our birth, our +homes and people, and submit to that uncongenial clime, the +barbarous regions of Africa, amidst unyielding contagion and +mortality! O, that man would remember, that knowledge and +virtue, not complexion, are the emblems that constitute the +value of human dignity! With these, we are worthy—without them, +we are unworthy. By the acts and operations of wicked men, +shielded under a cloak of religion, we the people of color are +doomed to all the miseries that the human body is able to +sustain—deprived of light, knowledge and social intercourse, by +the colonization gentlemen. With all their pretended zeal and +love of liberty, manifested towards the African race, I count +them as enemies, not friends. I do not solicit their love, nor +regard their friendship. I speak for one: I never did, and never +will court an enemy as a friend, knowingly, let him be whom he +may—let him belong to church or state, I feel<span class='pagenum'><a name="pt2-Page_62" id="pt2-Page_62">[Pg 62]</a></span> the weight of +their predominant power, and the finishing blow they are about +to strike. Thus we move by them, poor and pennyless, despised +and forsaken by all; creeping through your streets, submissively +bowed down to every foot whose skin is tinctured with a lighter +hue than ours—thus we sojourn in solitude, not for our crimes +but color.</p> + +<p>'I came here for the purpose of showing to this community, that +the people of color of the United States disapprove of the +African Colonization plan. They do not wish to emigrate to +Africa. These six hundred or more, that the gentleman tells you +are now waiting for a passage to Liberia, are not the free +people of color of the United States; they are, if any, the +poor, old, worn-out southern slaves, freed on the condition to +go to Africa, or die in the tracks of slavery, no more fit for +their cotton and rice fields—for the laws of those states +forbid the master, let him be possessed of all the fine feelings +that the human mind is able to contain; unless he banishes them +to some distant region, across that "mighty ocean" they speak +of, they cannot be free. According to the laws of those states, +and the basis on which the Society is built, the emancipated +slaves are not free until they stand upon the shores of Liberia. +Thus the Northern and Middle States are called upon for +donations to enable the monarch of the south to bury his slaves +in the sands of Africa; thus far, northern capital is +instrumental in parting asunder parents and children—no more to +meet, until Jehovah will stand upon the four corners of the +earth, and proclaim deliverance to the captive!—when the arm of +tyrants shall cease to sway the rod of tyranny over the heads of +their helpless children—until all creation shall vanish and +crumble into nothing.</p> + +<p>'About the time of the formation of this Society, the people of +color, in different sections of the Union, took the alarm—they +thought there was something wrong in the views of that combined +body. So, the free people of color of Richmond, convened +themselves together in the state of Virginia, where the +gentleman says the African Colonization Society first +originated. They assembled themselves together for the purpose +of ascertaining each other's feelings with regard to that +combined body, and after mature reflection, they petitioned +Congress—I will give you the words of their memorial, which are +sufficient evidence to substantiate in the mind of every +rational person, that the people of color wish to remain in this +country.</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'"At a meeting of a respectable portion of the free people of +color of the city of Richmond, on Friday, January 24, 1817,<span class='pagenum'><a name="pt2-Page_63" id="pt2-Page_63">[Pg 63]</a></span> +William Bowler was appointed chairman, and Lentey Craw, +secretary. The following preamble and resolution were read, +unanimously adopted, and ordered to be printed.</p> + +<p>'"Whereas a Society has been formed at the seat of government, +for the purpose of colonizing, with their own consent, the free +people of color of the United States; therefore we, the free +people of color of the city of Richmond, have thought it +advisable to assemble together under the sanction of authority, +for the purpose of making a public expression of our sentiments +on a question in which we are so deeply interested. We perfectly +agree with the Society, that it is not only proper, but would +ultimately tend to the benefit and advantage of a great portion +of our suffering fellow creatures, to be colonized; but while we +thus express our approbation of a measure laudable in its +purposes, and beneficial in its designs, it may not be improper +in us to say, that we prefer being colonized in the most remote +corner of the land of our nativity, to being exiled to a foreign +country—and whereas the president and board of managers of the +said Society have been pleased to leave it to the entire +discretion of Congress to provide a suitable place for carrying +these laudable intentions into effect—Be it therefore</p> + +<p>'"Resolved, That we respectfully submit to the wisdom of +Congress whether it would not be an act of charity to grant us a +small portion of their territory, either on the Missouri river, +or any place that may seem to them most conducive to the public +good and our future welfare, subject, however, to such rules and +regulations as the government of the United States may think +proper to adopt."</p> + +<p class="right"><big>'WM. BOWLER</big>, Chairman.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">'Lentey Craw</span>, Secretary.'<a name="FNanchor_AO_42" id="FNanchor_AO_42"></a><a href="#Footnote_AO_42" class="fnanchor">[AO]</a></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'The <i>colonization craft</i> is a diabolical pursuit, which a great +part of our christian community are engaged in. Now, brethren, I +need not enlarge on this point. You that have been observing, +have already seen the trap under the bait; and although some of +our population have been foolish enough to sell their birthright +for a mess of pottage, yet I doubt whether the Colonization +Society will entrap many more. It is too bare-faced, and +contrary to all reason, to suppose, that there is any<span class='pagenum'><a name="pt2-Page_64" id="pt2-Page_64">[Pg 64]</a></span> good +design in this project. If they are willing to restore +four-fold for what they have taken by false accusation, they +can do it to better advantage in the bosom of our country, than +at several thousand miles off. How would you do, brethren, if +your object was really to benefit the poor? Would you send them +into a neighboring forest, and there deal out that food which +they were famishing for? Now we stand different from beggars. +Our ancestors were stolen property, and property which belonged +to God. This is well known by our religious community; and they +find that the owner is about to detect them. Now if they can +slip away the stolen goods, by smuggling all those out of the +country, which God would be likely to make an instrument of, in +bringing them to justice, and keep the rest in ignorance; by +such means, things would go on well with them, and they would +appease their consciences by telling what great things they are +doing for the colored population and God's cause. But we +understand better how it is. The deception is not so well +practised, but that we can discover the mark of the beast. They +will steal the sons of Africa, bring them to America, keep them +and their posterity in bondage for centuries, letting them have +what education they can pick up of themselves; then transport +them back to Africa; by which means America gets all her +drudgery done at little expense, and endeavors to flatter the +Deity, by making him a sacrifice of good works of this kind. But +to the awful disappointment of all such blasphemers, they will +meet the justice of God, which will be to them a devouring +sword.'<a name="FNanchor_AP_43" id="FNanchor_AP_43"></a><a href="#Footnote_AP_43" class="fnanchor">[AP]</a></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'Though delivered from the fetters of slavery, we are oppressed +by an unreasonable, unrighteous, and cruel prejudice, which aims +at nothing less, than the forcing away of all the free colored +population of the United States to the distant shores of Africa. +Far be it from me to impeach the motives of every member of the +American Colonization Society. The civilizing and christianizing +of that vast continent, and the extirpation of the abominable +traffic in slaves, (which, notwithstanding all the laws passed +for its suppression, is still carried on in all its horrors,) +are no doubt the principal motives, which induce many to give it +their support.</p> + +<p>'But there are those, and those who are most active and +influential in this cause, who hesitate not to say, that they +wish to rid the country of the free colored population; and +there is suf<span class='pagenum'><a name="pt2-Page_65" id="pt2-Page_65">[Pg 65]</a></span>ficient reason to believe that with many, this is +the principal motive for supporting that Society; and that +whether Africa is civilized or not, and whether the slave-trade +be suppressed or not, they would wish to see the free colored +people removed from this country to Africa.</p> + +<p>'Africa could certainly be brought into a state of civil and +religious improvement, without sending all the free people of +color in the United States there.</p> + +<p>'A few well-qualified missionaries, properly fitted out and +supported, would do more for the instruction and improvement of +the natives of that country, than a host of colonists, the +greater part of whom would need to be instructed themselves, and +all of whom for a long period would find enough to do to provide +for themselves, instead of instructing the natives.</p> + +<p>'How inconsistent are those who say, that Africa will be +benefitted by the removal of the free people of color of the +United States there, while they say, they are the <i>most vile and +degraded</i> people in the world!—If we are as vile and degraded +as they represent us, and they wish the Africans to be rendered +a virtuous, enlightened and happy people, they should not +<i>think</i> of sending <i>us</i> among them, lest we should make them +worse instead of better.</p> + +<p>'The colonies planted by white men on the shores of America, so +far from benefitting the aborigines, corrupted their morals, and +caused their ruin; and yet those who say <i>we</i> are the most vile +people in the world, would send us to Africa, to improve the +character and condition of the natives! Such arguments would not +be listened to for a moment, were not the minds of the community +strangely warped by prejudice.</p> + +<p>'Those who wish that that vast continent should be <i>compensated</i> +for the injuries done it, by sending thither the light of the +gospel and the arts of civilized life, should aid in sending and +supporting well qualified missionaries, who should be wholly +devoted to the work of instruction, instead of sending +colonists, who would be apt to turn the ignorance of the natives +to their own advantage, and do them more harm than good.</p> + +<p>'Much has also been said by colonizationists, about improving +the character and condition of the people of color of this +country, by sending them to Africa. This is more inconsistent +still. We are to be improved by being sent far from civilized +society. This is a novel mode of improvement. What is there in +the burning sun, the arid plains, and barbarous customs of +Africa, that is so peculiarly favorable to our improvement? What +hinders our improving here, where schools and colleges abound, +where the gospel is preached at every corner, and where all the +arts and sciences are verging fast to<span class='pagenum'><a name="pt2-Page_66" id="pt2-Page_66">[Pg 66]</a></span> perfection? Nothing, +nothing but prejudice. It requires no large expenditures, no +hazardous enterprises, to raise the people of color in the +United States to as highly improved a state, as any class of the +community. All that is necessary is, that those who profess to +be anxious for it, should lay aside their prejudices, and act +towards them as they do by others.</p> + +<p>'We are <span class="smcap">NATIVES</span> of this country; we ask only to be treated as +well as <span class="smcap">FOREIGNERS</span>. Not a few of our fathers suffered and bled +to purchase its independence; we ask only to be treated as well +as those who fought against it. We have toiled to cultivate it, +and to raise it to its present prosperous condition; we ask only +to share equal privileges with those who come from distant lands +to enjoy the fruits of our labor. Let these moderate requests be +granted, and we need not go to Africa nor any where else, to be +improved and happy. We cannot but doubt the purity of the +motives of those persons who deny us these requests, and would +send us to Africa, to gain what they might give us at home.</p> + +<p>'But they say, the prejudices of the country against us are +invincible; and as they cannot be conquered, it is better that +we should be removed beyond their influence. This plea should +never proceed from the lips of any man, who professes to believe +that a just God rules in the heavens.</p> + +<p>'The American Colonization Society is a numerous and influential +body. Would they lay aside their <i>own</i> prejudices, much of the +burden would be at once removed; and their example (especially +if they were as anxious to have <i>justice done us here</i>, as to +send us to Africa,) would have such an influence upon the +community at large, as would soon cause prejudice to hide its +deformed head.</p> + +<p>'But alas! the course which they have pursued, has an opposite +tendency. By the <i>scandalous misrepresentations</i>, which they are +continually giving of our character and conduct, we have +sustained much injury, and have reason to apprehend much more.</p> + +<p>'Without any charge of crime, we have been denied all access to +places, to which we formerly had the most free intercourse; the +colored citizens of other places, on leaving their homes, have +been denied the privilege of returning; and others have been +absolutely driven out.</p> + +<p>'Has the Colonization Society had no effect in producing these +barbarous measures?</p> + +<p>'They profess to have no other object in view, than the +colonizing of the free people of color on the coast of Africa, +with their <i>own consent</i>; but if our homes are made so +uncom<span class='pagenum'><a name="pt2-Page_67" id="pt2-Page_67">[Pg 67]</a></span>fortable that we cannot continue in them; or if, like our +brethren of Ohio and New Orleans, we are driven from them, and +no other door is open to receive us but Africa, our removal +there will be any thing but voluntary.</p> + +<p>'It is very certain, that very few free people of color <i>wish</i> +to go to that <i>land</i>. The Colonization Society <i>know</i> this, and +yet they do certainly calculate, that in time they will have us +all removed there.</p> + +<p>'How can this be effected, but by making our situation worse +here, and closing every other door against us?'<a name="FNanchor_AQ_44" id="FNanchor_AQ_44"></a><a href="#Footnote_AQ_44" class="fnanchor">[AQ]</a></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'My attention was forcibly attracted by a communication in Mr +Poulson's Daily Advertiser of the 16th inst. which states, that +Mrs Stansbury of Trenton, N. J. has presented <i>one thousand +dollars</i> to the Colonization Society. Now I think it is greatly +to be regretted, that this highly generous and benevolent lady +has been induced to make this donation for the purpose of +conveying some of the superannuated slaves to Africa, when +objects of much greater importance could be attained by offering +a premium to master mechanics to take colored children as +apprentices, so that they would become useful to themselves and +others. It is an inquiry becoming of the utmost importance, what +is to become of those children who are arriving at the age of +manhood?</p> + +<p>'I am greatly astonished that the ministers of the gospel should +take so active a part, in endeavoring to convey the freemen of +color to Africa. Even in Boston and New-York, they have taken +the lead in support of this object. They cannot be aware of the +great injury they will be the means of inflicting on us: instead +of doing this, they should endeavor to remove prejudice, to +ameliorate and improve the condition of the colored people by +education, and by having their children placed in a situation to +learn a trade. I hope, through the assistance of Divine +Providence, that the Liberator may be the means (especially in +Boston, the Cradle of Liberty and Independence) of guiding the +people of this country in the path, which equal justice and the +public good so evidently indicate.</p> + +<p>'I have never conversed with an intelligent man of color, (not +swayed by interested and sinister motives,) who was not +decidedly opposed to leaving his home for the fatal clime of<span class='pagenum'><a name="pt2-Page_68" id="pt2-Page_68">[Pg 68]</a></span> +Africa. I am well acquainted with all the masters of vessels, +belonging to this port, who have been to the coast of Africa; +and they all agree in representing it as one of the most +unhealthy countries in the latitude of 40. In the months of June +and July, the thermometer is at from 88 to 90 degrees. What must +it be, then, in the latitude of 6 or 7, under a vertical sun, +and where, after the rainy season, the effluvium which arises +from the putrefaction of vegetables is productive of the most +fatal effects? Sir James L. Yeo agrees with their account, in +his statement laid before the Admiralty of Great Britain.</p> + +<p>'Has any one, in either of our southern States, given any thing +like a thousand dollars to promote emigration to Africa? Not one +has shown so much compassion for the oppressed slave. General +Mercer,—who is, I believe, the President of the Colonization +Society,—promised to emancipate his slaves, and to sell his +large possessions in Virginia, and to remove with them to +Africa—(my friends inform me, and I believe him to be one of +the most humane and best of masters.) Mr Key, the great +advocate, and the late Judge Washington, promised to liberate +their slaves: I believe that neither of them has performed his +promise.</p> + +<p>'According to a statement made by Mr Key, they have removed in +fourteen years about as many hundred emigrants. I will venture +to say, that at least a half million have been born during the +same period. We ask not their compassion and aid, in assisting +us to emigrate to Africa: we are contented in the land that gave +us birth, and for which many of our fathers fought and died, +during the war which established our independence. I well +remember that when the New England regiment marched through this +city on their way to attack the English army under the command +of Lord Cornwallis, there were several companies of colored +people, as brave men as ever fought; and I saw those brave +soldiers who fought at the battle of Red Bank, under Col. Green, +where Count Donop the commander was killed, and the Hessians +defeated. All this appears to be forgotten now; and the +descendants of these men, to whom we are indebted for the part +they took in the struggle for independence, are intended to be +removed to a distant and inhospitable country, while the +emigrants from every other country are permitted to seek an +asylum here from oppression, and to enjoy the blessings of both +civil and religious liberty, equally with those who are entitled +to it by birthright.</p> + +<p>'I think the ministers of the gospel might do much towards +destroying the domestic slave trade, which breaks asunder the +sacred ties of husband, wife and children. Not a voice is<span class='pagenum'><a name="pt2-Page_69" id="pt2-Page_69">[Pg 69]</a></span> +raised by them against this most cruel injustice. In the British +colonies, this is not permitted; yet it exists in the only true +republic on earth.'<a name="FNanchor_AR_45" id="FNanchor_AR_45"></a><a href="#Footnote_AR_45" class="fnanchor">[AR]</a></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'<i>My Friends and Countrymen</i>:—I trust, by this time, you have +known well my sentiments in relation to the American +Colonization Society; and the great objects, which have been set +forth, of a general union of interest, in funds and education, +for the permanent establishment and furtherance of our +prosperity, in this our native country.</p> + +<p>'In addition to what has been already said on the subject, I +shall briefly set forth some of the leading causes of our +wretchedness and misery; and the prominent motives of the +Colonization Society in sending us away. Much theory has been +used, in the discussions upon our civil and political situation, +in this country. We have been branded, in many instances,—may I +not say, in the highest courts of the nation, courts of justice +and equity, in public and family circles?—as being an inferior +race of beings, not possessing like intellect and faculty with +the whites. We are represented as being incapable of acting for +ourselves; consequently not educated and qualified to be +admitted into public places, to vindicate the integrity of our +race, and the qualifications we are capable of acquiring. Many +of our noble statesmen, orators and lawyers, have made our +capital ring with the empty sound of +inferiority,—degradation,—the impossibility of tolerating +equality with the blacks. Sacred writ has been carefully +examined by these gentlemen of science, and construed to suit +their narrow consciences. Prophets have arisen among them, who +hold forth to the people the continuation of our political +thraldom, unless there be a general removal of all the free +among us to the coast of Africa. Others argue, that, although +they have good feelings towards us, and would do any thing for +us, if we were out of their sight and out of the hearing of +their slaves, yet to admit us into their circles would be to +pervert the present order of society, and the happiness of the +good white citizens of the country. These are generally bible +men, such as hold forth the true oracles of God; yet deny him, +in their actions and words, the supreme control over all his +creatures. There is hardly ever an action performed, whether +good or bad, but there is generally a reason given for so doing; +and he is a wicked, daring character, who cannot find a cloak, +at any time, to cover his<span class='pagenum'><a name="pt2-Page_70" id="pt2-Page_70">[Pg 70]</a></span> hideous crimes. The men who have been +foremost, in withholding from us our dearest and most sacred +rights, have always held out false colors to the community at +large, (such as, inferiority, degradation, nuisance, pest, +slaves, species of monkey, apes, &c.) to justify their inhuman +and unchristian acts towards us, and to deaden the severe pangs +of conscience that harass them. They would wish to appear +innocent before the world; as doing unto all men as they would +they should do unto them. Do they base their objects, in full, +upon such frivolous excuses as these? No. The truth is, actions +speak louder than words. It is my candid opinion, there would +have been no Colonization Society formed for our transportation +to the western coast of Africa, had there been no free colored +people, and did not our numbers increase daily. If we, as a free +body of people, had remained in the same character with slaves, +monkeys and baboons, there would not have been so much +excitement in the community about us; but as they see by our +improvement, (a great improvement, indeed, within forty years,) +that the period is hastening on, 'when there will be no other +alternative but we must rank among them in civilization, science +and politics, they have got up this colonization scheme to +persuade us to leave our slave brethren, and flee to the +pestilential shores of Africa, where we shall be in danger of +being forced to hang our harps upon the willows, and our song of +liberty and civilization will be hushed by the impelling force +of barbarian despots.'<a name="FNanchor_AS_46" id="FNanchor_AS_46"></a><a href="#Footnote_AS_46" class="fnanchor">[AS]</a></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'And in pursuit of this great object [the elevation of the +people of color] various ways and means have been resorted to; +among others, the American Colonization Society is the most +prominent. Not doubting the sincerity of many friends who are +engaged in that cause; yet we beg leave to say, that it does not +meet with our approbation. However great the debt which these +United States may owe to injured Africa, and however unjustly +her sons have been made to bleed, and her daughters to drink of +the cup of affliction, still we who have been born and nurtured +on this soil, we, whose habits, manners and customs are the same +in common with other Americans, can never consent to take our +lives in our hands, and be the bearers of the redress offered by +that Society to that much afflicted country.</p> + +<p>'Tell it not to barbarians, lest they refuse to be civilized, +and eject our Christian missionaries from among them, that in<span class='pagenum'><a name="pt2-Page_71" id="pt2-Page_71">[Pg 71]</a></span> +the nineteenth century of the christian era, laws have been +enacted in some of the States of this great republic, to compel +an unprotected and harmless portion of our brethren to leave +their homes and seek an asylum in foreign climes: and in taking +a view of the unhappy situation of many of these, whom the +oppressive laws alluded to, continually crowd into the Atlantic +cities, dependent for their support upon their daily labor, and +who often suffer for want of employment, we have had to lament +that no means have yet been devised for their relief.'<a name="FNanchor_AT_47" id="FNanchor_AT_47"></a><a href="#Footnote_AT_47" class="fnanchor">[AT]</a></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'The Convention has not been unmindful of the operations of the +American Colonization Society; and it would respectfully suggest +to that august body of learning, talent and worth, that, in our +humble opinion, strengthened, too, by the opinions of eminent +men in this country, as well as in Europe, that they are +pursuing the direct road to perpetuate slavery, with all its +unchristianlike concomitants, in this boasted land of freedom; +and, as citizens and men whose best blood is sapped to gain +popularity for that Institution, we would, in the most feeling +manner, beg of them to desist: or, if we must be sacrificed to +their philanthropy, we would rather die at home. Many of our +fathers, and some of us, have fought and bled for the liberty, +independence and peace which you now enjoy; and, surely, it +would be ungenerous and unfeeling in you to deny us a humble and +quiet grave in that country which gave us birth!'<a name="FNanchor_AU_48" id="FNanchor_AU_48"></a><a href="#Footnote_AU_48" class="fnanchor">[AU]</a></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'Sir, upon the whole, my view of the operations of the +Colonization Society, in relieving the slave States of the evil +which weighs them down more than a hundred tariffs, is +illustrated by an old fable, in which it is stated, that a man +was seen at the foot of a mountain, scraping away the dust with +his foot. One passing by, asked him what he was doing? I wish to +remove this mountain, said he. You fool, replied the other, you +can never do it in that way. Well, said he, I can raise a dust, +can't I?</p> + +<p>'Sir, I do not wish to censure the motives of this Society, but +surely they are visionary. Its supporters are bewildered in +their own dust, which is well calculated to injure the vision of +good men. The Commercial Advertiser says they do indeed wish to +wipe away from the national records the stain of slavery, "but +hope it may be accomplished (as the Virginia Enquirer has it) +surely but quietly." Yes, Sir, and quietly enough!<span class='pagenum'><a name="pt2-Page_72" id="pt2-Page_72">[Pg 72]</a></span></p> + +<p>'Our ambition leads not to superiority, but to our <i>freedom</i> and +<i>political rights</i>. <i>Grant this!</i> we ask no more! If the places +in which we dwell are too straight for us and the white +population, place us in a state <ins id="mycorr12" class="mycorr" title="Original: far to far"><a name="corr12" id="corr12"></a>far to</ins> the West—take us +into the Union—give us our <i>rights</i> as <i>freemen</i>. Let the +southern states make all born after a date not two years +distant, free! and let the Colonization Society turn its +attention and energies to the removing of liberated slaves +there: the free people will go without their aid. But if the +Government is fearful of retaliation, it may allay its fears by +a consideration of the fact of there not being one freeman +engaged in the late insurrections—of freemen informing against +slaves—the peaceable manner in which we live in the +neighborhoods of the south, and throughout the whole Union. The +meetings that have lately been held, and resolutions passed +expressive of our disapprobation of such measures, may all show +that such fears are groundless. I repeat again—<i>Give us our +rights—we ask no more!</i></p> + +<p>'Yes, Sir, if I possessed the Indies, I would pledge the whole +that if such measures were taken, and such grants made, no +retaliation would be made by us as a body for former evils.'<a name="FNanchor_AV_49" id="FNanchor_AV_49"></a><a href="#Footnote_AV_49" class="fnanchor">[AV]</a></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="newquot">'In no age of our existence have there been more pains taken by +priests and people, in public and private, in church and state, +to give them currency, than at present. The whole theme of that +wicked, persecuting combination—the Colonization Society—is +<ins id="mycorr10" class="mycorr" title="Original: calulated"><a name="corr10" id="corr10"></a> +calculated</ins> to impress upon the mind of the public these +atrocious maxims which every day strengthen a prejudice not only +cherished by the whites against the blacks, but by the blacks +against the whites. That foul fiend of hell, that destroying +angel who hath power to take peace from the earth, and to kill +with the sword, is gaining a commanding influence very fast over +both parties. And who, but the advocates of the Colonization +Society, receive him as a welcome guest? Who but they have built +him a temple, and cried, "Long live Prejudice against free born +Americans of sable hue!" Who but they are continually crying, +"The free blacks are dangerous! the free blacks are dangerous! +Away with them—away with them to Africa!" Who but they are the +apologists for murder, theft, and all the horrid concomitants of +slavery? Who but they have defiled our temples of worship +dedicated to God for his service, making merchandise of the +souls of men by transferring them over to the keeping of +prejudice?'<a name="FNanchor_AW_50" id="FNanchor_AW_50"></a><a href="#Footnote_AW_50" class="fnanchor">[AW]</a></p></div><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="pt2-Page_73" id="pt2-Page_73">[Pg 73]</a></span></p> + +<p>Other extracts might be recorded, but these must suffice. I have given +the sentiments of the people of color as expressed individually, in +public orations, in conventions of delegates, and in popular assemblies. +Their proceedings evince a keen discrimination between true and false +philanthropy, and an intellectual ability successfully to defend their +cause. Their instincts are more than a match for the specious sophistry +and learned sense of colonizationists: they meet them on every point, +and on every point achieve a victory. Conscious of the fact that in +their complexion is found the only motive for their banishment, they +clearly illustrate the hypocrisy and injustice of the African crusade. +Their union of purpose is such as cannot be broken. How intense is their +love of country! how remarkable their patient endurance of wrongs! how +strong their abhorrence of expatriation! how auspicious the talents +which they display!</p> + +<p>Every humane and honorable man will assent to the proposition, that no +scheme for the removal of a numerous people from one continent to +another, ought to be prosecuted contrary to their desires. A scheme +cannot be benevolent which thrives upon persecution. Benevolent +oppression is a solecism.</p> + +<p>Another self-evident truth is, that no such removal can be effected +merely by the presentation of selfish inducements, or without resorting +to coercive measures. To show that coercion is openly advocated by some +of the prominent supporters of the Colonization Society, I make the +following extracts from the speeches of Messrs Broadnax and Fisher, +delivered during the 'Great Debate' in the Virginia House of Delegates a +short time since. Mr Broadnax said:</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>'IT IS IDLE TO TALK ABOUT NOT RESORTING TO FORCE. Every body +must look to the introduction of force of some kind or +other—and it is in truth a question of expediency; of moral +justice; of political good faith—whether we shall fairly +delineate our whole system on the face of the bill, or leave the +acquisition of extorted consent to other processes. The real +question—the only question of magnitude to be settled, is the +great preliminary question—Do you intend to send the free +persons of color out of Virginia, or not?'</p> + +<p>'If the free negroes are willing to go, they will go—if not +willing, they must be compelled to go. Some gentlemen think it +politic not now to insert this feature in the bill, though they +proclaim their readiness to resort to it when it becomes +necessary; they think that for a year or two a sufficient number +will consent to go, and then the rest can be compelled. For my +part, I deem it better to approach the question and settle it at +once, and avow it openly. The intelligent portion of the free +negroes know very well what is going on.—Will they not see your +debates? <i>Will they not see that coercion is ultimately to be</i><span class='pagenum'><a name="pt2-Page_74" id="pt2-Page_74">[Pg 74]</a></span> +<i>resorted to?</i> They will perceive that the edict has gone forth, +and that it must fall, if not now, in a short time upon them.'</p> + +<p>'I have already expressed it as my opinion that few, very few, +will <i>voluntarily</i> consent to emigrate, if no <span class="smcap">COMPULSORY MEASURE</span> +be adopted.—With it—many, in anticipation of its sure and +certain arrival, will, in the mean time, go away—they will be +sensible that the time would come when they would be forced to +leave the State. Without it—you will still, no doubt, have +applicants for removal equal to your means. Yes, Sir, people who +will not only consent, but beg you to deport them. But what sort +of <i>consent</i>—a consent extorted by a series of oppression +calculated to render their situation among us insupportable. +Many of those who have already been sent off, went with <i>their +avowed consent</i>, but under the influence of a more decided +compulsion than any which this bill holds out. I will not +express, in its full extent, the idea I entertain of what has +been done, or what enormities will be perpetrated to induce this +class of persons to leave the State. Who does not know that when +a free negro, by crime or otherwise, has rendered himself +obnoxious to a neighborhood, how easy it is for a party to visit +him one night, take him from his bed and family, and apply to +him the gentle admonition of a severe flagellation, to induce +him to <i>consent</i> to go away? In a few nights the dose can be +repeated, perhaps increased, until, in the language of the +physicians, <i>quantum suff.</i> has been administered to produce the +desired operation; and the fellow then becomes <i>perfectly +willing</i> to move away. I have certainly heard, if incorrectly, +the gentleman from Southampton will put me right, that of the +large cargo of emigrants lately transported from that country to +Liberia, all of whom <i>professed</i> to be <i>willing</i> to go, were +rendered so by some such severe ministrations as those I have +described. A lynch club—a committee of vigilance—could easily +exercise a kind of inquisitorial <i>surveillance</i> over any +neighborhood, and convert any desired number, I have no doubt, +at any time, into a willingness to be removed. But who really +prefers such means as these to the course proposed in this bill? +And one or the other is inevitable. For no matter how you change +this bill—sooner or later the free negroes will be <i>forced</i> to +leave the State. Indeed, Sir, <span class="smcap">ALL OF US LOOK TO FORCE</span> of some +kind or other, direct or indirect, moral or physical, legal or +illegal. Many who are opposed, they say, to any compulsory +feature in the bill, desire to introduce such severe regulations +into our police laws—such restrictions of their existing +privileges—such inability to hold property—obtain +employment—rent residences, &c., as to make it impossible for +them to remain amongst us. <i>Is not this force?</i>'</p></div> + +<p>Mr Fisher said:</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>'If we wait until the free negroes consent to leave the State, +we shall wait until "time is no more." <i>They never will give +their consent</i>; and if the House amend the bill as proposed, +their consent is in a manner pointed out by the gentleman from +Dinwiddie—and it is a great question whether we shall force the +people to extort their consent from them in this way.—He +believed if the compulsory principle were stricken out, this +class of people would be forced to leave by the harsh treatment +of the whites. The people in those parts of the State where they +most abound, were determined,—as far as they could learn +through the newspapers and other sources,—to get rid of the +blacks.'</p></div> + +<p>What a revelation, what a confession, is here! The free blacks taken +from their beds, and severely flagellated, to make them willing to +emigrate! And legislative compulsion openly advocated to accomplish this +nefarious project! Yes, the gentlemen say truly, 'few, very few will +<i>voluntarily</i> consent to emigrate'—'they never will give their +consent'—and therefore they must be expelled by force! It is true, the +bill pro<span class='pagenum'><a name="pt2-Page_75" id="pt2-Page_75">[Pg 75]</a></span>posed by Mr Broadnax was rejected by a small majority; but it +serves to illustrate the spirit of the colonization leaders.</p> + +<p>The editor of the Lynchburg Virginian, an advocate of the Society, uses +the following language:</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>'But, if they will not consider for themselves, <span class="smcap">WE</span> <i>must +consider for them</i>. The safety of the people is the supreme law; +and to that law all minor considerations must bend. If the free +negroes will not emigrate, <i>they must be contented to endure +those privations which the public interest and safety call +for</i>.—In the last Richmond Enquirer we notice an advertisement, +setting forth, that "a petition will be presented to the next +legislature of Virginia, from the county of Westmoreland, +praying the passage of some law to <i>compel</i> the free negroes in +this commonwealth to emigrate therefrom, under a penalty which +will effectually promote this object." So, too, at a meeting of +the citizens of Prince George county, in Maryland, it was +resolved to "petition the next legislature to remove all the +free negroes out of that State, and to prohibit all persons from +manumitting slaves without making provision for their removal."'</p></div> + +<p>I close this work with a specimen of the sophistry which is used to give +<i>eclat</i> to the American Colonization Society.</p> + +<p>In the month of June, 1830, I happened to peruse a number of the +Southern Religious Telegraph, in which I found an essay, enforcing the +duty of clergymen to take up collections in aid of the funds of the +Colonization Society on the then approaching fourth of July. After an +appropriate introductory paragraph, the writer proceeds in the following +remarkable strain:</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>'But—we have a plea like a peace offering to man and to God. We +answer poor blinded Africa in her complaint—that we have her +children, and that they have served on our plantations. And we +tell her, look at their returning! We took them barbarous, +though measurably free,—untaught—rude—without +science—without the true religion—without philosophy—and +strangers to the best civil governments. And now we return them +to her bosom, <i>with the mechanical arts</i> ... <i>with science</i> ... +<i>with philosophy</i> ... with civilization ... with republican +feelings ... and above all, with the true knowledge of the true +God, and the way of salvation through the Redeemer.'</p></div> + +<p>'The mechanical arts!'—with whom did they serve an apprenticeship? +'With philosophy!'—in what colleges were they taught? It is strange +that we should be so anxious to get rid of these scientific men of +color—these philosophers—these republicans—these christians, and that +we should shun their company as if they were afflicted with the +hydrophobia, or carried a deadly pestilence in their train! Certainly, +they <i>must</i> have singular notions of the christian religion which +tolerates—or, rather, which is so perverted as to tolerate—the +oppression of God's rational creatures by its professors! They must feel +a peculiar kind of brotherly love for those <i>good men</i> who banded +together<span class='pagenum'><a name="pt2-Page_76" id="pt2-Page_76">[Pg 76]</a></span> to remove them to Africa, because they were too proud to +associate familiarly with men of a sable complexion! But the writer +proceeds:</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>'We tell her, look at the little colony on her shores. We tell +her, look to the consequences that must flow to all her borders +from religion, and science, and knowledge, and civilization, and +republican government! And then we ask her—<i>is not one ship +load of emigrants returning with these multiplied blessings, +worth more to her than a million of her barbarous sons?</i>'</p></div> + +<p>So! every ship load of ignorant and helpless emigrants is to more than +compensate Africa for every million of her children who have been +kidnapped, buried in the ocean and on the land, tortured with savage +cruelty, and held in perpetual servitude! Truly, this is a compendious +method of balancing accounts. In the sight of God, of Africa, and of the +world, we are consequently blameless—and rather praiseworthy—for our +past transgressions. It is such sophistry as is contained in the +foregoing extract, that kindles my indignation into a blaze. I abhor +cant—I abhor hypocrisy—and if some of the advocates of the +Colonization Society do not deal largely in both, I am unable to +comprehend the meaning of these terms.</p> + +<p>Of the whole number of individuals constituting the officers of the +Society, nearly three-fourths, I believe, <i>are the owners of slaves</i>, or +interested in slave property; not one of whom, to my knowledge, has +emancipated any of his slaves to be sent to Liberia!! The President of +the Society, (<span class="smcap">Charles Carroll</span>,) owns, I have understood, nearly <i>one +thousand slaves</i>! And yet he is lauded, beyond measure, as a patriot, a +philanthropist, and a christian! The former President, (Judge <span class="smcap">Bushrod +Washington</span>,) so far from breaking the fetters of his slaves, actually +while holding his office offered a large reward for a runaway female +slave, to any person who would secure her by putting her into any jail +within the United States! What a mockery it is for such persons to +profess to deplore the existence of slavery, or to denounce the foreign +slave trade! for they neither cease from their own oppressive acts, nor +act much more honestly than the slave dealers—the latter stealing those +who are born on the coast of Africa, and the former those who are born +in this country!<span class='pagenum'><a name="pt2-Page_77" id="pt2-Page_77">[Pg 77]</a></span></p> + +<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_AE_32" id="Footnote_AE_32"></a><a href="#FNanchor_AE_32"><span class="label">[AE]</span></a> John Neal.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_AF_33" id="Footnote_AF_33"></a><a href="#FNanchor_AF_33"><span class="label">[AF]</span></a> <i>Vide</i> the Fourth Volume of the Genius of Universal +Emancipation for 1829.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_AG_34" id="Footnote_AG_34"></a><a href="#FNanchor_AG_34"><span class="label">[AG]</span></a> Alexander H. Everett, Esq. vide his work entitled +'America, or a General Survey,' &c. &c. pp. 212, 225.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_AH_35" id="Footnote_AH_35"></a><a href="#FNanchor_AH_35"><span class="label">[AH]</span></a> Genius of Universal Emancipation for November 27, 1829.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_AI_36" id="Footnote_AI_36"></a><a href="#FNanchor_AI_36"><span class="label">[AI]</span></a> Genius of Universal Emancipation, January 29, 1830.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_AJ_37" id="Footnote_AJ_37"></a><a href="#FNanchor_AJ_37"><span class="label">[AJ]</span></a> 'The Liberator' for January 22, 1832.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_AK_38" id="Footnote_AK_38"></a><a href="#FNanchor_AK_38"><span class="label">[AK]</span></a> 'A Colored Philadelphian'—vide 'The Liberator' for Feb. +12, 1831.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_AL_39" id="Footnote_AL_39"></a><a href="#FNanchor_AL_39"><span class="label">[AL]</span></a> Correspondent of 'The Liberator,' Feb. 26, 1831.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_AM_40" id="Footnote_AM_40"></a><a href="#FNanchor_AM_40"><span class="label">[AM]</span></a> Correspondent of 'The Liberator,' March 12, 1831.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_AN_41" id="Footnote_AN_41"></a><a href="#FNanchor_AN_41"><span class="label">[AN]</span></a> 'African Sentinel,' Oct. 8, 1831, printed at Albany.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_AO_42" id="Footnote_AO_42"></a><a href="#FNanchor_AO_42"><span class="label">[AO]</span></a> Extracts from 'An Address to the Gentlemen and Ladies of +the County of Otsego, N. Y., delivered on the 30th September, 1830, by +Hayden Waters, a man of color.' The proceedings of the colored +inhabitants of Virginia, incorporated into this Address, are those +referred to on page 8 as having been accidentally mislaid.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_AP_43" id="Footnote_AP_43"></a><a href="#FNanchor_AP_43"><span class="label">[AP]</span></a> 'Address delivered before the colored population of +Providence, R. I., November 27, 1828, by Rev. Hosea Easton.'</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_AQ_44" id="Footnote_AQ_44"></a><a href="#FNanchor_AQ_44"><span class="label">[AQ]</span></a> 'A Discourse delivered in St. Philip's Church, for the +benefit of the colored community of Wilberforce, in Upper Canada, on the +Fourth of July, 1830. By Rev. Peter Williams, Rector of St. Philip's +Church, New-York.' Mr Williams is a clergyman of superior talents and +great moral worth, and beloved by an extensive circle of acquaintance.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_AR_45" id="Footnote_AR_45"></a><a href="#FNanchor_AR_45"><span class="label">[AR]</span></a> From the pen of the Colored Gentleman in Philadelphia, +referred to on page 58—vide 'The Liberator,' March 12, 1831.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_AS_46" id="Footnote_AS_46"></a><a href="#FNanchor_AS_46"><span class="label">[AS]</span></a> 'Address delivered before a Colored Association in +Brooklyn, N. Y., August 5, 1831,' by George Hogarth. Vide 'The +Liberator' for August 27, 1831.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_AT_47" id="Footnote_AT_47"></a><a href="#FNanchor_AT_47"><span class="label">[AT]</span></a> Conventional Address of the People of Color in +Philadelphia, in 1830.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_AU_48" id="Footnote_AU_48"></a><a href="#FNanchor_AU_48"><span class="label">[AU]</span></a> 'Minutes and Proceedings of the First Annual Convention of +the People of Color, held by adjournment in the city of Philadelphia, in +June, 1831.'</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_AV_49" id="Footnote_AV_49"></a><a href="#FNanchor_AV_49"><span class="label">[AV]</span></a> 'Philadelphia Evangelist'—vide 'The Liberator' for +November 26, 1831.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_AW_50" id="Footnote_AW_50"></a><a href="#FNanchor_AW_50"><span class="label">[AW]</span></a> Correspondent of 'The Liberator,' December 17, 1831.</p></div> +</div> + +<h4>END OF PART II.</h4> + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<div class="tnote"> +<h2><a name="Transcribers_Notes" id="Transcribers_Notes"></a>Transcriber's Notes:</h2> + +<p>This eBook is based on a 1968 reprint by Arno Press, New York, of the +original edition, published in 1832 by Garrison and Knapp, Boston. The +Table of Contents has been added by the transcriber.</p> + +<p>Inconsistent use of "Mr." and "Mr"; use of variable numbers of asterisks +as ellipses; irregular and archaic spelling other than noted below; +inconsistent capitalization (e.g. Christian vs. christian) and +hyphenation, are as per the original.</p> + +<p>2 blank lines between sequential block quotes indicate a new quote; 1 +blank line indicates a new paragraph in the same quote; this is similar +to the typesetting of the original.</p> + +<p>Footnotes have been re-indexed sequentially, using letters where symbols +were used and numbers where numbers were used in the original, and +moved to the end of each section to preserve the flow of the text.</p> + +<p>Minor punctuation errors, in particular inconsistent use of quotation marks, have been corrected without note. The following +typographical errors have been corrected:</p> + +<p> +<span class="indent1">Part I.</span><br /> +<span class="indent2">P. <a href="#corr1">25</a> "... was held, at which King George, ..." (had "Kings").</span><br /> +<span class="indent2">P. <a href="#corr2">36</a> "... Lander, travellers in Africa, represent ..." (had "Afria").</span><br /> +<span class="indent2">P. <a href="#corr3">48</a> "... operations have been confined to ..." (had "confied").</span><br /> +<span class="indent2">P. <a href="#corr4">88</a> "... superintendence of any government ..." (had "goverment").</span><br /> +<span class="indent2">P. <a href="#corr5">89</a> "... such a measure, to point ..." (had "a a").</span><br /> +<span class="indent2">P. <a href="#corr6">97</a> "... rid ourselves of a large party ..." (had "lage").</span><br /> +<span class="indent2">Footnote <a href="#corr7">P</a> "... the authority which compels ..." (had "which which").</span><br /> +<span class="indent2">P. <a href="#corr8">126</a> "... country, of an anomalous race ..." (had "amomalous").</span><br /> +<span class="indent2">P. <a href="#corr11">127</a> "... transportation of the manumitted ..." (had "transportion").</span><br /> +<span class="indent2">P. <a href="#corr9">148</a> "... that a greater benefit may be ..." (had "may may").</span><br /> +<br /> +<span class="indent1">Part II.</span><br /> +<span class="indent2">P. <a href="#corr12">72</a> "... a state far to the West ..." (had "far to far").</span><br /> +<span class="indent2">P. <a href="#corr10">72</a> "... calculated to impress upon ..." (had "calulated").</span><br /> + +</p> + +</div> + + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Thoughts on African Colonization, by +William Lloyd Garrison + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THOUGHTS ON AFRICAN COLONIZATION *** + +***** This file should be named 31178-h.htm or 31178-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/3/1/1/7/31178/ + +Produced by Louise Pattison, Suzanne Shell and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, +set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to +copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to +protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project +Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you +charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you +do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the +rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose +such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and +research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do +practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is +subject to the trademark license, especially commercial +redistribution. + + + +*** START: FULL LICENSE *** + +THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE +PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK + +To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free +distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work +(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project +Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project +Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at +http://gutenberg.org/license). + + +Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic works + +1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to +and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property +(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all +the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy +all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. +If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the +terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or +entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. + +1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be +used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who +agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few +things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works +even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See +paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement +and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. See paragraph 1.E below. + +1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" +or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the +collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an +individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are +located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from +copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative +works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg +are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project +Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by +freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of +this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with +the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by +keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project +Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. + +1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern +what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in +a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check +the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement +before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or +creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project +Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning +the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United +States. + +1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: + +1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate +access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently +whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the +phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project +Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, +copied or distributed: + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + +1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived +from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is +posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied +and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees +or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work +with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the +work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 +through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the +Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or +1.E.9. + +1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted +with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution +must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional +terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked +to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the +permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. + +1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this +work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. + +1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this +electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without +prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with +active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project +Gutenberg-tm License. + +1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, +compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any +word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or +distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than +"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version +posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org), +you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a +copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon +request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other +form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. + +1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, +performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works +unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. + +1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing +access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided +that + +- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from + the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method + you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is + owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he + has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the + Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments + must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you + prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax + returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and + sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the + address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to + the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." + +- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies + you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he + does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm + License. You must require such a user to return or + destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium + and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of + Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any + money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the + electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days + of receipt of the work. + +- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free + distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set +forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from +both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael +Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the +Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. + +1.F. + +1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable +effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread +public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm +collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain +"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or +corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual +property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a +computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by +your equipment. + +1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right +of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project +Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all +liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal +fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT +LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE +PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE +TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE +LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR +INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH +DAMAGE. + +1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a +defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can +receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a +written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you +received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with +your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with +the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a +refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity +providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to +receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy +is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further +opportunities to fix the problem. + +1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth +in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER +WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO +WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. + +1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied +warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. +If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the +law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be +interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by +the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any +provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. + +1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the +trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone +providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance +with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, +promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, +harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, +that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do +or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm +work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any +Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. + + +Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm + +Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of +electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers +including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists +because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from +people in all walks of life. + +Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the +assistance they need, are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's +goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will +remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure +and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. +To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation +and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 +and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. + + +Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive +Foundation + +The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit +501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the +state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal +Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification +number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at +http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent +permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. + +The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. +Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered +throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at +809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email +business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact +information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official +page at http://pglaf.org + +For additional contact information: + Dr. Gregory B. Newby + Chief Executive and Director + gbnewby@pglaf.org + + +Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation + +Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide +spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of +increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be +freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest +array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations +($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt +status with the IRS. + +The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating +charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United +States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a +considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up +with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations +where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To +SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any +particular state visit http://pglaf.org + +While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we +have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition +against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who +approach us with offers to donate. + +International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make +any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from +outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. + +Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation +methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other +ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. +To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate + + +Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. + +Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm +concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared +with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project +Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. + + +Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed +editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. +unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily +keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. + + +Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: + + http://www.gutenberg.org + +This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, +including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary +Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to +subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. + + +</pre> + +</body> +</html> diff --git a/31178-h/images/005.png b/31178-h/images/005.png Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..8ee80ec --- /dev/null +++ b/31178-h/images/005.png diff --git a/31178.txt b/31178.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..7a54932 --- /dev/null +++ b/31178.txt @@ -0,0 +1,12654 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Thoughts on African Colonization, by +William Lloyd Garrison + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Thoughts on African Colonization + +Author: William Lloyd Garrison + +Release Date: February 4, 2010 [EBook #31178] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THOUGHTS ON AFRICAN COLONIZATION *** + + + + +Produced by Louise Pattison, Suzanne Shell and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net + + + + + + + + + +THOUGHTS ON AFRICAN COLONIZATION + + +Transcriber's Notes: + +This eBook is based on a 1968 reprint by Arno Press, New York, of the +original edition, published in 1832 by Garrison and Knapp, Boston. The +Table of Contents has been added by the transcriber. + +Inconsistent use of "Mr." and "Mr"; use of variable numbers of asterisks +as ellipses; irregular and archaic spelling other than noted below; +inconsistent capitalization (especially Christian vs. christian) and +hyphenation, are as per the original. + +2 blank lines between sequential block quotes indicate a new quote; 1 +blank line indicates a new paragraph in the same quote; this is similar +to the typesetting of the original. + +Footnotes have been re-indexed sequentially, using letters where symbols +were used and numbers where numbers were used in the original, and +moved to the end of each section to preserve the flow of the text. + +Minor punctuation errors, in particular inconsistent use of quotation +marks, have been corrected without note. The following typographical +errors have been corrected: + + Part I. + P. 25 "... was held, at which King George, ..." (had "Kings"). + P. 36 "... Lander, travellers in Africa, represent ..." (had "Afria"). + P. 48 "... operations have been confined to ..." (had "confied"). + P. 88 "... superintendence of any government ..." (had "goverment"). + P. 89 "... such a measure, to point ..." (had "a a"). + P. 97 "... rid ourselves of a large party ..." (had "lage"). + Footnote [P] "... the authority which compels ..." (had "which which"). + P. 126 "... country, of an anomalous race ..." (had "amomalous"). + P. 127 "... transportation of the manumitted ..." (had "transportion"). + P. 148 "... that a greater benefit may be ..." (had "may may"). + + Part II. + P. 72 "... a state far to the West ..." (had "far to far"). + P. 72 "... calculated to impress upon ..." (had "calulated"). + + + + +Table of Contents + + PREFACE xix + + PART I. + + INTRODUCTORY REMARKS. 1 + + SECTION I. 39 + + THE AMERICAN COLONIZATION SOCIETY IS PLEDGED NOT TO OPPOSE THE + SYSTEM OF SLAVERY. + + SECTION II. 61 + + THE AMERICAN COLONIZATION SOCIETY APOLOGISES FOR SLAVERY AND + SLAVEHOLDERS. + + SECTION III. 68 + + THE AMERICAN COLONIZATION SOCIETY RECOGNISES SLAVES AS PROPERTY. + + SECTION IV. 74 + + THE AMERICAN COLONIZATION SOCIETY INCREASES THE VALUE OF SLAVES. + + SECTION V. 78 + + THE AMERICAN COLONIZATION SOCIETY IS THE ENEMY OF IMMEDIATE + ABOLITION. + + SECTION VI. 95 + + THE AMERICAN COLONIZATION SOCIETY IS NOURISHED BY FEAR AND + SELFISHNESS. + + SECTION VII. 111 + + THE AMERICAN COLONIZATION SOCIETY AIMS AT THE UTTER EXPULSION OF + THE BLACKS. + + SECTION VIII. 124 + + THE AMERICAN COLONIZATION SOCIETY IS THE DISPARAGER OF THE FREE + BLACKS. + + SECTION IX. 134 + + THE AMERICAN COLONIZATION SOCIETY DENIES THE POSSIBILITY OF + ELEVATING THE BLACKS IN THIS COUNTRY. + + SECTION X. 151 + + THE AMERICAN COLONIZATION SOCIETY DECEIVES AND MISLEADS THE + NATION. + + PART II. + + SENTIMENTS OF THE PEOPLE OF COLOR. 1 + + + + + THOUGHTS + ON + AFRICAN COLONIZATION + + +[Illustration: SECTION OF A SLAVE SHIP. _From Walsh's Notes of Brazil._] + + + + +PREFACE. + + +I dedicate this work to my countrymen, in whose intelligence, +magnanimity and humanity I place the utmost reliance. Although they have +long suffered themselves to be swayed by a prejudice as unmanly as it is +wicked, and have departed widely from the golden rule of the gospel, in +their treatment of the people of color, to suppose that they will always +be the despisers and persecutors of this unfortunate class is, in my +opinion, to libel their character. A change in their feelings and +sentiments is already visible--a change which promises, ere long, to +redeem their character from the bloody stains which slavery has cast +upon it, and to release the prisoner from his chains. May they be +ashamed to persist in a mean and thievish course of conduct, and afraid +to quarrel with the workmanship of God! May a righteous indignation be +kindled in their breasts against a combination which is holding them up, +for the scorn and contempt of other nations, as incorrigible oppressors, +whom neither self-respect, nor the opinions of mankind, nor the fear of +God, can bring to repentance! Their duty is plain, and it may easily be +done. Slavery must be overthrown either by their own moral strength, or +by the physical strength of the slaves. Let them imitate the example of +the people of _Great Britain_, by seeking the immediate overthrow of the +horrid system. Let a National Anti-Slavery Society be immediately +organized, the object of which shall be, to quicken and consolidate the +moral influence of the nation, so that Congress and the State +Legislatures may be burdened with petitions for the removal of the +evil--to scatter tracts, like rain-drops, over the land, on the subject +of slavery--to employ active and eloquent agents to plead the cause +incessantly, and to form auxiliary societies--to encourage planters to +cultivate their lands by freemen, by offering large premiums; to promote +education and the mechanical arts among the free people of color, and to +recover their lost rights. Religious professors, of all denominations, +must bear unqualified testimony against slavery. They must not support, +they must not palliate it. No slaveholder ought to be embraced within +the pale of a christian church; consequently, the churches must be +purified 'as by fire.' Slavery in the District of Columbia is sustained +in our national capacity: it ought, therefore, to be prostrated at a +blow. The clause in the Constitution should be erased, which tolerates, +greatly to the detriment and injustice of the non-slaveholding States, a +slave representation in Congress. Why should property be represented at +the impoverished south, and not at the opulent north? + +To impair the force of this exposition, the ardent advocates of the +Colonization Society will undoubtedly attempt to evade the ground of +controversy, and lead uncautious minds astray in a labyrinth of +sophistry. But the question is not, whether the climate of Africa is +salubrious, nor whether the mortality among the emigrants has been +excessive, nor whether the colony is in a prosperous condition, nor +whether the transportation of our whole colored population can be +effected in thirty years or three centuries, nor whether any slaves have +been emancipated on condition of banishment; but whether the doctrines +and principles of the Society accord with the doctrines and principles +of the gospel, whether slaveholders are the just proprietors of their +slaves, whether it is not the sacred duty of the nation to abolish the +system of slavery now, and to recognise the people of color as brethren +and countrymen who have been unjustly treated and covered with unmerited +shame. _This is the question--and the only question._ + +With such a mass of evidence before them, of the pernicious, cruel and +delusive character of the American Colonization Society, I leave the +patriot, the philanthropist and the christian to judge of the fitness of +the following inflated and presumptuous assertions of its +advocates:--'The plan is of heavenly origin, against which the gates of +hell shall never prevail'--'a circle of philanthropy, every segment of +which tells and testifies to the beneficence of the whole'--'addressing +its claims alike to the patriot, and the christian, it being +emphatically the cause of liberty, of humanity, of religion'[A]--'so +full of benevolence and the hallowed impulses of Heaven's own mercy, +that one might, with the propriety of truth, compare its radiant +influences to a rainbow, insufferably bright, spanning the sombre clouds +of human wrong, that have accumulated on the horizon of our country's +prosperity, and beating back, with calm and heavenly power, the +blackening storm that always threatens, in growling thunders, a heavy +retribution'[B]--'that citizen of the United States who lifts a finger +to retard this institution, nay, that man who does not use his +persevering efforts to promote its benevolent object, fails, in our +opinion, to discharge his duty to his God and his +country'[C][1]--'nothing but a distinct knowledge and a calm +consideration of the facts in the case, is wanting to make every man of +common intelligence, common patriotism, and common humanity, the earnest +friend of the Colonization Society'!![D] + +There is one important consideration, which, owing to the contractedness +of my limits, I have omitted to enforce in this work. It is this: the +serious injury which our interests must inevitably suffer by the removal +of our colored population. Their labor is indispensably necessary and +extremely valuable. By whom shall the plantations at the south be +cultivated but by them? It is universally conceded that they can resist +the intensity of a southern sun, and endure the fatigues attendant on +the cultivation of rice, cotton, tobacco and sugar-cane, better than +white laborers: at least, their bodies are now inured to this +employment. I do not believe that any equivalent would induce the +planters to part with their services, or white laborers to occupy their +places. In the great cities, and in various parts of the southern +States, free persons of color constitute a laborious and useful class. +In a pecuniary point of view, the banishment of one-sixth of our +population,--of those whom we specially need,--would be an act of +suicide. The veriest smatterer in political economy cannot but perceive +the ruinous tendency of such a measure. + +FOOTNOTES: + +[A] African Repository. + +[B] Rev. Mr Maffit's 'Plea for Africa.' + +[C] Western Luminary. + +[D] Christian Spectator. + +[1] The clerical gentleman who presumes to utter this opinion is the +same who has also the hardihood to assert that 'many of the best +citizens of our land are holders of slaves, and hold them _in strict +accordance with the principles of humanity and justice_'!! + + + + +THOUGHTS ON AFRICAN COLONIZATION. + + +PART I. + + + + +INTRODUCTORY REMARKS. + + +In attacking the system of slavery, I clearly foresaw all that has +happened to me. I knew, at the commencement, that my motives would be +impeached, my warnings ridiculed, my person persecuted, my sanity +doubted, my life jeoparded: but the clank of the prisoner's chains broke +upon my ear--it entered deeply into my soul--I looked up to Heaven for +strength to sustain me in the perilous work of emancipation--and my +resolution was taken. + +In opposing the American Colonization Society, I have also counted the +cost, and as clearly foreseen the formidable opposition which will be +arrayed against me. Many of the clergy are enlisted in its support: +their influence is powerful. Men of wealth and elevated station are +among its contributors: wealth and station are almost omnipotent. The +press has been seduced into its support: the press is a potent engine. +Moreover, the Society is artfully based upon and defended by _popular +prejudice_: it takes advantage of wicked and preposterous opinions, and +hence its success. These things grieve, they cannot deter me. 'Truth is +mighty, and will prevail.' It is able to make falsehood blush, and tear +from hypocrisy its mask, and annihilate prejudice, and overthrow +persecution, and break every fetter. + +I am constrained to declare, with the utmost sincerity, that I look upon +the colonization scheme as inadequate in its design, injurious in its +operation, and contrary to sound principle; and the more scrupulously I +examine its pretensions, the stronger is my conviction of its +sinfulness. Nay, were Jehovah to speak in an audible voice from his holy +habitation, I am persuaded that his language would be, 'Who hath +required this at your hands?' + +It consoles me to believe that no man, who knows me personally or by +reputation, will suspect the honesty of my skepticism. If I were +politic, and intent only on my own preferment or pecuniary interest, I +should swim with the strong tide of public sentiment instead of +breasting its powerful influence. The hazard is too great, the labor too +burdensome, the remuneration too uncertain, the contest too unequal, to +induce a selfish adventurer to assail a combination so formidable. +Disinterested opposition and sincere conviction, however, are not +conclusive proofs of individual rectitude; for a man may very honestly +do mischief, and not be aware of his error. Indeed, it is in this light +I view many of the friends of African colonization. I concede to them +benevolence of purpose and expansiveness of heart; but in my opinion, +they are laboring under the same delusion as that which swayed Saul of +Tarsus--persecuting the blacks even unto a strange country, and verily +believing that they are doing God service. I blame them, nevertheless, +for taking this mighty scheme upon trust; for not perceiving and +rejecting the monstrous doctrines avowed by the master spirits in the +crusade; and for feeling so indifferent to the moral, political and +social advancement of the free people of color in this their only +legitimate home. + +In the progress of this discussion I shall have occasion to use very +plain, and sometimes very severe language. This would be an unpleasant +task, did not duty imperiously demand its application. To give offence I +am loath, but more to hide or modify the truth. I shall deal with the +Society in its collective form--as one body--and not with individuals. +While I shall be necessitated to marshal individual opinions in review, +I protest, _ab origine_, against the supposition that indiscriminate +censure is intended, or that every friend of the Society cherishes +similar views. He to whom my reprehension does not apply, will not +receive it. It is obviously impossible, in attacking a numerous and +multiform combination, to exhibit private dissimilarities, or in every +instance to discriminate between the various shades of opinion. It is +sufficient that exceptions are made. My warfare is against the AMERICAN +COLONIZATION SOCIETY. If I shall identify its general, preponderating +and clearly developed traits, it must stand or fall as they shall prove +benevolent or selfish. + +I bring to this momentous investigation an unbiassed mind, a lively +sense of accountability to God, and devout aspirations for the guidance +of the Holy Spirit. Unless He 'in whom there is no darkness at all,' +pours light upon my path, I shall go astray. I have taken Him at His +word: 'If any man lack wisdom, let him ask of God, and it shall be given +him.' Confessing my own foolishness, I have sought that knowledge which +cannot err. + +I would premise, that, like many others, I formerly supposed the +Colonization Society was a praiseworthy association, although I always +doubted its efficiency. This opinion was formed for me by others, upon +whom I placed implicit confidence: it certainly was not based upon any +research or knowledge of my own, as I had not at that time perused a +single Report of the Society, nor a page in its organ, the African +Repository. My approval was the offspring of credulity and ignorance. I +am explicit on this point, because my opponents have accused me of +inconsistency--though it ought not surely to disgrace a man, that, +discovering himself to be in error, he promptly turns to the embrace of +truth. As if opinions, once formed, must be as irrevocable as the laws +of the Medes and Persians! If this were so, accountability would lose +its hold on the conscience, and the light of knowledge be blown out, and +reason degenerate into brutish instinct. Much stress has been laid upon +the fact, that, in 1828, I delivered an address in Park-street +meeting-house on the Fourth of July, on which occasion a collection was +made in behalf of the American Colonization Society. It is true--but +whereas I was then blind, now I see. My address, however, was far from +being acceptable to the friends of colonization who were present, not +only on account of my denunciation of slaveholders, but because I +inserted only a single sentence in favor of the Society. In all my +writings, I have never commended this combination in as many sentences +as I have used in making this explanation. So much for my marvellous +apostacy! + +It is only about two years since I was induced to examine the claims of +the Colonization Society upon the patronage and confidence of the +nation. I went to this examination with a mind biassed by preconceived +opinions favorable to the Society, and rather for the purpose of +defending it against opposition than of bringing it into disrepute. +Every thing, apart from its principles, was calculated to secure my +friendship. Nothing but its revolting features could have induced me to +turn loathingly away from its embrace. I had some little reputation to +sustain; many of my friends were colonizationists; I saw that eminent +statesmen and honorable men were enlisted in the enterprise; the great +body of the clergy gave their unqualified support to it; every fourth of +July the charities of the nation were secured in its behalf; wherever I +turned my eye in the free States, I saw nothing but unanimity; wherever +my ear caught a sound, I heard nothing but excessive panegyric. No +individual had ventured to blow the trumpet of alarm, or exert his +energies to counteract the influence of the scheme. If an assailant had +occasionally appeared, he had either fired a random shot and retreated, +or found in the inefficiency of the Society the only cause for +hostility. It was at this crisis, and with such an array of motives +before me to bias my judgment, that I resolved to make a close and +candid examination of the subject. + +I went, first of all, to the fountain head--to the African Repository +and the Reports of the Society. I was not long in discovering sentiments +which seemed to me as abhorrent to humanity as contrary to reason. I +perused page after page, first with perplexity, then with astonishment, +and finally with indignation. I found little else than sinful +palliations, fatal concessions, vain expectations, exaggerated +statements, unfriendly representations, glaring contradictions, naked +terrors, deceptive assurances, unrelenting prejudices, and unchristian +denunciations. I collected together the publications of auxiliary +societies, in order to discern some redeeming traits; but I found them +marred and disfigured with the same disgusting details. I courted the +acquaintance of eminent colonizationists, that I might learn how far +their private sentiments agreed with those which were so offensive in +print; and I found no dissimilarity between them. I listened to +discourses from the pulpit in favor of the Society; and the same moral +obliquities were seen in minister and people. + +These discoveries affected my mind so deeply that I could not rest. I +endeavored to explain away the meaning of plain and obvious language; I +made liberal concessions for good motives and unsuspicious confidence; I +resorted to many expedients to vindicate the disinterested benevolence +of the Society; but I could not rest. The sun in its mid-day splendor +was not more clear and palpable to my vision, than the anti-christian +and anti-republican character of this association. It was evident to me +that the great mass of its supporters at the north did not realise its +dangerous tendency. They were told that it was designed to effect the +ultimate emancipation of the slaves--to improve the condition of the +free people of color--to abolish the foreign slave trade--to reclaim and +evangelize benighted Africa--and various other marvels. Anxious to do +something for the colored population--they knew not what--and having no +other plan presented to their view, they eagerly embraced a scheme which +was so big with promise, and which required of them nothing but a small +contribution annually. Perceiving the fatality of this delusion, I was +urged by an irresistible impulse to attempt its removal. I could not +turn a deaf ear to the cries of the slaves, nor throw off the +obligations which my Creator had fastened upon me. Yet in view of the +inequalities of the contest, of the obstacles which towered like +mountains in my path, and of my own littleness, I trembled, and +exclaimed in the language of Jeremiah,--'Ah, Lord God! behold I cannot +speak: for I am a child.' But I was immediately strengthened by these +interrogations: 'Is any thing too hard for the Lord?' Is Error, though +unwittingly supported by a host of good men, stronger than Truth? Are +Right and Wrong convertible terms, dependant upon popular opinion? Oh +no! Then I will go forward in the strength of the Lord of Hosts--in the +name of Truth--and under the banner of Right. As it is not by might nor +by power, but by the Spirit of God, that great moral changes are +effected, I am encouraged to fight valiantly in this good cause, +believing that I shall 'come off conqueror, and more than +conqueror'--yet not I, but Truth and Justice. It is in such a contest +that one shall chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight. +'The Lord disappointeth the devices of the crafty, so that their hands +cannot perform their enterprise. He taketh the wise in their own +craftiness; and the counsel of the froward is carried headlong.' +'Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of +God is stronger than men.' + +Little boldness is needed to assail the opinions and practices of +notoriously wicked men; but to rebuke great and good men for their +conduct, and to impeach their discernment, is the highest effort of +moral courage. The great mass of mankind shun the labor and +responsibility of forming opinions for themselves. The question is +not--what is true? but--what is popular? Not--what does God say? +but--what says the public? Not--what is my opinion? but--what do others +believe? If people would pin their faith upon the bible, and not upon +the sleeves of their neighbors, half of the heresies in the world would +instantly disappear. If they would use their own eyes, their own ears, +their own understandings, instead of the eyes, and ears, and +understandings of others, imbecility, credulity and folly would be as +rare as they are now common in community. But, unhappily, to borrow the +words of Ganganelli, a large majority of mankind are 'mere abortions:' +calling themselves rational and intelligent beings, they act as if they +had neither brains nor conscience, and as if there were no God, no +accountability, no heaven, no hell, no eternity. + +'My minister,' says one, 'is a most worthy man. He supports this +Society: therefore it is a good institution.' 'Christians of all +denominations are enlisted in this enterprise,' says another: 'therefore +it cannot be wrong.' 'Do you think,' says a third, 'that honest, godly +men would countenance a scheme which is not really benevolent?' But it +is unwise for beings, who are accountable only to God, to reason in this +manner. All the good men upon earth cannot make persecution benevolence, +nor injustice equity; and until they become infallible, implicit +reliance upon their judgment is criminal. Ministers and christians, a +few years since, were engaged in the use and sale of ardent spirits; +_but they were all wrong_, and they now acknowledge their error. At the +present day, a large proportion of the professed disciples of the Prince +of Peace maintain the lawfulness of defensive war, and the right of the +oppressed to fight and kill for liberty; but they hold this sentiment in +direct opposition to the precepts of their Leader--'I say unto you which +hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, bless them that +curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.' Surely 'the +time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God.' + +I must pause, for a moment, and count the number of those with whom I am +about to conflict. If I had to encounter only men-stealers and +slaveholders, victory would be easy; but it is not the south alone that +is to be subdued. The whole nation is against me. Church after church is +to be converted, and the powerful influence of the clergy broken. The +friendship of good men is to be turned into enmity, and their support +into opposition. It is my task to change their admiration into +abhorrence; to convince them that their well-meant exertions have been +misdirected, and productive of greater evil than good; and to induce +them to abandon an institution to which they now fondly cling. + +To those who neither fear God nor regard man--who have sworn eternal +animosity to their colored countrymen, and whose cry is, 'Away with +them, we do not want them here!'--I make no appeal. Disregarding as they +do that divine command, 'Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself,' it +would be idle for me to direct my arguments to them. I address myself +to high-minded and honorable men, whose heads and hearts are susceptible +to the force of sound logic. I appeal to those, who have been redeemed +from the bondage of sin by the precious blood of Christ, and with whom I +hope to unite in a better world in ascribing glory, and honor, and +praise to the Great Deliverer for ever. If I can succeed in gaining +their attention, I feel sure of convincing their understandings and +securing their support. + +Besides the overwhelming odds which are opposed to me, I labor under +other very serious disadvantages. My efforts in the cause of +emancipation have been received as if they were intended to bring chaos +back again, and to give the land up to pillage and its inhabitants to +slaughter. My calls for an alteration in the feelings and practices of +the people toward the blacks have been regarded as requiring a sacrifice +of all the rules of propriety, and as seeking an overthrow of the +established laws of nature! I have been thrust into prison, and amerced +in a heavy fine. Epithets, huge and unseemly, have been showered upon me +without mercy. I have been branded as a fanatic, a madman, a disturber +of the peace, an incendiary, a cutthroat, a monster, &c. &c. &c. +Assassination has been threatened me in a multitude of anonymous +letters. Private and public rewards to a very large amount, by +combinations of individuals and by legislative bodies at the south, have +been offered to any persons who shall abduct or destroy me. 'Yea, mine +own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath +lifted up his heel against me.' This malignity of opposition and +proximity of danger, however, are like oil to the fire of my zeal. I am +not deliriously enthusiastic--I do not covet to be a martyr; but I had +rather die a thousand deaths, than witness the horrible oppression under +which more than two millions of my countrymen groan, _and be silent_. No +reproaches, no dangers shall deter me. At the north or the south, at the +east or the west,--wherever Providence may call me,--my voice shall be +heard in behalf of the perishing slave, and against the claims of his +oppressor. Mine is the frank avowal of the excellent WILBERFORCE:--I can +admit of no compromise when the commands of equity and philanthropy are +so imperious. I wash my hands of the blood that may be spilled. I +protest against the system, as the most flagrant violation of every +principle of justice and humanity. I NEVER WILL DESERT THE CAUSE. In my +task it is impossible to tire: it fills my mind with complacency and +peace. At night I lie down with composure, and rise to it in the morning +with alacrity. I NEVER WILL DESIST FROM THIS BLESSED WORK. + +Now that the concentrated execration of the civilized world is poured +upon those who engage in the foreign slave trade, how mild and +inefficient, comparatively speaking, seem to have been the rebukes of +Pitt, and Fox, and Wilberforce, and Clarkson! Yet these rebukes were +once deemed fanatical and outrageous by good men--yea, like flames of +fire, threatening a universal conflagration! So the denunciations which +I am now hurling against slavery and its abettors,--which seem to many +so violent and unmerited,--will be considered moderate, pertinent and +just, when this murderous, soul-destroying system shall have been +overthrown. + +Fanaticism has been the crime alleged against reformers in all ages. +'These,' it was said of the apostles, 'that have turned the world upside +down, come hither also.' Luther was a madman in his day: what is he now +in the estimation of the friends of civil and religious liberty? One of + + 'Those starry lights of virtue, that diffuse + Through the dark depths of time their vivid flame.' + +That base and desperate men should thus stigmatize those who endure the +cross as good soldiers, and walk as pilgrims and strangers here, is not +wonderful; but that the professed followers of Jesus Christ should join +in this hue-and-cry is lamentable. Singular enough, I have been almost +as cruelly aspersed by ministers of the gospel and church members, as by +any other class of men. Unacquainted with me, and ignorant of my +sentiments, they have readily believed the accusations of my enemies. +The introduction of my name into conversation has elicited from them +contemptuous sneers or strong denunciations. I have a right to complain +of this treatment, and I do strongly protest against it as unchristian, +hurtful and ungenerous. To prejudge and condemn an individual, on vague +and apocryphal rumors, without listening to his defence or examining +evidence, is tyranny. Perhaps I am in error--perhaps I deserve +unqualified condemnation; but I am at least entitled to a privilege +which is granted to the vilest criminals, namely, the privilege of a +fair trial. I ask nothing more. To accuse me of heresy, madness and +sedition, is one thing; to substantiate the accusation, another. + +Should this work chance to fall into the hands of those who have thus +ignorantly reprobated my course, I appeal to their sense of rectitude +whether they are not bound to give it a candid and deliberate perusal; +and if they shall find in my writings nothing contrary to the immutable +principles of justice, whether they ought not to be as strenuous in my +defence as they have been hitherto in seeking my overthrow. + +To show that I do not vacate any pledge which I have given to the +public, I shall here insert all the specifications, which, from time to +time, I have brought against the American Colonization Society. In 'The +Liberator' of April 23, 1831, is the following serious compend: + + 'I am prepared to show, that those who have entered into this + CONSPIRACY AGAINST HUMAN RIGHTS are unanimous in abusing their + victims; unanimous in their mode of attack; unanimous in + proclaiming the absurdity, that our free blacks are natives of + Africa; unanimous in propagating the libel, that they cannot be + elevated and improved in this country; unanimous in opposing + their instruction; unanimous in exciting the prejudices of the + people against them; unanimous in apologising for the crime of + slavery; unanimous in conceding the right of the planters to + hold their slaves in a limited bondage; unanimous in their + hollow pretence for colonizing, namely, to evangelize Africa; + unanimous in their _true motive_ for the measure--a terror lest + the blacks should rise to avenge their accumulated wrongs. It is + a conspiracy to send the free people of color to Africa under a + benevolent pretence, but really that the slaves may be held more + securely in bondage. It is a conspiracy based upon fear, + oppression and falsehood, which draws its aliment from the + prejudices of the people, which is sustained by duplicity, which + really upholds the slave system, which fascinates while it + destroys, which endangers the safety and happiness of the + country, which no precept of the bible can justify, which is + implacable in its spirit, which should be annihilated at a blow. + + 'These are my accusations; and if I do not substantiate them, I + am willing to be covered with reproach.' + +The following is copied from an editorial article of July 9, 1831: + + 'The superstructure of the Colonization Society rests upon the + following pillars: + + '1st. _Persecution._ It declares that the whole colored + population must be removed to Africa; but as the free portion + are almost _unanimously_ opposed to a removal, it seems to be + the determination of the Society to make their situations so + uncomfortable and degraded here, as to compel them to migrate: + consequently it discourages their education and improvement in + this their native home. This is persecution. + + '2d. _Falsehood._ It stigmatises our colored citizens as being + natives of Africa, and talks of sending them to their native + land; when they are no more related to Africa than we are to + Great Britain. + + '3d. _Cowardice._ It avows as a prominent reason why colored + citizens ought to be removed, that their continuance among us + will be dangerous to us as a people! This is a libel upon their + character. Instead of demanding justice for this oppressed + class, the Society calls for their removal! + + '4th. _Infidelity._ It boldly denies that there is power enough + in the gospel to melt down the prejudices of men, and insists, + that, so long as the people of color remain among us, _we must + be their enemies!_--Every honest man should abhor the doctrine.' + +In 'The Liberator' of July 30, 1831, alluding to the present work, I +used the following language: + + 'I shall be willing to stake my reputation upon it for honesty, + prudence, benevolence, truth and sagacity. If I do not prove the + Colonization Society to be a creature without heart, without + brains, eyeless, unnatural, hypocritical, relentless, unjust, + then nothing is capable of demonstration--then let me be covered + with confusion of face.' + +The following paragraph is extracted from 'The Liberator' of November +19, 1831: + + 'It is the enemy of immediate restitution to the slaves; it + courts and receives the approbation of notorious slave owners; + it deprecates any interference with slave property; it + discourages the improvement of the colored population, except + they are removed to the shores of Africa; it is lulling the + country into a fatal sleep, pretending to be something when it + is nothing; it is utterly chimerical, as well as intolerant, in + its design; it serves to increase the value of the slaves, and + to make brisk the foreign and domestic slave trade; it nourishes + and justifies the most cruel prejudices against color; it sneers + at those who advocate the bestowal of equal rights upon our + colored countrymen; it contends for an indefinite, dilatory, + far-off emancipation; it expressly declares that it is more + humane to keep the slaves in chains, than to give them freedom + in this country! In short, it is the most compendious and best + adapted scheme to uphold the slave system that human ingenuity + can invent. Moreover, it is utterly and irreconcileably opposed + to the wishes and sentiments of the great body of the free + people of color, repeatedly expressed in the most public manner, + but cruelly disregarded by it.' + +The following passages are taken from my Address to the People of Color, +delivered in various places in June, 1831: + + 'Let me briefly examine the doctrines of colonizationists. They + generally agree in publishing the misstatement, that you are + strangers and foreigners. Surely they know better. They know, + that, as a body, you are no more natives of Africa, than they + themselves are natives of Great Britain. Yet they repeat the + absurd charge; and they do so, in order to cover their + anti-republican crusade. But suppose you were foreigners: would + such an accident justify this persecution and removal? And, if + so, then all foreigners must come under the same ban, and must + prepare to depart. There would be, in that case, a most alarming + deduction from our population. Suppose a philanthropic and + religious crusade were got up against the Dutch, the French, the + Swiss, the Irish, among us, to remove them to New Holland, to + enlighten and civilize her cannibals? Who would not laugh at the + scheme--who would not actively oppose it? Would any one blame + the above classes for steadfastly resisting it? Just so, then, + in regard to African colonization. But our colored population + are not aliens; they were born on our soil; they are bone of our + bone, and flesh of our flesh; their fathers fought bravely to + achieve our independence during the revolutionary war, without + immediate or subsequent compensation; they spilt their blood + freely during the last war; they are entitled, in fact, to every + inch of our southern, and much of our western territory, having + worn themselves out in its cultivation, and received nothing but + wounds and bruises in return. Are these the men to stigmatize as + foreigners? + + 'Colonizationists generally agree in asserting that the people + of color cannot be elevated in this country, nor be admitted to + equal privileges with the whites. Is not this a libel upon + humanity and justice--a libel upon republicanism--a libel upon + the Declaration of Independence--a libel upon christianity? "All + men are born equal, and endowed by their Creator with certain + inalienable rights--among which are life, liberty, and the + pursuit of happiness." What is the meaning of that declaration? + That _all_ men possess these rights--whether they are six feet + five inches high, or three feet two and a half--whether they + weigh three hundred or one hundred pounds--whether they parade + in broadcloth or flutter in rags--whether their skins are jet + black or lily white--whether their hair is straight or woolly, + auburn or red, black or gray--does it not? We, who are present, + differ from each other in our looks, in our color, in height, + and in bulk; we have all shades, and aspects, and sizes. Now, + would it not be anti-republican and anti-christian for us to + quarrel about sitting on this seat or that, because this man's + complexion is too dark, or that man's looks are too ugly? and to + put others out of the house, because they happen to be ignorant, + or poor, or helpless? To commit this violence would be evidently + wrong: then to do it in a large assemblage--in a community, in a + state, or in a nation, it is equally unjust. But is not this + the colonization principle? Who are the individuals that + applaud, that justify, that advocate this exclusion? Who are + they that venture to tell the American people, that they have + neither honesty enough, nor patriotism enough, nor morality + enough, nor religion enough, to treat their colored brethren as + countrymen and citizens? Some of them--I am sorry to say--are + professedly ministers of the gospel; others are christian + professors; others are judges and lawyers; others are our + Senators and Representatives; others are editors of newspapers. + These ministers and christians dishonor the gospel which they + profess; these judges and lawyers are the men spoken of by the + Saviour, who bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and + lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move + them with one of their fingers. These Senators and + Representatives ought not to receive the suffrages of the + people. These editors are unworthy of public patronage. + + 'Colonizationists too generally agree in discouraging your + instruction and elevation at home. They pretend that ignorance + is bliss; and therefore 'tis folly to be wise. They pretend that + knowledge is a dangerous thing in the head of a colored man; + they pretend that you have no ambition; they pretend that you + have no brains; in fine, they pretend a thousand other absurd + things--they are a combination of pretences. What tyranny is + this! Shutting up the human intellect--binding with chains the + inward man--and perpetuating ignorance. May we not address them + in the language of Christ? "Wo unto you, scribes and pharisees, + hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: + for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are + entering to go in! Ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, + and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, + mercy and faith." + + 'Colonizationists generally agree in apologising for the crime + of slavery. They get behind the contemptible subterfuge, that it + was entailed upon the planters. As if the continuance of the + horrid system were not criminal! as if the robberies of another + generation justify the robberies of the present! as if the + slaves had not an inalienable right to freedom! as if slavery + were not an individual as well as a national crime! as if the + tearing asunder families, limb from limb,--branding the flesh + with red hot irons,--mangling the body with whips and + knives,--feeding it on husks and clothing it with + rags,--crushing the intellect and destroying the soul,--as if + such inconceivable cruelty were not chargeable to those who + inflict it! + + 'As to the effect of colonization upon slavery, it is rather + favorable than injurious to the system. Now and then, indeed, + there is a great flourish of trumpets, and glowing accounts of + the willingness of planters to emancipate their slaves on + condition of transportation to Africa. Now and then a slave is + actually manumitted and removed, and the incident is dwelt upon + for months. Why, my friends, hundreds of worn-out slaves are + annually turned off to die, like old horses. No doubt their + masters will thank the Colonization Society, or any one else, to + send them out of the country; especially as they will gain much + glorification in the newspapers, for their _disinterested_ + sacrifices. Let no man be deceived by these manoeuvres. + + 'My time is consumed--and yet I have scarcely entered upon the + threshold of my argument. Now, what a spectacle is presented to + the world!--the American people, boasting of their free and + equal rights--of their abhorrence of aristocratical + distinctions--of their republican equality; proclaiming on every + wind, "that all men are born _equal_, and endowed with certain + inalienable _rights_," and that this land is an asylum for the + persecuted of all nations; and yet as loudly proclaiming that + they are determined to deprive millions of their own countrymen + of every political and social right, and to send them to a + barbarous continent, because the Creator has given them a sable + complexion. Where exists a more rigorous despotism? What + conspiracy was ever more cruel? What hypocrisy and + tergiversation so enormous? The story is proclaimed in our + pulpits, in our state and national assemblies, in courts of law, + in religious and secular periodicals,--among all parties, and in + all quarters of the country,--that there is a _moral incapacity_ + in the people to do justly, love mercy, and to walk + uprightly--that they must always be the enemies and oppressors + of the colored people--that no love of liberty, no dictate of + duty, no precept of republicanism, no dread of retribution, no + claim of right, no injunction of the gospel, can possibly + persuade them to do unto their colored countrymen, as they would + that they should do unto them in a reversal of circumstances. + Now, to these promulgators of unrighteousness, with the + Declaration of Independence in one hand, and the Bible in the + other, I fearlessly give battle. Rich and mighty and numerous as + they are, by the help of the Lord I will put them to open shame. + They shall not libel me, they shall not libel my country, with + impunity. They shall not make our boasted republicanism a + by-word and a hissing among all nations, nor sink the christian + religion below heathen idolatry; and if they persist in + publishing their scandalous proclamations, they shall be + labelled as the enemies of their species and of the republic, + and treated accordingly. + + 'The Colonization Society, therefore, instead of being a + philanthropic and religious institution, is anti-republican and + anti-christian in its tendency. Its pretences are false, its + doctrines odious, its means contemptible. If we are to send away + the colored population because they are profligate and vicious, + what sort of missionaries will they make? Why not send away the + vicious among the whites, for the same reason and the same + purpose? If ignorance be a crime, where shall we begin to + select? How much must a man know to save him from + transportation? How white must he be? If we send away a mixed + breed, how many will be left? If foreigners only, then the + people of color must remain--for they are our countrymen. Would + foreigners submit? No--not for an instant. Why should the + American people make this enormous expenditure of life and + money? Why not use the funds of the Society to instruct and + elevate our colored population at home? This would be rational + and serviceable. Instead of removing men from a land of + civilization and knowledge--of schools, and seminaries, and + colleges--to give them instruction in a land of darkness and + desolation--would it not be wiser and better to reverse the + case, and bring the ignorant here for cultivation?' + +The foregoing accusations are grave, weighty, positive--involving a +perilous responsibility, and requiring ample and irrefragable proof. +They are expressed in vehement terms: but to measure the propriety of +language, we must first examine the character of the system, or the +nature of the object, against which it is directed. If we see a person +wilfully abusing the goods of an individual, we may reprehend him, but +with comparative mildness. If we see him maiming, or in any way +maltreating another man's cattle, we may increase the severity of our +rebuke. But if we see him violating all the social and sacred relations +of life,--daily defrauding a number of his fellow creatures of the +fruits of their toil, calling them his property, selling them for money, +lacerating their bodies, and ruining their souls,--we may use the +strongest terms of moral indignation. Nor is plain and vehement +denunciation of crime inconsistent with the most benevolent feelings +towards the perpetrators of it. We are sustained in these positions by +the example of Christ, and the apostles, and the prophets, and the +reformers. + +So, also, if there be an institution, the direct tendency of which is to +perpetuate slavery, to encourage persecution, and to invigorate +prejudice,--although many of its supporters may be actuated by pure +motives,--it ought to receive unqualified condemnation. + +It is proper to call things by their right names. What does the law term +him who steals your pocket-book, or breaks into your dwelling, or strips +you on the highway? A robber! Is the charge inflammatory or unjust? or +will it please the villain? The abuse of language is seen only in its +misapplication. Those who object to the strength of my denunciation must +prove its perversion before they accuse me of injustice. + +Probably I may be interrogated by individuals,--'Why do you object to a +colony in Africa? Are you not willing people should choose their own +places of residence? And if the blacks are willing to remove, why throw +obstacles in their path or deprecate their withdrawal? All go +_voluntarily_: of what, then, do you complain? Is not the colony at +Liberia in a flourishing condition, and expanding beyond the most +sanguine expectations of its founders?' + +Pertinent questions deserve pertinent answers. I say, then, in reply, +that I do not object to a colony, _in the abstract_--to use the popular +phraseology of the day. In other words, I am entirely willing men +should be as free as the birds in choosing the time when, the mode how, +and the place where they shall migrate. The power of locomotion was +given to be used at will; as beings of intelligence and enterprise, + + 'The world is all before them, where to choose + Their place of rest, and Providence their guide.' + +The emigration from New-England to the far West is constant and large. +Almost every city, town or village suffers annually by the departure of +some of its adventurous inhabitants. Companies have been formed to go +and possess the Oregon territory--an enterprise hazardous and +unpromising in the extreme. The old States are distributing their +population over the whole continent, with unexampled fruitfulness and +liberality. But why this restless, roving, unsatisfied disposition? Is +it because those who cherish it are treated as the offscouring of all +flesh, in the place of their birth? or because they do not possess equal +rights and privileges with other citizens? or because they are the +victims of incorrigible hate and prejudice? or because they are told +that they must choose between exilement and perpetual degradation? or +because the density of population renders it impossible for them to +obtain preferment and competence here? or because they are estranged by +oppression and scorn? or because they cherish no attachment to their +native soil, to the scenes of their childhood and youth, or to the +institutions of government? or because they consider themselves as +dwellers in a strange land, and feel a burning desire, a feverish +longing to return home? No. They lie under no odious disabilities, +whether imposed by public opinion or by legislative power; to them the +path of preferment is wide open; they sustain a solid and honorable +reputation; they not only can rise, but have risen, and may soar still +higher, to responsible stations and affluent circumstances; no calamity +afflicts, no burden depresses, no reproach excludes, no despondency +enfeebles them; and they love the spot of their nativity almost to +idolatry. The air of heaven is not freer or more buoyant than they. +Theirs is a spirit of curiosity and adventurous enterprise, impelled by +no malignant influences, but by the spontaneous promptings of the mind. +Far different is the case of our colored population. Their _voluntary_ +banishment is _compulsory_--they are _forced_ to turn _volunteers_, as +will be shown in other parts of this work. + +The following proposition is self-evident: The success of an enterprise +furnishes no proof that it is in accordance with justice, or that it +meets the approbation of God, or that it ought to be prosecuted to its +consummation, or that it is the fruit of disinterested benevolence. + +I do not doubt that the Colony at Liberia, by a prodigal expenditure of +life and money, will ultimately flourish; but a good result would no +more hallow that persecution which is seeking to drag the blacks away, +than it would if we should burn every distillery, and shut up in prison +every vender of ardent spirits, in order to do good and to prevent +people from becoming drunkards. Because Jehovah overrules evil for good, +shall we therefore continue to do evil? + +If ten thousand white mechanics, farmers, merchants, &c. &c. were to +emigrate to Africa, does any man doubt whether permanent good would +result from the enterprise--good to that benighted continent, which +would counterbalance all the sacrifices and sufferings attending it? And +yet is there a single mechanic, farmer or merchant, who feels it to be +his duty, or would be willing to go? Suppose the people of color should +get the power into their hands to-morrow, and should argue that the +whites must not be admitted to equal privileges with themselves; but +that, having so long plundered Africa, and oppressed her children, +justice demanded that they should be sent to that desolate land to build +up colonies, and carry the light of civilization and knowledge, as a +sort of reparation--and that, having superior instruction in literature +and science, they were peculiarly qualified for such a mission--how +would this doctrine relish? 'It is a poor rule that will not work both +ways,' says the proverb. Yet this logic would be more sound than is our +own with regard to the colonization of the blacks. + +On this point, deception is practised to a great extent. The advocates +of the Colonization Society are constantly aiming to divert public +attention from the only proper subject of inquiry, namely, 'Is it based +upon benevolence and justice?'--to the success of the colony. Granting +all that they assert, it proves nothing; but of this success I shall +have occasion, doubtless, to speak hereafter. Fine stories are trumpeted +all over the country, of the happiness, intelligence, industry, virtue, +enterprise and dignity of the colonists; and changes, absolutely +miraculous, are gravely recorded for the admiration and credulity of +community. 'The simple,' says Solomon, 'believeth every word: but the +prudent man looketh well to his going.' + +The doctrine, that the 'end sanctifies the means,' belongs, I trust, +exclusively to the creed of the Jesuits. If I were sure that the Society +would accomplish the entire regeneration of Africa by its present +measures, my detestation of its principles would not abate one jot, nor +would I bestow upon it the smallest modicum of praise. Never shall the +fruits of the mercy and overruling providence of God,--ever bringing +good out of evil and light out of darkness,--be ascribed to the +prejudice and sin of man. + +It is certain that many a poor native African has been led to embrace +the gospel, in consequence of his transportation to our shores, who else +had lived and died a heathen. Is the slave trade therefore a blessing? +Suppose one of those wretches who are engaged in this nefarious commerce +were brought before the Supreme Court, and being convicted, should be +asked by the Judge, whether he had aught to say why sentence of death +should not be pronounced upon him? And suppose the culprit should espy +some of his sable victims in court, whom he knew had made a profession +of faith, and he should boldly reply--'May it please your Honor, I +abducted these people away from their homes, it is true; but they were +poor, miserable, benighted idolators, and must have inevitably remained +as such unto the hour of their death, if I had not brought them to this +land of christianity and bibles, where they have been taught a knowledge +of the true God, and are now rejoicing in hope of a glorious +immortality. I therefore offer as a conclusive reason why sentence +should not be pronounced, _that I have rescued souls from perdition_, +and thus enlarged the company of the saints in light.' Would the villain +be acquitted, and, instead of a halter, receive the panegyric of the +Court for his conduct? + +Our pilgrim fathers, not being able to worship God according to the +dictates of their own consciences in the mother country, were compelled +by ecclesiastical despotism to seek a refuge in this rude and barbarous +continent. Wonderful have been the fruits of their expulsion! A mighty +republic established--the freest, the wisest, the most religious on +earth!--influencing the world by its example, and exciting the emulation +of all nations! Now suppose we should occasionally find in the pages of +the Edinburgh or Quarterly Review, or in the columns of the English +newspapers, not only a full justification of this oppressive treatment +in view of its astonishing consequences, but a claim to approbation on +account of its exercise. Would not such effrontery amaze us? Would not +an honest indignation burn within us? Should we look with a more +complacent aspect upon the bigots who kindled those fires of persecution +around the Puritans, which, but for the interposition of Heaven, had +consumed them to ashes? + +The death of our Lord Jesus Christ was essential to the salvation of the +world. Suppose Judas, at the judgment day, should build upon this fact +in extenuation of his dreadful crime. What would be the decision of the +assembled universe? Yea, what was the condemnation passed upon him by +the Illustrious Sufferer? 'Wo to that man by whom the Son of man is +betrayed! good were it for that man if he had never been born!' + +Let not, then, any imaginary or real prosperity of the settlement at +Liberia lead any individual to applaud the Colonization Society, +reckless whether it be actuated by mistaken philanthropy, or perverted +generosity, or selfish policy, or unchristian prejudice. + +I should oppose this Society, even were its doctrines harmless. It +imperatively and effectually seals up the lips of a vast number of +influential and pious men, who, for fear of giving offence to those +slaveholders with whom they associate, and thereby leading to a +dissolution of the compact, dare not expose the flagrant enormities of +the system of slavery, nor denounce the crime of holding human beings in +bondage. They dare not lead to the onset against the forces of tyranny; +and if _they_ shrink from the conflict, how shall the victory be won? I +do not mean to aver, that, in their sermons, or addresses, or private +conversations, they never allude to the subject of slavery; for they do +so frequently, or at least every Fourth of July. But my complaint is, +that they content themselves with representing slavery as an evil,--a +misfortune,--a calamity which has been entailed upon us by former +generations,--_and not as an individual_ CRIME, embracing in its folds +robbery, cruelty, oppression and piracy. _They do not identify the +criminals_; they make no direct, pungent, earnest appeal to the +consciences of men-stealers; by consenting to walk arm-in-arm with them, +they virtually agree to abstain from all offensive remarks, and to aim +entirely at the expulsion of the free people of color; their lugubrious +exclamations, and solemn animadversions, and reproachful reflections, +are altogether indefinite; they 'go about, and about, and all the way +round to nothing;' they generalize, they shoot into the air, they do not +disturb the repose nor wound the complacency of the sinner; 'they have +put no difference between the holy and profane, neither have they shewed +difference between the unclean and the clean.' Thus has free inquiry +been suppressed, and a universal fear created, and the tongue of the +boldest silenced, and the sleep of death fastened upon the nation. +'Truth has fallen in the streets, and equity cannot enter.' The plague +is raging with unwonted fatality; but no _cordon sanitaire_ is +established--no adequate remedy sought. The tide of moral death is +constantly rising and widening; but no efforts are made to stay its +desolating career. The fire of God's indignation is kindling against us, +and thick darkness covers the heavens, and the hour of retribution is at +hand; but we are obstinate in our transgression, we refuse to repent, we +impiously throw the burden of our guilt upon our predecessors, we affect +resignation to our _unfortunate_ lot, we descant upon the mysterious +dispensations of Providence, we deem ourselves objects of God's +compassion rather than of his displeasure. 'Shall I not visit for these +things? saith the Lord. Shall not my soul be avenged on such a nation as +this?' + +Were the American Colonization Society bending its energies directly to +the immediate abolition of slavery; seeking to enlighten and consolidate +public opinion, on this momentous subject; faithfully exposing the +awful guilt of the owners of slaves; manfully contending for the +bestowal of equal rights upon our free colored population in this their +native land; assiduously endeavoring to uproot the prejudices of +society; and holding no fellowship with oppressors; my opposition to it +would cease. It might continue to bestow its charities upon those who +should desire to seek another country, and at the same time launch its +thunders against the system of oppression. But, alas! it looks to the +banishment of the free people of color as the only means to abolish +slavery, and conciliate the feelings of the planters. + +The popularity of the Society is not attributable to its merits, but +exclusively to its congeniality with those unchristian prejudices which +have so long been cherished against a sable complexion. It is agreeable +to slaveholders, because it is striving to remove a class of persons who +they fear may stir up their slaves to rebellion; all who avow undying +hostility to the people of color are in favor of it; all who shrink from +acknowledging them as brethren and friends, or who make them a distinct +and inferior caste, or who deny the possibility of elevating them in the +scale of improvement here, most heartily embrace it. Having ample funds, +it has been able to circulate its specious appeals in every part of the +country; and to employ active and eloquent agents, who have glowingly +described to the people the immense advantages to be reaped from the +accomplishment of its designs. With this entire preoccupancy of the +ground, and these common though unworthy dispositions in its favor, the +wonder is, that it is not more popular. + +Much cleverness is not requisite to tell a fine story; and a fine story +is always agreeable to a credulous listener. An agent of the Society +goes into a place, and finds no difficulty in procuring a pulpit from +which to address a congregation. The benevolent pastor, who, perhaps, +has had neither time nor opportunity to examine the principles of the +Society, readily officiates on the occasion, and, in the fulness of his +heart, believing that he is not asking amiss, supplicates the +benediction of Heaven upon the object of the meeting. This co-operation +of the pastor with the agent makes an impression decidedly favorable to +the latter upon the minds of the audience, and prepares them to receive +his statements with confidence. He first dwells upon the miserable +condition of Africa--desolated with civil wars--the prey of +kidnappers--given up to idolatry--full of intellectual darkness and +spiritual death--and bleeding at every pore. He next depicts the horrors +of the slave trade, and shows how inefficient have been the laws enacted +for its suppression. He finally expatiates upon the evils and dangers of +slavery; and is particularly minute in describing the degradation of the +free people of color, which he declares to be irreclaimable in this land +of gospel light. 'Now, my christian brethren and friends,' he continues, +'the object of the American Colonization Society is to stay the effusion +of blood, to give light to them who sit in darkness, and to make +reparation for the wrongs which have been inflicted upon the sable sons +of Africa. As the people of color must evidently be a distinct and +degraded class while they reside in this country, and as they are +threatened with universal proscription, the Society benevolently +proposes to send them back _to their native country_, by their own +_voluntary_ consent, together with those slaves who may be emancipated +for this purpose, where they may enjoy equal rights and privileges, nor +longer retain any sense of inferiority to the whites. Every emigrant +will go as a missionary to reclaim the poor natives from their +barbarism, and to spread the tidings of salvation throughout the African +continent. By forming a chain of colonies along the coast, a speedy +check will be given to the accursed slave trade,--a trade which cannot +be destroyed in any other manner. Who does not desire to see Africa +civilized and evangelized? Whose heart does not leap in view of the +suppression of the slave trade? Who does not pray for deliverance from +the evils of slavery? Who does not wish to behold the free people of +color,--cursed with ineffectual freedom here,--_recalled from their +banishment_, and placed where no obstacles will impede their march to +affluence, preferment and honor? The Colonization Society, then, +powerfully commends itself to the christian, the philanthropist and the +patriot--to every section of our country and to all denominations of +men.' + +Exquisite! The picture is crowded with attractions, delightful to the +eye. The story is skilfully told, and implicitly believed; but, like +every other story, it has two sides to it. So complete is the delusion, +however, that many good people are ready to class those who denounce the +Colonization Society, among the opposers of foreign missions, bible and +tract societies, and the other benevolent operations of the age! + +Far be it from me to accuse the agents of the Society of intentionally +perverting the truth or deliberately imposing upon the credulity of the +public. Some--perhaps all of them, are men of sincerity and probity; +but, deluded themselves, they help to delude others. Their vision is +imperfect; and 'if the blind lead the blind,' we may expect to find them +in the same ditch together. + +Great complacency has been manifested on various occasions, by the +advocates of the Society, on the ground that it was at first suspected +of sinister designs, both at the north and the south, but is now +receiving the countenance of both. This exultation is premature. The +opposition formerly manifested to the Society by the holders of slaves, +grew out of their ignorance of its purpose; but a very large majority of +them now perceive that it is their devoted servant, crouching down at +their feet, shielding them from reproach, dragging those away whom they +dread, allowing them to sin with impunity, and generously granting them +and their children whole centuries in which to repent, and to surrender +what they have stolen! It dissuades them from emancipating their slaves +faster than they can be transported to Africa; and thus regards their +persistance in robbery and oppression as evidence of wisdom, benevolence +and sanity! It is natural, that, discovering their mistake, they should +now rally in a body around the Society; and, consequently, we find that +the legislatures of the several slaveholding States are passing +encomiums upon it, and in some instances appropriating sums of money to +be paid over to it by instalments. + +The people of the north have been shamefully duped by this scheme; but, +like the slaveholders, they begin to discover their error. Unlike them, +however, they are withdrawing their support, in obedience to the +injunction of the Apostle: 'Be ye not unequally yoked together with +unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with +unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? and what +concord hath Christ with Belial? Wherefore come out from among them, and +be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I +will receive you.' + +To Africa this country owes a debt larger than she is able to liquidate. +Most intensely do I desire to see that ill-fated continent transformed +into the abode of civilization, of the arts and sciences, of evangelical +piety, of liberty, and of all that adds to the dignity, the renown, and +the temporal and eternal happiness of man. Shame and confusion of face +belong to the Church, that she has so long disregarded the claims of +Africa upon her sympathies, and prayers, and liberality--claims as much +superior as its wrongs to those of any other portion of the globe. It is +indeed most strange that, like the Priest and the Levite, she should +have 'passed by on the other side,' and left the victim of thieves to +bleed and sicken and die. As the Africans were the only people doomed to +perpetual servitude, and to be the prey of kidnappers, she should have +long since directed almost her undivided efforts to civilize and convert +them,--not by establishing colonies of ignorant and selfish foreigners +among them, who will seize every opportunity to overreach or oppress, as +interest or ambition shall instigate,--but by sending intelligent, pious +missionaries; men fearing God and eschewing evil--living evidences of +the excellence of christianity--having but one object, not the +possession of wealth or the obtainment of power or the gratification of +selfishness, but _the salvation of the soul_. Had she made this attempt, +as she was bound to have made it by every principle of justice and every +feeling of humanity, a century ago, Africa would have been, at the +present day, 'redeemed, regenerated, and disenthralled,' and the slavery +of her children brought to an end. No pirates would now haunt her coast +to desolate her villages with fire and sword, in order to supply a +christian people with hewers of wood and drawers of water. How much has +been needlessly lost to the world by this criminal neglect! + +The conception of evangelizing a heathenish country by sending to it an +illiterate, degraded and irreligious population, belongs exclusively to +the advocates of African colonization. For absurdity and inaptitude, it +stands, and must forever stand, without a parallel. Of all the offspring +of prejudice and oppression, it is the most shapeless and unnatural. But +more of this hereafter. + +History is full of instruction on the subject of colonization. The +establishment of colonies, in all ages, with scarcely an exception, has +resulted either in their subversion by the vices or physical strength of +the natives, or by a fatal amalgamation with them; or else in the rapid +destruction of the natives by the superior knowledge and greedy avarice +of the new settlers. It is presumption to suppose that the colony at +Liberia, composed of the worst materials imaginable, will present an +example of forbearance, stability and good faith, hitherto unwitnessed +in the world. + +Soon after its establishment, the colony narrowly escaped a bloody +extirpation, and was the cause of a murderous warfare in which several +of the colonists and a large number of the natives were slain. The +steady growth of the colony excited the jealousy and alarm of some of +the neighboring tribes; and, accordingly, a consultation was held, at +which King George, Governor, and all the other head men, contended that +'The Americans were strangers _who had forgot their attachment to the +land of their fathers_; for if not, why had they not renounced their +connexion with white men altogether, and placed themselves under the +protection of the kings of the country? King George had already been +under the necessity of removing from his town, and leaving the Cape in +their hands. This was but the first step of their encroachments. If left +alone, they must, in a very few years, master the whole country. And as +all other places were full, their own tribe must be without a home, and +cease any longer to remain a nation.'[E] This appeal (which evinces an +intimate acquaintance with human nature and much foresight) induced the +attack to which allusion has been made. A single paragraph from the +Rev. Mr Ashmun's account of the battle with the natives may suffice to +give the reader an idea of its destructiveness: + + 'A few musketeers with E. Johnson at their head, by passing + round upon the enemy's flank, served to increase the + consternation which was beginning to pervade their unwieldy + body. In about twenty minutes after the settlers had taken their + stand, the front of the enemy began to recoil. But from the + numerous obstructions in their rear, the entire absence of + discipline, and the extreme difficulty of giving a reversed + motion to so large a body, a small part only of which was + directly exposed to danger, and the delay occasioned by the + practice of carrying off all their dead and wounded, rendered a + retreat for some minutes longer, impossible. The very violence + employed by those in the front, in their impatience to hasten + it, by increasing the confusion, produced an effect opposite to + that intended. The Americans perceiving their advantage, now + regained possession of the western post, and instantly brought + the long nine to rake the whole line of the enemy. Imagination + can scarcely figure to itself a throng of human beings in a more + capital state of exposure to the destructive power of the + machinery of modern warfare! Eight hundred men were here pressed + shoulder to shoulder, in so compact a form, that a child might + easily walk upon their heads from one end of the mass to the + other, presenting in their rear a breadth of rank equal to + twenty or thirty men, and all exposed to a gun of great power, + raised on a platform, at only thirty to sixty yards distance! + _Every shot literally spent its force in a solid mass of living + human flesh!_ Their fire suddenly terminated. A savage yell was + raised, which filled the dismal forest with a momentary horror. + It gradually died away; and the whole host disappeared. At 8 + o'clock, the well known signal of their dispersion and return to + their homes was sounded, and many small parties seen at a + distance, directly afterwards, moving off in different + directions. One large canoe, employed in reconveying a party + across the mouth of the Montserado, venturing within the range + of the long gun, was struck by a shot, and several men + killed.'[F] + +The above (which cannot be perused without a thrill of horror) is one of +the legitimate fruits of foreign colonization. Subsequent to this bloody +affair, another battle took place, which resulted in the defeat of the +natives and the loss of many lives. It is true, the colony since that +period has received little molestation, and has succeeded, moreover, in +making some amicable treaties with the natives; but in proportion to its +means of defence and numerical force will be its liability to encroach +upon the rights of the Africans, and thus to provoke hostilities. If +this prophecy should not be fulfilled, history will have spoken in +vain, and human nature experienced a total regeneration. + +No man of refined sensibility can contemplate the fate of the aborigines +of this country, without shuddering at the consequences of colonization; +and if _they_ melted away at the presence of the pilgrims and their +descendants, like frost before the meridian blaze of the sun,--if _they_ +fell to the earth, like the leaves of the forest before the autumnal +blast, by the settlement of men reputedly humane, wise and pious, in +their vicinage,--what can be our hope for the preservation of the +Africans, associated with a population degraded by slavery, and, to a +lamentable extent, destitute of religious and secular knowledge? The +argument, that the difference of complexion between our forefathers and +the aborigines (which is not a distinctive feature between the settlers +at Liberia and the natives) was the real cause of this deadly enmity, is +more specious than solid. _Conduct_, not _color_, secures friendship or +excites antipathy, as it happens to be just or unjust. The venerated +William Penn and his pacific followers furnish a case in point. + +I avow it--the natural tendency of the colony at Liberia excites the +most melancholy apprehensions in my mind. Its birth was conceived in +blood, and its footsteps will be marked with blood down to old age--the +blood of the poor natives--unless a special interposition of Divine +Providence prevent such a calamity. The emigrants will be eager in the +acquisition of wealth, ease and power; and, having superior skill and +discernment in trade, they will outwit and defraud the natives as often +as occasion permits. This knavish treatment once detected,--as it surely +will be, for even an uncivilized people may soon learn that they have +been cheated,--will provoke retaliation, and stir up the worst passions +of the human breast. Bloody conflicts will ensue, in which the colonists +will be victorious. This success will serve to increase the enmity of +the natives, and to perpetuate the murderous struggle. The extirpation +of one generation may put the colonists in undisputed possession of the +land. + +This is not a fancy sketch--it is not improbable: on the contrary, it is +the obvious and hitherto certain consequence of bringing hastily +together large bodies of civilized men with unlettered barbarians. + +Jealousy will be another fruitful source of contention. The population +of Africa is divided into a vast number of tribes, governed by petty +kings,--sometimes indeed united by an amicable league, but commonly +distinct and independent. Some of these tribes will form alliances with +the colonists, either to obtain protection from their more formidable +rivals or from motives of fear, curiosity or selfishness. In this +manner, tribe will be arrayed against tribe throughout that vast +continent; the tide of commotion, gathering fresh impetuosity in its +headlong career, will rush from the mountains down to the ocean, +devastating all that is beautiful, and swiftly defacing that which will +require the labors of centuries to restore to its pristine excellence; +there will be wars and rumors of wars, succeeded by deceitful and +unstable treaties ratified only to be broken at a favorable moment; and +these collisions will not cease until the colonists obtain an undisputed +mastery over the natives. + +Would to Heaven these fears might prove to be but the offspring of a +distracted mind! May the colonists be so just in their intercourse with +the Africans, as never to impeach their own integrity; so pacific, as to +disarm retaliation and perpetuate good will; so benevolent, as to excite +gratitude and diffuse joy wherever their names shall be known; and so +holy, as to exalt the christian religion in the eyes of an idolatrous +nation! But he must be grossly ignorant of human nature, or strangely +infatuated, who believes that they will always, or commonly, exhibit +this unexceptionable conduct. + +It is my sober conviction, that no contrivance or enterprise could +possibly be planned more fatally calculated to obstruct the progress of +christianity in a heathenish country, than the establishment of a +colony, or colonies, of selfish, ignorant, or even intelligent and +high-minded men, on its shores. In every settlement of this kind,--no +matter how choice the original materials,--vice will soon preponderate +over virtue, intemperance over sobriety, knavery over honesty, +oppression over liberty, and impiety over godliness. The natives will +see just enough of christianity to hate and shun it; finding that its +fruits are generally bad--that it has no restraining influence upon the +mass of its nominal professors,--they will not easily comprehend the +utility of abandoning their own idolatrous worship; looking only to the +pernicious examples of the intruders, they will spurn with contempt the +precepts of the gospel. Their confidence will be abused--their lands +craftily trafficked for nought--their ignorance cheated--their +inferiority treated oppressively; and then what must naturally follow? +Why--WAR--_a war of retaliation_. All the vices, and few of the virtues, +of the instructers, will be faithfully copied; and thus barriers will be +erected against the progress of the Christian religion, not absolutely +insurmountable, it is true, but sufficiently tall and strong to retard +its noble career--barriers not only of superstition and ignorance, but +of hatred and revenge. These reflections might be extended to the size +of a volume; but they are probably sufficient to convince every +unprejudiced, discerning mind, that the establishment of foreign +colonies in a barbarous land is the surest way to prevent its speedy +evangelism and civilization. + +In reply to this reasoning, some of the advocates of African +colonization may argue, that schools and houses of worship, multiplying +with the growth of the settlement at Liberia, will check the evil +propensities and passions of the emigrants, and qualify them to act as +missionaries or instructers among the natives; and thus great good will +be bestowed upon Africa. This is at least a summary, if not a sure mode +of obviating these difficulties. + +In the first place, it is by no means certain--nay, it is not probable, +especially if the number of emigrants annually exported to Liberia swell +from hundreds to thousands, (and this increase of transportation is +positively promised by the Parent Society, and absolutely necessary to +cause a perceptible diminution in the annual enlargement of our colored +population)--I say, it is neither certain nor probable that the +multiplication of literary and religious privileges will keep pace with +the unnatural and enormous growth of the colony. Nine years after the +first settlement of Liberia, it appears by the following extract of a +letter from a highly respectable colored emigrant, (the Rev. George M. +Erskine,) there was but the 'remnant of a school' left! This letter is +dated '_Caldwell, Liberia, April 3, 1830_.' + + 'Sir, the state of things, with regard to schools, is truly + lamentable. _The only school in the Colony at this time, is a + remnant of one at the Cape._ Among the present emigrants, there + are seventeen out of forty-eight that can read the Holy + Scriptures, _leaving thirty-one that cannot_. Now, Sir, suppose + each company of emigrants to this place bring a like proportion + of illiterate persons into the Colony, then what state, think + you, it must be in? But again, Sir: I am greatly mistaken if + this Colony is not, for several years yet to come, mostly to be + peopled with slaves sent out by their present owners, without + any education themselves, and without means and very little + desire to have their children instructed; and add to the above, + that this people is planted in the midst, and are daily + conversant with, a people that are not only heathen, but a + people extremely partial in favor of their grovelling + superstition. My dear Sir, this being the case, _whether is it + probable that they will come over to us, or we go down to them_? + To me the latter is the most likely, _as it is the very essence + of human nature to seek the lowest depth of degradation_. Permit + me to say, Sir, there must be a great revolution in this Colony + before it can have a salutary influence on the surrounding + natives; that is, before it can have a moral influence over + them.'[G] + +Subsequent accounts, I am happy to state, present a better aspect in +relation to the education of this outcast and persecuted people: their +wants, however, are only partially supplied. + +The annual increase of the free colored and slave population in the +United States is variously estimated from sixty to seventy-five +thousand. The American Colonization Society proposes the annual removal +of this vast body,--and more, if it be possible,--provided the energies +and patronage of the General Government be enlisted in this expulsive +crusade. Now, suppose the entire transportation effected, let any candid +man decide how extremely difficult, not to say impracticable, it would +be to discipline and instruct such an overwhelming mass of ignorance, or +any considerable portion of it--and how pernicious must be the +consequences to the colony and the natives, if it should not receive +immediate culture! + +Secondly. It is neither certain nor probable that, allowing all that is +assumed by colonizationists, the influence of secular and religious +instruction would be sufficient to restrain the selfish desires and +knavish propensities of those whose main object is, not to evangelize +the natives, but to secure, by a summary process, competence and power +for themselves. Indeed, their juxtaposition with the natives would be +eminently calculated to induce the fever of avarice, and to generate the +lust of dominion. It is well known that so eager are the colonists to +acquire a rapid accumulation of wealth, by trafficking their paltry +beads and poisonous rum and tobacco for ivory, camwood and gold dust, it +is with the utmost difficulty any considerable portion of them are +persuaded to cultivate the soil and engage in agricultural pursuits. +Thus we are presented with the disgraceful, if not singular spectacle of +a rivalry in cunning and trickishness between a colony of _soi-disant_ +missionaries (really avaricious and unscrupulous foreigners) and the +tribes who are to come under their pious pupilage. If equal dexterity in +trade is not apparent, each party is equally pleased with its successful +attempts at deception, and both renew the fraudulent commerce with fresh +alacrity--the one to gain a new triumph, and the other to retrieve an +old defeat. And this is the mode of colonizationists to evangelize +Africa! and this their mode to suppress the slave trade! and this their +mode to elevate the free people of color! and this their mode to +emancipate the slaves! It combines the folly and absurdity of a farce +with the solemnity and murderment of a tragedy. + +Far be it from me to leave the impression upon the mind of the reader, +from these representations, that all the colonists are actuated by the +same selfish motives, or that they have exhibited any new and +extraordinary traits of character in their commerce with the Africans. +Many of them, I believe, are men who fear God and desire the welfare of +his creatures: all of them have behaved as honorably, perhaps, and +trafficked as equitably, as any other body of men, white or yellow, +would have done in the same situation and under the same circumstances. +Dishonesty in trade is no prodigy, even in this country. To bring +accusations of fraud, cupidity and cunning against human nature, is not +libellous. I am persuaded that robbery,--well contrived, deliberately +executed robbery,--is perpetrated in every community among ourselves, +without any due estimate of its moral turpitude, by reputable merchants +and traders upon their customers, to a larger extent than all the +avowed and heinous thefts collectively, which are committed against +society. It is lamentable to see how studiously conscience and fair +dealing are excluded from the secular business of the world. If we see, +every day, illustrations of this dishonest conduct, given by men of +refinement, intelligence and good character, what should we expect from +those whose fetters have hardly fallen from their limbs; who have been +systematically degraded by slavery; who have not consequently that +lively sense of moral obligation which accompanies intelligence; who are +beyond the influence of public sentiment, and surrounded by a barbarous +people? + +The establishment of a colony of speculators, then, to evangelize +Africa, does not discover much wisdom or promise much success; but, on +the contrary, exhibits a total blindness of vision and a most +unfavorable aspect. + +Let it be remembered, however, that _rum_ and _tobacco_ (two poisons +which are exactly adapted to destroy both soul and body) are the +principal articles given to the natives--because pertinaciously demanded +by them--in exchange for their own. Their appetite for spirituous +liquor, first created by the slave traders and subsequently excited by +the colonists, is insatiate. Even the justly lamented ASHMUN, if I do +not mistake, for I have not his letter now before me, was so imprudent +in one of his epistles to the Board of Managers as to concede the fatal +necessity of selling rum freely to the natives, in order to maintain a +commercial intercourse with them. Rum they would have, or nothing; and +rum they obtained then, and do now obtain. Any one who will take the +trouble to read the advertisements in the Liberia Herald will discover +that ardent spirits form a prominent item in the list of articles +offered for sale. Of the sobriety of the colonists, however, common +report speaks in the most gratifying manner; but as their number is to +be increased by a redundant importation, we have reason to fear a +declension of morals. + +Thirdly. Colonizationists strenuously contend that our colored +population are destined always to remain a degraded class in this +country. If educated any where, they must be educated in Africa. We must +take them in their ignorance, and just released from bondage, and +translate them to another continent on the wings of the wind. Delay +would be injurious to ourselves, and calamitous to them. They must go in +large bodies--by thousands and tens of thousands annually--till the +whole be expelled from our shores. For it seems, according to the logic +of colonizationists, every individual tainted with black blood must be +transported, to insure the regeneration of Africa! Neither fifty +thousand, nor one hundred thousand, nor half a million of these +_missionaries_ will be able to accomplish the task; but two millions of +slaves and four hundred thousand free people of color, and all their +descendants in time to come, here--even little babes (pretty prattling +reformers!) and children--the maimed, the halt, and the blind--all must +be sent off--else alas! alas! for poor benighted Africa! This is no +caricature. An ugly face is sure to quarrel with its own likeness. But +what is the portrait worth, if it bear no resemblance to the living +original? They who place themselves in a ridiculous attitude must not +claim exemption from ridicule. + +Let us turn to the picture once more. It is worth our while to +contemplate it a few moments longer. + +What do we see? More than one-sixth portion of the American +people--confessedly the most vicious, degraded and dangerous +portion--crowded on the shores of Africa, by means which are hereafter +to be considered, and at an expense which we shall not stop now to +calculate, for the purpose of civilizing and evangelizing Africa, and of +improving their own condition! Here, then, are _two_ ignorant and +depraved nations to be regenerated instead of _one_!--if we may call all +the natives that occupy that vast continent a nation--two huge and +heterogeneous masses of contagion mingled together for the preservation +of each! One of these nations is so incorrigibly stupid, or unfathomably +deep in pollution, (for such is the argument,) that, although surrounded +by ten millions of people living under the full blaze of gospel light, +and having every desirable facility to elevate and save it, it never can +rise until it be removed at least three thousand miles from their +vicinage!--and yet it is first to be evangelized in a barbarous land, by +a feeble, inadequate process, before it can be qualified to evangelize +the other nation! In other words, men who are intellectually and +morally blind are violently removed from light effulgent into thick +darkness, in order that they may obtain light themselves and diffuse +light among others! Ignorance is sent to instruct ignorance, ungodliness +to exhort ungodliness, vice to stop the progress of vice, and depravity +to reform depravity! All that is abhorrent to our moral sense, or +dangerous to our quietude, or villanous in human nature, we benevolently +disgorge upon Africa for her temporal and eternal welfare! We propose to +build upon her shores, for her glory and defence, colonies framed of +materials which we discard as worthless for our own use, and which +possess no fitness or durability! Admirable consistency! surprising +wisdom! unexampled benevolence! As rationally might we think of +exhausting the ocean by multiplying the number of its tributaries, or +extinguishing a fire by piling fuel upon it. + +Lastly. Any scheme to proselytize which requires for its protection the +erection of forts and the use of murderous weapons, is opposed to the +genius of christianity and radically wrong. If the gospel cannot be +propagated but by the aid of the sword,--if its success depend upon the +muscular power and military science of its apostles,--it were better to +leave the pagan world in darkness. The first specimen of _benevolence_ +and _piety_, which the colonists gave to the natives, was the building +of a fort, and supplying it with arms and ammunition! This was an +earnest manifestation of that 'peace on earth, good will to man,' which +these expatriated _missionaries_ were sent to inculcate! How eminently +calculated to inspire the confidence, excite the gratitude, and +accelerate the conversion of the Africans! Their 'dread of the great +guns of the Islanders,' (to adopt the language of Mr Ashmun,) must from +the beginning have made a deep and salutary impression upon their minds; +and when, not long afterward, 'every shot' from these guns '_spent its +force in a solid mass of living human flesh_'--their own flesh--they +must have experienced a total regeneration. Bullets and cannon balls +argue with resistless effect, and as easily convert a barbarous as +civilized people. One sanguinary conflict was sufficient to spread the +glad tidings of salvation among a thousand tribes, almost with the +rapidity of light!--But even irony, though appropriate, is painful. I +forbear. + +But--says an objector--these reflections come too late. The colony is +planted, whatever may be its influence. What do you recommend? Its +immediate abandonment to want and ruin? Shall we not bestow upon it our +charities, and commend it to the protection of Heaven? + +I answer--Let the colony continue to receive the aid, and elicit the +prayers of the good and benevolent. Still let it remain within the pale +of christian sympathy. Blot it not out of existence. But let it +henceforth develope itself naturally. Crowd not its population. Let +transportation cease. Seek no longer to exile millions of our colored +countrymen. For, assuredly, if the Colonization Society succeed in its +efforts to remove thousands of their number annually, it could not +inflict a heavier curse upon Africa, or more speedily assist in the +entire subversion of the colony. + +But--the objector asks--how shall we evangelize Africa? + +In the same manner as we have evangelized the Sandwich and Society +Islands, and portions of Burmah, Hindostan, and other lands. By sending +missionaries of the Cross _indeed_, who shall neither build forts nor +trust in weapons of war; who shall be actuated by a holy zeal and +genuine love; who shall be qualified to instruct, admonish, enlighten, +and proselyte; who shall not by their examples impugn the precepts, or +subject to suspicion the inspiration of the Word of Life; who shall not +be covered with pollution and shame as with a garment, or add to the +ignorance, sin and corruption of paganism; and who shall abhor +dishonesty, violence and treachery. Such men have been found to +volunteer their services for the redemption of a lost world; and such +men may be found now to embark in the same glorious enterprise. A +hundred evangelists like these, dispersed along the shores and in the +interior of Africa, would destroy more idols, make more progress in +civilizing the natives, suppress more wars, unite in amity more hostile +tribes, and convert more souls to Christ, in ten years, than a colony of +twenty-thousand ignorant, uncultivated, selfish emigrants in a century. +Such a mission would be consonant with reason and common sense; nor +could it fail to receive the approbation of God. How simple was the +command of our blessed Saviour to his disciples!--'Go ye forth into all +the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.' Not--'Send out from +among yourselves those whom you despise or against whom you cherish a +strong antipathy; those who need to be instructed and converted +themselves; those who are the dregs of society, made vicious and +helpless by oppression and public opinion; those who are beyond the +reach of the gospel in a Christian land; those whose complexions are not +precisely like yours, or who have any personal blemishes whatever that +excite your dislike;--send out _all_ these to evangelize the nations +which sit in darkness and in the regions of the shadow of death!' + +Denham, Clapperton, and Lander, travellers in Africa, represent the +natives in a light most favorable for the introduction of christianity; +as eager to learn and become a civilized and great people like the +Europeans. Excepting the followers of Mohammed, they are not tenacious +of their forms of religious worship; and a considerable portion of them +are totally indifferent to devotional exercises. It seems apparent, that +the fruits of a mission in Africa would be thrice as numerous as those +of one in India, because the obstacles to be surmounted are far less +formidable. + +But--says the objector--the climate of Africa is fatal to white men. + +So is the climate of India. But our missionaries have not counted their +lives dear unto themselves; and, as fast as one is cut down, another +stands ready to supply his place. + +I do not believe that the Creator has immoveably fixed the habitations +of any people within a boundary narrower than the circumference of the +globe. I believe that rapid transitions from intensity of heat and cold, +and cold and heat, are destructive to animal life; but I also believe +that the human body is easily acclimated, in any region of the world. I +believe the time is swiftly approaching when empires and continents +shall as freely commingle their population as do states and +neighborhoods. To limit or obstruct this intercourse, is to impoverish +and circumscribe human happiness. Civilization will remove those causes +which now engender pestilence and death, and neutralize the effects of +atmospherical contagion. + +Hence it will be seen that I do not assail the Colonization Society, as +many others have done, simply because the settlement at Liberia is +unhealthy. It is true, the mortality among the emigrants has been +excessive; and so it was among the first settlers of New-England. But +the climate of New-England is no longer pestiferous; and the climate of +Africa will grow sweet and salubrious as her forests disappear, and the +purifying influences of Christianity penetrate into the interior. I +expressly contend, however, that it is murderous, indiscriminately to +colonize large bodies of men, women and children, in a foreign land, +before the natives are to some extent elevated by missionary effort: and +therefore I consider the Colonization Society as responsible for the +lives of those who have perished prematurely at Liberia. + +But the objection is fallacious. If white missionaries cannot, black +ones can survive in Africa. What, then, is our duty? Obviously to +educate colored young men of genius, enterprise and piety, expressly to +carry the 'glad tidings of great joy' to her shores. Enough, I venture +to affirm, stand ready to be sent, if they can first be qualified for +their mission. If our free colored population were brought into our +schools, and raised from their present low estate, I am confident that +an army of christian volunteers would go out from their ranks, by a +divine impulse and under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, to redeem +their African brethren from the bondage of idolatry and the dominion of +spiritual death. + +Whatever may be the result of this great controversy, I shall have the +consolation of believing that no efforts were lacking, on my part, to +uproot the prejudices of my countrymen, to persuade them to walk in the +path of duty and shun the precipice of expediency, to unloose the heavy +burdens and let the prisoners go free at once, to warn them of the +danger of expelling the people of color from their native land, and to +convince them of the necessity of abandoning a dangerous and chimerical, +as well as unchristian and anti-republican association. For these +efforts I have hitherto suffered reproach and persecution, and must +expect to suffer till I perish. This book will doubtless increase the +rage of my enemies; but no torrent of invective shall successfully whelm +it, no sophistry impair its force, no activity destroy its influence, no +misrepresentation defeat its usefulness. + +I commend it, particularly, to the candid attention of the two most +powerful classes in this country--editors of newspapers and the clergy. +It is not a light matter for either of them to propagate false doctrines +and excite delusive hopes, on the subject of politics or religion. +Although the press is committed to a wide extent, I place too much +reliance upon the good sense and liberal patriotism of its conductors to +believe that the evidence which is presented in these pages of the +inefficiency and injustice of the colonization scheme, will fail to +convince their understanding. I cherish still higher expectations of its +salutary influence upon ministers of the gospel. It may grieve them to +discover that they have been misled themselves, and that they have +unwittingly misled others. To say to their flocks--'We have erred in +this matter; we have solicited your charities for an institution which +is built upon prejudice and persecution; we have hastily adopted the +mistaken opinions of others'--such a confession may indeed require much +grace in the heart, but this grace, I am persuaded, they will obtain. As +apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ, sustaining high and awful +responsibilities, and exerting an influence which measurably decides the +eternal destiny of the souls of men, they will not shut their eyes, or +stop their ears, or refuse to examine, or disregard the truth, in a case +involving the temporal and eternal happiness of millions of their fellow +creatures. + +FOOTNOTES: + +[E] Memoir of American Colonists--vide 'The African Repository,' vol. 2, +p. 174. + +[F] African Repository, vol. 2, p. 179. + +[G] African Repository, vol. 6, p. 121. + + + + +SECTION I. + +THE AMERICAN COLONIZATION SOCIETY IS PLEDGED NOT TO OPPOSE THE SYSTEM OF +SLAVERY. + + +Having concluded my introductory remarks, I now proceed to substantiate +my accusations against the American Colonization Society, by marshalling +in review the sentiments of those who first originated it, and who are +its efficient managers and advocates. It is obvious that, with my +limited means, and in a book designed for a cheap circulation, I shall +not be able to enter into so minute a detail as the present exigency +demands, or make those comments which might serve more fully to +illustrate the character of this association. It should be stated, +moreover, that I have not made any particular effort to procure +materials for this work, being satisfied that those which have almost +accidentally fallen into my hands, contain ample and conclusive evidence +of the unworthiness of the Society. A vast number of the Reports of +auxiliary bodies in various parts of the country, of orations and +sermons and essays in favor of African colonization, are beyond my +reach, and must remain unconsulted. If more proof be demanded, it shall +be given to the public. There is not a sound timber in this great Babel: +from the foundation to the roof, it is rotten and defective. + +I shall not stop to interrogate the motives of those who planned the +Society. Some of them, undoubtedly, were actuated by a benevolent desire +to promote the welfare of our colored population, and could never have +intended to countenance oppression. But the question is not, whether +their motives were good or bad. Suppose they were all good--would this +fact prove infallibly that they could not err in judgment? Do we not +almost daily see men running headlong into wild and injurious +enterprises with the very best intentions? There is a wide difference +between meaning well and doing well. The slave trade originated in a +compassionate regard for the benighted Africans; and yet we hang those +who are detected in this traffic. I am willing to concede that Robert +Finley and Elias B. Caldwell were philanthropic individuals; and that a +large number of their followers are men of piety, benevolence and moral +worth. What then? Is the American Colonization Society a beneficial +institution? We shall see hereafter. + +The history of this Society is familiar to the public. It was organized +about the commencement of the year 1817. The first public meeting to +consider the expediency of such an organization was held on the 21st of +December, 1816, at which the Hon. Henry Clay presided; but I have never +seen its official proceedings. It was addressed by Mr Clay, _Mr +Randolph_, Mr Caldwell, and other gentlemen, from whose speeches +extracts will shortly be given. + +It is my purpose in this section to show, first, the original design of +the Society; secondly, that it is still strictly adhered to; and, +lastly, that the Society is solemnly pledged not to interfere with the +system of slavery, or in any manner to disturb the repose of the +planters. Upon the rigid observance of this sinful pledge depends its +existence; a single violation of it would be fatal. I want no better +reason than this, to wage an uncompromising warfare against it. No man +has a right to form an alliance with others, which prevents him from +rebuking sin or exposing the guilt of sinners. Every individual is bound +to oppose the system of slavery in the most direct, strenuous, +unfaltering manner--bound by the ties of brotherhood, by the spirit of +Christianity, by the genius of republicanism, by the dictates of +humanity, by the requirements of justice, by the love of country, by +duty to his God. He cannot suppress his voice, nor stop his ears to the +groans of the prisoners, and be innocent. If he hide the truth because +it may give offence--if he strike hands in amity with a thief--if he +leave the needy and oppressed to perish--God will visit him with +plagues. Now the language of the non-slaveholding members of the +Colonization Society to the owners of slaves is virtually as +follows:--'The free people of color are a nuisance to us, and plotters +of sedition among your slaves. If they be not speedily removed, your +_property_ will be lost, and your lives destroyed. We therefore do +solemnly agree, that, if you will unite with us in expelling this +dangerous class from our shores, we will never accuse you of robbery or +oppression, or irritate your feelings by asserting the right of the +slaves to immediate freedom, or identify any one of you as a criminal; +but, on the contrary, we will boldly assert your innocence, and applaud +you as wise and benevolent men for holding your slaves in subjection +until you can cast them out of the country.' I say, this is _virtually_ +their language, as I shall soon indisputably show. Thus we are presented +with the strange spectacle of a procession composed of the most +heterogeneous materials. There go, arm-in-arm, a New-England divine and +a southern kidnapper; and there an ungodly slaveholder and a pious +deacon; each eyeing the other with distrust, and fearful of exciting a +quarrel, both denouncing the poor, neglected, despised free black man as +a miserable, good-for-nothing creature, and both gravely complimenting +their foresight and generosity in sending this worthless wretch on a +religious mission to Africa! + +I cannot exhibit the folly and wickedness of this alliance in a clearer +light than by inserting the following extract of a letter from Capt. +Charles Stuart, of the English Royal Navy, one of the most indefatigable +philanthropists in England: + + 'The American Colonization Society looks abroad over its own + country, and it finds a mass of its brethren, whom God has been + pleased to clothe with a darker skin. It finds one portion of + these free! another enslaved! It finds a cruel prejudice, as + dark and false as sin can make it, reigning with a most + tyrannous sway against both. It finds this prejudice respecting + the _free_, declaring without a blush, "We are too wicked ever + to love them as God commands us to do--we are so resolute in our + wickedness as not even to desire to do so--and we are so proud + in our iniquity that we will hate and revile whoever disturbs us + in it--We want, like the devils of old, to be let alone in our + sin--We are unalterably determined, and neither God nor man + shall move us from this resolution, that our free colored fellow + subjects never shall be happy in their native land." The + American Colonization Society, I say, finds this most base and + cruel prejudice, _and lets it alone_; nay more, it directly and + powerfully supports it. + + 'The American Colonization Society finds 2,000,000 of its fellow + subjects most iniquitously enslaved--and it finds a resolution + as proud and wicked as the very spirit of the pit can make it + against _obeying_ God and _letting them_ go free in their native + land. _It lets this perfectly infernal resolution alone_, nay + more, it powerfully supports it; for it in fact says, as a fond + and feeble father might say to some overgrown baby before whose + obstinate wickedness he quailed, "Never mind, my dear, I don't + want to prevent your beating and abusing your brothers and + sisters--let that be--but here is a box of sugar plums--do pray + give them one or two now and then." The American Colonization + Society says practically to the slaveholders and the slave party + in the United States, "We don't want to prevent your plundering + 2,000,000 of our fellow subjects of their liberty and of the + fruits of their toil; although we know that by every principle + of law which does not utterly disgrace us by assimilating us to + pirates, that they have as good and as true a right to the equal + protection of the law as we have; and although we ourselves + stand prepared to die, rather than submit even to a fragment of + the intolerable load of oppression to which we are subjecting + them--yet never mind--let that be--they have grown old in + suffering, and we in iniquity--and we have nothing to do now but + to speak _peace_, _peace_ to one another in our sins. But if any + of their masters, whether from benevolence, an awakened + conscience, or political or personal fear, should emancipate + any, let us send them to Liberia--that is, in fact, let us give + a sugar plum here and there to a few, while the many are living + and dying unredressed--and while we are thus countenancing the + atrocious iniquity beneath which they are perishing." In this + aspect I find the American Colonization Society declaring itself + a substitute for emancipation, and it is in this aspect that I + contend with it, and that I proclaim it, _as far as it has this + character_, no farther, a bane to the colored people, whether + enslaved or free, and a snare and a disgrace to its country.' + +The second article of the Constitution of this Society is in the +following language: + + 'The object to which its attention is to be _exclusively_ + directed, is to promote and execute a plan for colonizing (with + their consent) the free people of color residing in our country, + in Africa, or such other place as Congress shall deem most + expedient. And the Society shall act, to effect this object, in + co-operation with the General Government, and such of the States + as may adopt regulations upon the subject.' + +The following citations abundantly sustain the charge, that the Society +has not swerved from its original design, and does not oppose the system +of slavery: + + 'Whilst he was up, he would detain the Society for a few + moments. It was proper again and again to repeat, that it was + far from the intention of the Society to affect, _in any + manner_, the tenure by which a certain species of property is + held. He was himself a slaveholder; _and he considered that kind + of property as inviolable as any other in the country_. He would + resist as soon, and with as much firmness, encroachments upon it + as he would encroachments upon any other property which he held. + Nor was he disposed even to go as far as the gentleman who had + just spoken, (Mr Mercer) in saying that he would emancipate his + slaves, if the means were provided of sending them from the + country.'--[Speech of Henry Clay.--First Annual Report.] + + + 'It was proper and necessary distinctly to state, that he + understood it constituted no part of the object of this meeting, + to touch or agitate in the slightest degree, a delicate + question, connected with another portion of the colored + population of our country. It was not proposed to deliberate + upon or consider at all, any question of emancipation, or that + which was connected with the abolition of slavery. It was upon + that condition alone, he was sure, that many gentlemen from the + South and West, whom he saw present, had attended, or could be + expected to co-operate. It was upon that condition only, that he + himself had attended.'--[Speech of Mr Clay before the Society, + Jan. 1, 1818.--Second Annual Report.] + + + 'It had been properly observed by the chairman, as well as by + the gentleman from this District (Messrs Clay and Caldwell) that + there was nothing in the proposition submitted to consideration + which in the smallest degree touched another very important and + delicate question, which ought to be left as much out of view as + possible, (Negro slavery.) * * * Mr R. concluded by saying, that + he had thought it necessary to make these remarks, being a + slaveholder himself, to shew, that, so far from being connected + with the abolition of slavery, _the measure proposed would prove + one of the greatest securities to enable the master to keep in + possession his own property_.'--[Speech of John Randolph at the + same meeting.] + + + 'Your committee would not thus favorably regard the prayer of + the memorialists, if it sought to impair, _in the slightest + degree_, the rights of private property, or the yet more sacred + rights of personal liberty, secured to every description of + freemen in the United States. + + 'The resolution of the legislature of Virginia, the subsequent + acts and declarations, as well as the high character of the + memorialists themselves, added to the most obvious interest of + the states who have recently sanctioned the purpose, or + recognized the existence of the American Colonization Society, + exclude _the remotest apprehension of such injustice and + inhumanity_.' + + --[Report of the committee of the House of Representatives of + the United States, on the memorial of the President and Board of + Managers of the Colonization Society.--Second Annual Report.] + + + 'An effort for the benefit of the blacks, in which all parts of + the country can unite, of course _must not have the abolition of + slavery for its immediate object_. NOR MAY IT AIM DIRECTLY AT + THE INSTRUCTION OF THE BLACKS. In either case, the _prejudices_ + and _terrors_ of the slaveholding States would be excited in a + moment; and with reason too, for it is a well-established point, + that _the public safety forbids either the emancipation or the + general instruction of the slaves_.' * * * 'It [African + Colonization] is an enterprise in which _all parts of the + country can unite_. The grand objection to every other effort + is, that it excites the _jealousies_ and _fears_ of the south. + But here is an effort in which the southern people are the first + to engage, and which numbers many of their most distinguished + men among its advocates and efficient supporters.'--[Review of + the Reports of the Society, from the Christian + Spectator.--Seventh Annual Report.] + + + 'It will be seen at home and abroad, that the American + Colonization Society, while it _properly enough_ stands aloof + from the question of slavery, and the abolition of slavery,' + &c.--[Report of William McKenney.--Eighth Annual Report.] + + + 'The objects of this institution are well known to the world; + for no concealment whatever has ever been intended. The Society + aims at the removal of free persons of color; _it interferes, in + no way whatever, with the rights of property_.'--[Speech of G. + W. Custis, Esq.--Ninth Annual Report.] + + + 'We are reproached with doing mischief by the agitation of this + question. The Society goes into no household to disturb its + domestic tranquillity; it addresses itself to no slaves to + weaken their obligations of obedience. _It seeks to affect no + man's property._'--[Speech of Mr Clay.--Tenth Annual Report.] + + + 'The Committee to whom was referred the memorial of the American + Colonization Society, have had the subject under consideration, + and now report: + + 'That upon due consideration of the said memorial, and from all + other information which your committee has obtained, touching + that subject, they are fully satisfied that no jealousies ought + to exist, on the part of this or any other slaveholding State, + respecting the objects of this Society, or the effects of its + labors.'--[Report of a committee of the Legislature of Delaware, + Feb. 8th, 1827.] + + + 'The Society has reiterated the declaration that it has no + ulterior views diverse from the object avowed in the + constitution; and having declared that it is in nowise allied to + any Abolition Society in America or elsewhere, is ready whenever + there is need TO PASS A CENSURE UPON SUCH SOCIETIES IN + AMERICA.'--[Speech of Mr Harrison of Virginia.--Eleventh Annual + Report.] + + + 'We have the same interests in this subject with our southern + brethren--the same opportunity of understanding it, and of + knowing with what _care_ and _prudence_ it should be approached. + What greater pledge can we give for the moderation and safety of + our measures than our own interests as slaveholders, and the + ties that bind us to the slaveholding communities to which we + belong?'--[Speech of Mr Key.--Same Report.] + + + 'The second objection may be resolved into this; that the + Society, under the specious pretext of removing a vicious and + noxious population, is secretly undermining the rights of + private property. This is the objection expressed in its full + force, and if your memorialists could for a moment believe it to + be true in point of fact, they would never, _slaveholders as + they are_, have associated themselves together for the purpose + of co-operating with the Parent Society; and far less would they + have appeared in the character in which they now do, before the + legislative bodies of a slaveholding State. And, if any instance + could be now adduced, in which the Society has ever manifested + even an intention to depart from the avowed object, for the + promotion of which it was originally instituted, none would with + more willingness and readiness withdraw from it their + countenance and support. But, from the time of its formation, + down to the present period, all its operations have been + directed exclusively to the promotion of its one grand object, + namely, the colonization in Africa of the free people of color + of the United States. It has always protested, and through your + memorialists it again protests, that _it has no wish to + interfere_ with the delicate but important subject of slavery. + It has never, in a solitary instance, addressed itself to the + slave. It has never sought to invade the tranquillity of the + domestic circle, nor the peace and safety of + society.'--[Memorial of the Auxiliary Colonization Society of + Powhatan, to the Legislature of Virginia.--Twelfth Annual + Report.] + + + 'Therefore she looked, and well might she look, to colonization + and to colonization alone. To abolition _she could not look_, + and need not look. Whatever that scheme may have done, + heretofore, in the States now free, it had done nothing and + could do nothing in the slave States for the cause of humanity. + This subject he rejoiced to know was now better understood, and + all began to see that it was _wiser_ and _safer_ to remove, by + colonization, a great and otherwise insuperable impediment to + emancipation, _than to act upon the subject of emancipation + itself_.'--[Speech of Mr Key.--Thirteenth Annual Report.] + + + 'Our Society has nothing to do directly with the question of + slavery.' * * * 'Whilst the Society protests that it has no + designs on the rights of the master in the slave--or the + property in his slave, which the laws guarantee to him,' + &c.--[Speech of Gerrit Smith, Esq.--Fourteenth Annual Report.] + + + 'Its primary object now is, and ever has been, to colonize, with + their own consent, free people of color on the coast of Africa, + or elsewhere, as Congress may deem expedient. And, Sir, I am + unwilling to admit, under any circumstances, and particularly in + this Hall, that it ever has swerved from this cardinal + object.'--[Speech of Mr Benham.--Fourteenth Annual Report.] + + + 'Something he must yet be allowed to say, as regarded the object + the Society was set up to accomplish. This object, if he + understood it aright, _involved no intrusion on property_, NOR + EVEN UPON PREJUDICE.'--[Speech of Mr Archer of + Virginia.--Fifteenth Annual Report.] + + + 'That the effort made by the Society should be such as to unite + all parts of the country--such as to be in any degree ultimately + successful, it was necessary to _disclaim all attempts for the + immediate abolition of slavery, or the instruction of the great + body of the blacks_. Such attempts would have excited alarm and + jealousy, would have been inconsistent with the public safety, + and defeated the great purposes of the Society.' * * * 'It is + pleasing to learn that the Friends, who at first were not + favorable to the Society, _having been inclined to the immediate + abolition of slavery_, are coming into what we deem the _more + wise policy_ of encouraging emancipation by + colonization.'--[Speech of Harmanus Bleecker, Esq. at the Second + Anniversary Meeting of the New-York Colonization Society, April + 14, 1831.] + + + 'The plan of colonization seems _the only one entitled to the + least consideration_.'--[Speech of M. C. Paterson, Esq. on the + same occasion.] + + + 'Nor will their brethren of the North desire to interfere with + their constitutional rights, or rashly to disturb a system + interwoven with their feelings, habits, and prejudices. A golden + mean will be pursued, which, at the same time that it _consults + the wishes_, and _respects the prejudices_ of the South, will + provide for the claims of justice and Christianity, and avert + the storm of future desolation.'--[Speech of Lucius Q. C. Elmer, + Esq.--First Annual Report of the New-Jersey Colonization + Society.] + + + 'Views are attributed to us, that were never entertained, and + our plan is tortured _into a design to emancipate the Slaves of + the South_. We are made to disregard this description of + property, and to touch without reserve the rights of our + neighbors. We are said to tread this almost forbidden ground + with firm step, and a hardihood of effort is imputed to us, + which, if true, might well excite the indignation of our + southern citizens.--But, Sir, our Society and the friends of + colonization wish to be distinctly understood upon this point. + From the beginning they have _disavowed_, and they do yet + _disavow_, that their object is _the emancipation of the + slaves_. They have no wish, _if they could_, to interfere in the + smallest degree with what they deem the most interesting and + fearful subject which can be pressed upon the American public.' + * * * 'There is no people that treat their slaves with so much + kindness and with so little cruelty. Nor can I believe that we + shall meet with any serious opposition from that quarter, when + our object is distinctly understood--when it is known that our + operations are confined exclusively to the free black + population. That this is our _sole_ object, I appeal with entire + confidence to the constitution of our Society and to the + constitution and Annual Reports of the Parent Institution.' * * * + 'We again repeat--that our operations are confined to the free + black population, and that there is no ground for fear on the + part of our southern friends. We hold their slaves as we hold + their other property, SACRED. Let not then this slander be + repeated.'--[Speech of James S. Green, Esq. on the same + occasion.] + + + 'Nothing has contributed more to retard the operations of the + Colonization Society than the mistaken notion that it interferes + directly with slavery. This objection is rapidly vanishing away, + and many of the slaveholding States are becoming efficient + supporters of the national society. In the Senate of Louisiana + during its last session, resolutions were adopted expressive of + the opinion that the object of this Society was deserving the + patronage of the general government. An enlightened community + now see, that this Society infringes upon no man's rights, that + its object is noble and benevolent--to remedy an evil which is + felt and acknowledged at the north and south--to give the free + people of color the privileges of freemen.'--[From a Tract + issued by the Massachusetts Colonization Society in 1831, for + gratuitous distribution.] + + + 'This institution proposes to do good by a single specific + course of measures. Its direct and specific purpose _is not the + abolition of slavery_, or the relief of pauperism, or the + extension of commerce and civilization, or the enlargement of + science, or the conversion of the heathen. The single object + which its constitution prescribes, and to which all its efforts + are necessarily directed, is, African colonization from America. + It proposes only to afford facilities for the voluntary + emigration of free people of color from this country to the + country of their fathers.'--[Review on African + Colonization.--Christian Spectator for September, 1830.] + + + 'It interferes in nowise with the right of property, and hopes + and labors for the gradual abolition of slavery, by the + voluntary and gradual manumission of slaves, when the free + persons of color shall have first been transferred to their + aboriginal climate and soil.'--[G. W. P. Custis, Esq.--African + Repository, vol. i. p. 39.] + + + 'Does this Society wish to meddle with our slaves as our + rightful property? I answer _no_, I think not.'--[African + Repository, vol. ii. p. 13.] + + + 'They have been denounced by some as fanatical and visionary + innovators, pursuing without regard to means or consequences, an + object destructive of the rights of property, and dangerous to + the public peace.' * * * 'The sole object of the Society, as + declared at its institution, and from which it can never be + allowed to depart, is 'to remove with their own consent, to the + coast of Africa, the free colored population, now existing in + the United States, and such as hereafter may become free.'' * * * + 'In pursuing their object, therefore, (although such + consequences may result from a successful prosecution of it,) + the Society cannot be justly charged with aiming to disturb the + rights of property or the peace of society. Your memorialists + refer with confidence to the course they have pursued, in the + prosecution of their object for nine years past, to shew that it + is possible, without danger or alarm, to carry on such an + operation, notwithstanding its supposed relation to the subject + of slavery, and that they have not been regardless, in any of + their measures, of what was due to the state of society in which + they live. They are, themselves, chiefly slaveholders, and live, + with all the ties of life binding them to a slaveholding + community. They know when to speak and when to forbear upon + topics connected with this painful and difficult subject. They + put forth no passionate appeals before the public, seek to + excite no feeling, and avoid, with the most sedulous care, every + measure that would endanger the public tranquillity.' * * * 'The + managers could, with no propriety, depart from their original + and avowed purpose, _and make emancipation their object_. And + they would further say, that if they were not thus restrained by + the terms of their association, they would still consider any + attempts to promote the increase of the free colored population + by manumission, _unnecessary_, _premature_, and _dangerous_.' + * * * 'It seems now to be admitted that, whatever has any bearing + upon that question, must be managed with the utmost + consideration; that the peace and order of society must not be + endangered by indiscreet and ill-timed efforts to promote + emancipation; and that a true regard should be manifested to the + feelings and the fears, and even the _prejudices_ of those, + whose co-operation is essential.'--[Memorial of the Society to + the several States.--A. R. vol. ii. pp. 57, 58, 60.] + + + 'To found in Africa an empire of _christians and republicans_; + to reconduct the blacks to their native land, without disturbing + the order of society, the laws of property, or the rights of + individuals; rapidly, but legally, _silently_, _gradually_, to + drain them off; these are the noble ends of the colonization + scheme.'--[African Repository, vol. ii. p. 375.] + + + 'Nor have I ever been able to see, for my part, why the + patronage of Congress to a benevolent and patriotic Society, + which, without interfering, in the smallest degree, with that + _delicate interest_, only aims to remove what we all consider as + a great evil--our free people of color--(and which evil _does_ + interfere with that interest,) should excite the jealousy or + spleen of our most watchful and determined advocates of state + rights.'--[Idem, p. 383.] + + + 'Recognising the constitutional and legitimate existence of + slavery, it seeks not to interfere, either directly or + indirectly, with the rights which it creates. _Acknowledging the + necessity by which its present continuance and the rigorous + provisions for its maintenance are justified_, it aims only at + furnishing the States, in which it exists, the means of + immediately lessening its severities, and of ultimately + relieving themselves from its acknowledged evils.'--[Opimius in + reply to Caius Gracchus.--African Repository, vol. iii. p. 16.] + + + '_It is no abolition Society_; it addresses as yet _arguments to + no master_, and disavows with horror the idea of offering + temptations to any slave. IT DENIES THE DESIGN OF ATTEMPTING + EMANCIPATION, EITHER PARTIAL OR GENERAL; it denies, with us, + that the General Government have any power to emancipate; and + declares that the States have exclusively the right to regulate + the whole subject of slavery. The scope of the Society is large + enough, but it is in nowise mingled or confounded with the broad + sweeping views of _a few fanatics_ in America, who would urge us + on to the sudden and total abolition of slavery.' * * * 'The + first great material objection is that the Society does, in + fact, in spite of its denial, meditate and conspire the + emancipation of the slaves. To the candid, let me say that there + are names on the rolls of the Society too high to be rationally + accused of the duplicity and insidious falsehood which this + implies; farther, the Society and its branches are composed, in + by far the larger part, of _citizens of slaveholding States_, + who cannot gravely be charged with a design so perilous to + themselves. To the uncandid disputant, I say, let him put his + finger on one single sentiment, declaration or act of the + Society, or of any person, with its sanction, which shows such + to be their object: there is in fact no pretext for the charge.' + * * * 'Let me repeat, the _friends_ of the Colonization Society, + three-fourths of them are SLAVEHOLDERS; the legislatures of + Maryland, Georgia, Kentucky and Tennessee, all slaveholding + States, have approved it; _every member_ of this auxiliary + Society is, _either in himself, or his nearest relatives, + interested in holding slaves_.' * * * 'Once more; this Society + is no way connected with certain Abolition Societies in the + country. To these the Colonization Society would say, "Your + object is unattainable, your zeal dangerous, and nothing can + give it the right direction or the right temperature, but your + surrendering your plan to ours: be convinced, that if the blacks + are ever to be removed from us, it will be by the free will of + the owners, and by means of the opportunity which our _innocent_ + plan of an asylum for such as may be sent will afford."'--['The + Col. Society Vindicated.'--Idem, pp. 197, 200, 202, 203.] + + + 'They can impress upon the southern slaveholder, by the strength + of facts, and by the recorded declarations of honest men, that + the objects of the Colonization Society are altogether pure and + praiseworthy, and _that it has no intention to open the door to + universal liberty_, but only to cut out a channel, where the + merciful providence of God may cause those dark waters to flow + off.'--[Idem, vol. iv. p. 145.] + + + 'About twelve years ago, some of the wisest men of the nation, + (_mostly slaveholders_,) formed, in the city of Washington, the + present American Colonization Society. Among them were men high + in office, who had spent many years in studying the interests of + their country, and who could not, therefore, be suspected of + short-sighted enthusiasm, or any secret design of disturbing the + rights or the safety of our southern citizens.' * * * 'You will + observe, first, that _there is to be no intermeddling with + property in slaves_. THE RIGHTS OF MASTERS ARE TO REMAIN SACRED + IN THE EYES OF THE SOCIETY. The tendency of the scheme, and one + of its objects, is to _secure slaveholders, and the whole + southern country_, against certain evil consequences, growing + out of the three-fold mixture of our population.'--[Address of + the Rockbridge Col. Society.--Idem, p. 274.] + + + 'It is true, their operations have been confined to the single + object, colonization.--They do nothing directly to effect the + manumission of slaves.--They think nothing can be advantageously + done in favor of emancipation, but by means of colonization, of + which emancipation will be a certain consequence that may be + safely and quietly awaited.'--[Mr Key's Address.--Idem, p. 303.] + + + 'The Colonization Society, as such, have renounced wholly the + name and the characteristics of abolitionists. On this point + they have been unjustly and injuriously slandered. They need no + such barrier to restrict them, as the sentiment of Mr Harrison, + for their operations are entirely in a different department. + INTO THEIR ACCOUNTS THE SUBJECT OF EMANCIPATION DOES NOT ENTER + AT ALL.'--['N. E.'--Idem, p. 306.] + + + 'Being, chiefly, slaveholders ourselves, we well know how it + becomes us to approach such a subject as this in a slaveholding + state, and in every other. If there were room for a reasonable + jealousy, we among the first should feel it; being as much + interested in the welfare of the community, and having as much + at heart, as any men can have, the security of ourselves, our + property and our families.' * * * 'Our object is, not to prevail + upon the master to part with his slave, for that we leave to his + own reflection and CONVENIENCE; but to afford to those masters + who have determined, or may determine, to manumit their slaves; + provided they can be removed from this country, the means of + removing them to a place where they may be really free, + virtuous, respectable and happy.--Nothing can be more innocent + and less alarming.'--[Review of Mr Tazewell's Report.--Idem, p. + 341.] + + + 'The American Colonization Society has, at all times, solemnly + disavowed any purpose of interference with the institutions or + rights of our Southern communities.'--[Idem, vol. v. p. 307.] + + + 'From its origin, and throughout the whole period of its + existence, it has constantly disclaimed all intention whatever + of interfering, in the smallest degree, with the rights of + property, or the object of emancipation, gradual or immediate. + _It is not only without inclination_, but it is without power, + to make any such interference. It is not even a chartered or + incorporated company; and it has no other foundation than that + of Bible Societies, or any other christian or charitable + unincorporated companies in our country. It knows that the + subject of emancipation belongs exclusively to the several + States in which slavery is tolerated, and to individual + proprietors of slaves in those States, under and according to + their laws.' * * * 'The Society presents to the American public + _no project of emancipation_.' * * * 'Its exertions have been + confined exclusively to the free colored people of the United + States, and to those of them who are willing to go. It has + neither _purpose_ nor power to extend them to the larger portion + of that race held in bondage. Throughout the whole period of its + existence, this disclaimer has been made, and incontestible + facts establish its truth and sincerity. It is now repeated, in + its behalf, that the spirit of misrepresentation may have no + pretext for abusing the public ear.'--[Mr Clay's Speech.--African + Repository, vol. vi. pp. 13, 17, 19.] + + + 'The Society, from considerations like these, whilst it + disclaims the remotest idea of ever disturbing the right of + property in slaves, conceives it to be possible that the time + may arrive, when, with the approbation of their owners, they + shall all be at liberty; and, with those already free, be + removed, with their own consent, to the land of their + ancestors.'--[African Repository, vol. vi. p. 69.] + + + '_It is not the object of this Society to liberate slaves, or + touch the rights of property_. TO SET THEM LOOSE AMONG US WOULD + BE AN EVIL MORE INTOLERABLE THAN SLAVERY ITSELF. It would make + our situation insecure and dangerous.'--[Report of the Kentucky + Col. Soc.--Idem, p. 81.] + + + 'It contemplates no purpose of abolition: it touches no slave + until his fetters have been voluntarily stricken off by the hand + of his own master.'--[Speech of John A. Dix, Esq.--Idem, p. + 165.] + + + 'What has awakened that spirit of suspicion and enmity which is + now manifested by these men in every form of open and active + hostility? Can it be attributed to any departure of the Society + from its avowed original design and principles? We maintain that + it cannot; we maintain that the character of the Society has + from the commencement been uniformly the same, and that its + proceedings have been consistent with its character. Were or are + the design and principles of the Society hostile to the rights + and interest of the Southern States? We maintain that they were + and are not; but on the contrary, are worthy to be cherished by + the citizens of these States, and to be sustained with all their + energies as means of their political and moral strength.' * * * + 'The _free_ people of color alone are to be colonized by the + Society, and whether the benefits of its scheme are ever to be + extended to _others_, is a question referred to those to whom it + pertains as a matter of right and duty to decide.' * * * 'The + Colonization Society would be the last Institution in the world + to disturb the domestic tranquillity of the South.'--[Defence of + the Society.--Idem, pp. 197, 207, 209.] + + + 'This Society, here in the outset, most explicitly disclaims all + intention to interfere in the smallest degree with the slave + population. It is with the free colored population alone, and + that too, with their own consent, that this Society proposes to + act.'--[Address of the Maryland State Colonization Society to + the People of Maryland.] + + + 'To the slaveholder, who had charged upon them the wicked design + of interfering with the rights of property under the specious + pretexts of removing a vicious and dangerous free population, + they address themselves in a tone of conciliation and sympathy. + We know your rights, say they, and we respect them--we know your + difficulties, and we appreciate them. _Being mostly slaveholders + ourselves_, having a common interest with you in this subject, + an equal opportunity of understanding it, and the same motives + to prudent action, what better guarantee can be afforded for the + just discrimination, and the safe operation of our measures? And + what ground for apprehension that we, who are bound to you by + the strongest ties of interest and of sympathy, should intrude + upon the repose of the domestic circle, or invade the peace and + security of society? Have not the thirteen years' peaceful, yet + efficient, operations of our Society attested the _moderation of + our views_ and the safety of our plans? We have protested from + the commencement, and during our whole progress, and we do now + protest, that we have never entertained the purpose of + intermeddling with the private property of individuals. We know + that we have not the power, even if we had the inclination, to + do so. Your rights, as guarantied by the Constitution, are held + sacred in our eyes; and we should be among the foremost to + resist, as a flagrant usurpation, any encroachment upon those + rights. Our only object, as at all times avowed, is to provide + for the removal to the coast of Africa, with their own consent, + of such persons of color as are already free, and of such others + as the humanity of individuals, or the laws of the different + states, may hereafter liberate. Is there any thing, say they, in + this proposition at war with your interest, your safety, your + honor, or your happiness? Do we not all regard this mixed and + intermediate population of free blacks, made up of slaves or + their immediate descendants, as a mighty and a growing evil, + exerting a dangerous and baneful influence on all around + them?'--[Address of Cyrus Edwards, Esq. of Illinois.--African + Repository, vol. vii. p. 100.] + + + 'It was never the intention of the Society to interfere with the + rights of the proprietors of slaves; nor has it at any time done + so.'--[Address of R. J. Breckenridge of Kentucky.--Idem p. 176.] + + + 'The specific object to which the entire funds of the + Institution are devoted, is simple and plainly unexceptionable + in this respect, that it interferes with no rights of + individuals, and with no law of the land.' * * * 'It embraces in + its provisions only the free. It does not interfere--it desires + not to interfere, in any way, with the rights or the interests + of the proprietors of slaves. _It condemns no man because he is + a slaveholder_; it seeks to quiet all unkind feelings between + the sober and virtuous men of the North and of the South on the + subject of slavery; it sends abroad no influence to disturb the + peace, and endanger the security and prosperity of any portion + of the country.'--[Character and Influence of the Colonization + Society.--African Repository, vol. vii. pp. 194, 200.] + + + 'Can it be a ruthless scheme of political speculation, which + would trample, with rude and unhallowed step, upon the rights of + property, to gratify the visionary and fanatical projects of its + authors? No: this is impossible. Yet such is the language of + intemperate opposition, with which this Society has been + assailed by its enemies.' * * * 'Equally absurd and false is the + objection, that this Society seeks indirectly to disturb the + rights of property, and to interfere with the well-established + relation subsisting between master and slave. The man who avows + such monstrous purposes as these, and seeks to shelter himself + under the sanction and authority of the American Colonization + Society, is a base traitor to the cause which it seeks to + advance--AN ENEMY OF THE WORST AND MOST DANGEROUS STAMP, because + he assumes the specious garb of a friend and coadjutor. Let him + stand, or let him fall, by the verdict of an insulted and + outraged community--but do not make liable for his acts a great + Institution, whose real friends will be the first to reject and + discountenance him, and to mark upon his forehead in indelible + characters, "This is a traitor to the cause of his country and + the cause of humanity."--It is true that the friends of the + American Colonization Society have permitted themselves to + entertain the high and exalted hope, that, by its influences, + ultimate and remote, the burdens which are incident to slavery + may be greatly mitigated, and possibly the evil itself at some + future day be entirely removed. But mark, Mr President, and mark + well, ye hearers, the grounds upon which this hope is founded. + It could not be sustained by any effort, direct or indirect, to + invade the rights of the slaveholding community, for the plain + and palpable reason, that the effort itself would furnish the + most certain means of defeating the object in view, even + supposing the friends of the Society reckless enough to + entertain it. It would denote on the part of those who made it, + an extremity of madness and folly, wholly unprecedented in the + history of the world, and if persevered in, would dissolve the + government into its original elements, even though the principle + of union which holds it together were a thousand-fold stronger + than it is.' * * * 'Surely the friends of the Colonization + Society have done nought either to alarm the honest fears of the + patriot, or excite the morbid sensibilities of the + slaveholder.'--[Address delivered before the Lynchburg Auxiliary + Colonization Society, August 18, 1831.] + + + 'While, therefore, _they determined to avoid the question of + slavery_, they proposed the formation of a colony on the coast + of Africa, as an asylum for free people of color.' * * * 'The + emancipation of slaves or the amelioration of their condition, + with the moral, intellectual, and political improvement of + people of color within the United States, _are subjects foreign + to the powers of this Society_.'--[Address of the Board of + Managers of the American Colonization Society to its Auxiliary + Societies.--African Repository, vol. vii. pp. 290, 291.] + + + 'The American Colonization Society was formed with special + reference to the _free_ blacks of our country. With the + _delicate subject_ of slavery it presumes not to interfere. And + yet doubtless from the first it has cherished the hope of being + in some way or other a medium of relief to the entire colored + population of the land. Such a hope is certainly both innocent + and benevolent. And so long as the Society adheres to the object + announced in its constitution, as it hitherto has done, the + master can surely find no reasonable cause of anxiety. And it is + a gratifying circumstance that the Society has from the first + _obtained its most decided and efficient support from the + slaveholding States_.'--[Sermon, delivered at Springfield, + Mass., July 4th, 1829, before the Auxiliary Colonization Society + of Hampden County, by Rev. B. Dickinson.] + + + 'The American Colonization Society in no way directly meddles + with slavery. It disclaims all such + interference.'--[Correspondent of the Southern Religious + Telegraph.] + + + 'This system is sanctioned by the laws of independent and + sovereign states. Congress cannot constitutionally pass laws + which shall tend directly to abolish it. If it ever be abolished + by legislative enactments, it must be done by the respective + legislatures of the States in which it exists. It never designed + to interfere with what the laws consider as the rights of + masters--it has made no appeals to them to release their slaves + for colonization, nor to their slaves to abandon their masters. + With this delicate subject, the Society has avowedly nothing to + do. Its ostensible object is necessarily the removal of our free + colored population.'--[Middletown (Connecticut) Gazette.] + + + 'With slaves, however, the American Colonization Society has _no + concern_ whatever, except to transport to Africa such as their + owners may liberate for that purpose.'--[Oration delivered at + Newark, N. J., July 4th, 1831, by Gabriel P. Disosway, Esq.] + + + 'It disclaims, and always has disclaimed, all intention + whatever, of interfering in the smallest degree, direct or + indirect, with the rights of slaveholders, the right of + property, _or the object of emancipation, gradual or immediate. + It knows that the owners of slaves are the owners, and no one + else--it does not, in the most remote degree, touch that + delicate subject_. Every slaveholder may, therefore, remain at + ease concerning it or its progress or objects.'--[An advocate of + the Society in the New-Orleans Argus.] + +It were needless to multiply these extracts. So precisely do they +resemble each other, that they seem rather as the offspring of a single +mind, than of many minds. A large majority of them come in the most +official and authoritative shape, and their language is explicit beyond +cavil. + +Here, then, is a combination, embracing able and influential men in all +parts of the country, pledging itself not only to respect the system of +slavery, but to frown indignantly upon those who shall dare to assail +it. And what is this system which is to be held in so much reverence, +and avoided with so much care? It is a system which has in itself no +redeeming feature, but is full of blood--the blood of innocent men, +women and children; full of adultery and concupiscence; full of +darkness, blasphemy and wo; full of rebellion against God and treason +against the universe; full of wrath--impurity--ignorance--brutality--and +awful impiety; full of wounds and bruises and putrefying sores; full of +temporal suffering and eternal damnation. It is, says Pitt, a mass, a +system of enormities, which incontrovertibly bid defiance to every +regulation which ingenuity can devise, or power effect, but a total +extinction; a system of incurable injustice, the complication of every +species of iniquity, the greatest practical evil that ever has afflicted +the human race, and the severest and most extensive calamity recorded in +the history of the world. Fox calls it a most unjust and horrible +persecution of our fellow creatures. The Rev. Dr. Thomson declares it is +a system hostile to the original and essential rights of +humanity--contrary to the inflexible and paramount demands of moral +justice--at eternal variance with the spirit and maxims of revealed +religion--inimical to all that is merciful in the heart, and holy in the +conduct--and on these accounts, necessarily exposed and subject to the +curse of Almighty God. It is, says Rowland Hill, made up of every crime +that treachery, cruelty and murder can invent. Wilberforce says, it is +the full measure of pure, unmixed, unsophisticated wickedness; and +scorning all competition or comparison, it stands without a rival in the +secure, undisputed possession of its detestable pre-eminence. In this +country, slavery is a system which leaves the chastity of one million +females without any protection! which condemns more than two millions of +human beings to remediless bondage! which authorises their sale at +public vendue in company with horses, sheep and hogs, or in a private +manner, at the pleasure of their owners! which, under penalty of +imprisonment, and even death, forbids their being taught the lowest +rudiments of knowledge! which, by the exclusion of their testimony in +courts, subjects them to worse than brutal treatment! which recognizes +no connubial obligations, ruthlessly severs the holiest relations of +life, tears the scarcely weaned babe from the arms of its mother, wives +from their husbands, and parents from their children! But who is +adequate to the task of delineating its horrors, or recording its +atrocities, in full? Who can number the stripes which it inflicts, the +groans and tears and imprecations which it extorts, the cruel murders +which it perpetrates? or who measure the innocent blood which it +spills, or the degradation which it imposes, or the guilt which it +accumulates? or who reveal the waste of property, the perversion of +intellect, the loss of happiness, the burial of mind, to which it is +accessary? or who trace its poisonous influence and soul-destroying +tendency back for two hundred years down to the end of time? None--none +but God himself! It is corrupt as death--black as perdition--cruel and +insatiate as the grave. To adopt the nervous language of another:--The +thing I say is true. I speak the truth, though it is most lamentable. I +dare not hide it, I dare not palliate it; else the horror with which it +covereth me would make me do so. Wo unto such a system! wo unto the men +of this land who have been brought under its operation! It is not felt +to be evil, it is not acknowledged to be evil, it is not preached +against as evil; and, therefore, it is only the more inveterate and +fearful an evil.[H] _It hath become constitutional._ IT IS FED FROM THE +STREAM OF OUR LIFE, and it will grow more and more excessive, until it +can no longer be endured by God, nor borne with by man. + +And this is the system, with which, as the reader has seen, the American +Colonization Society is resolved not to interfere; and with the +upholders of which, ministers of the gospel and professors of religion +of all denominations have made a treaty of peace! Tell it not +abroad--publish it not in the capitals of Europe--lest the despots of +the old world take courage, and infidelity strengthen its stakes! + +If men who are reputedly wise and good--if religious teachers and +political leaders, those whose opinions are almost implicitly adopted, +and whose examples are readily followed by the mass of the people--if +such men suppress their voices on this momentous subject, and turn their +eyes from its contemplation, and give the right hand of fellowship to +the buyers and sellers of human flesh, is there not cause for +lamentation and alarm? The pulpit is false to its trust, and a moral +paralysis has seized the vitals of the church. The sanctity of religion +is thrown, like a mantle, over the horrid system. Under its auspices, +robbery and oppression have become popular and flourishing. The press, +too, by its profound silence, or selfish neutrality, or equivocal +course, or active partizanship, is enlisted in the cause of tyranny--the +mighty press, which has power, if exerted aright, to break every fetter, +and emancipate the land. If this state of things be not speedily +reversed, 'we be all dead men.' Unless the pulpit lift up the voice of +warning, supplication and wo, with a fidelity which no emolument can +bribe, and no threat intimidate; unless the church organise and plan for +the redemption of the benighted slaves, and directly assault the strong +holds of despotism; unless the press awake to its duty, or desist from +its bloody co-operation; as sure as Jehovah lives and is unchangeable, +he will pour out his indignation upon us, and consume us with the fire +of his wrath, and our own way recompense upon our heads. 'Ah, sinful +nation, a people laden with iniquity, a seed of evil doers, children +that are corrupters! When ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine +eyes from you; yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: _your +hands are full of blood_. Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of +your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; learn to do well; +_seek judgment, relieve the oppressed_, judge the fatherless, plead for +the widow. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the +land: but if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: +_for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it_.' + +I know the covert behind which colonizationists take refuge. They +profess to be--and, doubtless, in many instances are--aiming at the +ultimate emancipation of the slaves; but they are all for _gradual_ +abolition--all too courteous to give offence--too sober to be +madmen--too discreet to adopt _rash_ measures. But I shall show, in the +progress of this work, that they not only shield the holders of slaves +from reproach, (and thus, by assuring them of their innocence, destroy +all motives for repentance,) but earnestly dissuade them from +emancipating their slaves without an immediate expulsion. Fine +conceptions of justice! Enemies of slavery, with a vengeance! + +Suppose a similar course had been pursued by the friends of +Temperance--when would have commenced that mighty reformation which has +taken place before our eyes--unparalleled in extent, completeness and +rapidity? Suppose, instead of exposing the guilt of trafficking in +ardent spirits, and demanding instant and entire abstinence, they had +associated themselves together for the exclusive purpose of colonizing +all the drunkards in the land, as a class dangerous to our safety and +irremediably degraded, on a spot where they could not obtain the +poisonous alcohol, but could rise to respect and affluence--how would +such an enterprise have been received? Suppose they had pledged +themselves not to 'meddle' with the business of the traders in +spirituous liquors, or to injure the 'property' of distillers, and had +dwelt upon the folly and danger of 'immediate' abstinence, and had +denounced the advocates of this doctrine as madmen and fanatics, and had +endeavored, moreover, to suppress inquiry into the lawfulness of +rum-selling--how many importers, makers and venders of the liquid poison +would have abandoned their occupation, or how many of the four hundred +thousand individuals, who are now enrolled under the banner of entire +abstinence, would have been united in this great enterprise? Suppose, +further, that, in a lapse of fifteen years, this association had +transported two thousand drunkards, and the tide of intemperance had +continued to rise higher and higher, and some faithful watchmen had +given the alarm and showed the fatal delusion which rested upon the +land, and the Society should have defended itself by pointing to the two +thousand sots who had been saved by its instrumentality--would the +public attention have been successfully diverted from the _immense evil_ +to the _partial good_? Suppose, once more, that this Society, composed +indiscriminately of rum-sellers and sober, pious men, on being charged +with perpetuating the evils of intemperance, with removing only some of +the fruits thereof instead of the tree itself, should have indignantly +repelled the charge, and said--'We are as much opposed to drunkenness, +and as heartily deprecate its existence, as any of our violent, +fanatical opposers; but the holders of ardent spirit have invested their +capital in it, and to destroy its sale would invade the right of +_property_; policy at least, bids us not to assail their conduct, as +otherwise we might exasperate them, and so lose their aid in colonizing +the tipplers.' What would have been accomplished? But no such logic was +used: the duty of immediate reform was constantly pressed upon the +people, and a mighty reform took place. + +Colonizationists boast inordinately of having emancipated three or four +hundred slaves by their scheme, and contemptuously inquire of +abolitionists, 'What have _you_ effected?' Many persons have been +deceived by this _show_ of success, and deem it conclusive evidence of +the usefulness of the Colonization Society. But, in the first place, it +is very certain that none of these slaves were liberated in consequence +of the faithful appeals of the Society to the consciences of the +masters; for it has never troubled their consciences by any such +appeals. Secondly, it is obvious that these manumissions are the fruits +of the uncompromising doctrines of abolitionists; for they are +calculated to bring slaveholders to repentance, and they will yet +liberate other slaves to be caught up and claimed by the Society as +trophies of its success. Thirdly, it has been shown that while this +Society (allowing it the utmost that it claims) is effecting very little +and very doubtful good, it is inflicting upon the nation great and +positive evil, by refusing to arraign the oppressors at the bar of +eternal justice, and by obstructing the formation of abolition +societies. It rivets a thousand fetters where it breaks one. It annually +removes, on an average, two hundred of our colored population, whereas +the annual increase is about seventy thousand. It releases some scores +of slaves, and says to the owners of more than two millions--'Hold on! +don't emancipate too fast!' + +What have the abolitionists _done_? They have done more, during the past +year, to overthrow the system of slavery, than has been accomplished by +the gradualists in half a century. They have succeeded in fastening the +attention of the nation upon its enormities, and in piercing the callous +consciences of the planters. They are reforming and consolidating public +opinion, dispelling the mists of error, inspiring the hearts of the +timid, enlightening the eyes of the blind, and disturbing the slumbers +of the guilty. Colonizationists gather a few leaves which the tree has +cast off, and vaunt of the deed: abolitionists 'lay the axe at once to +its roots, and put their united nerve into the steel'--nor shall their +strokes be in vain--for soon shall 'this great poison-tree of lust and +blood, and of all abominable and heartless iniquity, fall before them; +and law and love, and God and man, shout victory over its ruin.' + +Has the reader duly considered the fatal admissions of the advocates of +the colonization scheme, presented in the preceding pages? Some of them +it may be serviceable to the cause of truth and justice to recapitulate. + +1. _The Society does not aim directly at the instruction of the blacks: +their moral, intellectual and political improvement within the United +States, is foreign to its powers._ + +2. _The public safety forbids either the emancipation or the general +instruction of the slaves._ + +3. _The Society properly enough stands aloof from the question of +slavery._ + +4. _It is ready to pass censure upon abolition societies._ + +5. _It involves no intrusion on property, nor even upon prejudice._ + +6. _It has no wish, if it could, to interfere in the smallest degree +with the system of slavery._ + +7. _It acknowledges the necessity by which the present continuance of +the system and the rigorous provisions for its maintenance are +justified._ + +8. _It denies the design of attempting emancipation either partial or +general: into its accounts the subject of emancipation does not enter at +all: it has no intention to open the door to universal liberty._ + +9. _The rights of masters are to remain sacred in the eyes of the +Society._ + +10. _It condemns no man because he is a slaveholder._ + +Each of these particulars deserves a volume of comments, but I am +compelled to dismiss them in rotation with a single remark. + +1. One reason assigned by the Society for refusing to promote the +education of our colored population, is, a dread of exciting 'the +_prejudices_ and _terrors_ of the slaveholding States'! Is it credible? +As far, then, as this Society extends its influence, more than two +millions of ignorant, degraded beings in this boasted land of liberty +and light have nothing to hope: their moral, intellectual and political +improvement is foreign to its powers! Cruel neglect! barbarous +coalition! A sinful fear of rousing the prejudices of oppressors +outweighs the claims of the contemned blacks, the requirements of the +gospel, the dictates of humanity, and the convictions of duty. Will this +plea avail aught at the bar of God? Millions of our countrymen purposely +kept in darkness, although we are able to pour daylight upon their +vision, merely to gratify and protect their buyers and sellers! + +2. There never was a more abominable or more absurd heresy propagated, +than the assumption that the public safety would be jeoparded by an +immediate compliance with the demands of justice: yet it has obtained +among all orders of society. Even ministers of the gospel, who are bound +to cry aloud, and spare not,--to lift up their voices like a trumpet, +and show this guilty nation its sins,--to say to the holders of slaves, +'Loose the bands of wickedness, undo the heavy burdens, let the +oppressed go free, _and break every yoke_,'--even they fly to this +subterfuge, and deprecate a general emancipation. On this subject, 'they +know not what they do;' they reason like madmen or atheists; they +advance sentiments which unhinge the moral government of the universe, +and directly encourage the commission of the most heinous crimes. How +long would any one of their number retain his situation, if he were to +preach in explicit terms to his congregation as follows?--'My dear +hearers, if any among you are daily oppressing the weak, or defrauding +the poor, do not cease from your robbery and cruelty at once, as you +value your own happiness and the welfare of society! Relax your +tyrannous grasp gradually from the throat of your neighbor, and steal +not quite so much from him this year as you did the last!'--But they +emphatically hold this language whenever they advise slaveholders not to +repent _en masse_, or too hastily. The public safety, they say, forbids +emancipation! or, in other words, the public safety depends upon your +persistance in cheating, whipping, starving, debasing your slaves! Nay, +more--many of them, horrible to tell, are traffickers in human flesh! +'For this thing which it cannot bear, the earth is disquieted. The +gospel of peace and mercy preached by him who steals, buys and sells the +purchase of Messiah's blood!--rulers of the church making merchandize of +their brethren's souls!--and Christians trading the persons of men!'[I] + +3. The system of slavery is full of danger, outrage, desolation and +death--'a volcano in full operation'--a monster that is annually +supplied with sixty thousand new victims, devoured as soon as born--and +yet the Colonization Society 'properly enough stands aloof' from it!! It +utters no lamentations--makes no supplications--gives no +rebukes--presents no motives for repentance! + +4. The Society is not only ready to pass, but it is constantly bestowing +its censure upon abolition societies. It represents their members as +guided by a visionary, wild and fanatical spirit, as invaders of rights +which are sacred, incendiaries, disturbers of the peace of society, and +enemies to the safety and happiness of the planters. Determining itself +to avoid the question of emancipation--to leave millions of human beings +to pine in bondage without exposing the guilt of the oppressors--it +endeavors to prevent any other association agitating the subject. Hence +between colonization and abolition societies there is no affinity of +feeling or action; and hence arises the cause, inexplicable to many, +why they cannot pursue their objects amicably together. + +5. The attempt of the Society to conciliate the holders of slaves must +result either in disappointment, or in an abandonment of the path of +duty. If they are guilty of robbery and oppression, they must be +arraigned as criminals, or they never will reform: for why should +honest, benevolent men change their conduct? If, through a false +delicacy of feeling or cringing policy, their wickedness be covered up, +alas for the slaves, and alas for the regeneration of the south! all +hope is lost. + +6. The Society has no wish, _if it could_, to interfere with the system +of slavery! Monstrous indifference, or barbarous cruelty! And yet it +presumes to occupy the whole ground of the controversy, and to direct +the actions of the friends of the blacks throughout the land! By the +phrase '_interfere_,' is meant no desire to contest the claims of the +planters to their bondmen, or to kindle the indignation of the people +against their atrocious practices. + +7. It appears that all those terrible enactments which have been made +for the government of the slaves--such, for example, as forbid their +learning to read under the penalty of stripes, and even death--are +acknowledged by the Society to be necessary for the maintenance of +order! What a concession! + +8. Sometimes we are told that the Society is aiming at the liberation of +all the slaves, and then that it has no design of attempting either +partial or general emancipation: so contradictory are its assurances! It +is manifest that it does not mean to touch the question of slavery; and +hence the imperious necessity of forming abolition societies. + +9. The rights of masters are to remain sacred in the eyes of the +Society! What rights? Those by which the intelligent creatures of God +are bought and sold and used like cattle? those which are founded upon +piracy, cruelty and outrage?[J] Yes! This, then, is an abandonment of +the ground of right and justice, and ends the controversy between truth +and error. + +10. It condemns no man because he is a slaveholder! Certainly, then, it +allows that slaveholders are upright men--not guilty of fraud--not +oppressors--not extortioners! and that the slaves are truly and justly +their property--not entitled to freedom--not better than cattle--not +conscious of evil treatment--not worthy of remuneration for their +toil--not rational and accountable beings! + +FOOTNOTES: + +[H] The term evil is used here in a criminal sense. I know that +colonizationists regard slavery as an evil; but an evil which has been +_entailed_ upon this land, for the existence of which we are no more to +blame than for the prevalence of plague or famine. + +[I] 'If the most guilty and daring transgressor be sought, he is a +Gospel Minister, who solemnly avows his belief of the Presbyterian +Confession of Faith, or the Methodist Discipline, and notwithstanding +himself is a Negro Pedler, who steals, buys, sells, and keeps his +brethren in slavery, or supports by his taciturnity, or his smooth +prophesying, or his direct defence, the Christian professor who unites +in the kidnapping trade. Truth forces the declaration, that every church +officer, or member, who is a slaveholder, records himself, by his own +creed, a hypocrite!' * * 'To pray and kidnap! to commune and rob men's +all! to preach justice, and steal the laborer with his recompense! to +recommend mercy to others, and exhibit cruelty in our own conduct! to +explain religious duties, and ever impede the performance of them! to +propound the example of Christ and his Apostles, and declare that a +slaveholder imitates them! to enjoin an observance of the Lord's day, +and drive the slaves from the temple of God! to inculcate every social +affection, and instantly exterminate them! to expatiate upon bliss +eternal, and preclude sinners from obtaining it! to unfold the woes of +Tophet, and not drag men from its fire! are the most preposterous +delusion, and the most consummate mockery.' * * * 'The Church of God +groans. It is the utmost Satanic delusion to talk of religion and +slavery. Be not deceived: to affirm that a slaveholder is a genuine +disciple of Jesus Christ, is most intelligible contradiction. A brother +of Him who went about doing good, and steal, enslave, torment, starve +and scourge a man because his skin is of a different tinge! Such +Christianity is the Devil's manufacture to delude souls to the regions +of wo.'--REV. GEORGE BOURNE. + +[J] 'We are told not to meddle with vested rights: I have a sacred +feeling about vested rights; but when vested rights become vested +wrongs, I am less scrupulous about them.'--_Speech of Rev. Mr. Burnett, +of England._ + + + + +SECTION II. + +THE AMERICAN COLONIZATION SOCIETY APOLOGISES FOR SLAVERY AND +SLAVEHOLDERS. + + +My charges against the American Colonization Society acquire breadth and +solemnity as I progress in my task. I have fairly and abundantly +sustained my first,--_that the Society is not the enemy of the +slave-system_; and I now proceed to prove my second,--_that it +apologises for slavery and slaveholders_. + + 'There is a golden mean, which all who would pursue the solid + interest and reputation of their country may discern at the very + heart of their confederation, and will both advocate and + enforce--a principle, of justice, conciliation and humanity--a + principle, sir, which is not inconsistent with itself, and yet + can sigh over the degradation of the slave, _defend the wisdom + and prudence of the South against the charge of studied and + pertinacious cruelty_,' &c.--[Address of Robert F. Stockton, + Esq. at the Eighth Annual Meeting of the Parent Society.] + + + 'It is a fact, given us on the most unquestionable authority, + that there are now in the southern States of our union, + hundreds, and even thousands of proprietors, who would gladly + give liberty to their slaves, but are deterred by the + apprehension of doing injury to their country, and perhaps to + the slaves themselves.'--[Discourse by the Rev. Dr. + Dana.--African Repository, vol. i. p. 145.] + + + 'Guarding that system, the existence of which, though + _unfortunate_, THEY DEEM NECESSARY.'--[African Repository, vol. + i. p. 227.] + + + 'We all know from a variety of considerations which it is + unnecessary to name, and in consequence of the policy which is + obliged to be pursued in the southern States, that it is + extremely difficult to free a slave, and hence the enactment of + those laws _which a fatal necessity seems to demand_.'--[African + Repository, vol. ii. p. 12.] + + + 'They are convinced, that there are now hundreds of masters who + are so only from _necessity_.'--[Memorial of the Society to the + several States.--A. R. vol. ii. p. 60.] + + + '_I do not condemn_, let me be understood, _their detention in + bondage_ under the circumstances which are yet existing.'--['The + Colonization Society Vindicated.'--Idem, vol. iii. p. 201.] + + + 'A third point in which the first promoters of this object were + united, is, that few individual slaveholders can, in the present + state of things, emancipate their slaves if they would. There is + a certain relation between the proprietor of slaves and the + beings thus thrown upon him, which is far more complicated, and + far less easily dissolved, than a mind unacquainted with the + subject is ready to imagine. The relation is one which, where it + exists, grows out of the very structure of society, and for the + existence of which, the master is ordinarily as little + accountable as the slave.' + + 'He [the planter] looks around him and sees that the condition + of the great mass of emancipated Africans is one _in comparison + with which the condition of his slaves is enviable_;--and he is + convinced that if he withdraws from his slaves his authority, + his support, his protection, and leaves them to shift for + themselves, he turns them out to be vagabonds, and paupers, and + felons, and to find in the work-house and the penitentiary, the + home which they ought to have retained on his paternal + acres.--Hundreds of humane and Christian slaveholders retain + their fellow-men in bondage, because _they are convinced that + they can do no better_.'--[Address of the Managers of the + Colonization Society of Connecticut.--Af. Rep. vol. iv. pp. 119, + 120.] + + + 'I AM NOT COMPLAINING OF THE OWNERS OF SLAVES; they cannot get + rid of them.--_I do not doubt that masters treat their slaves + with kindness_, nor that the slaves are happier than they could + be if set free in this country.'--[Address delivered before the + Hampden Col. Soc., July 4th, 1828, by Wm. B. O. Peabody, Esq.] + + + '_Policy_, and even _the voice of humanity_ forbade the progress + of manumission; and the _salutary hand of law_ came forward to + co-operate with our convictions, and to arrest the flow of our + feelings, and the ardor of our desires.'--[Review of the Report + of the Committee of Foreign Relations.--Af. Rep. vol. iv. p. + 268.] + + + 'When an owner of slaves tells me that he will freely relinquish + his slaves, or even that he will relinquish one-half of their + value, _on condition that he be compensated for the other half_, + and provision be made for their transportation, I feel that he + has made a generous proposal, and _I cannot charge him with all + the guilt of slavery_, though he may continue to be a + slaveholder.'--[Af. Rep. vol. v. p. 63.] + + + 'Even slavery must be viewed as a great national calamity; a + public evil entailed upon us by untoward circumstances, _and + perpetuated for the want of appropriate remedies_.'--[Idem, vol. + v. p. 89.] + + + 'Slavery is an evil which is entailed upon the present + generation of slaveholders, which they must suffer, _whether + they will or not_.'--[Idem, p. 179.] + + + 'Our brethren of the South, have the same sympathies, the same + moral sentiments, the same love of liberty as ourselves. By them + as by us, slavery is felt to be an evil, a hindrance to our + prosperity, and a blot upon our character. But it was in being + when they were born, and has been forced upon them by a previous + generation.'--[Address of Rev. Dr. Nott.--Idem, p. 277.] + + + 'With a writer in the Southern Review we say, "the situation of + the people of these States was not of their choosing. When they + came to the inheritance, it was subject to this mighty + incumbrance, and it would be criminal in them to rain or waste + the estate, to get rid of the burden at once." With this writer + we add also, in the language of Captain Hall, that the + "slaveholders ought not (immediately) to disentangle themselves + from the obligations which have devolved upon them, as the + masters of slaves." We believe that a master _may_ sustain his + relation to the slave, with as little criminality as the slave + sustains his relation to the master.' * * * 'Slavery, in its + mildest form, is an evil of the darkest character. Cruel and + unnatural in its origin, no plea can be urged in justification + of its continuance but the plea of _necessity_.'--[Af. Rep. vol. + v. pp. 329, 334.] + + + 'How much more consistent and powerful would be our example, but + for that population within our limits, whose condition + (_necessary_ condition, I will not deny) is so much at war with + our institutions, and with that memorable national + Declaration--"that all men are created equal."'--[Fourteenth + Ann. Report.] + + + '_It_ [the Society] _condemns no man because he is a + slaveholder._' * * * 'They [abolitionists] confound the + _misfortunes_ of one generation with the crimes of another, and + would sacrifice both individual and public good to an + _unsubstantial theory of the rights of man_.'--[A. R. vol. vii. + pp. 200, 202.] + + + 'Many thousand individuals in our native State, you well know, + Mr President, are restrained, said Mr Mercer, from manumitting + their slaves, as you and I are, by the melancholy conviction, + that they cannot yield to the suggestions of humanity, without + manifest injury to their country.' * * * 'The laws of Virginia + now discourage, and very wisely, perhaps, the emancipation of + slaves.'--[Speech of Mr Mercer.--First Annual Report.] + + + 'We are ready even to grant, for our present purpose, that, so + far as mere animal existence is concerned, the slaves have no + reason to complain, and the friends of humanity have no reason + to complain for them.' * * * 'There are men in the southern + states, who long to do something effectual for the benefit of + their slaves, and would gladly emancipate them, did not + _prudence_ and _compassion_ alike forbid such a + measure.'--[Review of the Reports of the Society, from the + Christian Spectator.--Seventh Annual Report.] + + + 'Such unhappily is the case; but there is a _necessity_ for it, + [for oppressive laws,] and so long as they remain amongst us + will that necessity continue.'--[Ninth Annual Report.] + + + 'I MAY BE PERMITTED TO DECLARE THAT I WOULD BE A SLAVEHOLDER + TO-DAY WITHOUT SCRUPLE.'--[Fourteenth Annual Report.] + + + 'For the existence of slavery in the United States, those, and + those only, are accountable who bore a part in originating such + a constitution of society. The bible contains no explicit + prohibition of slavery. There is neither chapter nor verse of + holy writ, which lends any countenance to the fulminating spirit + of universal emancipation, of which some exhibitions may be seen + in some of the newspapers.' * * * 'The embarrassment which many + a philanthropic proprietor has felt in relation to his slaves, + has been but little known at the north, and has had but little + sympathy. He finds himself the lord of perhaps a hundred human + beings; and is anxious to do them all the good in his power. He + would emancipate them; but if he does, their prospect of + happiness can hardly be said to be improved by the change. Some + half a dozen, perhaps, in the hundred, become industrious and + useful members of society; and the rest are mere vagabonds, + idle, wicked, and miserable.' + + --[Review on African Colonization.--Vide the Christian Spectator + for September, 1830, in which the reader will find an elaborate + apology for the system of slavery, and this, too, by a + clergyman!] + + + 'The existence of slavery among us, though not at all to be + objected to our southern brethren as a _fault_, is yet a blot on + our national character, and a mighty drawback from our national + strength.'--[Second Annual Report of the N. Y. State Col. Soc.] + + + 'Entertaining these views of this fearful subject, why should + our opponents endeavor to prejudice our cause with our southern + friends? And we are the more anxious on this point, for we + sincerely entertain exalted notions of their sense of right, of + their manliness and independence of feeling--of their dignity of + deportment--of their honorable and chivalric turn of thought, + which spurns a mean act as death. And if I was allowed to + indulge a personal feeling, I would say that there is something + to my mind in the candor, hospitality and intelligence of the + South, which charms and captives, which wins its way to the + heart and gives assurance of all that is upright, honorable, and + humane. There is no people that treat their slaves with so + little cruelty and with so much kindness. There is nothing in + the condition of slavery more congenial with the feelings of the + South than with the feelings of the North. Philanthropy and + benevolence flourish with as much vigor with them as with + us--their hearts are as warm as ours--they feel for the + distresses of others with as much acuteness as we do--their ears + are as open to the calls of charity as ours--they as deeply + regret as we do the existence of slavery--and oh! how their + hearts would thrill with delight, if the mighty incubus could be + removed without injury or destruction to every thing around + them.'--[Speech of James S. Green, Esq. on the same occasion.] + + + 'Many of the best citizens of our land are holders of slaves, + and hold them IN STRICT ACCORDANCE WITH THE PRINCIPLES OF + HUMANITY AND JUSTICE.'--[Rev. Thomas T. Skillman, editor of the + Western Luminary, an ardent supporter of the Col. Soc.] + + + 'It is a very common impression that a principal evil of the + condition of the southern blacks, is the severity of their + treatment. THIS IS AN ERROR. It is almost every where + disreputable to treat slaves with severity; and though there are + indeed exceptions, yet in most cases in the South, even tyranny + itself could not long withstand the reproaches of public + opinion. A STILL GREATER AND MORE DANGEROUS EVIL, IS THE VERY + REVERSE. It is _indulgence_; not only in such things as are + proper and innocent, but in indolent habits and vicious + propensities.' + + --[From an address prepared for the use of those who advocate + the cause of the African Education Society at Washington--a + Society which educates none but those who consent to remove to + Liberia.] + + + 'How should a benevolent Virginian, in view of the fact, that + out of thirty-seven thousand free people of color in his State, + only two hundred were proprietors of land, how should he be in + favor of general emancipation? But, show him, that if he will + emancipate his slaves, there is a way in which he can without + doubt improve their condition, while he rids himself of a + grievous burden, and he will promptly obey the demands of + justice--he will then feel that his generous wishes can with + certainty be fulfilled. While he knows that scarcely any thing + is done to meliorate the condition of those now free, and + reflects on the many obstacles in the way of doing it in this + land, he feels bound by a regard to what he owes himself--his + children--his country, and even his slaves themselves, not to + emancipate them. For he is sure, that, by emancipation, he will + only add to the wretchedness of the one, and at the same time + put at imminent hazard the dearest interests of the other. Thus + he is forced to refrain from manumission, and not only so, but + against all his benevolent inclinations, he is forced to + co-operate with his fellow-citizens in sustaining the present + system of slavery. He would most cheerfully follow the impulse + of his noblest feelings--he would remove the curse which the + short-sighted policy of his fathers entailed upon him; but he + cannot disregard the first law of nature; especially not, when, + were he to do it, he would render the _curse_ still more + calamitous in its consequences.'--[An advocate of the + Colonization Society in the Middletown (Connecticut) Gazette.] + + + 'Slavery is indeed a curse; and bitter is the lot of him who is + born with slaves on his hands. And now, instead of denouncing as + inhuman and unmerciful monsters and tyrants, those who are thus + _unfortunate_, I say, let the commiseration and pity of every + good citizen and christian in the land be excited, and let + fervent prayers be offered in their behalf, and that God would + direct the whole American mind to the adoption of the most + effectual measures for the accomplishment of the total abolition + of slavery.'--[New-Haven Religious Intelligencer for July 16, + 1831.] + + + 'Special reference will also be had to the condition and wishes + of the slave States. In most of them it is a prevailing + sentiment, that it is not safe to furnish slaves with the means + of instruction. Much as we lament the reasons for this + sentiment, and the _apparent necessity_ of keeping a single + fellow creature in ignorance, we willingly leave to others the + consideration and the remedy of this evil, in view of the + overwhelming magnitude of the remaining objects before + us.'--[Address of the Board of Managers of the African Education + Society of the United States.] + + + 'And when we [of New-England] did emancipate our slaves, we were + driven to the measure by the force of example; and we did not do + it until it was found quite convenient; and then what provision + was made for the poor blacks? Let our State Prison records + answer the question. Our Southern brethren have been _more + kind_: they will not emancipate them until they send them where + they can enjoy _liberty_, more than in name. As a Northern man I + feel it my duty, and I take pleasure in giving the _meed of + praise_ to my Southern brethren.'--[Speech of Rev. Mr Gallaudet, + at a colonization meeting in New-York city.] + + + 'The slave works for his master, who feeds and clothes him, + defends him from harm, and takes care of him when he is sick. + The free colored man works for himself, and has nobody to take + care of him but himself.' + + --[From a little colonization work, published in Baltimore in + 1828, 'for the use of the African Schools in the United + States'!! entitled 'A Voice from Africa.'] + + + 'The slaveholder will tell you, that he did not take liberty + from the African--he was a slave when he found him, and he is no + more than a slave yet. The man who owns one hundred acres of + land more than he can cultivate himself, is as much a + slaveholder as he who owns a slave.'--[An advocate of + colonization in the Richmond (Indiana) Palladium for Oct. 1, + 1831.] + + + 'I DO NOT MEAN TO SPEAK OF SLAVERY AS A SYSTEM OF CRUELTY AND OF + SUFFERING. On this point I am free to say, from personal + observation and occasional residences for some years at the + South, there has been much misapprehension among our + fellow-citizens of the North. And I rejoice to add, that _the + condition of the slaves generally is such as the friends of + humanity have no reason to complain of_.'--[Oration delivered at + Newark, N. J. July 4th, 1831, by Gabriel P. Disosway, Esq.] + + + 'Slavery, it is true, is an evil--a national evil. Every + laudable effort to exterminate it should be encouraged. And we + presume that nine-tenths of the slaveholders themselves, would + rejoice at the event, could it be accomplished, of the entire + freedom from the country of every person of color, and would + willingly relinquish every slave in their possession. But the + slaves _are_ in their possession--they are entailed upon them by + their ancestors. And can they set them free, and still suffer + them to remain in the country? Would this be policy? Would it be + safe? No. When they can be transported to the soil from whence + they were derived--by the aid of the Colonization Society, by + Government, by individuals, or by any other means--then let them + be emancipated, and not before.'--[Lowell (Mass.) Telegraph.] + +It is a self-evident proposition, that just so far as you alleviate the +pressure of guilt upon the consciences of evil doers, you weaken the +power of motive to repent, and encourage them to sin with impunity. To +descant upon the wrongs of the slave-system, and yet exonerate the +supporters of it from reprehension, is to deal in absurdities: we might +preach in this manner until the crack of doom, and never gain a convert. +Paradoxes may amuse, but they never convince the mind. + +Now, I defy the most ingenious advocates of perpetual slavery to produce +stronger arguments in its favor than are given in the foregoing +extracts. What better plea could they make? what higher justification +could they need? Nay, these apologies of colonizationists represent +oppression not merely as innocent, but even commendable--as a system of +benevolence, upheld by philanthropists and sages! + +'I do not condemn the detention of the slaves in bondage under the +circumstances which are yet existing,' says an advocate; by which +consolatory avowal we are taught that the criminality of man-stealing +depends upon _circumstances_, and not upon the fact that it is a daring +violation of the rights of man and the laws of God. + +'The planter sees that the condition of the great mass of emancipated +Africans is one, in comparison with which the condition of his slaves is +_enviable_,' assert the Board of Managers!--a concession which +transforms robbery into generosity, cruelty into mercy, and leads the +slaveholder to believe that, instead of deserving censure, his conduct +is really meritorious!--a concession which is at war with common sense, +and contrary to truth. + +'I am not complaining of the owners of slaves--I do not doubt that the +slaves are happier than they could be if set free in this country,' +declares an apologist, even in Massachusetts! Stripes and servitude +would doubtless soon alter his opinion. With him, to sell human beings +at public auction, and to separate husbands and wives, and children and +parents, is not a subject of complaint! and to be a slave, to be fed +upon a peck of corn per week, unable to possess property, liable to be +torn from the partner of his bosom and children at a moment's warning +mal-treated worse than a brute, &c. &c. &c. is more desirable than to be +a free man, able to acquire wealth, unrestricted in his movements, from +whom none may wrest his wife or children, and who can find redress for +any outrage upon his person or property! + +'Policy, and even _humanity_,' cries another, 'forbid the progress of +manumission'! Indeed! But is it right to hold our fellow creatures as +chattels, and to perpetuate their ignorance and servitude? O no! this is +_wrong_, but it would be a greater wrong to emancipate them! Is this +folly or villany? To oppress our brother is wrong, but to cease from +oppressing him would not be right! + +'I would be a slaveholder to-day without scruple,' says another +advocate. + +'Many owners of slaves,' another declares, 'hold them in strict +accordance with the principles of humanity and justice'!!! Yes, to +deprive men of their inalienable rights is to do unto them as we would +have them do unto us! + +Finally, another boldly declares that the slaves are treated _too +indulgently_!--The laws which regard them as beasts, but punish them for +the commission of crime as severely as if they possessed the knowledge +of angels, he must suppose are too lenient. Their allowance of corn is +too liberal; they ought not to wear any raiment; to sleep in their +wretched huts is calculated to make them effeminate--the open field is a +more suitable place for cattle; no religious instruction should be +granted even orally to them! The slaves, as a body, too kindly treated! +The Lord have compassion upon any of their number who shall come under +the control of him who holds this opinion! + +Sentiments, like these, act upon the consciences of slave owners like +opiates upon the body, lulling them into a slumber as profound and fatal +as death. It were almost as hopeless a task to attempt to arouse, alarm +and animate them, so long as they repose under the stupefying effects of +this poison, as to raise the dead. This must not be. Slaveholders are +the enemies of God and man; their garments are red with the blood of +souls; their guilt is aggravated beyond the power of language to +describe; and they must be made to see and realise their awful +condition. Truth must send its arrows into their consciences, and Terror +rouse them to exertion, and Conviction bring them upon their knees, and +Repentance propitiate the anger of Heaven, or they perish by the sword. +The slaves must be free; and He who is no respecter of person is now +holding out to us this alternative--either to wait until they burst +their chains and wade through a river of blood to freedom, or to +liberate them willingly ourselves. Can we hesitate in our choice? Be +this our only reply to those who apologise for the oppressors, and fix +the standard of policy higher than that of duty: 'Wo unto them that call +evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for +darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Wo unto them +that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight! which +justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the +righteous from him!' + + + + +SECTION III. + +THE AMERICAN COLONIZATION SOCIETY RECOGNISES SLAVES AS PROPERTY. + + +The heresies of this combination are flagrant and numerous. A larger +volume than this is needed to define and illustrate them all. Much +important evidence, and many pertinent reflections, I am compelled to +suppress. + +My next allegation against it is, _that it recognises slaves as +property_. This recognition is not merely technical, or strictly +confined to a statutable interpretation. I presume the advocates of the +Society will attempt to evade this point, by saying that it never meant +to concede the moral right of the masters to possess human beings; but +the evidence against them is full and explicit. The Society, if language +mean any thing, does unequivocally acknowledge property in slaves to be +as legitimate and sacred as any other property, of which to deprive the +owners either by force or by legislation, without making restitution, +would be unjust and tyrannical. Here is the proof: + + 'It interferes in no wise with the _rights of property_.' * * + 'It is utterly opposed to any measures which might infringe upon + the _rights of property_.' * * 'We hold their slaves _as we hold + their other property_, SACRED.'--[African Repository, vol. i. + pp. 39, 225, 283.] + + + 'Does this Society wish to meddle with our slaves as our + _rightful property_? I answer _no_, I think not.' * * 'The + Society cannot be justly charged with aiming to disturb the + _rights of property_ or the peace of society.' * * 'It seeks to + affect no man's _property_.' * * 'To found in Africa, an empire + of _christians and republicans_; to reconduct the blacks to + their native land, without disturbing the order of society, the + _laws of property_, or the rights of individuals,' &c.--[African + Repository, vol. ii. pp. 13, 58, 334, 375.] + + + 'They are also convinced, that the Society have conducted their + operations with so much prudence, as to give no cause of alarm + to the holders of slaves, for the security of _this + property_.'--[African Repository, volume iii. p. 341.] + + + 'The rights of masters are to remain sacred in the eyes of the + Society.'--[African Repository, vol. iv. p. 274.] + + 'The Society has never interfered, and has no disposition to + interfere with the rights of private property.' * * 'The alarm + for the rights of property appears to have subsided, and the + Society is no longer charged with any sinister or insidious + design. It has constantly disclaimed any intention of disturbing + the rights of others; and its conduct entitles its declaration + to credit.' * * 'The American Colonization Society has, at all + times, solemnly disavowed any purpose of interference with the + institutions or rights of our Southern communities.' * * 'Our + friends, who are cursed with this greatest of human evils + (slavery) deserve our kindest attention and consideration. Their + _property_ and safety are both involved.'--[African Repository, + vol. v. pp. 215, 241, 307, 334.] + + + 'It has constantly disclaimed all intention whatever of + interfering, in the smallest degree, with the rights of + property.' * * 'The Society, from considerations like these, + whilst it disclaims the remotest idea of ever disturbing the + _right of property_ in slaves,' &c. * * 'It is not the object of + this Society to liberate slaves, or touch the rights of + _property_.' * * 'Honorable instances might be adduced of + _disinterested benevolence_ on the part of the owners of slaves, + and of their _sacrificing property_ to a large amount, in their + enfranchisement and restoration to the land of their ancestors.' + * * 'The American Society has disclaimed from the first moment + of its institution, all intention of interfering with _rights of + property_.' * * 'The federal government has no control over this + subject: it concerns rights of property secured by the federal + compact, upon which our civil liberties mainly depend; it is a + part of the same collection of political rights; and _any + invasion of it would impair the tenure by which every other is + held_.' * * 'It is equally plain and undeniable, that the + Society in the prosecution of this work, has never interfered or + evinced even a disposition to interfere in any way with the + _rights of proprietors of slaves_.' * * 'The slaveholder, so far + from having just cause to complain of the Colonization Society, + has reason to congratulate himself, that in this Institution a + channel is opened up, in which the public feeling and public + action can flow on, without doing violence to his + _rights_.'--[African Repository, vol. vi. pp. 13, 69, 81, 153, + 165, 169, 205, 363.] + + + 'It was proper again and again to repeat, that it was far from + the intention of the Society to affect, in any manner, the + tenure by which a _certain species of property_ is held. He was + himself a slaveholder; _and he considered that kind of property + as inviolable as any other in the country_.'--[Speech of Henry + Clay.--First Annual Report.] + + + 'Your committee would not thus favorably regard the prayer of + the memorialists, if it sought to impair, _in the slightest + degree, the rights of private property_.'--[Report of the + committee of the House of Representatives of the United States, + on the memorial of the President and Board of Managers of the + Colonization Society.--Second Annual Report.] + + + 'The Society has at all times recognised the constitutional and + LEGITIMATE existence of slavery.'--[Tenth Annual Report.] + + + 'The Society protests that it has no designs on the rights of + the master in the slave--or the property in his slave, which the + laws guarantee to him.'--[Fourteenth Annual Report.] + + + 'Something he must yet be allowed to say, as regarded the object + the Society was set up to accomplish. This object, if he + understood it aright, _involved no intrusion on property_, NOR + EVEN UPON PREJUDICE.'--[Fifteenth Annual Report.] + + + 'To the slaveholder, who had charged upon them the wicked design + of interfering with the RIGHTS OF PROPERTY under the specious + pretext of removing a vicious and dangerous free population, + they address themselves in a tone of conciliation and sympathy. + We know your rights, say they, and _we respect them_.' * * + 'Equally absurd and false is the objection, that this Society + seeks indirectly to disturb the rights of property, and to + interfere with the well established relation subsisting between + master and slave.'--[African Repository, vol. vii. pp. 100, + 228.] + + + 'I repeat, that though not a slaveholder, yet I think that every + man ought to be protected in his property, and as the laws of + our country have decreed that negroes are property, every person + that holds a slave, according to these laws, ought to be + protected.'--['A new and interesting View of Slavery.' By + Humanitas, a colonization advocate. Baltimore, 1820.] + + + 'We are made to disregard this description of _property_, and to + touch without reserve the _rights_ of our + neighbors.'--[Proceedings of the First Annual Meeting of the + New-Jersey Colonization Society.] + +Thus the American Colonization Society shamelessly surrenders the claims +of justice, and leaves the enemies of oppression weaponless! Hence it +rejects the proposition, that _man cannot hold property in man_; and we +are called upon to prove that which is self-evident. No accidental +differences of condition or complexion--no vicissitudes of fortune--no +reprisal or purchase or inheritance, can justly make one individual the +slave of another. When God created man, he gave him dominion over the +fowls of the air and the beasts of the field; but not over his fellow +man. 'All men are born free and equal,' and are 'made of one blood.' +Shall we look to wealth as giving one a title to the labor and freedom +of another? Wealth is the creature of circumstances, and not an +arbitrary law of nature. It takes to itself wings, and flies away; and +he who is an opulent tyrant to-day, may on this principle be an +impoverished slave to-morrow. Does physical strength make valid this +claim? This, too, is evanescent: sickness and age would ultimately +degrade the most muscular tyrants to servitude; and mankind would be +composed of but two parties--the strong and the weak. Can high birth +annul the rights of the lower classes? There is no difference at their +birth, between the children of the beggar and those of the king. 'We +brought nothing into this world,' says an inspired apostle, 'and it is +certain we can carry nothing out.' + +Man is created a rational being; and therefore he is a subject of moral +government, and accountable. Being rational and accountable, he is bound +to improve his mind and intellect. With this design, his Creator has +outstretched the heavens, and set the sun in his course, and hung out +the burning jewels of the sky, and spread abroad the green earth, and +poured out the seas, that he might steadily progress in knowledge. + +The slaves are men; they were born, then, as free as their masters; they +cannot be property; and he who denies them an opportunity to improve +their faculties, comes into collision with Jehovah, and incurs a fearful +responsibility. But we know that they are not treated like rational +beings, and that oppression almost entirely obliterates their sense of +moral obligation to God or man. + +I fully coincide in opinion with the authoress of a work entitled, +'IMMEDIATE, NOT GRADUAL ABOLITION,' that the holder of a slave, whether +he obtained him by purchase or by inheritance, is as guilty as the +original thief.[K] The wretch who stole him could by no possible means +acquire or transmit the right to make a slave of him, or to keep him in +slavery. _He has a right to his liberty:_--through whatever number of +transfers the usurpation of it may have passed, the right is +undiminished. + +No man, says Algernon Sidney, can have a right over others, unless it be +by them granted to him: That which is not just, is not law; and that +which is not law, ought not to be in force: Whosoever grounds his +pretensions of right upon usurpation and tyranny, declares himself to be +an usurper and a tyrant--that is, an enemy to God and man--and to have +no right at all: _That which was unjust in its beginning, can of itself +never change its nature:_ HE WHO PERSISTS IN DOING INJUSTICE, AGGRAVATES +IT, AND TAKES UPON HIMSELF ALL THE GUILT OF HIS PREDECESSORS: The right +to be free is a truth planted in the hearts of men, and acknowledged so +to be by all who have hearkened to the voice of nature, and disproved by +none but such as through wickedness, stupidity, or baseness of spirit, +seem to have degenerated into the worst of beasts, and to have retained +nothing of men but the outward shape, or the ability of doing those +mischiefs which they have learnt from their master the devil. + +The following is the indignant, emphatic, eloquent language of HENRY +BROUGHAM, on the subject of slave property: + + '_Tell me not of rights--talk not of the property of the planter + in his slaves._ I DENY THE RIGHT--I ACKNOWLEDGE NOT THE + PROPERTY. The principles, the feelings of our common nature, + rise in rebellion against it. Be the appeal made to the + understanding or to the heart, the sentence is the same that + rejects it. In vain you tell me of the laws that sanction such a + claim! There is a law above all the enactments of human + codes--the same throughout the world, the same in all + times--such as it was before the daring genius of Columbus + pierced the night of ages, and opened to one world the sources + of power, wealth and knowledge; to another, all unutterable + woes;--such it is at this day: it is the law written by the + finger of God on the heart of man; and by that law, unchangeable + and eternal, while men despise fraud, and loathe rapine, and + abhor blood, they shall reject with indignation the wild and + guilty fantasy, that man can hold property in man! In vain you + appeal to treaties, to covenants between nations. The covenants + of the Almighty, whether the old or the new, denounce such + unholy pretensions. To those laws did they of old refer, who + maintained the African trade. Such treaties did they cite, and + not untruly; for by one shameful compact, you bartered the + glories of Blenheim for the traffic in blood. Yet, in despite of + law and of treaties, that infernal traffic is now destroyed, and + its votaries put to death like other pirates. How came this + change to pass? Not assuredly by parliament leading the way; but + the country at length awoke; the indignation of the people was + kindled; it descended in thunder, and smote the traffic, and + scattered its guilty profits to the winds. Now, then, let the + planters beware--let their assemblies beware--let the government + at home beware--let the parliament beware! the same country is + once more awake,--awake to the condition of negro slavery; the + same indignation kindles in the bosom of the same people; the + same cloud is gathering that annihilated the slave trade; and, + if it shall descend again, they, on whom its crash shall fall, + will not be destroyed before I have warned them; but I pray that + their destruction may turn away from us the more terrible + judgments of God!' + +Is this the language of fanaticism? Is Henry Brougham a madman? + +The following extracts must close the evidence in support of my third +allegation, that the Colonization Society disregards the fundamental +principle of human liberty and equality, that man cannot hold _property_ +in man: + + 'Let me ask, who can wish under existing circumstances that the + constitution should be altered, when it must bring with it a + _violation of property_--and when that violation of private + property must engender such hostility of feelings, and elicit + such bitter vituperation? The whole Union would feel a + concussion, and no one can count the costs of the contest.' + * * * 'By means of our colony, they may remove their slaves and + restore them to freedom--and at the same time no way jeopardize + the safety of themselves or their _property_.'--[Proceedings of + the First Annual Meeting of the New-Jersey Colonization + Society.] + + + 'The establishment of our colony will afford facilities to + proprietors for completing in Africa the exercise of the _right + which can only be partially exercised in this country, of + disposing of our property, in our own way, without injury to the + community_.'--[Fourteenth Annual Report.] + +What audacity do those advocates of the Society exhibit, who use, in +reference to beings made a little lower than the angels, language like +this--'disposing of _our property_ in _our own way_'--'we hold their +_slaves_, as we hold their other _property_, SACRED'!![L] If they really +mean and believe what they say, it is something more heinous than +impertinence to urge the planters to dispossess themselves of their +property by colonization; and if the slaves belong _of right_ to +them,--are on a par with goods and chattels,--how idle, how supremely +ridiculous it is to mourn over their _wretched condition_, to sigh for +their emancipation, to declaim against the evil and wickedness of +slavery, or even to denounce the slave trade! But the unfortunate blacks +are not now, and never can be, the property of the planters; +consequently the claims of their pretended owners are no better than +those of the pirate or highway robber. + +FOOTNOTES: + +[K] The owners of slaves are licensed robbers, and not the just +proprietors of what they claim: freeing them is not depriving them of +property, but restoring it to the right owner; it is suffering the +unlawful captive to escape. It is not wronging the master, but doing +justice to the slave, restoring him to himself. Emancipation would only +take away property that is its own property, and not ours; property that +has the same right to possess us, as we have to possess it; property +that has the same right to convert our children into dogs and calves and +colts, as we have to convert theirs into these beasts; property that may +transfer our children to strangers, by the same right that we transfer +theirs.--_Rice._ + +[L] 'Is there no difference between a vested interest in a house or a +tenement, and a vested interest in a human being? No difference between +a right to bricks and mortar, and a right to the flesh of man--a right +to torture his body and to degrade his mind at your good will and +pleasure? There is this difference,--the right to the house originates +in law, and is reconcilable to justice; the claim (for I will not call +it a right) to the man, originated in robbery, and is an outrage upon +every principle of justice, and every tenet of religion.'--_Speech of +Fowell Buxton in the British Parliament._ + + + + +SECTION IV. + +THE AMERICAN COLONIZATION SOCIETY INCREASES THE VALUE OF SLAVES. + + +I come now to my fourth charge,--which, although not more serious or +consequential than any of the foregoing, may possibly create more +surprise,--namely, that the Society _increases the value of slaves, and +adds strength and security to the system of slavery_. It is the +discovery of this fact that is so wonderfully, and to many superficial +observers so inexplicably, increasing the popularity of the Society at +the south. It would require more pages of this work than its necessarily +contracted limits permit, to sum up minutely the evidence on this point, +and to give those illustrations which might serve more clearly to +establish its validity. The most common, as it is the most potent, +argument used by colonization agents among slave owners, to secure their +patronage, is,--'The successful prosecution of our scheme will remove +the chief source of danger to yourselves, and enable you to hold your +property in greater security: the presence of free persons of color +among your slaves is eminently calculated to make them insubordinate, +and to procure their violent emancipation.' This argument, I say, is +introduced into every conversation, and every public address, and every +essay; and whoever carefully consults the numbers of the African +Repository, through seven volumes, will find it repeated in almost every +appeal to the south. + +I choose to consider the testimony of southern men, in regard to the +invigorating effects of the colonization enterprise upon the system of +slavery, conclusive. Here is a very small portion of it: more may be +found under the sixth section of this work. + + 'The object of the Colonization Society commends itself to every + class of society. The landed proprietor may ENHANCE THE VALUE OF + HIS PROPERTY by assisting the enterprise.'--[African Repository, + vol. i. p. 67.] + + + 'But is it not certain, that should the people of the Southern + States refuse to adopt the opinions of the Colonization Society, + [relative to the gradual abolition of slavery,] and continue to + consider it both just and politic to leave, untouched, a system, + for the termination of which, we think the whole wisdom and + energy of the States should be put in requisition, that they + will CONTRIBUTE MORE EFFECTUALLY TO THE CONTINUANCE AND STRENGTH + OF THIS SYSTEM, by removing those now free, than by any or all + other methods which can possibly be devised? Such has been the + opinion expressed by Southern gentlemen of the first talents and + distinction. Eminent individuals have, we doubt not, lent their + aid to this cause, in expectation of at once accomplishing a + generous and noble work for the objects of their patronage and + for Africa, and GUARDING THAT SYSTEM, the existence of which, + though _unfortunate_, they deem _necessary_, by separating from + it those, whose disturbing force augments its inherent vices, + and darkens all the repulsive attributes of its character. In + the decision of these individuals, as to the effects of the + Colonization Society, _we perceive no error of judgment_: OUR + BELIEF IS THE SAME AS THEIRS.'--[Idem, p. 227.] + + + 'THE EXECUTION OF ITS SCHEME WOULD AUGMENT INSTEAD OF + DIMINISHING THE VALUE OF THE PROPERTY LEFT BEHIND.'--[Idem, vol. + ii. p. 344.] + + + 'The removal of every single free black in America, would be + productive of nothing but safety to the slaveholder, nor would + the emancipation of as many as the benevolence of individual + masters would send off, as far as I can see, be productive of + disaffection among the remainder, more than the example of such + as are every day set free, and sent to the Ohio or elsewhere; + and if so large a part should ever be set free as to create + discontent among the remainder, (and nothing but the + emancipation of a great majority can do this,) yet that + remainder must then, from the terms of the proposition, be so + much diminished, as to be easily kept down by superior + numbers.'--[Idem, vol. iii. p. 202.] + + + 'The tendency of the scheme, and one of its objects, is to + _secure slaveholders and the whole Southern country_, against + certain evil consequences, growing out of the present threefold + mixture of our population.'--[Idem, vol. iv. p. 274.] + + + 'We all know the effects produced on our slaves by the + fascinating, but delusive appearance of happiness, exhibited in + persons of their own complexion, roaming in idleness and vice + among them. By removing the most fruitful source of discontent + from among our slaves, we should render them more industrious + and attentive to our commands; and by rendering them more + industrious and obedient, we should naturally secure their + better treatment--we should ameliorate their condition. Our + enemies have admitted that good would result from the removal of + this class. Caius Gracchus declares, that if the Society could + attain "this single object in good faith, (the removal of the + free people of color) he should, perhaps, be among the last + citizens in the commonwealth--who would raise his voice against + it," and the author of the Crisis (who is doubtless regarded as + authority in South Carolina) acknowledges, "that there is no + doubt but that if we in the South, were relieved of this + population, it would be better for our southern cities, where + they principally reside." Nothing can be more plain then, than + that the Colonization Society, in its efforts to remove the free + people of color, is accomplishing a work to which the citizens + of the South, whether friends or foes to the Society, have given + their decided approbation.'--[Idem, vol. vi. p. 205.] + + + 'If, as is most confidently believed, the colonization of the + free people of color will render the slave who remains in + America more obedient, more faithful, more honest, and, + consequently, _more useful to his master_,' &c.--[Second Annual + Report.] + + + 'There was but one way, [to avert danger,] but that might be + made effectual, fortunately! It was to PROVIDE AND KEEP OPEN A + DRAIN FOR THE EXCESS BEYOND THE OCCASIONS OF PROFITABLE + EMPLOYMENT. Mr Archer had been stating the case in the + supposition, that after the present class of free blacks had + been exhausted, by the operation of the plan he was + recommending, others would be supplied for its action, in the + proportion of the excess of colored population it would be + necessary to throw off, by the process of voluntary manumission + or sale. This effect must result inevitably from the + depreciating value of the slaves ensuing their disproportionate + multiplication. _The depreciation would be relieved and retarded + at the same time, by the process._ The two operations would aid + reciprocally, and sustain each other, and both be in the highest + degree beneficial. It was on the ground of interest, therefore, + the most indisputable _pecuniary interest_, that he addressed + himself to the people and Legislatures of the slaveholding + States.'--[Speech of Mr Archer.--Fifteenth Annual Report.] + + + 'Every motive which operates on the minds of slaveholders, + tending to make the colonization of the free blacks an object of + _interest_ to them, should operate in an equal degree to secure + the hearty co-operation of the government of every slaveholding + State.'--[African Repository, vol. vii. p. 176.] + + + 'None are obliged to follow our example; AND THOSE WHO DO NOT, + WILL FIND THE VALUE OF THEIR NEGROES INCREASED BY THE DEPARTURE + OF OURS.'--[An advocate of colonization in the Western (Ky.) + Luminary.] + + + 'So far from its having a dangerous tendency, when properly + considered, it will be viewed as AN ADDITIONAL GUARD TO OUR + PECULIAR SPECIES OF PROPERTY.'--[An advocate of the Society in + the New-Orleans Argus.] + + + 'The slaveholder, who is in danger of having his slaves + contaminated by their free friends of color, will not only be + relieved from this danger, but THE VALUE OF HIS SLAVE WILL BE + ENHANCED.'--[A new and interesting View of Slavery. By + Humanitas, a colonization advocate. Baltimore, 1820.] + +It is perfectly obvious, that whatever tends to weaken and depress the +present system, must render the holding of slaves less desirable, and +the prospect of emancipation more auspicious. Cherishing this +conviction, thousands of individuals in this country, and tens of +thousands in Great Britain, are led by conscientious motives to abstain +from the use of productions raised by slave labor, and to prefer those +only which are the fruits of the toil of freemen. They believe in the +soundness of the axiom, that 'the receiver is as bad as the thief;' and +knowing that the slaves are held in bondage not on the ground of +benevolence, or because their liberation would endanger the public +safety, but _because they are profitable to their owners_, they also +believe that the consumers of slave goods contribute to a fund for +supporting slavery with all its abominations; that they are the Alpha +and the Omega of the business; that the slave-trader, the slave-owner, +and the slave-driver, are virtually the agents of the consumer, for by +holding out the temptation, he is the original cause, the first mover in +the horrid process; that we are imperiously called upon to refuse those +articles of luxury, which are obtained at an absolute and lavish waste +of the blood of our fellow men; that a merchant, who loads his vessel +with the proceeds of slavery, does nearly as much in helping forward the +slave trade, as he who loads his vessel in Africa with slaves--they are +both twisting the same rope at different ends; that our patronage is +putting an immense bribe into the hands of the slaveholders to kidnap, +rob and oppress; that, were it not for this, they would be compelled by +sheer necessity to liberate their slaves--for as soon as slave labor +becomes unprofitable, the horrid system cannot be upheld. + +None of these scruples, to my knowledge, are entertained by +colonizationists: their only aim and anxiety seem to be, 'to prune and +nourish the system,'--not to overthrow it; to increase the avarice of the +planters by rendering the labor of their bondmen more productive,--not +to abridge and starve it; to remove the cause of those apprehensions +which might lead them to break the fetters of their victims,--not to +perpetuate it; 'to provide (I quote the confession of the last +distinguished proselyte to the Society, Mr Archer of Virginia) and to +keep open a drain for the _excess of increase beyond the occasions of_ +PROFITABLE EMPLOYMENT,'--not to make slave labor ruinous to the +planters. + +By removing whatever number of slaves it be, from this country, the +number which remains must be diminished--and the more the number which +remains is diminished, the more helpless will they become, the less will +be the hope of their ever recovering their own liberty, and the more and +the longer they will be trampled upon. + +The greater the number of slaves transported, _the greater will be the +value of the labor of those who remain_; the more valuable their labor +is, _the greater will be the temptation to over-labor them, and the +more, of course, they will be oppressed_.[M] + +The increase of the free colored population disturbs the security of the +planters, and forces many to manumit their slaves through sheer terror. +The expatriation of this class, therefore, manifestly tends to quiet the +apprehensions of the oppressors, to rivet more firmly the chains of the +slaves, to make their services in higher demand, and to render even +their gradual emancipation impracticable. + +Thus the American Colonization Society is the _apologist_, the _friend_, +and the _patron_ of SLAVEHOLDERS and SLAVERY! + +FOOTNOTES: + +[M] Stuart's Circular. + + + + +SECTION V. + +THE AMERICAN COLONIZATION SOCIETY IS THE ENEMY OF IMMEDIATE ABOLITION. + + +It follows, as a necessary consequence, that a Society which is not +hostile to slavery, which apologises for the system and for +slaveholders, which recognises slaves as rightful property,[N] and which +confessedly increases their value, is _the enemy of immediate +abolition_. This, I am aware, in the present corrupt state of public +sentiment, will not generally be deemed an objectionable feature; but I +regard it with inexpressible abhorrence and dismay. + +Since the deception practised upon our first parents by the old serpent, +there has not been a more fatal delusion in the minds of men than that +of the gradual abolition of slavery. _Gradual_ abolition! do its +supporters really know what they talk about? Gradually abstaining from +what? From sins the most flagrant, from conduct the most cruel, from +acts the most oppressive! Do colonizationists mean, that slave-dealers +shall purchase or sell a few victims less this year than they did the +last? that slave-owners shall liberate one, two or three out of every +hundred slaves during the same period? that slave-drivers shall apply +the lash to the scarred and bleeding backs of their victims somewhat +less frequently? Surely not--I respect their intelligence too much to +believe that they mean any such thing. But if any of the slaves should +be exempted from sale or purchase, why not all? if justice require the +liberation of the few, why not of the many? if it be right for a driver +to inflict a number of lashes, how many shall be given? Do +colonizationists mean that the practice of separating the husband from +the wife, the wife from the husband, or children from their parents, +shall come to an end by an almost imperceptible process? or that the +slaves shall be defrauded of their just remuneration, less and less +every month or every year? or that they shall be under the absolute, +irresponsible control of their masters? Oh no! I place a higher value +upon their good sense, humanity and morality than this! Well, then, they +would immediately break up the slave traffic--they would put aside the +whip--they would have the marriage relations preserved inviolate--they +would not separate families--they would not steal the wages of the +slaves, nor deprive them of personal liberty! This is +abolition--_immediate abolition_. It is simply declaring that slave +owners are bound to fulfil--now, without any reluctance or delays--the +golden rule, namely, to do as they would be done by; and that, as the +right to be free is inherent and inalienable in the slaves, there ought +now to be a disposition on the part of the people to break their +fetters. All the horrid spectres which are conjured up, on this subject, +arise from a confusion of the brain, as much as from a corruption of the +heart. + +I utterly reject, as delusive and dangerous in the extreme, every plea +which justifies a procrastinated and an indefinite emancipation, or +which concedes to a slave owner the right to hold his slaves as +_property_ for any limited period, or which contends for the gradual +preparation of the slaves for freedom; believing all such pretexts to be +a fatal departure from the high road of justice into the bogs of +expediency, a surrender of the great principles of equity, an +indefensible prolongation of the curse of slavery, a concession which +places the guilt upon any but those who incur it, and directly +calculated to perpetuate the thraldom of our species. + +Immediate abolition does not mean that the slaves shall immediately +exercise the right of suffrage, or be eligible to any office, or be +emancipated from law, or be free from the benevolent restraints of +guardianship. We contend for the immediate personal freedom of the +slaves, for their exemption from punishment except where law has been +violated, for their employment and reward as free laborers, for their +exclusive right to their own bodies and those of their own children, for +their instruction and subsequent admission to all the trusts, offices, +honors and emoluments of intelligent freemen. Emancipation will increase +and not destroy the value of their labor; it will also increase the +demand for it. Holding out the stimulus of good treatment and an +adequate reward, it will induce the slaves to toil with a hundred fold +more assiduity and faithfulness. Who is so blind as not to perceive the +peaceful and beneficial results of such a change? The slaves, if freed, +will come under the watchful cognizance of law; they will not be idle, +but _avariciously_ industrious; they will not rush through the country, +firing dwellings and murdering the inhabitants; for freedom is all they +ask--all they desire--the obtainment of which will transform them from +enemies into friends, from nuisances into blessings, from a corrupt, +suffering and degraded, into a comparatively virtuous, happy and +elevated population. + +Nor does immediate abolition mean that any compulsory power, other than +moral, should be used in breaking the fetters of slavery. It calls for +no bloodshed, or physical interference; it jealously regards the welfare +of the planters; it simply demands an entire revolution in public +sentiment, which will lead to better conduct, to contrition for past +crimes, to a love instead of a fear of justice, to a reparation of +wrongs, to a healing of breaches, to a suppression of revengeful +feelings, to a quiet, improving, prosperous state of society! + +Now see with what earnestness and inveteracy the friends of the +Colonization Society oppose immediate abolition! + + 'It appears, indeed, to be the only feasible mode by which we + can remove that stigma as well as _danger_ from among us. Their + sudden and entire freedom would be a fearful, and perhaps + dreadful experiment, destructive of all the ends of liberty, for + which their condition would unfit them, and which they would + doubtless greatly abuse. Even their release, at apparently + proper intervals, but uncontrolled as to their future habits and + location, would be a very hazardous charity. Their gradual + emancipation, therefore, under the advantages of a free + government, formed, in their native land, by their own hands, + offering all the rewards usual to industry and economy, and + affording the means of enjoying, in comfort, a reputable and + free existence, is the only rational scheme of relieving them + from the bondage of their present condition.' * * * 'To + eradicate or remove the evil _immediately_, is impossible; nor + can any law of conscience govern necessity.'--[Af. Rep. vol. i. + pp. 89, 258.] + + + 'Vaunt not over us, dear brethren of the north, we inherited the + evil from our forefathers, and we really do not think you do + your brethren any good, or that you serve the interests of the + people of color, when you recommend and enforce premature + schemes of emancipation.' * * * 'The operation, we were aware, + must be--and, for the interests of our country, ought to be + gradual.' * * * 'According to one, (that rash class which, + without a due estimate of the fatal consequence, would forthwith + issue a decree of general, immediate, and indiscriminate + emancipation,) it was a scheme of the slaveholder to perpetuate + slavery.'--[Idem, vol. ii. pp. 12, 254, 336.] + + + 'Slavery, in its mildest form, is an evil of the darkest + character. Cruel and unnatural in its origin, no plea can be + urged in justification of its continuance, but the plea of + necessity--not that necessity which arises from our habits, our + prejudices, or our wants; but the necessity which requires us to + submit to existing evils, rather than substitute, by their + removal, others of a more serious and destructive character. It + was this which produced the recognition of slavery in the + constitution of our country; it is this which has justified its + continuance to the present day; and it is in this only that we + can find a palliation for the rigors of our laws, which might + otherwise be considered as the cruel enactments of a dark and + dismal despotism. There have not, I am aware, been found wanting + individuals to deny both the existence and the obligations of + such a necessity. There are men, actuated in some instances, by + a blind and mistaken enthusiasm, and in others, by a spirit of + mischievous intent, loudly calling on us, in the names of + justice and humanity, for the immediate and unqualified + emancipation of our slaves. To men of this description, it is in + vain to point out the inevitable effects of such a course, as + well on the objects of their real or pretended solicitude, as on + the community in which they exist. It is in vain to assure them, + that while the preservation of the latter would require a policy + even more rigorous than pertains to slavery itself, the + short-lived and nominal freedom of the former must end in their + ultimate and utter extinction. All this is of no consequence. + Provided slavery be abolished in name, it matters not what + horrors may be substituted in its room.' * * * 'The scope of the + Society is large enough, but it is in no wise mingled or + confounded with the broad sweeping views of _a few fanatics_ in + America, who would urge us on to the sudden and total abolition + of slavery.'--[Af. Rep. vol. iii. pp. 15, 197.] + + + 'What is to be done? Immediate and universal emancipation will + find few, if any advocates, among judicious and reflecting men.' + * * * 'There is a portion of our brethren, who have been + laboring for many years, with the most benevolent intentions, + but, as I conceive, with erroneous views, in the cause of + abolition.' * * * 'The Colonization Society, as such, have + renounced wholly the name and the characteristics of + abolitionists.' * * * 'INTO THEIR ACCOUNTS THE SUBJECT OF + EMANCIPATION DOES NOT ENTER AT ALL.' * * * 'Here, that race is + in every form a curse, and if the system, so long contended for + by the uncompromising abolitionist, could prevail, its effect + would be to spread discord and devastation from one end of the + Union to the other.'--[Idem, vol. iv. pp. 202, 303, 306, 363.] + + + 'With a writer in the Southern Review we say, "the situation of + the people of these States was not of their own choosing. When + they came to the inheritance, it was subject to this mighty + incumbrance, and it would be criminal in them to ruin or waste + the estate, to get rid of the burden at once." With this writer + we add also, in the language of Capt. Hall, that the + "slaveholders ought not (immediately) to disentangle themselves + from the obligations which have devolved upon them, as the + masters of slaves." We believe that a master _may_ sustain his + relation to the slave, with as little criminality as the slave + sustains his relation to the master. But we feel little sympathy + for those who, in the language of Mr Harrison of Virginia, + "still look upon their slaves in the light in which most men + regarded them when the slave trade was legitimate. Of those, + wherever they are, who hold their slaves with that same + sentiment which impelled the kidnapper when he forcibly bore + them off, I know not how morality can distinguish them from the + original wrong-doers, pirates by nature, and pirates by + civilized law." That the system of slavery must exist + temporarily in this country, we as firmly believe, as that for + its existence a single moment, there can be offered justly no + plea but necessity. Were the very spirit of angelic charity to + pervade and fill the hearts of all the slaveholders in our land, + it would by no means require that all the slaves should be + instantaneously liberated.'--[Af. Rep. vol. v. p. 329.] + + + 'The long established habits of the South, the attachments which + are frequently found subsisting between the proprietor and his + servants, together with the difficulty of substituting at once + white for slave labor, and the derangement which would ensue in + the domestic concerns of life, would not merely make general + emancipation at once inexpedient, but the attempt would denote + the extremity of madness and folly, and convulse this government + to its centre.'--[Idem, vol. vi. p. 291.] + + + 'The Society, meeting the objections of the _abolition + enthusiast_, in a like spirit of mildness and forbearance, + assures him of their equal devotion to the pure principles of + liberty and the powerful claims of humanity. We know, say they, + and we deplore the evil of slavery as the deadliest curse to our + common country. We see, and we lament its demoralizing effects + upon the children of our affections, from the budding innocence + of infancy, to the full maturity of manhood. But, we have not, + we do not, and _we will not_ interfere with this delicate, this + important subject. There are rights to be respected, prejudices + to be conciliated, fears to be quelled, and safety to be + observed in all our operations. And we protest, _most solemnly + protest_, against the adoption of your views, as alike + destructive of the ends of justice, of policy, and of humanity. + No wild dream of the wildest enthusiast was ever more + extravagant than that of turning loose upon society two millions + of blacks, idle and therefore worthless, vicious and therefore + dangerous, ignorant and therefore incapable of appreciating and + enjoying the blessings of freedom. Could _your_ wishes be + realized, your gratulation would be quickly changed into + mourning, your joy into grief, and your labor of love into + visits of mercy to our jails and our penitentiaries, to the + abodes of vice and the haunts of poverty. Come, ye + abolitionists, away with your _wild enthusiasm_, your _misguided + philanthropy_.'--[African Repository, vol. vii. p. 101.] + + + 'The Colonization Society is removing the greatest obstacles in + the way of emancipation; but none, we think, who is acquainted + with the circumstances and condition of our southern States, + _and who has any conscience or humanity_, would deem it + expedient or christian to dissolve instantaneously all the ties + which unite masters and slaves.'--[Idem, vol. vii. p. 186.] + + + 'It is not right that men should be free, when their freedom + will prove injurious to themselves and others.' * * 'He has + encountered determined opposition from several individuals, who + are so reckless and fanatical as to require the instantaneous + remedying of an acknowledged evil, which may be remedied + gradually, with safety, but which cannot be remedied immediately + without jeopardizing all the interests of all parties + concerned.'--[Idem, p. 202, 280.] + + + 'He was quite sure that in the Northern States, there was no + opinion generally prevailing, that immediate, absolute, and + universal emancipation was desirable. There might be, said Mr + Storrs, some who are actuated by pure motives and benevolent + views, who considered it practicable; but he might say with + confidence, that very few, if any, believed that it would be + truly humane or expedient to turn loose upon the community more + than a million of persons, totally destitute of the means of + subsistence, and altogether unprepared in every moral point of + view, to enjoy or estimate their new privileges. Such a + cotemporaneous emancipation of the colored population of the + Southern States could only bring a common calamity on all the + States, and the most severe misery on those who were to be thus + thrown upon society, under the most abject, helpless and + deplorable circumstances.'--[Speech of Hon. Mr Storrs.--Twelfth + Annual Report.] + + + 'The condition of a slave suddenly emancipated, and thrown upon + his own resources, is very far from being improved; and, however + laudable the feeling which leads to such emancipation, its + policy and propriety are at least questionable.'--[Report of the + Pennsylvania Colonization Society.] + + + 'We may, therefore, fairly conclude the object of immediate + universal emancipation wholly unattainable, or, if attainable, + at too high a price.'--[Mathew Carey's Essays.] + + + 'Observation has fully convinced them that emancipation has + often proved injurious to both: consequently laws have been + enacted in several of the States to discourage, if not to + prevent it. The public safety and interest, as well as + individual happiness, seemed to require of legislatures the + adoption of such a measure. For, it appeared highly probable + that the manumitted would not only be poor and wretched, but + likewise a public nuisance; and perhaps at some future day, form + the nucleus of rebellion among those unhappy persons still in + slavery.'--[A colonization advocate in the Middletown + (Connecticut) Gazette.] + + + 'To our mind, it is clearly the doctrine of the Bible, that + there may be circumstances, in which the immediate and universal + emancipation of slaves is not a duty. Demanding instantaneous + and universal emancipation, and denouncing every instance of + _holding_ slaves as a crime, is not the way to bring it to pass. + If such a course proceeds from a right spirit, it is from a + right spirit misinformed.'--[Vermont Chronicle.] + + + 'When the writer visited England from the colonies, he was + constantly astonished to find the Wilberforceans, or saints, as + they were called, influenced by the _wildest enthusiasm_ upon + the sublime theory of liberty; urging _immediate emancipation_ + of the slave, and yet totally uninformed as to its destructive + consequences to their future welfare, in their present + uneducated condition, without some provision being made to so + enlighten them that they may be enabled to estimate religions + obligations and distinguish between right and wrong; otherwise + it would be indispensable to have strong military posts and + constant martial law to preserve order, and prevent a murderous + anarchy and lawless confusion. It is not anticipated that this + state of things could ever be consummated in the United States; + but it may afford a very salutary lesson in guiding our + consideration of similar occurrences that may take place.' + + --[From a colonization pamphlet, entitled 'Remarks upon a plan + for the total abolition of slavery in the United States. By a + Citizen of New-York.'] + + + 'We do not wish to be understood, as sanctioning the measures + now pursued with respect to the subject of slavery, by some + misguided enthusiasts in the northern and eastern sections of + the United States. Were the measures they advocate with so much + heat, to be adopted, a heavier curse could hardly fall upon our + country. Their operation, we feel fully satisfied, would work + the ruin of those, whom these imprudent advocates of instant and + total emancipation, wish primarily to benefit. We have always + regarded these advocates for the instantaneous abolition of + slavery, in all cases, as doing more injury to our colored + population than any other class of men in the community. The + slaves of this country cannot be at once emancipated. It is + folly, it is madness to talk of it. From the very nature of the + case, in justice to that deeply injured class, in justice to + ourselves, the work must be gradual.' * * * 'We cannot doubt the + ultimate success of the American Colonization Society. And + however much some of the clamorous advocates of instant, + immediate abolition may vent their rage against this noble + institution, it will prosper, it will flourish. Our intelligent + community are beginning to see that the American Colonization + Society presents _the only door of hope_ to the + republic.'--[Western Luminary.] + + + 'But _what_ shall be done? Some--and their motives and + philanthropic zeal are worthy of all honor--plead for immediate + emancipation. But Mr Ladd had seen enough to know that _that_ + would be a curse to all parties. He acknowledged a difficulty + here; _but it is a difficulty that often occurs in morals_. When + we have gone far in a wrong road, it often happens that we + cannot in a moment put ourselves in the right one. One penalty + of such a sin is, that it clings to us, and cannot be shaken off + at once with all its bitter consequences by a mere + volition.'--[Speech of William Ladd, Esq.] + + + 'The warmest friend to the abolition of slavery, while he + deplores the existence of the evil, must admit the necessity of + cautious and gradual measures to remove it. The inhabitants of + the South cannot, and ought not, suddenly to emancipate their + slaves, to remain among them free. Such a measure would be no + blessing to the slaves, but the very madness of self-destruction + to the whites. In the South, the horrid scenes that would too + certainly follow the liberation of their slaves, are present to + every imagination, to stifle the calls of justice and humanity. + A fell spirit of avarice is thus invigorated and almost + justified, by the plea of necessity.'--[First Annual Report of + the New Jersey Col. Soc.] + + + 'The impropriety and impolicy of manumitting slaves, _in any + case_, in our country, one would suppose, must be apparent to + all. It is not a little astonishing that individuals acquainted + with the facts, and the evils brought upon society by the free + black population, should persist in declaring that duty and + humanity call upon us to give the slaves their freedom. It + really appears to me that there is entirely too much "namby + pamby sentimentality" and affected feeling exhibited respecting + the condition of slaves. Do these individuals believe that + benevolence and humanity command us to turn loose upon society a + set of persons who confessedly only serve to swell the amount of + crime, while they add nothing to the industry, to the wealth, or + the strength of the country? Because abstractedly considered, + man has no right to hold his fellow man in bondage, shall we + give up our liberty, and the peace of society, in order that + this principle may not be violated? The fact is, _the negroes + are happier when kept in bondage_. In their master they find a + willing and efficient protector, to guard them from injury and + insult, to attend to them when sick and in distress, and to + provide for their comfort and support, when old age overtakes + them. When in health, they are well fed and clothed, and by no + means, in common cases, are they hardly worked.'--[A warm + advocate of African Colonization in the Alexandria Gazette.] + + + 'But there are other difficulties in the way of immediate + emancipation. We believe that no one, who has taken charge of an + infant, and made a cripple of him, either in his feet, his + hands, or his mind, so that when he is of mature age, he is + unable to take care of himself, has a right to turn him out of + doors, to perish or destroy himself, and call it, giving him his + liberty. After having reduced him to this condition, he is bound + to afford him the support and protection, which he has rendered + necessary. + + 'This appears to us to be the true relation of the southern + planters to their slaves. Not that the southern planters have + generally been guilty of personal cruelty; but such has been the + general result of the system acted upon, and such the relation + growing out of it. The slaves have grown up, under the eye of + their masters, unable to take care of themselves; and their + masters, for whose comfort and convenience this has been done, + are bound to provide for them. + + 'Nor do we think that the exhortation, to "do right and trust + Providence," applies at all to this case; for the very question + is, "what is right?" Would it be right for the slave merchant, + in the midst of the Atlantic, to knock the manacles from his + prisoners and throw them overboard, and call this, giving them + their liberty and trusting Providence with the result? But how + else could he reduce the doctrine of immediate and complete + emancipation to practice?'--[Vermont Chronicle.] + +The miserable sophistry contained in the foregoing extracts scarcely +needs a serious refutation. 'To say that immediate emancipation will +only increase the wretchedness of the slaves, and that we must pursue a +system of _gradual_ abolition, is to present to us the double paradox, +that we must continue to do evil, in order to cure the evil which we are +doing; and that we must continue to be unjust, and to do evil, that good +may come.' The fatal error of _gradualists_ lies here: They talk as if +the friends of abolition contended only for the emancipation of the +slaves, without specifying or caring what should be done with or for +them! as if the planters were invoked to cease from one kind of villany, +only to practise another! as if the manumitted slaves must necessarily +be driven out from society into the wilderness, like wild beasts! This +is talking nonsense: it is a gross perversion of reason and common +sense. Abolitionists have never said, that mere manumission would be +doing justice to the slaves: they insist upon a remuneration for years +of unrequited toil, upon their employment as free laborers, upon their +immediate and coefficient instruction, and upon the exercise of a +benevolent supervision over them on the part of their employers. They +declare, in the first place, that to break the fetters of the slaves, +and turn them loose upon the country, without the preservative +restraints of law, and destitute of occupation, would leave the work of +justice only half done; and, secondly, that it is absurd to suppose that +the planters would be wholly independent of the labor of the blacks--for +they could no more dispense with it next week, were emancipation to take +place, than they can to-day. The very ground which they assume for their +opposition to slavery,--that it necessarily prevents the improvement of +its victims,--shows that they contemplate the establishment of schools +for the education of the slaves, and the furnishing of productive +employment, immediately upon their liberation. If this were done, none +of the horrors which are now so feelingly depicted, as the attendants of +a sudden abolition, would ensue. + +But we are gravely told that education must _precede_ emancipation. The +logic of this plea is, that intellectual superiority justly gives one +man an oppressive control over another! Where would such a detestable +principle lead but to practices the most atrocious, and results the most +disastrous, if carried out among ourselves? Tell us, ye hair-splitting +sophists, the exact quantum of knowledge which is necessary to +constitute a freeman. If every dunce should be a slave, your servitude +is inevitable; and richly do you deserve the lash for your obtuseness. +Our white population, too, would furnish blockheads enough to satisfy +all the classical kidnappers in the land. + +The reason why the slaves are so ignorant, is because they are held in +bondage; and the reason why they are held in bondage, is because they +are so ignorant! They ought not to be freed until they are educated; and +they ought not be educated, because on the acquisition of knowledge they +would burst their fetters! Fine logic, indeed! How men, who make any +pretensions to honesty or common sense, can advance a paradox like this, +is truly inexplicable. 'I never met with a man yet,' says an able writer +in Kentucky, 'who impliedly admits the enslaving of human beings as +consistent with the exercise of christian duties, who could talk or +write ten minutes on the subject, without expressing nonsense, or +contradicting himself, or advancing heresy which would expose him to +censure on any other subject.' In this connexion, I make the following +extract from the Report of the _Dublin Negro's Friend Society_, of which +WILBERFORCE is President, and CLARKSON Vice President: + + 'They do not recognize the false principle, that education, as a + preparation for freedom, must precede emancipation; or that an + amelioration of the slaves' condition should be a substitute for + it: on the contrary, THEY INSIST UPON UNPROCRASTINATED + EMANCIPATION, as a right which is unrighteously withheld, and + the restoration of which is, in their opinion, the first and + most indispensable step to all improvement, and absolutely + essential to the application of the only remedy for that moral + debasement, in which slavery has sunk its victims.' + +I cannot portray the absurdity of the doctrine of gradual abolition, and +the danger and folly of attempting to mitigate the system of slavery, +more strikingly, than by presenting the following eloquent extracts from +a speech of the Rev. Dr. Thomson of Edinburgh, one of the most learned +and able divines in Great Britain, whose sudden death was recorded in +the newspapers a few months since: + + 'The word _immediate_ may no doubt be considered as a strong + word; but you will observe that it is used as contrasted with + the word _gradual_. And were I to criticise the term _gradual_ + as certain opponents have treated the term _immediate_, I could + easily, by the help of a little quibbling, bring you to the + conclusion, that as hitherto employed it means that the + abolition is never to take place, and that, by putting it into + their petition, they are to be understood as deprecating rather + than asking the emancipation of the slaves. "_Immediate_," they + argue, "evanishes as soon as you utter it; it is gone before + your petition reaches parliament." How absurd! If I should say + to my servant while engaged in work, "You must go to the south + side of the town with a message for me _immediately_," is it + indeed implied in the order I have given him, that he could not + fulfil it, unless he set off without his hat, without his coat, + without his shoes, without those habiliments which are requisite + for his appearing decently in the streets of Edinburgh, and + executing the task that I had assigned him? The meaning of the + word as used by us is perfectly clear, and cannot be + misapprehended by any one: it is not to be made a subject of + metaphysical animadversion: it is to be considered and + understood under the direction of common sense, and especially + as modified and expounded by those statements with which it is + associated both in our resolutions and in the petition; and + viewed in that light, _immediate abolition_ is not merely an + intelligible phrase, but one that does not warrant a particle of + the alarm which some have affected to take at it, and is not + liable to any one of those objections which some have been + pleased to make to it. + + 'To say that we will come out of the sin by degrees--that we + will only forsake it slowly, and step by step--that we will + pause and hesitate and look well about us before we consent to + abandon its gains and its pleasures--that we will allow another + age to pass by ere we throw off the load of iniquity that is + lying so heavy upon us, lest certain secularities should be + injuriously affected--and that we will postpone the duty of + "doing justly and loving mercy," till we have removed every + petty difficulty out of the way, and got all the conflicting + interests that are involved in the measure reconciled and + satisfied;--to say this, is to trample on the demands of moral + obligation, and to disregard the voice which speaks to as from + heaven. The path of duty is plain before us; and we have nothing + to do but to enter it at once, and to walk in it without turning + to the right hand or to the left. Our concern is not with the + result that may follow our obedience to the divine will. Our + great and primary concern is to obey that will. God reigns over + his universe in the exercise of infinite perfection: he commands + us to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke; and + submitting, without procrastination, and without any attempts at + compromise, to that command, we may be assured that he will take + care of all the effects that can be produced by compliance with + his authority, and give demonstration to the truth that + obedience to his behests is our grand and only security for a + prosperous lot. + + 'We are by no means indifferent to the expediency of the case. + On the contrary, we think ourselves prepared to prove, by fair + reasoning and by ascertained fact, that the expediency of the + thing is all on our side; that immediate abolition is the only + secure and proper way of attaining the object which we all + profess to have in view; that to defer the measure to a distant + period, and to admit the propriety of getting at it by a course + of mitigation, is the surest mode of frustrating every hope we + might otherwise entertain, and giving over the slaves to + interminable bondage.' * * * + + 'I do not deny, Sir, that the evils of practical slavery may be + lessened. By parliamentary enactments, by colonial arrangements, + by appeals to the judgment and feelings of planters, and by + various other means, a certain degree of melioration _may_ be + secured. But I say, in the first place, that, with all that you + can accomplish, or reasonably expect, of mitigation, you cannot + alter the nature of slavery itself. With every improvement you + have superinduced upon it, you have not made it less debasing, + less cruel, less destructive, in its essential character. The + black man is still the _property_ of the white man. And that one + circumstance not only implies in it the transgression of + inalienable right and everlasting justice, but is the fruitful + and necessary source of numberless mischiefs, the very thought + of which harrows up the soul, and the infliction of which no + superintendence of any government can either prevent or control. + Mitigate and keep down the evil as much as you can, still it is + there in all its native virulence, and still it will do its + malignant work in spite of you. The improvements you have made + are merely superficial. You have not reached the seat and vital + spring of the mischief. You have only concealed in some measure, + and for a time, its inherent enormity. Its essence remains + unchanged and untouched, and is ready to unfold itself whenever + a convenient season arrives, notwithstanding all your + precaution, and all you vigilance, in those manifold acts of + injustice and inhumanity, which are its genuine and its + invariable fruits. You may white-wash the sepulchre,--you may + put upon it every adornment that fancy can suggest,--you may + cover it over with all the flowers and evergreens that the + garden or the fields can furnish, so that it will appear + beautiful outwardly unto men. But it is a sepulchre still,--full + of dead men's bones and of all uncleanness. Disguise slavery as + you will,--put into the cup all the pleasing and palatable + ingredients which you can discover in the wide range of nature + and of art,--still it is a bitter, bitter draught, from which + the understanding and the heart of every man, in whom nature + works unsophisticated and unbiassed, recoils with unutterable + aversion and abhorrence. Why, Sir, slavery is the very Upas tree + of the moral world, beneath whose pestiferous shade all + intellect languishes, and all virtue dies. And if you would get + quit of the evil, you must go more thoroughly and effectually to + work than you can ever do by any or by all of those palliatives, + which are included under the term "mitigation." The foul + sepulchre must be taken away. The cup of oppression must be + dashed to pieces on the ground. The pestiferous tree must be cut + down and eradicated; it must be, root and branch of it, cast + into the consuming fire, and its ashes scattered to the four + winds of heaven. It is thus you must deal with slavery. You must + annihilate it,--annihilate it now,--and annihilate it for ever. + + 'Get your mitigation. I say in the second place, that you are + thereby, in all probability farther away than ever from your + object. It is not to the Government or the Parliament at home + that you are to look--neither is it to the legislatures and + planters abroad that you are to look--for accomplishing the + abolition of negro slavery. Sad experience shows that, if left + to themselves, they will do nothing efficient in this great + cause. It is to the sentiments of the people at large that you + are to look, to the spread of intellectual light, to the + prevalence of moral feeling, to the progress, in short, of + public opinion, which, when resting on right principles and + moving in a right direction, must in this free and Christian + country prove irresistible. But observe, Sir, the public mind + will not be sufficiently affected by the statement of abstract + truths, however just, or by reasonings on the tendencies of a + system, however accurate. It must be more or less influenced by + what is visible, or by what is easily known and understood of + the actual atrocities which accompany slavery, wherever it is + left to its own proper operation. Let it be seen in its native + vileness and cruelty, as exhibited when not interfered with by + the hand of authority, and it excites universal and unqualified + detestation. But let its harsher asperities be rubbed off; take + away the more prominent parts of its iniquity; see that it look + somewhat smoother and milder than it did before; make such + regulations as ought, if faithfully executed, to check its + grosser acts of injustice and oppression; give it the appearance + of its being put under the humanizing sway of religious + education and instruction; do all this, and you produce one + effect at least,--you modify the indignation of a great number + of the community; you render slavery much less obnoxious; you + enable its advocates and supporters to say in reply to your + denunciations of its wickedness, "O, the slaves are now + comfortable and happy; they do not suffer what they did; they + are protected and well treated," and in proof of all this, they + point to what are called "mitigations." But mark me, Sir; under + these mitigations, slavery still exists, ready at every + convenient season to break forth in all its countless forms of + inhumanity; meanwhile the public feeling in a great measure + subsides; and when the public feeling--such an important and + indispensable element in our attempts to procure abolition--is + allowed to subside, tell me, Sir, when, and where, and by what + means it is again to be roused into activity. I must say, for + one, that though I sympathize with my sable brethren, when I + hear of them being spared even one lash of the cart-whip; yet + when I take a more enlarged view of their condition--when I + consider the nature of that system under which they are placed, + and when I look forward to their deliverance, and the means by + which alone it is to be effected, I am tempted, and almost if + not altogether persuaded, to deprecate that insidious thing + termed "mitigation," because it directly tends to perpetuate the + mighty evil, which will by and by throw off the improvements by + which it is glossed over as quite unnatural to it, will + ultimately grow up again into all its former dreadfulness, and + continue to wither and crush beneath it, all that is excellent + and glorious in man. + + 'But if our rulers and legislators will undertake to emancipate + the slaves, and do it as it ought to be done, immediately, I beg + those who set themselves against such a measure, to point out + the danger, and to prove it. The _onus_ lies upon _them_. And + what evidence do they give us? Where is it to be found? In what + circumstance shall we discover it? From what principles and + probabilities shall we infer it? We must not have mere + hypothesis--mere allegations--mere fancied horrors, dressed up + in frightful language. We must have proof to substantiate, in + some good measure, their theory of rebellion, warfare, and + blood. If any such thing exists, let them produce it' * * * 'But + if you push me, and still urge the argument of insurrection and + bloodshed, for which you are far more indebted to fancy than to + fact, as I have shown you, then I say, be it so. I repeat that + maxim, taken from a heathen book, but pervading the whole Book + of God, _Fiat justitia_--_ruat caelum_. Righteousness, Sir, is + the pillar of the universe. Break down that pillar, and the + universe falls into ruin and desolation. But preserve it, and + though the fair fabric may sustain partial dilapidations, it may + be rebuilt and repaired--it _will_ be rebuilt, and repaired, and + restored to all its pristine strength, and magnificence, and + beauty. If there must be violence, let it even come, for it will + soon pass away--let it come and rage its little hour, since it + is to be succeeded by lasting freedom, and prosperity and + happiness. Give me the hurricane rather than the pestilence. + Give me the hurricane, with its thunder, and its lightning, and + its tempest;--give me the hurricane, with its partial and + temporary devastations, awful though they be;--give me the + hurricane, with its purifying, healthful, salutary + effects;--give me that hurricane, infinitely rather than the + noisome pestilence, whose path is never crossed, whose silence + is never disturbed, whose progress is never arrested, by one + sweeping blast from the heavens; which walks peacefully and + sullenly through the length and breadth of the land, breathing + poison into every heart, and carrying havoc into every home, + enervating all that is strong, defacing all that is beautiful, + and casting its blight over the fairest and happiest scenes of + human life--and which, from day to day, and from year to year, + with intolerant and interminable malignity, sends its thousands + and its tens of thousands of hapless victims into the + ever-yawning and never-satisfied grave!' + +It is said, by way of extenuation, that the present owners of slaves are +not responsible for the origin of this system. I do not arraign them for +the crimes _of their ancestors_, but for the constant perpetration and +extension of similar crimes. The plea that the evil of slavery was +entailed upon them, shall avail them nothing: in its length and breadth +it means that the robberies of one generation justify the robberies of +another! that the inheritance of stolen property converts it into an +honest acquisition! that the atrocious conduct of their fathers +exonerates them from all accountability, thus presenting the strange +anomaly of a race of men incapable of incurring guilt, though daily +practising the vilest deeds! Scarcely any one denies that blame attaches +somewhere: the present generation throws it upon the past--the past, +upon its predecessor--and thus it is cast, like a ball, from one to +another, down to the first importers of the Africans! 'Can that be +_innocence_ in the temperate zone, which is the _acme of all guilt_ near +the equator? Can that be _honesty_ in one meridian of longitude, which, +at one hundred degrees east, is the _climax of injustice_?' Sixty +thousand infants, the offspring of slave-parents, are annually born in +this country, and doomed to remediless bondage. Is it not as atrocious a +crime to kidnap these, as to kidnap a similar number on the coast of +Africa? + +It is said, moreover, that we ought to legislate prospectively, on this +subject; that the fetters of the present generation of slaves cannot be +broken; and that our single aim should be, to obtain the freedom of +their offspring, by fixing a definite period after which none shall be +born slaves. But this is inconsistent, inhuman and unjust. The following +extracts from the speech of the Rev. Dr. Thomson are conclusive on this +point: + + + 'In the first place, it amounts to an indirect sanction of the + continued slavery of all who are now alive, and of all who may + be born before the period fixed upon. This is a renunciation of + the great moral principles upon which the demand for abolition + proceeds. It consigns more than 800,000 human beings to bondage + and oppression, while their title to freedom is both + indisputable and acknowledged. And it is not merely an + inconsistency on the part of the petitioners, and a violation of + the duty which they owe to such a multitude of their fellow-men, + but it weakens or surrenders the great argument by which they + enforce their application for the extinction of colonial + slavery. + + 'Besides, it is vain to expect that the planters will acquiesce + in such a prospective measure, any more than in the liberation + of the existing slaves, for the progeny of the existing slaves + must be considered by them as much a part of their property as + these slaves themselves. And they would regard it equally unjust + to deprive them of what is hereafter to be produced from their + own slave stock, as it would be to deprive a farmer, by an + anticipating law of all the foals and of all the calves that + might be produced in his stable and in his cow-house, after a + given specified date. + + 'We must be true to our own maxims, which are taken from the + word of God; and ask for all that we are entitled to have on the + ground of justice and humanity, and be contented with nothing + less. + + 'In the second place, the plan objected to is not merely an + acquiescence in the continuance of crime, it is a violation of + the best feelings of our nature. For, let any man but reflect on + the circumstance of children being born to slavery, merely + because they came into the world the last hour of December 1830, + instead of the first hour of January 1, 1831--and of children in + the same family, brothers and sisters--some of them destined to + bondage for life, and others gifted with freedom, for no other + reason than that the former were born before, and the latter + after, a particular day of a particular year--and of parents + being unjustly and inhumanly flogged in the very sight of their + offspring arbitrarily made free, while they are as arbitrarily + kept slaves--let any man but reflect on those things, and unless + the sensibilities of his heart be paralysed even to deadness, he + must surely revolt at such a cruel and cold blooded allotment in + the fortune of those little ones, and be satisfied with nothing + short of the emancipation of the whole community, without a + single exception. + + 'In the third place, supposing all children born after January + 1, 1831, were declared free, how are they to be educated? That + they may be prepared for the enjoyment of that liberty with + which you have invested them, they must undergo a particular and + appropriate training. So say the _gradualists_. Very well; under + whom are they to get this training? Are they to be separated + from their parents? Is that dearest of natural ties to be broken + asunder? Is this necessary for your plan? And are not you thus + endeavoring to cure one species of wickedness by the + instrumentality of another? But if they are to be left with + their parents and brought up under their care, then either they + will be imbued with the faults and degeneracies that are + characteristic of slavery, and consequently be as unfit for + freedom as those who have not been disenthralled: or they will + be well nurtured and well instructed by their parents, and this + implies a confession that their parents themselves are + sufficiently prepared for liberty, and that there is no good + reason for withholding from them, the boon that is bestowed upon + their children. + + 'Whatever view, in short, we take of the question, the + prospective plan is full of difficulty or contradictions, and we + are made more sensible than ever that there is nothing left for + us, but to take the consistent, honest, uncompromising course of + demanding the abolition of slavery with respect to the present, + as well as to every future generation of the negroes in our + colonies.' + +We are told that 'it is not right that men should be free, when their +freedom will prove injurious to themselves and others.' This has been +the plea of tyrants in all ages. If the immediate emancipation of the +slaves would prove a curse, it follows that slavery is a blessing; and +that it cannot be unjust, but benevolent, to defraud the laborer of his +hire, to rank him as a beast, and to deprive him of his liberty. But +this, every one must see, is at war with common sense, and avowedly +doing evil that good may come. This plea must mean, either that a state +of slavery is more favorable to the growth of virtue and the +dispensation of knowledge than a state of freedom--(a glaring +absurdity)--or that an immediate compliance with the demands of justice +would be most unjust--(a gross contradiction.) + +It is boldly asserted by some colonizationists, that '_the negroes are +happier when kept in bondage_,' and that 'the condition of the great +mass of emancipated Africans is one in comparison with which the +condition of the slaves is _enviable_.' What is the inference? Why, +either that slavery is not oppression--(another paradox)--or that real +benevolence demands the return of the free people of color to their +former state of servitude. Every kidnapper, therefore, is a true +philanthropist! Our legislature should immediately offer a bounty for +the body of every free colored person! The colored population of +Massachusetts, at $200 for each man, woman and child, would bring at +least _one million three hundred thousand dollars_. This sum would +seasonably replenish our exhausted treasury. The whole free colored +population of the United States, at the same price, (which is a low +estimate,) would be worth _sixty-five millions of dollars_!! Think how +many churches this would build, schools and colleges establish, +beneficiaries educate, missionaries support, bibles and tracts +circulate, railroads and canals complete, &c. &c. &c.!!! + +The Secretary of the Colonization Society assures us, (vide the African +Repository, vol. v. p. 330,) that '_were the very spirit of angelic +charity to pervade and fill the hearts of all the slaveholders in our +land, it would by no means require that all the slaves should be +instantaneously liberated_'!!--i. e. should the slaveholders become +instantaneously metamorphosed into angels, they would still hold the +rational creatures of God as their _property_, and yet commit no sin! +Think, for one moment, of an angel in the capacity of a +man-stealer--feeding his victims upon a peck of corn per week, or three +bushels of corn and a few herrings every 'quarter-day,' as a +compensation for their severe labor--flourishing a cowskin over their +heads, and applying it frequently to their naked bodies! Think of him +selling parents from children, and children from parents, at private +sale or public auction! + +Many slaveholders are giving up their slaves from conscientious motives; +they cannot, they dare not longer keep them in servitude; they believe +that the law of God has a higher claim upon their obedience than the +laws of their native State. Now suppose all the owners of slaves in our +land should be suddenly and simultaneously convicted of sin, and moved +to repentance in a similar manner, and should say to their slaves, 'God +forbid that we should longer call you our property, or place you on a +level with our cattle, or defraud you of your just dues, or sell you or +your wives or children to others, or deny you the means of instruction, +or lacerate your bodies! henceforth you are free--but you want +employment, and we need laborers--go and work as freemen, and be paid as +freemen!'--suppose, I say, a case like this should happen, and a troop +of _gradualists_ should surround these penitent oppressors, and cry, +'Were the very spirit of angelic charity to pervade and fill your +hearts, it would by no means require that all your slaves should be +instantaneously liberated--your throats will be cut, your houses +pillaged, and desolation will stalk through the land, if you carry your +mad purpose into effect--emancipate by a slow, imperceptible +process!'--how would this advice sound? What should be their reply? +Clearly this: 'Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto +men more than unto God, judge ye.' Here would be presented a strange +spectacle indeed--one party confessing and resolving to forsake their +sins, and another urging them to disregard the admonitions of +conscience, and to leave off sinning by degrees! To be sure, a few, a +very few, would be _generously_ allowed to reform _instanter_! + +Those who prophesy evil, and only evil, concerning immediate abolition, +absolutely disregard the nature and constitution of man, as also his +inalienable rights, and annihilate or reverse the causes and effects of +human action. They are continually fearful lest the slaves, in +consequence of their grievous wrongs and intolerable sufferings, should +attempt to gain their freedom by revolution; and yet they affect to be +equally fearful lest a general emancipation should produce the same +disastrous consequences. How absurd! They _know_ that oppression must +cause rebellion; and yet they pretend that a removal of the cause will +produce a bloody effect! This is to suppose an effect without a cause, +and, of course, is a contradiction in terms. Bestow upon the slaves +personal freedom, and all motives for insurrection are destroyed. Treat +them like rational beings, and you may surely expect rational treatment +in return: treat them like beasts, and they will behave in a beastly +manner. + +Besides, precedent and experience make the ground of abolitionists +invulnerable. In no single instance where their principles have been +adopted, has the result been disastrous or violent, but beneficial and +peaceful even beyond their most sanguine expectations. The immediate +abolition of slavery in Mexico, in Colombia, and in St. Domingo,[O] was +eminently preservative and useful in its effects. The manumitted slaves +(numbering more than two thousand,) who were settled in Nova Scotia, at +the close of our revolutionary war, by the British government, 'led a +harmless life,' says Clarkson, 'and gained the character of an +industrious and honest people from their white neighbors.' A large +number who were located at Trinidad, as free laborers, at the close of +our last war, 'are now,' according to the same authority, 'earning their +own livelihood, and with so much industry and good conduct, that the +calumnies originally spread against them have entirely died away.' +According to the Anti-Slavery Reporter for January, 1832, three thousand +prize negroes at the Cape of Good Hope had received their freedom--four +hundred in one day; 'but not the least difficulty or disorder occurred: +servants found masters, masters hired servants--all gained homes, and at +night scarcely an idler was to be seen.' + +These and many other similar facts show conclusively the safety of +immediate abolition. Gradualists can present, in abatement of them, +nothing but groundless apprehensions and criminal distrust. The argument +is irresistible. + +FOOTNOTES: + +[N] The slaves, they say, are their _property_. Once admit this, and all +your arguments for interference are vain, and all your plans for +amelioration are fruitless. The whole question may be said to hang upon +this point. If the slaves are not property, then slavery is at an end. +The slaveholders see this most clearly; they see that while you allow +these slaves to be their _property_, you act inconsistently and +oppressively in intermeddling, as you propose to do, with what is theirs +as much as any other of their goods and chattels: you must proceed, +therefore, in your measures for amelioration, as you call it, with +'hesitating steps and slow;' and there is nothing you can do for +restraining punishment, for regulating labor, for enforcing manumission, +for introducing education and Christianity, which will not be met with +the remonstrance, undeniably just by your own concessions, that you are +encroaching on the sacred rights of property,--the slaveholders see all +this, and they can employ it to paralyse and defeat all your efforts to +get at emancipation, and to prepare for it. It is on this account, that +I wish it settled in your minds, as a fixed and immutable principle, +that there is and can be no property of man in man. Adopt this +principle, and give it that ascendency over your minds to which it is +entitled;--and slavery is swept away.--_Speech of Rev. Dr Thomson of +Edinburgh._ + +[O] The history of the Revolution in St Domingo is not generally +understood in this country. The result of the instantaneous emancipation +of the slaves, in that island, by an act of the Conventional Assembly of +France in the month of February, 1794, settles the controversy between +the _immediatists_ and _gradualists_. 'After this public act of +emancipation,' says Colonel Malenfant, who was resident in the island at +the time, 'the negroes _remained quiet_ both in the South and in the +West, and _they continued to work upon all the plantations_.' 'Upon +those estates which were abandoned, _they continued their labors_, where +there were any, even inferior agents, to guide them; and on those +estates, where no white men were left to direct them, they betook +themselves to the planting of provisions; but upon _all the plantations_ +where the whites resided, the blacks _continued to labor as quietly as +before_.' 'On the Plantation Gourad, consisting of more than four +hundred and fifty laborers, _not a single negro refused to work_; and +yet this plantation was thought to be under the worst discipline and the +slaves the most idle of any in the plain.' General Lacroix, who +published his 'Memoirs for a History of St Domingo,' at Paris, in 1819, +uses these remarkable words: 'The colony marched, _as by enchantment_, +towards its ancient splendor; _cultivation prospered_; every day +produced perceptible proofs of its progress. The city of the Cape and +the plantations of the North rose up again visibly to the eye.' General +Vincent, who was a general of a brigade of artillery in St Domingo, and +a proprietor of estates in that island, at the same period, declared to +the Directory of France, that 'every thing was _going on well in St +Domingo_. The proprietors were in peaceable possession of their estates; +cultivation was making rapid progress; _the blacks were industrious, and +beyond example happy_.' So much for the horrible concomitants of a +general emancipation! So much for the predicted indolence of the +liberated slaves! Let confusion of face cover all abolition alarmists in +view of these historical facts! This peaceful and prosperous state of +affairs continued from 1794, to the invasion of the island by Leclerc in +1802. The attempt of Bonaparte to reduce the island to its original +servitude was the sole cause of that sanguinary conflict which ended in +the total extirpation of the French from its soil.--[Vide Clarkson's +'Thoughts on the Necessity of Improving the Condition of the Slaves in +the British Colonies,' &c.] + + + + +SECTION VI. + +THE AMERICAN COLONIZATION SOCIETY IS NOURISHED BY FEAR AND SELFISHNESS. + + +The reader will find on the fifth page of my introductory remarks, the +phrase 'naked terrors;' by which I mean, that, throughout all the +speeches, addresses and reports in behalf of the Society, it is +confessed, in language strong and explicit, that an irrepressible and +agonizing fear of the influence of the free people of color over the +slave population is the primary, essential and prevalent motive for +colonizing them on the coast of Africa--and not, as we are frequently +urged to believe, a desire simply to meliorate their condition and +civilize that continent. On this point, the evidence is abundant. + + 'In reflecting on the utility of a plan for colonizing the free + people of color, with whom our country abounds, it is natural + that we should be first struck by its tendency to confer a + benefit on ourselves, by ridding us of a population for the most + part idle and useless, and too often vicious and mischievous.' + * * * 'Such a class must evidently be a burden and a nuisance to + the community; and every scheme which affords a prospect of + removing so great an evil must deserve to be most favorably + considered. + + 'But it is not in themselves merely that the free people of + color are a nuisance and burthen. They contribute greatly to the + corruption of the slaves, and to aggravate the evils of their + condition, by rendering them idle, discontented and disobedient. + This also arises from the necessity under which the free blacks + are, of remaining incorporated with the slaves, of associating + habitually with them, and forming part of the same class in + society. The slave seeing his free companion live in idleness, + or subsist however scantily or precariously by occasional and + desultory employment, is apt to grow discontented with his own + condition, and to regard as tyranny and injustice the authority + which compels him to labor.[P] + + 'Great, however, as the benefits are, which we may thus promise + ourselves, from the colonization of the free people of color, by + its tendency to prevent the discontent and corruption of our + slaves,' &c. * * 'The considerations stated in the first part of + this letter, have long since produced a thorough conviction in + my mind, that the existence of a class of free people of color + in this country is highly injurious to the whites, the slaves + and the free people of color themselves: consequently that all + emancipation, to however small an extent, which permits the + persons emancipated to remain in this country, is an evil, which + must increase with the increase of the operation, and would + become altogether intolerable, if extended to the whole, or even + to a very large part of the black population. I am therefore + strongly opposed to emancipation, in every shape and degree, + unless accompanied by colonization.'--[General Harper's + Letter--First Annual Report, pp. 29, 31, 32, 33, 36.] + + + 'The slaves would be greatly benefitted by the removal of the + free blacks, who now corrupt them and render them + discontented.'--[Second An. Rep.] + + + 'What are these objects? They are in the first place to aid + ourselves, by relieving us from a species of population pregnant + with future danger and present inconvenience.'--[Seventh + Report.] + + + 'They are dangerous to the community, and this danger ought to + be removed. Their wretchedness arises not only from their + bondage, but from their political and moral degradation. The + danger is not so much that we have a million and a half of + slaves, as that we have in our borders nearly two millions of + men who are necessarily any thing rather than loyal + citizens--nearly two millions of ignorant and miserable beings + who are banded together by the very same circumstances, by which + they are so widely separated in character and in interest from + all the citizens of our great republic.'--[Seventh Annual + Report.] + + + 'It may be safely assumed, that there is not an individual in + the community, who has given to the subject a moment's + consideration, who does not regard the existence of the free + people of color in the bosom of the country, as an evil of + immense magnitude, and of a dangerous and alarming tendency. + Their abject and miserable condition is too obvious to be + pointed out. All must perceive it, and perceiving it, cannot but + lament it. But their deplorable condition is not more obvious to + the most superficial observer, than is (what is far worse, and + still more to be dreaded,) the powerful and resistless influence + which they exert over the slave population. While their + character remains what it now is, (and the laws and structure of + the country in which they reside, prevent its permanent + improvement,) this influence must of necessity be baneful and + contaminating. Corrupt themselves, like the deadly Upas, they + impart corruption to all around them. Their numbers too, are + constantly and rapidly augmenting. Their annual increase is + truly astonishing, certainly unexampled. The dangerous + ascendency which they have already acquired over the slaves, is + consequently increasing with every addition to their numbers; + and every addition to their numbers is a subtraction from the + wealth and strength, and character, and happiness, and safety of + the country. And if this be true, as it unquestionably is, the + converse is also true; the danger of their undue influence will + lessen with every diminution of their numbers; and every + diminution of their numbers must add, and add greatly, to the + prosperity of the country.'--[Twelfth Annual Report.] + + + 'Another reason is, the pressing and vital importance of + relieving ourselves, as soon as practicable, from this most + dangerous element in our population.' * * 'We all know the + effects produced on our slaves by the fascinating, but delusive + appearance of happiness, exhibited in some persons of their own + complexion, roaming in idleness and vice among them. By removing + the most fruitful source of discontent from among our slaves, we + should render them more industrious and attentive to our + commands.'--[Fourteenth Annual Report.] + + + 'What is the free black to the slave? A standing perpetual + incitement to discontent. Though the condition of the slave be a + thousand times the best--supplied, protected, instead of + destitute and desolate--yet, the folly of the condition, held to + involuntary labor, finds, always, allurement, in the spectacle + of exemption from it, without consideration of the adjuncts of + destitution and misery. The slave would have then, little + excitement to discontent but for the free black.'--[Fifteenth + Annual Report.] + + + 'The evils which arise from the communication of the free people + of color with our slaves, must be obvious to every reflecting + mind; and the consequences which may result from this + communication at some future day, when circumstances are more + favorable to their views, are of a more alarming character. Sir, + circumstances must have brought us to the conclusion, if our + observation had not enabled us to make the remark, that it is + natural for our slaves, so closely allied to the free black + population by national peculiarities, and by relationship, to + make a comparison between their respective conditions, and to + repine at the difference which exists between them. This is a + serious evil, and can only be removed _by preventing the + possibility of a comparison_. + + 'By removing these people, we rid ourselves of a large party who + will always be ready to assist our slaves in any mischievous + design which they may conceive; and who are better able, by + their intelligence, and the facilities of their communication, + to bring those designs to a successful termination.'--[African + Repository, vol. i. p. 176.] + + + 'The labors of the Colonization Society appear to us highly + deserving of praise. The blacks, whom they carry from the + country, belong to a class far more noxious than the slaves + themselves. They are free without any sense of character to + restrain them, or regular means of obtaining an honest + livelihood. Most of the criminal offences committed in the + southern States are chargeable to them, and their influence over + the slaves is pernicious and alarming.' * * * 'What is the true + nature of the evil of the existence of a portion of the African + race in our population? It is not that there are some, but that + there are so many among us of a different caste, of a different + physical, if not moral, constitution, who never can amalgamate + with the great body of our population. In every country, persons + are to be found varying in their color, origin and character, + from the native mass. But this anomaly creates no inquietude or + apprehension, because the exotics, from the smallness of their + number, are known to be utterly incapable of disturbing the + general tranquillity. Here, on the contrary, the African part of + our population bears so large a proportion to the residue of + European origin, as to create the most lively apprehension, + especially in some quarters of the Union. Any project, + therefore, by which, in a material degree, the dangerous element + in the general mass, can be diminished or rendered stationary, + deserves deliberate consideration.'--[African Repository, vol. + ii. pp. 27, 338.] + + + 'Made up, for the most part, either of slaves or of their + immediate descendants; elevated above the class from which it + has sprung, only by its exemption from domestic restraint; and + effectually debarred by the law, from every prospect of equality + with the actual freemen of the country; it is a source of + perpetual uneasiness to the master, and of envy and corruption + to the slave.' * * 'To remove these persons from among us, will + increase the _usefulness_, and improve the moral character of + those who remain in servitude, and _with whose labors the + country is unable to dispense_. That instances are to be found + of colored free persons, upright and industrious, is not to be + denied. But the greater portion, as is well known, are a source + of malignant depravity to the slaves on the one hand, and of + corrupt habits to many of our white population on the other. The + arts of subsistence with many of them, are incompatible with the + security of property.' * * * 'I am a Virginian--I dread for her + the corroding evil of this numerous caste, and I tremble for the + danger of a disaffection spreading through their seductions, + among our servants.' * * * 'Are they vipers, who are sucking our + blood? we will hurl them from us. It is not sympathy alone,--not + sickly sympathy, no, nor manly sympathy either,--which is to act + on us; but vital policy, self-interest, are also enlisting + themselves on the humane side in our breasts.'--[African + Repository, vol. iii. pp. 10, 67, 197, 201.] + + + 'All must concur in regarding the present condition of the free + colored race in America as inconsistent with its future social + and political advancement, and, where slavery exists at all, as + calculated to aggravate its evils without any atoning good. + Among those evils, the most obvious is the restraint imposed + upon emancipation by the laws of so many of the slaveholding + States: laws, deriving their recent origin from the obvious + manifestation which the increase of the free colored population + has furnished, of the inconvenience and danger of multiplying + their number where slavery exists at all.' * * * 'By the success + of this scheme, our country will be enriched. The free blacks + constitute a material spoke in that wheel which is crushing down + the wealth of our land. The moment we carry this plan into + vigorous prosecution, we shall call many of our countrymen to a + state of comparative wealth. The removal of the annual increase + of our colored population, would give to our mariners a + considerable scope of employment, whilst the trade of the Colony + would be a source of profit.' * * 'It places the attainment of + the grand object in view, that is, to withdraw from the United + States annually, so many of the colored population, and provide + them a comfortable home and all the advantages of civilization + in Africa, _as will make the number here remain stationary_.' + * * * 'Let us recur to the principle abovementioned--that every + black family occupies the room of a white family. On this + principle we are lost, if we suffer the colored population to + multiply, unchecked, upon our hands; because they will increase + faster than the whites, and will crowd them out of all the + Southern country. But on the same principle we are saved, if by + any means of colonization, we can retard the increase of the + blacks, and gain ground on them in the South. That we can do + with ease, if our people will unite in prosecuting the scheme. + Every family taken from the blacks, will add also a family to + the whites, and make an actual difference of two families in our + favor. This exchange will leave fewer blacks to remove, while + it will increase our ability to remove them. Self-interest and + self-preservation furnish motives enough to excite our + exertions.' * * 'By thus repressing the rapid increase of + blacks, the white population would be enabled to reach and soon + overtop them. The consequence would be security.'--[African + Repository, vol. iv. pp. 53, 141, 271, 276, 344.] + + + 'The existence of a class of men in the bosom of the community, + who occupy a middle rank between the citizen and the slave--who + encountering every positive evil incident to each condition, + share none of the benefits peculiar to either, has been long + clearly seen and deeply deplored by every man of observation. + The master feels it in the unhappy influence which the free + blacks have upon the slave population. The slave feels it in the + restless, discontented spirit which his association with the + free black engenders.' * * * * 'But, there is yet a more + important and alarming view, in which this subject necessarily + presents itself to the mind of every Virginian. A community of + the character that has been described, with this additional + peculiarity, that it differs from the class from which it has + sprung, only in its exemption from _the wholesome restraints of + domestic authority_, is found in the midst of a numerous and + rapidly increasing slave population; and while its partial + freedom, trammelled, as it is, by the necessary rigors of the + law, is nevertheless sufficiently attractive, to be a source of + uneasiness and dissatisfaction to those who have not attained to + its questionable privileges, its exemption from the prompt and + efficient inquisition appertaining to slavery, makes it an + important instrument in the corruption and seduction of those, + who yet remain the property of their masters.' * * * 'Who would + not rejoice to see our country liberated from her black + population? Who would not participate in any efforts to restore + those children of misfortune to their native shores, and kindle + the lights of science and civilization through Africa? Who that + has reflection, does not tremble for the political and moral + well-being of a country, that has within its bosom, a growing + population, bound to its institutions by no common sympathies, + and ready to fall in with any faction that may threaten its + liberties?' * * * 'The existence of this race among us; a race + that can neither share our blessings nor incorporate in our + society, is already felt to be a curse; and though the only + curse entailed on us, if left to take its course, it will become + the greatest that could befal the nation. + + 'Shall we then cling to it, and by refusing the timely expedient + now offered for deliverance, retain and foster the _alien + enemies_, till they have multiplied into such greater numbers, + and risen into such mightier consequence as will for ever bar + the possibility of their departure, and by barring it, bar also + the possibility of fulfilling our own high destiny?' * * 'The + object of this Society is two-fold; for while it immediately and + ostensibly directs its energies to the amelioration of the + condition of the free people of color, it relieves our country + from an unprofitable burden, and which, if much longer submitted + to, may record upon our history the dreadful cries of vengeance + that but a few years since were registered in characters of + blood at St. Domingo.' * * 'It is the removal of the _free_ + blacks from among us, that is to save us, sooner or later, from + those dreadful events foreboded by Mr Jefferson, or from the + horrors of St. Domingo. The present number of this unfortunate, + degraded, and anomalous class of inhabitants cannot be much + short of half a million; and the number is fast increasing. They + are emphatically a mildew upon our fields, a scourge to our + backs, and a stain upon our escutcheon. To remove them is mercy + to ourselves, and justice to them.'--[African Repository, vol. + v. pp. 28, 51, 88, 278, 304, 348.] + + + 'All admit the utility of the separation of the free people of + color from the residue of the population of the United States, + if it be practicable. It is desirable for them, _for the slaves + of the United States_, and for the white race. The vices of this + class do not spring from any inherent depravity in their natural + constitution, but from their unfortunate situation. Social + intercourse is a want which we are prompted to gratify by all + the properties of our nature. And as they cannot obtain it in + the better circles of society, nor always among themselves, + they resort to slaves and to the most debased and worthless of + the whites. Corruption, and all the train of petty offences, are + the consequences. Proprietors of slaves in whose neighborhood + any free colored family is situated, know how infectious and + pernicious this intercourse is.' * * * 'Who, if this promiscuous + residence of whites and blacks, of freemen and slaves, is for + ever to continue, can imagine the servile wars, the carnage and + the crimes which will be its probable consequences, without + shuddering with horror?' * * 'It were madness to shut our eyes + to these facts and conclusions. This rapid increase of the + blacks is as certain as the progress of time. The fatal + consequences of that increase, if it be not checked, are equally + so. Something must be done. The American Colonization Society + proposes a remedy--the removal to Africa of the blacks who are + free, or shall hereafter become so, with their consent.' * * + 'The colored population is considered by the people of Tennessee + and Alabama in general, as an immense evil to the country--but + the free part of it, by all, as the greatest of all evils.... + They feel severely the effects of the deleterious influence + which the free negroes exert upon the slaves--and they look, + moreover, into futurity, and there they behold an appalling + scene--in less than one hundred years, (a short time, we should + hope, in the life of this republic,) 16,000,000 of blacks.' + * * * * 'Since the recent revolution in the island of St. Domingo, + which has placed it in the hands of the African race, it was + thought by some that there an asylum might be found for this + part of our population. But to that place there were also + serious objections, which would prevent its adoption to any + considerable extent. The nearness of that Island to our southern + borders, and the evil consequences that might result from + embodying the free persons of color in the vicinity of those + parts of the United States, where slaves are so numerous, + forbade the friends of humanity to provide a home for them in + that Island.'--[African Repository, vol. vi. pp. 17, 23, 68, 77, + 226.] + + + 'The existence, within the very bosom of our country, of an + anomalous race of beings, the most debased upon earth, who + neither enjoy the blessings of freedom, nor are yet in the bonds + of slavery, is a great national evil, which every friend of his + country most deeply deplores. They constitute a large mass of + human beings, who hang as a vile excrescence upon society--the + objects of a low debasing envy to our slaves, and to ourselves + of universal suspicion and distrust.' * * 'If this process were + continued a second term of duplication, it would produce the + extraordinary result of forty white men to one black in the + country--a state of things in which we should not only cease to + feel the burdens which now hang so heavily upon us, but actually + regard the poor African as an object of curiosity, and not + uneasiness.' * * 'Enough, under favorable circumstances, might + be removed for a few successive years--if young _females_ were + encouraged to go--to keep the whole colored population in + check.'--[African Repository, vol. vii. pp. 230, 232, 246.] + + + 'The existence of such a population among us is a most manifest + evil. And every year adds to its threatening aspect. They are + more than a sixth of our population! Their ratio of increase + exceeds that of the whites. They have all the lofty and immortal + powers of man. And the time must arrive, when they will + fearlessly claim the prerogatives of man. They may do it in the + spirit of revenge. They may do it in the spirit of desperation. + And the result of such a mustering of their energies--who can + look at it even in distant prospect without horror? Almost as + numerous are they now, as our whole population when this nation + stood forth for freedom in a contest with the mightiest power of + the civilized world. And if nothing is done to _arrest their + increase_, we shall have in twenty years four millions of + slaves; in forty years eight millions; in sixty years sixteen + millions, and a million of free blacks;--seventeen millions of + people; seven millions more than our present white + population;--enough for a powerful empire! And how can they be + governed? Who can foretel those scenes of carnage and terror + which our own children may witness, unless a seasonable remedy + be applied? The remedy is now within our reach. _We can stop + their increase_; we can diminish their number.'--[Rev. Baxter + Dickinson's Sermon delivered at Springfield, Mass. in 1829.] + + + 'We have a numerous people, who, though they are among us, are + not of us; who are aliens and outcasts in the land of their + birth. A people whose condition is degraded and miserable; who, + so far from adding to our national strength, are an element of + weakness, and detract from the amount of human effort. A people, + whose condition, while it excites our commiseration, must awaken + our fears.' * * 'Those persons of color who have been + emancipated, are only nominally free; and the whole race, so + long as they remain among us, and whether they be slaves or + free, must _necessarily_ be kept in a condition full of + wretchedness to them and full of danger to the whites. This view + of the subject is rendered the more alarming by the rapid + increase of this portion of our population.'--[Second Annual + Report of the New-York State Colonization Society, pp. 4, 34.] + + + 'We would ask, whence have the troubles, which have taken place + among the slaves of Louisiana, originated? Trace the causes, and + we will invariably find them to have proceeded from the + suggestions and officious interferences of the free blacks. + Their very existence in our limits, enjoying supposed + independence, excites the envy and dissatisfaction of the + slaves. The latter naturally inquire, why is it, that persons of + the same color, are permitted to possess more privileges than + they do?... We know the danger to which we are exposed from such + a class of beings living in the very heart of our population, + and increasing greatly every year.'--[An advocate of the Society + in the New-Orleans Argus.] + + + 'Among us the free negroes are multiplying rapidly; both + conscience and religion, as well as propagation, increase them, + and, unless instant and decisive steps are taken to prevent + their increase, you will soon have 50,000 _determined and + vengeful enemies_ in the heart of your country, protected there + by the constitution, forsooth, by which it seems we are + forbidden to expel the free negroes, or to prevent farther + importations of this deadly pest in the persons of + slaves.'--[Louisville Focus.] + + + 'Will not the people of the United States be induced to do + something to remove their colored population? I refer to their + condition, whether bond or free. They are wretched and + dangerous, and should be removed. And the danger arises, not + because we have thousands of slaves within our borders, but + because there are nearly two millions of colored men, who are by + necessity any thing rather than loyal citizens.'--[Address by + Gabriel P. Disosway, Esq.] + + + 'It is not now a novel or a debateable proposition, that slavery + is a great moral and political curse. It is equally clear that + its multitudinous evils are greatly increased by the existence + among us of a mongrel population, who, freed from the shackles + of bondage, yet bear about them the badge of inferiority, + stamped upon them indelibly by the hand of nature, and are + therefore deprived of those rights of citizenship, without which + they must necessarily be a degraded caste--depraved in morals + and vicious in conduct, and _exercising a mischievous and + dangerous influence over those to whom they are nominally + superior_. Their mere existence among the slaves is sufficient, + of itself, to excite in the bosoms of the latter a feeling of + dissatisfaction with their own condition, apparently worse, + because of the coercion to labor which it imposes; but + essentially better, because of the comforts which that labor + procures, and of which the idle and dissolute habits of the free + negro almost invariably deprive him. The slave, however, is not + capable of reasoning correctly, if he reasons at all, on these + truths. He envies the free negro his idleness, and his freedom + from restraint, with all its attendant disadvantages of poverty + and disease, crime and punishment--and hence, he will sometimes + indulge the delusive dream of effecting his own emancipation by + the murder of those who hold him in bondage. Take away from him + this cause of dissatisfaction, and this incentive to + insurrection, and then these "impracticable hopes," which now + sometimes flit before his imagination, will no longer embitter + his hours of labor, and urge him to the commission of those + horrid deeds of massacre, which, though they may glut a + momentary revenge, must result disastrously, not only to the + slaves engaged immediately in their perpetration, but to all + that unfortunate race. Our true interests require that they + shall remove from among us--and no longer be a source of + disquietude to the whites, _of envy to the slaves_, and of + degradation to themselves.'--[Lynchburg (Va.) Virginian.] + + + 'For the most conclusive reasons this removal should be to + Africa. If it be to the West Indies, to Texas, to Canada, then, + how strong and various the objections to building up, in the + vicinity of our own nation, a mighty empire, from a race of men, + _so unlike ourselves_? But, if the removal be to Africa, then it + is to a _happy distance_ from us and to their father land.... + Then let it aid in removing that population, which, under its + peculiar relation to the whites, and under its degrading social + and civil disabilities, is a most fruitful source of national + dishonor, demoralization, weakness and _horrid + danger_.'--[Memorial of the New-York State Colonization + Society.] + + + 'The males removed should be persons between 16 and 17 years of + age; the females between 13 and 14. Now as a number would be + annually removed equal to the whole increase, and as that number + would be composed of individuals, of such ages that their + removal would affect the future increase of the race in the + greatest possible degree, I believe that their numbers would not + only not increase, but would diminish. And the number removed + might be increased as the proportion of white persons in the + State became greater, until the removal reached a point at which + all the males who attained the age of sixteen, and all the + females who attained the age of fourteen, in any given year, + would during that year be removed.'--[Petersburg (Va.) Times.] + + + 'They are well calculated to render the slaves sullen, + discontented, unhappy and refractory--and the masters + suspicious, fearful of consequences, and disposed to enhance the + rigor of the condition of their slaves, in order to avert the + dangers that appear to impend over them from the promulgation of + the anti-slavery doctrines; thus, in this case, as in so many + others, the imprudent zeal of friends is likely to produce as + much substantial injury as the animosity of decided enemies + could accomplish.'--[Mathew Carey's Essays.] + + + 'Hatred to the whites is, with the exception in some cases of an + attachment to the person and family of the master, nearly + universal among the black population. We have then a foe, + cherished in our very bosoms--a foe willing to draw our + life-blood whenever the opportunity is offered, and, in the mean + time, intent upon doing us all the mischief in his + power.'--[Southern Religious Telegraph.] + +Does the reader wish for any additional proof that the governing motive +of the American Colonization Society is fear--undisguised, _excessive_ +FEAR? Language is altogether inadequate to express my indignation and +contempt, in view of such a heartless and cowardly exhibition of +sentiment. There is a deep sense of guilt, an awful dread of +retribution, manifested in the foregoing extracts; but we perceive no +evidence of contrition for past or present injustice, on the part of +those terror-stricken plotters. Instead of returning to those, whom +they have so deeply injured, 'with repenting and undissembling love;' +instead of seeking to conciliate and remunerate the victims of their +prejudice and oppression; instead of resolving to break the yoke of +servitude and let the oppressed go free; it seems to be their only +anxiety and aim to outwit the vengeance of Heaven, and strengthen the +bulwarks of tyranny, by expelling the free people of color from our +shores, and effecting such a diminution of the number of slaves as shall +give the white population a triumphant and irresistible superiority! +'_Check the increase!_' is their cry--'let us retain in everlasting +bondage as many as we can, _safely_; but the proportion must be at least +ten millions of ourselves to two millions of our vassals, else we shall +live in jeopardy! To do justly is not our intention; we only mean to +remove the surplus of our present stock; we think we shall be able, by +this prudent device, to oppress and rob with impunity. Our present +wailing is not for our heinous crimes, but only because our avarice and +cruelty have carried us beyond our ability to protect ourselves: we +lament, not because we hold so large a number in fetters of iron, but +because we cannot safely hold more!' + +Ye crafty calculators! ye hard-hearted, incorrigible sinners! ye greedy +and relentless robbers! ye contemners of justice and mercy! ye +trembling, pitiful, pale-faced usurpers! my soul spurns you with +unspeakable disgust. Know ye not that the reward of your hands shall be +given you? 'Wo unto them that decree unrighteous decrees, and that write +grievousness which they have prescribed; to turn aside the needy from +judgment, and to take away the right from the poor, that widows may be +their prey, and that they may rob the fatherless! And what will ye do in +the day of visitation, and in the desolation which shall come from far? +to whom will ye flee for help? and where will ye leave your +glory?'--'What mean ye that ye beat my people to pieces, and grind the +face of the poor? saith the Lord God of hosts.'--'Behold, the hire of +the laborers which have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept +back by fraud, crieth; and the cries of them which have reaped are +entered into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth.' Repent! repent! _now_, +in sackcloth and ashes. Think not to succeed in your expulsive crusade; +you cannot hide your motives from the Great Searcher of hearts; and if a +sinful worm of the dust, like myself, is fired with indignation at your +dastardly behaviour and mean conspiracy to evade repentance and +punishment, how must the anger of Him, whose holiness and justice are +infinite, burn against you? Is it not a fearful thing to fall into the +hands of the living God? You may plot by day and by night; you may heap +together the treasures of the land, and multiply and enlarge your +combinations, to extricate yourselves from peril; but _you cannot +succeed_. Your only alternative is, either to redress the wrongs of the +oppressed _now_, and humble yourselves before God, or prepare for the +chastisements of Heaven. I repeat it--REPENTANCE or PUNISHMENT must be +yours. + +There are several points upon which I wish to fasten the attention of +the reader: + +1. The inhumanity and craftiness of these propositions for the removal +of the free people of color. + +It will be seen that the conspirators have taxed their ingenuity to the +utmost, to ascertain the exact number of emigrants which must be +transported annually, the amount of money that must be raised, the +persons that must be selected, the number of vessels that must be +employed, &c. &c. It is their determination, if the necessary means can +be obtained, to transport the annual increase of our colored population; +but in this calculation we find no allowance made for unwillingness or +resistance on the part of those who are the objects of their +supervision. It is taken for granted that all will be induced to go into +exile, or must be made willing compulsorily. Nothing else is +contemplated but their entire expulsion. In order to insure a reduction +of this 'alarming increase,' and effectually to check the fruitfulness +of generation, even the unmanly and scandalous proposition is made to +remove principally those of both sexes who are just come to the age of +puberty! The system of _espionage_, established by Napoleon to prevent +the possibility of a successful conspiracy, was not more detestable and +observant than is this violent and unnatural project. 'If young +_females_ were encouraged to go'!--why, then they could not propagate +here! Infamous calculation! + +2. The principal object avowed for the removal of the free people of +color, is, their corruptive and dangerous influence over the slave +population. + +It is demonstrated, then, beyond disputation, that this removal will +infuse new strength into the tottering system of slavery, tighten the +grasp of the masters upon the throats of the slaves, lull them into a +profound and quiet sleep, postpone the hour of emancipation, and enhance +the security and value of slave property. The terror of mind which calls +for this separation cannot be benevolence, and the combination which +seeks to effect it cannot merit support. It were folly to hope that the +owners of slaves will ultimately emancipate them, from conscientious +motives. In the first place, they affect to be innocent in holding their +victims in servitude; secondly, they are assured by their colonization +brethren that they are not guilty of oppression, but, on the contrary, +are watchful guardians; and lastly, they are obstinate in shutting their +eyes upon the light, and kindle into a rage on being arraigned for their +tyrannous conduct. Our only ground of hope, then, is in increasing the +difficulty of holding their slaves, in multiplying the causes of their +apprehensions, in destroying the value of slave labor, and in making +their situation full of disquietude and distress. Such a course is not +inconsistent with benevolence--such a course we are obligated to pursue, +as we value the present and everlasting welfare of the oppressor and the +oppressed, and desire to have a conscience void of offence toward God +and toward man. It may--it _must_ be effected by a scrupulous abstinence +from the productions of slavery; by encouraging planters to cultivate +their lands by the hands of free laborers; by educating our free colored +population, and placing them on an equality with ourselves; and by +constantly exhibiting the criminality of holding rational and immortal +beings in servile bondage. Thus, and thus only, shall we be able to +liberate our enslaved countrymen. + +3. Consider the inevitable consequence of these reiterated and malignant +statements, with regard to the habits and designs of the free people of +color. + +First, it deters a large number of masters from liberating their slaves, +and hence directly perpetuates the evils of slavery: it deters them for +two reasons--an unwillingness to augment the wretchedness of those who +are in servitude by turning them loose upon the country, and a dread of +increasing the number of their enemies. It creates and nourishes the +bitterest animosity against the free blacks. It has spread an alarm +among all classes of society, in all parts of the country; and, acting +under this fearful impulse, they begin to persecute, believing +self-preservation imperiously calls for this severe treatment. The +legislative enactment of Ohio, which not long since drove many of the +colored inhabitants of that State into Upper Canada, was the legitimate +fruit of the anathemas of the Colonization Society. A bill has been +reported in the same legislature for preventing free people of color +from participating in the benefit of the common school fund, in order to +hasten their expulsion from the State! Other States are multiplying +similar disabilities, and hanging heavier weights upon their free +colored population. The Legislature of Louisiana has enacted that +whosoever shall make use of language, in any public discourse, from the +bar, the bench, the pulpit, the stage, or in any other place whatsoever +shall make use of language, in any private discourses, or shall make use +of signs or actions having a tendency to produce discontent among the +colored population, shall suffer imprisonment at hard labor, not less +than three years, nor more than twenty-one years, or DEATH, at the +discretion of the court!! It has also prohibited the instruction of the +blacks in Sabbath Schools--$500 penalty for the first offence--DEATH for +the second!! The Legislature of Virginia has passed a bill which +subjects all free negroes who shall be convicted of remaining in the +commonwealth contrary to law, to the liability of _being sold by the +sheriff_. All meetings of free negroes, at any school-house or +meeting-house, for teaching them reading or writing, are declared an +unlawful assembly; and it is made the duty of any justice of the peace +to issue his warrant to enter the house where such unlawful assemblage +is held, for the purpose of apprehending or dispersing such free +negroes. A fine is to be imposed on every white person who instructs at +such meetings. All emancipated slaves, who shall remain more than twelve +months, contrary to law, shall revert to the executors as assets. Laws +have been passed in Georgia and North Carolina, imposing a heavy tax or +imprisonment on every free person of color who shall come into their +ports in the capacity of stewards, cooks, or seamen of any vessels +belonging to the non-slaveholding States. The Legislature of Tennessee +has passed an act forbidding free blacks from coming into the State to +remain more than twenty days. The penalty is a fine of from ten to fifty +dollars, and confinement in the penitentiary from one to two years. +Double the highest penalty is to be inflicted after the first offence. +The act also prohibits manumission, without an immediate removal from +the State. The last Legislature of Maryland passed a bill, by which no +free negro or mulatto is allowed to emigrate to, or settle in the State, +under the penalty of fifty dollars for every week's residence therein; +and if he refuse or neglect to pay such fine, he shall be committed to +jail and sold by the sheriff at public sale; and no person shall employ +or harbor him, under the penalty of twenty dollars for every day he +shall be so employed, hired or harbored! It is not lawful for any free +blacks to attend any meetings for religious purposes, unless conducted +by a _white_ licensed or ordained preacher, or some respectable white +person duly authorised! All free colored persons residing in the State, +are compelled to register their names, ages, &c. &c.; and if any negro +or mulatto shall remove from the State, and remain without the limits +thereof for a space longer than thirty consecutive days, unless before +leaving the State he deposits with the clerk of the county in which he +resides, _a written statement of his object in doing so_, and his +intention of returning again, or unless he shall have been detained by +sickness or coercion, _of which he shall bring a certificate_, he shall +be regarded as a resident of another State, and be subject, if he +return, to the penalties imposed by the foregoing provisions upon free +negroes and mulattoes of another State, migrating to Maryland! It is not +lawful for any person or persons to purchase of any free negro or +mulatto any articles, unless he produce a certificate from a justice of +the peace, or three respectable persons residing in his neighborhood, +that he or they have reason to believe, and do believe, that such free +negro or mulatto came honestly and bona fide into possession of any +such articles so offered for sale! A bill has been reported to the +Legislature of Pennsylvania, which enacts, that from and after a +specified time, no negro or mulatto shall be permitted to emigrate into +and settle in that State, without entering into bond in the penal sum of +_five hundred dollars_, conditioned for his good behavior. If he neglect +or refuse to comply with this requisition, such punishment shall be +inflicted upon him as is now directed in the case of vagrants. Free +colored residents are not to be allowed to migrate from one township or +county to another, without producing a certificate from the Clerk of the +Court of Quarter Sessions, or a Justice of the Peace, or an Alderman! +The passage of a similar law has been urged even upon the Legislature of +Massachusetts by a writer in the Salem Gazette! + +All these proscriptive measures, and others less conspicuous but equally +oppressive,--which are not only flagrant violations of the Constitution +of the United States, but in the highest degree disgraceful and +inhuman,--are resorted to, (to borrow the language of the Secretary in +his Fifteenth Annual Report,) 'for the more complete accomplishment of +the great objects of the American Colonization Society'!! + +I appeal to the candor and common sense of the reader, if this grievous +persecution be not justly chargeable to the Society? It is constantly +thundering in the ears of the slave States--'Your free blacks +contaminate your slaves, excite their deadliest hate, and are a source +of _horrid danger_ to yourselves! They must be removed, or your +destruction is inevitable!' What is their response? Precisely such as +might be expected--'We know it; we dread the presence of this class; +their influence over our slaves weakens our power, and endangers our +safety; they must, _they shall_ be expatriated, or be crushed to the +earth if they remain!' It says to the free States--'Your colored +population can never be rendered serviceable, intelligent or loyal; they +will only, and always, serve to increase your taxes, crowd your +poor-houses and penitentiaries, and corrupt and impoverish society!' +Again, what is the natural response?--'It is even so; they are offensive +to the eye, and a pest in community; theirs is now, and must inevitably +be, without a reversal of the laws of nature, the lot of vagabonds; it +were useless to attempt their intellectual and moral improvement among +ourselves; and therefore be this their alternative--either to emigrate +to Liberia, or remain for ever a despicable caste in this country!' + +Hence the enactment of those sanguinary laws, to which reference has +been made: hence, too, the increasing disposition which is every where +seen to render the situation of the free blacks intolerable. Never was +it so pitiable and distressing--so full of peril and anxiety--so +burdened with misery, despondency and scorn; never were the prejudices +of society so virulent and implacable against them; never were their +prospects so dark, and dreary, and hopeless; never was the hand of power +so heavily laid upon their limbs; never were they so restricted in +regard to locomotion and the advantages of education, as at the present +time. Athwart their sky scarcely darts a single ray of light--above and +around them darkness reigns, and an angry tempest is mustering its +fearful strength, and 'thunders are uttering their voices.' Treachery is +seeking to decoy, and violence to expel them. For all this, and more +than this, and more that is to come, the American Colonization Society +is responsible. And no better evidence is needed than this: THEIR +PERSECUTION, TRADUCEMENT AND WRETCHEDNESS INCREASE IN EXACT RATIO WITH +THE INFLUENCE, POPULARITY AND EXTENSION OF THIS SOCIETY! The fact is +undeniable, and it is conclusive. For it is absurd to suppose, that as +the disposition and ability of an association to alleviate misery +increase, so will the degradation and suffering of the objects of its +charities. + +The assertion that the free blacks corrupt the morals of the slaves, is +too ludicrous to need a serious refutation. Corrupt the morals of those +who are recognized and treated as brutes, and who know as little of the +laws of God as of the laws of the land! Immaculate creatures! The system +of slavery is constantly developing new excellencies: it is, we now +perceive, the protector of virtue, the enemy of vice, and a purifier of +the soul! + +But something more indiscreet and preposterous than this, is advanced +for our admiration. We are gravely assured, first, by a New-England +clergyman, that, generally, the condition of the free man of color 'is +one in comparison with which the condition of the slave is _enviable_;' +and, secondly, by the last distinguished convert to the Colonization +Society--the Hon. Mr. Archer of Virginia--'the condition of the slave is +_a thousand times_ the best, [the disparity is wonderful!]--_supplied_, +_protected_, instead of _destitute_ and _desolate_'![Q] Let us draw a +brief comparison. The limbs of the free black are fetterless; he is +controlled by no brutal driver; he bleeds not under the lash; he is his +own master; his wife and children cannot be torn from his arms; he +enjoys the fruits of his own labor; he can improve his own mind, make +his own bargains, manage his own business, go from place to place, and +assert his own rights. The situation and privileges of the slave are +exactly the reverse. Reader, are they 'enviable'--'a thousand times the +best'--in comparison with those of the former? I do not mean to say that +there are no instances in which the slave fares as well as the free man +of color; but the argument of these apologists implies that a state of +slavery is superior to a state of freedom, or it is worthless. + +4. It appears, from the quotations that have been given, that the only +reason why the free blacks are not colonized in the 'far West,' or in +Canada, or Hayti, or Mexico, is, because their proximity to the slave +States might prove detrimental. If they could be sent to any or to all +these places, without any danger to ourselves, why then all objections +would cease. This confession places the hypocrisy of this Society in +bold relief. It pretends to be anxious to evangelize benighted Africa, +and stop the slave trade; but only assure it that the blacks may be +safely colonized nearer home, and Africa might still continue to grope +in darkness, and the slave trade to increase in enormity, and its bowels +of compassion would speedily cease to yearn!--Hence it is that the rapid +enlargement of the Wilberforce Settlement in Upper Canada so disturbs +the repose of the advocates of African colonization; and many of them +would rejoice at its overthrow. + +FOOTNOTES: + +[P] How very strange that the slave should 'regard as tyranny and +injustice the authority which compels him to labor' without +recompense!!! + +[Q] Paupers and criminals are supplied and _protected_. How invidious to +treat them so generously, and leave honest, hard-working men exposed to +destitution and abandonment! They ought to be sent to the poor-house or +penitentiary forthwith. + + + + +SECTION VII. + +THE AMERICAN COLONIZATION SOCIETY AIMS AT THE UTTER EXPULSION OF THE +BLACKS. + + +The implacable spirit of this Society is most apparent in its +determination not to cease from its labors, until our whole colored +population be expelled from the country. The following is the evidence +in confirmation of this charge: + + 'How came we by this population? By the prevalence for a century + of a guilty commerce. And will not the prevalence for a century + of a restoring commerce, place them on their own shores? Yes, + surely!'--[African Repository, vol. i. p. 347.] + + + 'For several years the subject of abolition of slavery has been + brought before you. I am decidedly opposed to the project + recommended. NO SCHEME OF ABOLITION WILL MEET MY SUPPORT, THAT + LEAVES THE EMANCIPATED BLACKS AMONG US. Experience has proved, + that they become a corrupt and degraded class, as burthensome to + themselves as they are hurtful to the rest of society. To permit + the blacks to remain amongst us, after their emancipation, would + be to aggravate and not to cure the evil.'--[Idem, vol. ii. pp. + 188, 189.] + + + 'We would say, LIBERATE THEM ONLY ON CONDITION OF THEIR GOING TO + AFRICA OR TO HAYTI.'--[Idem, vol. iii. p. 26.] + + + '_I am not complaining of the owners of slaves_; IT WOULD BE AS + HUMANE TO THROW THEM FROM THE DECKS IN THE MIDDLE PASSAGE, AS TO + SET THEM FREE IN OUR COUNTRY.' * * * 'The Colonization Society, + I undertake to show, presents such a scheme. Slaveholders have + given it their approbation; they will approve it, and they can + approve of no other. _Any scheme of emancipation without + colonization_, they know and see and feel to be productive of + nothing but evil; evil to all whom it affects: to the white + population, to the slaves, to the _manumitted themselves_.' * * + 'Throughout the slaveholding States there is a strong objection, + even among the warmest friends of the African race, to slaves + being liberated and allowed to remain among us; and some States + have enacted laws against it. _The objection is, in our + individual opinion, well founded._'--[Idem, vol. iv. pp. 226, + 300, 340.] + + + 'In connexion with this subject, your memorialists beg leave to + mention, that by an act of the Virginia Legislature, passed in + 1805, emancipated slaves forfeit their freedom by remaining for + a longer period than twelve months, within the limits of the + Commonwealth. This law, odious and unjust as it may at first + view appear, and hard as it may seem to bear upon the liberated + negro, was doubtless dictated by sound policy, and _its repeal + would be regarded by none with more unfeigned regret, than by + the friends of African Colonization_. It has restrained many + masters from giving freedom to their slaves, and has thereby + contributed to check the growth of an evil _already too great + and formidable_.' * * 'Under the influence of a policy, already + referred to, _and justified by the necessity from which it + sprung_, the laws of Virginia have prohibited emancipation + within the limits of the State, but on condition of the early + removal of the individual emancipated.' * * 'While hundreds, + perhaps we might say thousands, of the free colored people, are + seeking a passage to Liberia; hundreds who hold slaves, would + willingly set them at liberty, were the means of their removal + provided. And till those means are provided, the liberation of + the slave would neither be a blessing to himself, nor the + public. His liberty under any circumstances may be a debt due, + in the abstract, to the claims of human nature; but when applied + to him individually, it would be a calamity. We cannot conceive + of a more deplorable state of society, than what our + slaveholding states would present, with their black population + afloat, without a home, without the means of subsistence, and + without those self-relying habits, which might lead them to + obtain an independent livelihood. _It is not therefore incumbent + upon those who hold slaves, to set them at liberty, till some + means are provided for their removal, or at least for their + subsistence._ They owe it neither to themselves, to their + country, nor the unfortunate beings around them.' * * * 'Those + slaves still in my possession, I cannot conscientiously + emancipate, unless they shall be removed by the Society to + Liberia.'--[Idem, vol. v. pp. 20, 53, 89, 177.] + + + 'If the question were submitted, whether there should be either + immediate or gradual emancipation of all the slaves in the + United States, _without their removal or colonization_, painful + as it is to express the opinion, I HAVE NO DOUBT THAT IT WOULD + BE UNWISE TO EMANCIPATE THEM.' * * 'Is our posterity doomed to + endure forever not only all the ills flowing from the state of + slavery, but all which arise from incongruous elements of + population, separated from each other by invincible prejudices, + and by natural causes? Whatever may be the character of the + remedy proposed, we may confidently pronounce it inadequate, + unless it provides efficaciously for the _total_ and _absolute_ + separation, by an extensive space of water or of land, at least, + of the white portion of our population from that, which is free, + of the colored.' * * 'Who, if this promiscuous residence of + whites and blacks, of freemen and slaves, is forever to + continue, can imagine the servile wars, the carnage and the + crimes which will be its probable consequences, without + shuddering with horror?' * * 'Gentlemen of the highest + respectability from the South, assure us, that there is among + the owners of slaves a very extensive and increasing desire to + emancipate them. Their patriotism, their humanity, nay their + self-interest, prompt to this; but it is not expedient, it is + not safe to do it, _without being able to remove them_.' * * + 'How important it is, as it respects our character abroad, that + we hasten to _clear our land of our black population_!' + + 'Some benevolent minds in the overflowings of their + philanthropy, advocate amalgamation of the two classes, saying, + let the colored class be freed, and remain among us as denizens + of the Empire; surely all classes of mankind are alike descended + from the primitive parentage of Eden, then why not intermingle + in one common society as friends and brothers. _No, Sir, no._ I + hope to prove at no very distant day, that a Southron can make + sacrifices for the cause of Colonization beyond seas; but for a + Home Department in those matters, I repeat, _no, Sir, no_. What + right, I demand, have the children of Africa to an homestead in + the white man's country?'[R] + + 'Let the regenerated African rise to Empire; nay, let Genius + flourish, and Philosophy shed its mild beams to enlighten and + instruct the posterity of Ham, returning "redeemed and + disenthralled," from their long captivity in the New World. But, + Sir, be all these benefits enjoyed by the African race under the + shade of their native palms. _Let the Atlantic billow heave its + high and everlasting barrier between their country and ours._ + Let this fair land, which the white man won by his chivalry, + which he has adorned by the arts and elegancies of polished + life, be kept sacred for his descendants, untarnished by the + footprint of him who hath ever been a slave.'--[Idem, vol. vi. + pp. 5, 12, 23, 110, 364, 371, 372.] + + + 'The idea of emancipating our slaves, and _permitting them to + remain within the limits of the U. S._ whether as a measure of + humanity or of policy, is most decisively reprobated by + universal public sentiment.... Does any man in his senses desire + this population to remain among us? If the whole community could + reply, IT WOULD RESPOND IN ONE UNIVERSAL NEGATIVE.'--[Idem, vol. + vii. pp. 230, 231.] + + + 'In reflecting on the utility of a plan for colonizing the free + people of color, with whom our country abounds, it is natural + that we should be first struck by its tendency to confer a + benefit on ourselves, _by ridding us of a population_ for the + most part idle and useless, and too often vicious and + mischievous.... All emancipation, to however small an extent, + _which permits the persons emancipated to remain in this + country_, is an evil, which must increase with the increase of + the operation, and would become altogether intolerable, if + extended to the whole, or even to a very large part, of the + black population. I am therefore strongly opposed to + emancipation, in every shape and degree, _unless accompanied by + colonization_.'--[First Annual Report.] + + + 'They will annex the condition that the emancipated SHALL LEAVE + THE COUNTRY.'--[Second Annual Report.] + + + 'They require that the _whole mass_ of free persons of color, + and those who may become such with the consent of their owners, + _should be progressively removed_ from among us, as fast as + their own consent can be obtained, and as the means can be found + for their removal and for their proper establishment in Africa. + Nothing short of this progressive but complete removal can + accomplish the great objects of this measure, in relation to the + security, prosperity, and happiness of the United + States.'--[Seventh Annual Report.] + + + 'Is it either safe or prudent to retain amongst us a large + population, on whom we can place no reliance, but from the + control which the laws exercise over it? Can this class be + animated by any feelings of patriotism towards a country by + which they feel themselves oppressed?'--[Ninth Annual Report.] + + + 'Colonization, to be correct, must be beyond seas.--Emancipation, + _with the liberty to remain on this side of the Atlantic_, IS + BUT AN ACT OF DREAMY MADNESS!'--[Thirteenth Annual Report.] + + + 'Has our country the resources demanded for the accomplishment + of an object of such magnitude? The transportation of more than + two millions of souls to a remote country is indeed an object of + formidable aspect. It obviously cannot be accomplished at once. + But that the number can be gradually diminished, _till utterly + extinguished_, may be made to appear, it is believed, from a + little arithmetical calculation....' 'It has been said that the + entire shipping of the country, both public and private, would + hardly be competent for an object of this magnitude. But careful + calculation has proved, that one eighteenth of the mercantile + shipping alone, entirely devoted to the enterprise, is competent + to carry it into complete consummation. And why might not our + brilliant and growing _navy_ aid to some extent the humane and + patriotic cause? If necessary, why might not _the marine of + other lands_ be chartered? Strange indeed it is if shipping + enough could be found half a century ago to reduce hundreds of + thousands of this race in a single year to a wretched vassalage, + and in this age of augmented light, and wealth, and improvement + in every art, enough cannot be found for the single benevolent + object before us!'--[Rev. Baxter Dickinson's Sermon delivered in + Springfield in 1829.] + + + 'How much soever we may regret that so little is done for the + intellectual and moral improvement of the free colored + population, as the surest preventive against crime, still we + must acknowledge it is in vain to attempt raising their + character to a level with that of the other inhabitants. They + must find an asylum beyond the influence of the white + population, or the majority of them will _ever be found unworthy + of the boon of freedom_. There must be that asylum for them, or + we despair of ever being able to improve materially their + condition, or to eradicate slavery from our soil, and thus + prevent the awful catastrophe which threatens our republic. They + must be furnished with facilities to leave this country and + establish themselves in a community of their own.'--'I have + alluded to the difficulties which are presented to the minds of + benevolent and conscientious slaveholders, wishing to manumit + their slaves. From what has been said, it is evident that unless + some drain is opened to convey out of the country the + emancipated, the laws which relate to emancipation, must + continue in force with all their rigor. Without this drain, we + can hope for no repeal, or relaxation of those laws where the + slaves are very numerous. The mass of slaveholders can never let + go their hold on their slaves, and suffer them, ignorant, + vicious and treacherous, to roam at large. If no drain is + opened, necessity will compel them, as their slaves increase, + and consequently the danger, to add statute to statute in regard + to their slaves, until it be found necessary to arm one part of + the population to control the other. I may add, that as bitter + an enemy as I am to slavery, I cannot greatly desire that these + laws should be relaxed--that slavery should be abolished, + _unless its unfortunate and degraded subjects can be removed + from the country_. If this is not effected, whatever may be our + views and wishes on this subject, I am confident that + slaveholders will justify themselves in resorting to almost any + measures to keep their slaves in entire subjection.'--[An + advocate of the Society in the Middletown (Ct.) Gazette.] + + + 'To talk of emancipating the slave population of these States + without providing them with an asylum, is truly idle. The free + blacks already scattered through the country, are a dangerously + burthensome order of people. They cannot amalgamate with the + population--the ordinances of nature are against it. They must, + in the main, be a degraded order, hanging loosely upon + society.'--[Idem.] + + + 'The slaves _are_ in their possession--they are entailed upon + them by their ancestors. And can they set them free, _and still + suffer them to remain in the country_? Would this be + policy?--Would it be safe? NO. When they can be transported to + the soil from whence they were derived--by the aid of the + Colonization Society, by government, by individuals, or by any + other means--then let them be emancipated, and not + before.'--[Lowell (Mass.) Telegraph.] + + + 'Avarice and iniquity have torn from that injured continent, + within thirty years, no less than 1,500,000 slaves; and cannot + humanity, religion, and justice, restore an equal number in the + same time? If we desire to accomplish this work, it is plain + that we can do it, and that too with a sum contemptible when + compared with the magnitude of the evil.'--[Address of Gabriel + P. Disosway.] + + + 'We thank God that the ultimate accomplishment of the great + scheme of colonization is now placed beyond a doubt, in + Maryland; and that the day is not even distant when _the whole + of our colored population_ will have transferred themselves, by + our assistance, from slavery or degradation here, to peace, and + plenty, and power, and prosperity, and liberty, and + independence, in a land which Providence originally gave + them.'--[Baltimore Gazette.] + + + 'It tends, and may powerfully tend, to rid us gradually and + entirely, in the United States, of slaves and slavery: a great + moral and political evil, of increasing virulence and extent, + from which much mischief is now felt, and very great calamity in + future is justly apprehended.'--[First Annual Report.] + + + 'What can be done to mitigate or prevent the existing and + apprehended evils, resulting from our black population? + EMANCIPATION, WITHOUT REMOVAL FROM THE COUNTRY, IS OUT OF THE + QUESTION.' * * 'As long as our present feelings and prejudices + exist, the abolition of slavery cannot be accomplished without + the removal of the blacks--THEY CANNOT BE EMANCIPATED AS A + PEOPLE, AND REMAIN AMONG US.'--[Second Annual Report of the + New-York State Col. Soc.] + + + 'It would gladly, however, grasp at a still grander object--that + of restoring to the land of their fathers the whole colored race + within our borders. Nor probably will it be satisfied to rest + from its labors, till this object, in all its magnitude, is + accomplished.'--[Rev. Baxter Dickinson's Sermon.] + + + 'It must appear evident to all, that every endeavor to divert + the attention of the community, or even a portion of the means, + which the present crisis to imperatively calls for, from the + Colonization Society, to measures calculated to bind the colored + population to this country and seeking to raise them (_an + impossibility_) to a level with the whites, whether by founding + colleges or in any other way, tends directly in the proportion + that it succeeds, to counteract and thwart the whole plan of + colonization. Although none would rejoice more than myself to + see this unhappy race elevated to the highest scale of human + being, it has always seemed to me that this country was not the + theatre for such a change. Far happier they, far happier we, had + they never touched our soil, or breathed our air. As it is, to + attain solid happiness and permanent respectability, they should + now remove to a more congenial clime.'--[New Haven Religious + Intelligencer for July, 1831.] + + + 'The recent murderous movements of the people of color in some + of the southern States, evinces the dreadful consequences of + slavery, and the absolute necessity of colonizing all free + blacks immediately, and of manumitting and colonizing slaves as + fast as circumstances will justify the measure. We believe, and + have for many years, that this is the only course, which will + ensure prosperity and safety to our southern + brethren.'--[New-Hampshire Observer.] + + + 'The removal annually of one hundred thousand, it may be safely + calculated, would sink the parent stock forty thousand in each + year, and this in thirty years would reduce the blacks of the + Union to a very small number--perhaps not one would + remain.'--[National (Ohio) Historian.] + + + 'We will demonstrate, that the conveyance of the present annual + increase would, in less than thirty years, remove the whole to + Africa. Let all, for instance, born in any single year, say of + the age of twenty, be removed to Africa; and in each succeeding + year, let all of that age be removed in the same manner.--Then, + admitting, what is far too much to admit, that a generation + lasts fifty years, on an average, the generation on the stage + when the process commenced, would have become extinct at the end + of thirty years, and all their increase or offspring would have + been removed to Africa. Thirty years would, even in this way, + clear them entirely from this country.--But there are two + circumstances which would, in fact, make the time much shorter. + + '1. It is known that a generation lasts but a little more than + thirty years. The generation, then, on the stage at the + commencement of the process, would virtually be extinct in a + little more than ten years. 2. By the removal of the most + prolific part, the annual increase would itself be diminished + more than a thirtieth part, in each successive year; that is, it + would be diminished in an arithmetical ratio, so that it would + be reduced to nothing before the arrival of the thirtieth + year.'--[American Spectator.] + + + 'It is "a consummation devoutly to be wished," that we should + get clear of the free people of color now, and as they are + successively liberated, as well on their own account as ours; + and I trust and hope, we shall both have the pleasure to see a + moral certainty of the removal of all these poor people back to + the same country from which their ancestors were + taken.'--[African Repository, vol. iii. p. 311.] + + + 'Neither do we consider liberty worth their acceptance, _unless + they can be sent out of the country_. There is no doubt that a + large proportion of the slaves enjoy life quite as well as those + who are free.'--[Oxford (Me.) Observer.] + + + 'It is estimated that there are 2,350,680 blacks in the United + States, 339,360 of whom are free denizens of this republic. The + object of this Society is THE REMOVAL OF THESE TO + AFRICA.'--[New-York Standard.] + + + 'We hope to make it for the interest of the owners, in some way, + to part with their slaves;--not to be let loose among our white + population, but to be carried back to the land of their + fathers.'--[N. Y. Journal of Commerce.] + + + 'If they are to be placed above their present degraded + condition, they must be removed to a country where they can rise + as high as any man--be eligible to any office--then you will see + them rise with the rapidity of the tide.'--[Southern Religious + Telegraph.] + + + 'God has put a mark upon the black man.' ... 'The God of Nature + intended they should be a _distinct_, free and independent + community.'--[New-Haven Palladium.] + + + 'We do not ask that the provisions of our Constitution and + statute book should be so modified as to relieve and exalt the + condition of the colored people, _whilst they remain with us_. + LET THESE PROVISIONS STAND IN ALL THEIR RIGOR, to work out the + ultimate and unbounded good of this people. Persuaded that their + condition here is not susceptible of a radical and permanent + improvement, WE WOULD DEPRECATE ANY LEGISLATION THAT SHOULD + ENCOURAGE THE VAIN AND INJURIOUS HOPE OF IT.'--[Memorial of the + New-York State Colonization Society.] + + + 'Let the wise and good among us unite in removing the blacks + from the country. Would it not be expedient for the properly + constituted authorities to prevent the manumission of slaves in + every case, unless provision is made, at the same time, to + secure their removal from the country?'--[Alexandria Gazette.] + + + 'We should be in favor of the abolition of slavery, if its + abolishment could be effected with safety, and the colored + population sent back to Africa; but merely to have them obtain + freedom and let loose upon society, would be the greatest curse + that could befal _them_ or _community_.'--[Essex Chronicle and + County Republican.] + + + 'THE ABOLITION OF SLAVERY WAS NO OBJECT OF DESIRE TO HIM, UNLESS + ACCOMPANIED BY COLONIZATION. So far was he from desiring it, + unaccompanied by this condition, that HE WOULD NOT LIVE IN A + COUNTRY WHERE THE ONE TOOK PLACE WITHOUT THE OTHER'!!!--[Mr + Mercer's Speech in Congress.] + +In order to wipe off the reproach due to this violent expulsion, it was +necessary, on the part of the Society, to find some pretext that would +not only seem to justify but confer credit on the measure. Accordingly, +it agreed to represent the colored inhabitants of the United States as +aliens and foreigners, who, cast upon our shores by a cruel fatality, +were sighing to return to their native land. 'Poor unfortunate +exiles!'--how touching the appeal, how powerful the motive to assist, +how likely to excite the compassion of the nation! Ah! what an air of +disinterested benevolence, of generous compassion, of national +attachment, must such an enterprise wear in the eyes of the world! Who +that loved his own country, and deprecated an eternal absence from it, +could refuse to help in restoring the unfortunate Africans to their +long-estranged home? Such was, and is, and is likely to be, the artifice +resorted to, in order to cover a base conspiracy, and give popularity to +one of the wildest and most disgraceful crusades the world has ever +witnessed. Let the following evidence suffice: + + 'At no very distant period, we should see all the free colored + people in our land transferred to _their own country_.' * * 'Let + us send them back to _their native land_.' * * 'By returning + them to _their own ancient land_ of Africa, improved in + knowledge and in civilization, we repay the debt which has so + long been due them.'--[African Repository, vol. i. pp. 65, 146, + 176.] + + + 'And though we may not live to see the day when the sons of + Africa shall have returned to _their native soil_,' &c. * * 'To + found in Africa an empire of christians and republicans; to + reconduct the blacks to _their native land_,' &c.--[Idem, pp. + 13, 375.] + + + 'Who would not rejoice to see our country liberated from her + black population? Who would not participate in any efforts to + restore those children of misfortune to _their native shores_?' + * * 'The colored population of this country can never rise to + respectability here; in _their native soil_ they can.' * * 'The + only remedy afforded is, to colonize them in _their mother + country_.' * * 'They would go to that _home_ from which they + have been long absent.' * * 'Shall we ... retain and foster the + _alien enemies_?'--[Idem, 88, 179, 185, 237.] + + + 'Be all these benefits enjoyed by the African race under the + shade of their native palms.'--[Idem, vol. vi. p. 372.] + + + 'We have a numerous people, who, though they are among us, _are + not of us_.'--[Second Annual Report of the N. Y. State Col. + Soc.] + + + 'Among us is a growing population of _strangers_.' * * 'It will + furnish the means of granting to _every African exile_ among us + a happy home in the land of his fathers.'--[Rev. Baxter + Dickinson's Sermon.] + + + 'Africa is indeed inviting her long exiled children to return to + her bosom.'--[Circular of Rev. Mr Gurley.] + +Nothing could be more invidious or absurd than the foregoing +representation. The great mass of our colored population were born in +this country. This is their native soil; here they first saw the light +of heaven, and inhaled the breath of life; here they have grown from +infancy to manhood and old age; from these shores they have never +wandered; they are the descendants of those who were forcibly torn from +Africa two centuries ago; their fathers assisted in breaking the yoke of +British oppression, and achieving that liberty which we prize above all +price; and they cherish the strongest attachment to the land of their +birth. Now, as they could not have been born in two countries, and as +they were certainly born here, it follows that Africa is not their +native home, and, consequently, that the Society has dealt in romance, +or something more culpable, in representing them as strangers and +aliens. It might as rationally charge them with being natives of Asia or +Europe, or with having descended from the regions of the moon. To see +ourselves gravely represented in a British periodical as natives of +Great Britain, I doubt not would create great merriment; and a scheme +for our transportation would add vastly to our sport. + +'But,' we are told, 'God has put a mark upon the black man.' True; and +he has also put a mark upon every man, woman and child, in the world; so +that every one differs in appearance from another--is easily +identified--and, to make the objection valid, should occupy a _distinct_ +portion of territory, be himself a nation, enact his own laws, and live +in perpetual solitude! The difference between a black and a white skin +is not greater than that between a white and a black one. In either +case, the mark is distinctive; and the blacks may as reasonably expel +the whites, as the whites the blacks. To make such a separation we have +no authority; to attempt it, would end only in disappointment; and, if +it were carried into effect, those who are clamorous for the measure +would be among the first to be cast out. The all-wise Creator, having +'made of _one blood_ all nations of men to dwell on all the face of the +earth,' it is proper for them to associate freely together; and he is a +proud worm of the dust who is ashamed to acknowledge this common +relationship. + +Again we are told: 'The God of Nature intended the blacks should be a +_distinct_ community.' But has he been frustrated in his intentions? +Where is the proof of such purpose? Let us have something more than the +_ipse dixit_ of the Society. Yes, we are seriously assured that Nature +has played falsely! Colored persons were born by mistake in this +country: they should have been born in Africa! We must therefore rectify +the error, with all despatch, by transporting them to their _native +soil_! Truly, a most formidable enterprise! There occur at least sixty +thousand of such _mistakes_, annually; while the Society has corrected +only about two thousand in fourteen years! But--courage! men engaged in +a laudable enterprise should never despair! + +There are some difficulties, however, in the accomplishment of this +mighty task, which cannot be easily overcome. Granting the position +assumed by colonizationists, that the _blacks_ and the _whites_ should +occupy different countries, how do they intend to dispose of that +numerous and rapidly increasing class who are neither white nor black, +called mulattoes? We have not been informed to what country they belong; +but the point ought to be settled before any classification be made. +Colonizationists must define, moreover, the exact shade of color which +is to retain or banish individuals; for every candid mind will admit, +that it would be as unnatural to send _white_ blood to Africa, as to +keep _black_ blood in America. 'If the color of the skin is to give +construction to our constitution and laws, let us, at once, begin the +work of excision. Let us raise an army of pure whites, if such an army +can be found; and let us drive out and transport to foreign climes, men, +women and children, who cannot bring the most satisfactory vouchers, +that their veins are flowing with the purest English blood. Indeed, let +us shut up our ports against our own mariners, who are returning from an +India voyage, and whose cheeks and muscles could not wholly withstand +the influence of the breezes and tropics to which they were exposed. Let +us make every shade of complexion, every difference of stature, and +every contraction of a muscle, a Shibboleth, to detect and cut off a +brother Ephraimite, at the fords of Jordan. Though such a crusade would +turn every man's sword against his fellow; yet, it might establish the +right of precedence to different features, statures and colors, and +oblige some friends of colonization to test the feasibility and equity +of their own scheme.' + +If I must become a colonizationist, I insist upon being consistent: +there must be no disagreement between my creed and practice. I must be +able to give a reason why all our tall citizens should not conspire to +remove their more diminutive brethren, and all the corpulent to remove +the lean and lank, and all the strong to remove the weak, and all the +educated to remove the ignorant, and all the rich to remove the poor, as +readily as for the removal of those whose skin is 'not colored like my +own;' for Nature has sinned as culpably in diversifying the size as the +complexion of her progeny, and Fortune in the distribution of her gifts +has been equally fickle. I cannot perceive that I am more excusable in +desiring the banishment of my neighbor because his skin is darker than +mine, than I should be in desiring his banishment because he is a +smaller or feebler man than myself. Surely it would be sinful for a +black man to repine and murmur, and impeach the wisdom and goodness of +God, because he was made with a sable complexion; and dare I be guilty +of such an impeachment, by persecuting him on account of his color? I +dare not: I would as soon deny the existence of my Creator, as quarrel +with the workmanship of his hands. I rejoice that he has made one star +to differ from another star in glory; that he has not given to the sun +the softness and gentleness of the moon, nor to the moon the intensity +and magnificence of the sun; that he presents to the eye every +conceivable shape, and aspect, and color, in the gorgeous and +multifarious productions of Nature; and I do not rejoice less, but +admire and exalt him more, that, notwithstanding he has made of one +blood the whole family of man, he has made the whole family of man to +differ in personal appearance, habits and pursuits. + +I protest against sending any to Africa, in whose blood there is any +mixture of our own; for, I repeat it, white blood in Africa would be as +repugnant to Nature, as black blood is in this country. Now; most +unfortunately for colonizationists, the spirit of amalgamation has been +so active for a long series of years,--especially in the slave +States,--that there are comparatively few, besides those who are +annually smuggled into the south from Africa, whose blood is not tainted +with a foreign ingredient. Here, then, is a difficulty! What shall be +done? All black blood _must_ be sent to Africa; but how to collect it is +the question. What shall be done! Why, we must resort to _phlebotomy_! + + 'Therefore, prepare thee to cut off the flesh. + ---------------- nor cut thou less nor more, + But just a pound of flesh: if thou tak'st more, + Or less, than just a pound,--be it but so much + As makes it light, or heavy, in the substance, + Or the division of the twentieth part + Of one poor scruple; nay, if the scale do turn + But in the estimation of a hair, + Thou diest, and all thy goods are confiscate!' + +The colonization crusade cannot now fail of being popular. Phlebotomy +being agreed to as a _dernier resort_, I shall briefly enumerate some of +the various professions and classes which may expect to derive no +inconsiderable gain from its execution; for as our government, in +conjunction with benevolent associations, is to appropriate millions of +dollars to accomplish this object, the pay will be sure and liberal. + +In the first place, there will be more than a million patients, for +whose accommodation hospitals must be erected. These hospitals will +employ brick-makers, masons, carpenters, painters, glaziers, &c. &c. +&c.; of course, the approval of a large body of mechanics is readily +secured. + +Physicians will next obtain an extensive practice. Their patients, in +consequence of a free application of the lancet, must necessarily be +debilitated, and can be kept 'quite low' until a long score of charges +be run up against the government. + +Among so many patients and so much unavoidable sickness, druggists and +apothecaries will obtain a profitable sale for their medicines. Nurses +will be next in demand, who may expect high wages. Even the lowly +washers of soiled clothes will find the life-blood of the victims +'coined into drachms' for their reward. It is highly probable that many +of the patients may die under the expurgatory process, and hence sextons +and coffin-makers may calculate upon good times. With death come +mourning and lamentation, and 'weeds of wo.' Dealers in crape will +doubtless secure a handsome patronage. Lawyers may hope to profit by the +demise of those who possess property. Indeed, almost every class in +community must, to a greater or less extent, feel the beneficial effects +of this philanthropic but novel experiment. The blood, taken from the +veins of the blacks, may be transfused into our own, and the general +pulse acquire new vigor. + +Supposing a majority of the patients should recover, three other classes +will thrive by their expulsion--namely, ship-builders, merchants and +seamen. As our vessels are all occupied in profitable pursuits, new ones +must be built--freights will rise--and the wages of seamen be +proportionably enhanced.--But a truce to irony. + +The American Colonization Society, in making the banishment of the +slaves the condition of their emancipation, inflicts upon them an +aggravated wrong, perpetuates their thraldom, and disregards the claims +of everlasting and immutable justice. The language of its most +distinguished supporters is, 'Emancipation, with the liberty to remain +on this side of the Atlantic, is but an act of dreamy +madness'--'Emancipation, without removal from the country, is out of the +question'--'All emancipation, to however small an extent, which permits +the person emancipated to remain in this country, is an evil'--'They +cannot be emancipated as a people, and remain among us.' Thus the +restoration of an inalienable right, and an abandonment of robbery and +oppression, are made to depend upon the practicability of transporting +more than one sixth portion of our whole population to a far distant and +barbarous land! It is impossible to imagine a more cruel, heaven-daring +and God-dishonoring scheme. It exhibits a deliberate and perverse +disregard of every moral obligation, and bids defiance to the +requisitions of the gospel. + +Listen to the avowal of Mr Mercer of Virginia, one of the main pillars +and most highly extolled supporters of the Society: 'The abolition of +slavery was no object of desire to him, unless accompanied by +colonization. So far was he from desiring it, unaccompanied by this +condition, that _he would not live in a country where the one took place +without the other_'! This language may be correctly rendered thus: 'I +desire to see two millions of human beings plundered of their rights, +and subjected to every species of wrong and outrage, _ad infinitum_, if +they cannot be driven out of the country. I am perfectly willing to live +with them while they are treated worse than cattle,--ignorant, vicious, +and wretched,--and while they are held under laws which forbid their +instruction; and not only am I willing thus to live, but I am determined +to practise the same oppression. But, if they should be emancipated with +liberty to remain here, and placed in a situation favorable to their +moral and intellectual improvement--a situation in which they could be +no longer bought and sold, lacerated and manacled, defrauded and +oppressed--I would abandon my native land, and never return to her +shores.' And this is the language of a _philanthropist_! and this the +moral principle of the boasted champion of the American Colonization +Society! Whose indignation does not kindle, whose astonishment is not +profound, whose disgust is not excited, in view of these sentiments? + +But this is not the acme of colonization insanity. The assertion is made +by a highly respectable partisan, and endorsed by the organ of the +Society, that '_it would be as humane to throw the slaves from the decks +in the middle passage_, [i. e. into the ocean,] _as to set them free in +our country_'!!! And even Henry Clay, who is an oracle in the cause, has +had the boldness to declare, that the slaves should be held in +everlasting servitude if they cannot be colonized in Africa!! And this +sentiment is echoed by another, who says, 'Liberate them only on +condition of their going to Africa or Hayti'! + +I will not even seem to undervalue the good sense and quick perception +of the candid and intelligent reader, by any farther endeavors to +illustrate the sacrifice of principle and inhumanity of purpose which +are contained in the extracts under the present section. With so strong +an array of evidence before him, no one, who is not mentally blind or +governed by prejudice, can fail to rise from its perusal with amazement +and abhorrence, and a determination to assist in overthrowing a +combination which is based upon the rotten foundation of expediency and +violence. + +The Colonization Society expressly denies the right of the slaves to +enjoy freedom and happiness in this country; and this denial +incontestibly tends to rivet their fetters more firmly, or make them the +victims of a relentless persecution. + +FOOTNOTES: + +[R] What right have we to an homestead in the red man's country? Let us +return to the land of our fathers, and leave this soil untarnished by +the footprint of him who hath a white skin! What right have the hosts of +foreign emigrants, who are flocking to our shores, to an homestead among +ourselves? + + + + +SECTION VIII. + +THE AMERICAN COLONIZATION SOCIETY IS THE DISPARAGER OF THE FREE BLACKS. + + +The leaders in the African colonization crusade seem to dwell with a +malignant satisfaction upon the poverty and degradation of the free +people of color, and are careful never to let an opportunity pass +without heaping their abuse and contempt upon them. It is a common +device of theirs to contrast the condition of the slaves with that of +this class, and invariably to strike the balance heavily in favor of the +former! In this manner, thousands are led to look upon slavery as a +benevolent system, and to deprecate the manumission of its victims. +Nothing but a love of falsehood, or an utter disregard of facts, could +embolden these calumniators to deal so extensively in fiction. What! the +slaves more happy, more moral, more industrious, more orderly, more +comfortable, more exalted, than the free blacks! A more enormous +exaggeration, a more heinous libel, a wider departure from truth, was +never fabricated, or uttered, or known. The slaves, as a body, are in +the lowest state of degradation; they possess no property; they cannot +read; they are as ignorant, as their masters are reckless, of moral +obligation; they have no motive for exertion; they are thieves from +necessity and usage; their bodies are cruelly lacerated by the +cart-whip; and they are disposable property. And yet these poor +miserable, perishing, mutilated creatures are placed above our free +colored population in dignity, in enjoyment, in privilege, in +usefulness, in respectability!! + + 'There is a class, however, more numerous than all these, + introduced amongst us by violence, notoriously ignorant, + degraded and miserable, mentally diseased, broken-spirited, + _acted upon by no motives to honorable exertions_, SCARCELY + REACHED IN THEIR DEBASEMENT BY THE HEAVENLY LIGHT; yet where is + the sympathy and effort which a view of their condition ought to + excite? They wander unsettled and unbefriended through our land, + or sit indolent, abject and sorrowful, by the "streams which + witness their captivity." Their freedom is _licentiousness_, and + to many RESTRAINT WOULD PROVE A BLESSING. To this remark there + are exceptions; exceptions proving that to change their state + would be to elevate their character; that virtue and enterprise + are absent, only, because absent are the causes which create the + one, and the motives which produce the other.'--[African + Repository, vol. i. p. 68.] + + + 'Free blacks are a greater nuisance than even slaves + themselves.' * * * 'They knew that where slavery had been + abolished it had operated to the advantage of the masters, not + of the slaves: they saw this fact most strikingly illustrated in + the case of the free negroes of Boston. If, on the anniversary + celebrated by the free people of color, of the day on which + slavery was abolished, they looked abroad, what did they see? + Not freemen, in the enjoyment of every attribute of freedom, + with the stamp of liberty upon their brows! No, Sir; they saw a + ragged set, crying out liberty! for whom liberty had nothing to + bestow, and whose enjoyment of it was but in name. He spoke of + the great body of the blacks; there were some few honorable + exceptions, he knew, which only proved what might be done for + all.'--[African Repository, vol. ii. p. 328.] + + + 'Although there are individual exceptions distinguished by high + moral and intellectual worth, yet the free blacks in our country + are, as a body, more vicious and degraded than any other which + our population embraces.' * * * 'If, then, they are a useless + and dangerous species of population, we would ask, is it + generous in our southern friends to burthen us with them? + Knowing themselves the evils of slavery, can they wish to impose + upon us an evil scarcely less tolerable? We think it a mistaken + philanthropy, which would liberate the slave, unfitted by + education and habit for freedom, and cast him upon a merciless + and despising world, where his only fortune must be poverty, his + only distinction degradation, and his only comfort + insensibility.' * * * 'I will look no farther when I seek for + the _most degraded, the most abandoned race on the earth_, but + rest my eyes on this people. What but sorrow can we feel at the + _misguided piety_ which has set free so many of them by + death-bed devise or sudden conviction of injustice? Better, far + better, for us, had they been kept in bondage, where the + opportunity, the inducements, the necessity of vice would not + have been so great. Deplorable necessity, indeed, to one borne + down with the consciousness of the violence we have done. Yet I + am clear that, whether we consider it with reference to the + welfare of the State, or the happiness of the blacks, it were + better to have left them in chains, than to have liberated them + to receive such freedom as they enjoy, and greater freedom _we + cannot, must not_ allow them.' * * 'There is not a State in the + Union not at this moment groaning under the evil of this class + of persons, a curse and a contagion whereever they reside.' * * + 'The increase of a free black population among us has been + regarded as a greater evil than the increase of + slaves.'--[African Repository, vol. iii. pp. 24, 25, 197, 203, + 374.] + + + 'Mr. Mercer adverted to the situation of his native State, and + the condition of the free black population existing there, whom + he described as a horde of miserable people--the objects of + universal suspicion; _subsisting by plunder_.'--[Idem, vol. iv. + p. 363.] + + + 'They leave a country in which though born and reared, they are + strangers and aliens; where _severe necessity_ places them in a + class of degraded beings; where they are free without the + blessings and privileges of liberty; where in ceasing to be + slaves of one, they have become subservient to many; where, + neither freemen nor slaves, but placed in an anomalous grade + which they do not understand and others disregard; where no kind + instructer, no hope of preferment, no honorable emulation + prompts them to virtue or deters from vice; their industry + waste, not accumulation; their regular vocation, any thing or + nothing as it may happen; their greater security, sufferance; + their highest reward, forgiveness; vicious themselves and the + cause of vice in others; discontented and exciting discontent; + scorned by one class and _foolishly envied by another_; thus, + and WORSE CIRCUMSTANCED, they, cannot but choose to + move.'--[Idem, vol. v. p. 238.] + + + 'Of all the descriptions of our population, _and of either + portion of the African race_, the free people of color are, by + far, as a class, the MOST CORRUPT, DEPRAVED, AND ABANDONED. The + laws, it is true, proclaim them free; but prejudices, more + powerful than any laws, deny them the privileges of freemen. + They occupy a middle station between the free white population + and the slaves of the United States, and the tendency of their + habits is to corrupt both.' * * * 'That the free colored + population of our country is a great and constantly increasing + evil must be readily acknowledged. Averse to labor, with no + incentives to industry or motives to self-respect, they maintain + a precarious existence by petty thefts and plunder, themselves, + or by inciting our domestics, not free, to rob their owners to + supply their wants.' * * * 'If there is in the whole world, a + more wretched class of human beings than the free people of + color in this country, I do not know where they are to be found. + They have no home, no country, no kindred, no friends. They are + lazy and indolent, because they have no motives to prompt them + to be industrious. They are in general destitute of principle, + because they have nothing to stimulate them to honorable and + praise-worthy conduct. Let them be maltreated ever so much, the + law gives them no redress unless some white person happens to be + present, to be a witness in the case. If they acquire property, + they hold it by the courtesy of every vagabond in the country; + and sooner or later, are sure to have it filched from + them.'--[Idem, vol. vi. pp. 12, 135, 228.] + + + 'The existence, within the very bosom of our country, of an + anomalous race of beings, THE MOST DEBASED UPON EARTH, who + neither enjoy the blessings of freedom, nor are yet in the bonds + of slavery, is a great national evil, which every friend of his + country most deeply deplores.... Tax your utmost powers of + imagination, and you cannot conceive one motive to honorable + effort, which can animate the bosom, or give impulse to the + conduct of a free black in this country. Let him toil from youth + to age in the honorable pursuit of wisdom--let him store his + mind with the most valuable researches of science and + literature--and let him add to a highly gifted and cultivated + intellect, a piety pure, undefiled, and "unspotted from the + world"--it is all nothing: he would not be received into the + very lowest walks of society. If we were constrained to admire + so uncommon a being, our very admiration would mingle with + disgust, because, in the physical organization of his frame, we + meet an insurmountable barrier, even to an approach to social + intercourse, and in the Egyptian color, which nature has stamped + upon his features, a principle of repulsion so strong as to + forbid the idea of a communion either of interest or of feeling, + as utterly abhorrent. Whether these feelings are founded in + reason or not, we will not now inquire--perhaps they are not. + But education and habit, and prejudice have so firmly riveted + them upon us, that they have become as strong as nature + itself--and to expect their removal, or even their slightest + modification, would be as idle and preposterous as to expect + that we could reach forth our hands, and remove the mountains + from their foundations into the vallies, which are beneath + them.'--[African Repository, vol. vii. pp. 230, 331.] + + + 'We have been charged with wishing only to remove our free + blacks, that we may the more effectually rivet the chains of the + slave. But the class we first seek to remove, are neither + freemen nor slaves; _but between both_, AND MORE MISERABLE THAN + EITHER.' * * * 'Who is there, that does not know something of + the condition of the blacks in the northern and middle States? + They may be seen in our cities and larger towns, wandering like + foreigners and outcasts, in the land which gave them birth. They + may be seen in our penitentiaries, and jails, and poor-houses. + They may be found inhabiting the abodes of poverty, and the + haunts of vice. But if we look for them in the society of the + honest and respectable--if we visit the schools in which it is + our boast that the meanest citizen can enjoy the benefits of + instruction--we might also add, if we visit the sanctuaries + which are open for all to worship,[S] and to hear the word of + God; we shall not find them there.' * * 'Leaving slavery and its + subjects for the moment entirely out of view, there are in the + United States 238,000 blacks denominated free, but whose freedom + confers on them, we might say, no privilege but the _privilege + of being more vicious and miserable than slaves can + be_.'--[Seventh Annual Report, pp. 12, 87, 99.] + + + 'Placed midway between freedom and slavery, they know neither + the incentives of the one, nor the restraints of the other; but + are alike injurious by their conduct and example, to all other + classes of society.'--[Eight Annual Report.] + + + 'Of all classes of our population, the most vicious is that of + the free colored. It is the inevitable result of their moral, + political, and civil degradation. Contaminated themselves, they + extend their vices to all around them, to the slaves and to the + whites.'--[Tenth Annual Report.] + + + 'The question arises, where shall these outcasts go? Ohio, and + the free States of the West, which formerly invited them into + their bosom, no longer offer them a welcome home. Disgusted with + their laziness and vice, the inevitable concomitants of the + anomalous relation in which they stand to society, the + authorities of those States are seeking to get rid of what they + find, too late, to be a curse to any settlement of whites--a + thriftless race of vagabonds, whose footsteps are the sure + precursors of indigence and crime. One of the most intelligent + gentlemen of Ohio, (Mr Charles Hammond,) in a recent notice of + this subject, says, "This dangerous class of population has + increased considerably within a few years past, and the slaves + States cannot too soon adopt efficient measures to get rid of + it. Emigrations to Liberia ought to be provided for, and + insisted upon, and the legislatures should pass laws to prevent + emancipation, without adequate provision for the transportation + of the manumitted."'--[Lynchburg Virginian.] + + + 'As it is now, they are for the most part in a debased and + wretched condition. They have the vices of our community without + its virtues. And what is worse, I speak of the majority, they + have no desire to rise from their state of abject depression--no + wish to gain a respectable elevation of character. Consequently + it is difficult, if not impossible, to present them motives + Which shall incite them to enter on a course of industry and + virtue.' * * * 'Bound by no political ties to the community in + which they dwell, and excluded for the most part from exercising + the rights and privileges of freemen, on the ground of their + alleged inferiority and worthlessness, they have no inducements + to abandon lives of indolence, sensuality and recklessness, or + to support the laws and institutions of the government placed + over them. Nothing but the fear of suffering the penalty of + violated law, can prevent them from preying on those among whom + they live.'--[Middletown (Ct.) Gazette.] + + + 'They have taken the free black that, as a class, dwells among + us a living nuisance, nominally free, but bowed to the ground by + public opinion--IN ONE PART OF THE COUNTRY DULL AS A BRUTISH + BEAST, IN ANOTHER THE WILD STIRRER UP OF SEDITION AND + INSURRECTION--they have shewn him to be capable of quiet and + judicious self-government.-- ... We cannot shut our eyes any + longer upon the disadvantages of our black population, whether + in slavery or freedom. It is a sword perpetually suspended over + our heads by a single hair; it is the fountain of bitter waters + that poisons all our enjoyments.'--[Speeches of J. R. Townsend, + Esq. and W. W. Campbell, Esq. New-York city.] + + + 'The fact was most glaring, without an inquiry, that the same + shackles which bound them, fastened them also to the resources + of the soil, and the interests of the community; and when these + were broken, and the incentives of authority removed, the weight + of ignorance, the want of better incentives, and the fatal and + untried power of grateful but ruinous idleness, sunk them to a + state, which, however elevated in theory, was in fact more + degraded and more miserable than that of bondage. In addition to + all this, pauperism, with the numerous evils of corrupt and + corrupting indolence, threatened to impose its sluggish weight + upon a groaning community. Hence, the progress of emancipation + was, for the time, most righteously arrested.'--[Address of the + Board of Managers of the African Education Society.] + + + 'Who are the free people of color in the United States? In what + circumstances does philanthropy find them! There are indeed + individuals and families, who are sober, industrious, pious. But + what are the remainder, the mass? Every one knows that their + condition is deep and wretched degradation; but, only a few have + ever formed any accurate conception of the reality. The fact is, + that as a class they are branded. They have no home, no country, + no such personal interest in the welfare of the community, as + gives a certain degree of manliness to almost every white + man.... Three hundred thousand freemen in this country, are + freemen only in name, forming only little else than a mass of + pauperism and crime.... Here the black man is paralysed and + crushed by the constant sense of inferiority. He has no + effectual incentives to manly enterprise. He stands in a + degraded class of society; and out of that class he never dreams + of rising.'--[Christian Spectator.] + + + 'This is the true condition of the free colored population of + our land. They are placed mid way between freedom and slavery; + they feel neither the moral stimulants of the one, nor the + restraints of the other, and are alike injurious to every other + class of the community.'--[Southern Religious Telegraph.] + +I repel these charges against the free people of color, as unmerited, +wanton and untrue. It would be absurd to pretend, that, as a class, +they maintain a high character: it would be equally foolish to deny, +that intemperance, indolence and crime prevail among them to a mournful +extent. But I do not hesitate to assert, from an intimate acquaintance +with their condition, that they are more temperate and more industrious +than that class of whites who are in as indigent circumstances, but who +have certainly far greater incentives to labor and excel; that they are +superior in their habits to the hosts of foreign emigrants who are +crowding to our shores, and poisoning our moral atmosphere; and that +their advancement in intelligence, in wealth, and in morality, +considering the numberless and almost insurmountable difficulties under +which they have labored, has been remarkable. I am informed that +twenty-five or thirty years ago, the colored inhabitants of Philadelphia +scarcely owned a dollar's worth of real estate, whereas they now own +enough to amount to hundreds of thousands of dollars. This fact speaks +volumes in praise of their industry and economy; for, be it remembered, +they have had to accumulate this property in small sums, by shaving the +beards, cleaning the boots and clothes, and being the servants of their +white contemners, and in other menial employments. In Baltimore, +Philadelphia, New-York, and other places, there are several colored +persons whose individual property is worth from ten thousand to one +hundred thousand dollars;[T] and in all those cities, there are primary +and high schools for the education of the colored +population--flourishing churches of various denominations--and numerous +societies for mutual assistance and improvement, &c. In Philadelphia +alone, I believe, there are nearly fifty colored associations for +benevolent, literary, scientific and moral purposes.[U] Yet these are +the people of whom it is said, 'they are acted upon by no motives to +honorable exertions;' that they are 'scarcely reached in their +debasement by the heavenly light' (almost a denial of the power of the +Holy Ghost); that 'their freedom is licentiousness;' that 'they are a +greater nuisance than even the slaves themselves;' that they are 'the +most degraded, the most abandoned race on the earth;' that they are +'worse circumstanced than the slave population;' that they have 'no +privilege but the privilege of being more vicious and miserable than +slaves can be;' and that they are 'a thriftless race of vagabonds, whose +footsteps are the sure precursors of indigence and crime.' And these +false and infamous charges are brought against them by a Society which +professes to cherish for them the highest regard, and to be anxious to +give them respectability in the eyes of the world! + +The truth is, the traducers of the free blacks have no adequate +conception of the amount of good sense, sterling piety, moral honesty, +virtuous pride of character, and domestic enjoyment, which exists among +this class. The spirited remarks of the colored citizens of New-York, in +their address to the public, (_vide_ PART II. p. 16,) in reference to +their calumniators, are exceedingly apposite: 'Their patrician +principles prevent an intercourse with men in the middle walks of life, +among whom a large portion of our people may be classed. We ask them to +visit the dwellings of the respectable part of our people, and we are +satisfied that they will discover more civilization and refinement, than +will be found among the same number of white families of an equal +standing.' A personal examination enables me to say that this challenge +is neither presumptuous nor boastful. I confess, I have been most +agreeably, nay, wonderfully disappointed, in my intercourse with them, +which is daily elevating them in my estimation. Many of their number I +proudly rank among my most familiar friends and correspondents. + +With regard to the 'ragged set in Boston, crying out liberty!' every +candid resident will testify that this is a libellous representation; +that our free blacks are a quiet, orderly, well-dressed, and (as far as +they can obtain employment) industrious class of citizens; and that +their improvement is rapid and constant. Every curious observer who +visits their houses of worship, will be surprised at the general +neatness of attire and propriety of manners of the worshippers. 'A +ragged set,' forsooth! The slander may be uttered in the city of +Washington, at an anniversary of the American Colonization Society; but +no man, who regards his character for veracity and intelligence, _dare_ +publish it in Boston. + +The effects of this reiterated abuse are eminently mischievous. It +serves to kindle the fires of persecution, to strengthen prejudice, to +drive its victims to despair, and to increase the desire for their +banishment. 'Tax your utmost powers of imagination,' says one of the +colonization advocates, 'and you cannot conceive _one motive_ to +honorable effort, which can animate the bosom, or give impulse to the +conduct of the free black in this country'! Is this language calculated +to allay animosity, or beget confidence, or suppress contempt, or heal +division, or excite sympathy? Far otherwise. Are there not thousands of +living witnesses to prove the falsity of this assertion; thousands who +adorn the doctrine of God their Saviour, and whose 'motives to honorable +effort' are higher than heaven and vast as eternity; thousands, who, +though their enemies spare no efforts to crush them in the dust, and in +despite of mountains of difficulties, rise up with a giant's strength to +respectability and usefulness? 'No motive to honorable effort'! Perish +the calumny! + +Again, they are stigmatized as the 'wild stirrers up of sedition and +insurrection.' This charge is even more malignant than the other, and +utterly groundless. Its propagation, however, tends directly to excite a +persecution which may drive the accused to sedition, in self-defence. +There is no evidence that any free man of color was enlisted in the late +bloody struggle in Virginia, or in any manner accessary thereto. On the +contrary, it was deprecated by our colored citizens generally, not only +on account of its sanguinary acts, but because they knew it would +operate to their own disadvantage by being placed to their account. The +following honorable expression of feeling was made at a public meeting +of the people of color in Wilmington, Delaware, about that period: + + 'The subscribers, having a knowledge of the alarm which prevails + in the minds of some of the citizens of this place, on account + of various reports which some mischievous person or persons have + circulated, in regard to the colored population, beg leave to + represent, on behalf of themselves and brethren, that having + made inquiry into the subject, they have found said reports to + be without the least foundation; and they owe it to themselves + further to declare, that, so far from any disposition on the + part of the colored people to disturb the peace and good order + of the community, they are, on the contrary, fully aware that it + consists not less with their interests than their duty to + refrain from every art that would excite commotion or disorder, + in which the colored people would have every thing to lose and + nothing to gain. We have been treated by the citizens of + Wilmington and its vicinity with kindness, for which we ought to + be grateful, and it is our solemn purpose to pursue such a + course of conduct as may merit a continuance of their favor and + confidence. Should any among us be found so wicked and blinded + as to enter into plots and contrivances, inimical to the present + harmony, we thus solemnly pledge ourselves to our white friends + and neighbors, that we will be among the first to sound the + alarm, and unite in effecting their apprehension and + suppression.' + +The free colored citizens of Baltimore, Maryland, also came out unitedly +in the following pacific and truly exemplary spirit: + + 'Whereas, there has prevailed in this city, during the past + week, a very unpleasant excitement, originating from suspicions + and reports totally without foundation, and highly derogatory to + our good sense; and whereas this excitement, though + unnecessarily created, may, in its ultimate tendency, prove + prejudicial to the interests of the free colored population of + this State. Therefore, + + 'Resolved, That we challenge the most rigid investigation as to + the truth of those evil reports, which have recently been so + industriously propagated in this city by the credulous, and + those who are totally unacquainted with the character of colored + Baltimoreans. + + 'Resolved, That we are not so reckless of our true interest, so + blind to utter helplessness--not to say so devoid of humanity, + as to entertain the hostile designs, or to cherish the fiendish + passions, which it seems have been, by the unthinking, so + unjustly attributed to us. + + 'Resolved, That we have been too long in the land of bibles, and + temples, and ministers, to look upon blood and carnage with + complacency--that we have been too long in this enlightened + metropolis, to think of the amelioration of our condition, in + any other way than that sanctioned by the Gospel of Peace. + + 'Resolved, That we rely upon a peaceable and upright conduct, for + a continuance of that favor and protection which we have + hitherto enjoyed, and which, the liberal, the wise, and the + good, are ever ready to accord.' + +How impolitic, then, as well as unjust, to brand this meek and +magnanimous class as 'the wild stirrers up of sedition and +insurrection'! + +This treatment, I repeat, is impolitic--nay, suicidal. To abuse, +proscribe and exasperate them, to trample them under our feet, to goad +them on the right hand and on the left, is not the way to secure their +loyalty, but rather to make them revengeful, desperate and seditious. +Our true policy is, to meliorate their condition, invigorate their +hopes, instruct their ignorant minds, admit them to an equality of +privileges with ourselves, nourish and patronise their genius, and, by +giving them mechanical trades and mercantile advantages, open to them +the avenue to competence and wealth. We shall thus make them contented +and happy, and place them in a situation which will lead them still more +heartily to deprecate any insurrectionary movements among our slave +population. The following is the conciliatory and generous language of +a man, who has been denounced as a blood-hound and a monster. It will be +well for us if we profit by it. + + 'Americans! notwithstanding you have and do continue to treat us + more cruel than any heathen nation ever did a people it had + subjected to the same condition that you have us, let us reason. + Had you not better take our body, while you have it in your + power, and while we are yet ignorant and wretched, not knowing + but little, give us education, and teach us the pure religion of + our Lord and Master, which is calculated to make the lion lie + down in peace with the lamb, and which millions of you have + beaten us nearly to death for trying to obtain since we have + been among you, and thus at once gain our affection while we are + ignorant? Throw away your fears and prejudices then, and + enlighten us and treat us like men, and we will like you more + than we do now hate you. And tell us now no more about + colonization; for America is as much our country as it is yours. + Treat us like men, and there is no danger but we will all live + in peace and happiness together; for we are not, like you, + hard-hearted, unmerciful, and unforgiving. What a happy country + this will be, if the whites will listen! What nation under + heaven, will be able to do any thing with us, unless God gives + us up into its hand? But, Americans, I declare to you, while you + keep us and our children in bondage, and treat us like brutes, + to make us support you and your families, we cannot be your + friends. You do not look for it, do you? Treat us then like men, + and we will be your friends. And there is not a doubt in my + mind, but that the whole of the past will be sunk into oblivion, + and we yet, under God, will become a united and happy + people.'[V] + +FOOTNOTES: + +[S] A cruel taunt. The wonder is not that colored persons do not more +generally visit our sanctuaries, but that they _ever_ should attend. If +they go, they are thrust into obscure, remote and unseemly pens or +boxes, as if they were not embraced in the offers of redeeming love, and +were indeed a part of the brute creation. It is an awful commentary upon +the pride of human nature. I never can look up to these scandalous +retreats for my colored brethren, without having my soul overwhelmed +with emotions of shame, indignation and sorrow. No black man, however +virtuous, respectable or pious he may be, can own or occupy a pew in a +central part of any of our houses of worship. And yet it is +reproachfully alleged--by a clergyman, too!--that 'if we visit the +sanctuaries which are _open to all_ (!) to worship, and to hear the word +of God, we shall not find them there'! No--I hope they will respect +themselves and the religion of Jesus more, than to occupy the places +alluded to. + +[T] Francis Devany, the colored sheriff of Liberia, is reputed by +colonizationists to be worth property to the value of twenty-five +thousand dollars; and they have trumpeted the fact all over the country, +and so repeatedly as almost to lead one to imagine that he is the +greatest and wealthiest man in all the world! James Forten, the +reputable colored sail-maker of Philadelphia,--a gentleman of highly +polished manners and superior intelligence,--with whom Devany worked as +a journeyman, can _buy him out_ three or four times over. Joseph Cassey, +another estimable and intelligent man of color, or the widow of Bishop +Allen, both of Philadelphia, can purchase him. I mention their names, +not to extol them, but simply to show, that what begets fame in Liberia +is unproductive here. + +[U] The following statement, recently published in the Philadelphia +'Friend and Advocate of Truth,' is very creditable to the colored +inhabitants of that city: + + 'Many erroneous opinions have prevailed, with regard to the true + character and condition of the free colored people of + Pennsylvania. They have been represented as an idle and + worthless class, furnishing inmates for our poor-houses and + penitentiaries. A few plain facts are sufficient to refute these + gratuitous allegations. In the city and suburbs of Philadelphia, + by the census of 1830, they constituted about eleven per cent., + or one ninth of the whole population. From the account of the + guardians of the poor, printed by order of the board, it appears + that of the out-door poor receiving regular weekly supplies, in + the first month, 1830, the time of the greatest need, the people + of color were about one to twenty-three whites; or not quite + four per cent., a disproportion of whites to colored, of more + than two to one in favor of the latter. When it is considered + that they perform the lowest offices in the community--that the + avenues to what are esteemed the most honorable and profitable + professions in society, are in a great measure, if not wholly + closed against them, these facts are the more creditable to + them. One cause of this disproportion, which we presume is but + little known, but which is worthy of special notice, will be + found in the numerous societies among themselves for mutual aid. + These societies expended, in one year, about six thousand + dollars for the relief of the sick and the indigent of their own + color, from funds raised among themselves. Besides, the taxes + paid by the colored people of Philadelphia, exceed in amount the + sums expended out of the funds of the city for the relief of + their poor.' + +It is also a fact that the proportion of whites in the alms-house in +New-York is greater than that of the blacks. I am aware that other +evidence, of a different kind, may be adduced in other places; but it is +in the highest degree unfair to measure the whole body of blacks by the +whole body of whites--for the privileges and advantages of the whites +are as ten thousand to one: they monopolise almost every branch of +business and every pursuit of life--they have all the means necessary to +make men virtuous, intelligent, active, and opulent. Far different is +the situation of the free blacks. How slender are their means! how mean +and limited their occupations! how inferior their advantages! Almost +every avenue to wealth, preferment and usefulness, is closed against +them. How are they persecuted! how avoided in the streets! how excluded +from the benefits of society! To point at them the finger of scorn, to +taunt them for their inferiority or helplessness, is like putting out +the eyes and clipping the wings of the eagle, and then reproaching him +because he can neither see nor fly. To boast of our superior refinement, +intelligence and virtue, is the extreme of vainglory, and adding insult +to injury. Shame! shame! + + + + +SECTION IX. + +THE AMERICAN COLONIZATION SOCIETY DENIES THE POSSIBILITY OF ELEVATING +THE BLACKS IN THIS COUNTRY. + + +The detestation of feeling, the fire of moral indignation, and the agony +of soul which I have felt kindling and swelling within me, in the +progress of this review, under this section reach the acme of intensity. +It is impossible for the mind to conceive, or the tongue to utter, or +the pen to record, sentiments more derogatory to the character of a +republican and Christian people than the following: + + 'Introduced as this class has been, in a way which cannot be + justified, injurious in its influence to the community, degraded + in character and miserable in condition, _forever excluded_, by + public sentiment, by law and by a physical distinction, from the + most powerful motives to exertion,' &c. * * 'In addition to all + the causes which tend to pollute, to degrade and render them + miserable, there are principles of _repulsion_ between them and + us, which can _never_ be overcome.' * * 'Their bodies are free, + their minds enslaved. They can neither bless their brethren in + servitude, nor rise from their own obscurity, nor add to the + purity of our morals, nor to our wealth, nor to our political + strength.' * * 'Let us recollect that our fathers have placed + them here; and that our prejudices, prejudices _too deep to be + eradicated_ while they remain among us, have produced the + standard of their morals.' * * 'Nor will it be questioned that + their establishment on the African coast ... will confer on them + invaluable blessings which _in this country_ they can _never_ + enjoy.' * * 'They _must be_ hewers of wood and drawers of water. + Do what they will, there is but this one prospect before + them.'--[African Repository, vol. 1, pp. 34, 144, 162, 176, 226, + 317.] + + + 'Shut out from the privileges of citizens, separated from us by + the _insurmountable_ barrier of color, they can _never_ + amalgamate with us, but must remain _for ever_ a distinct and + inferior race, repugnant to our republican feelings, and + dangerous to our republican institutions.' * * * 'It is not that + there are some, but that there are so many among us of a + different physical, if not moral, constitution, who _never_ can + amalgamate with the great body of our population.'--[African + Repository, vol. ii. pp. 188, 189, 338.] + + + 'In consequence of his own inveterate habits, and the no less + inveterate prejudices of the whites, it is a sadly demonstrated + truth, that the negro _cannot, in this country_, become an + enlightened and useful citizen. Driven to the lowest stratum of + society, and enthralled there for melancholy ages, his mind + becomes proportionably grovelling, and to gratify his animal + desires is his most exalted aspiration.' * * 'The negro, _while + in this country_, will be treated as an inferior being.' * * + 'Our slavery is such, as that no device of our philanthropy for + elevating the wretched subjects of its debasement to the + ordinary privileges of men, can descry one cheering glimpse of + hope that our object can _ever_ be accomplished. The very + commencing act of freedom to the slave, is to place him in a + condition still worse, if possible, both for his moral habits, + his outward provision, and for the community that embosoms him, + than even that, deplorable as it was, from which he has been + removed. He is now a freeman; but his complexion, his features, + every peculiarity of his person, pronounce to him another + doom,--that every wish he may conceive, every effort he can + make, shall be _little better than vain_. Even to every talent + and virtuous impulse which he may feel working in his bosom, + obstacles stand in impracticable array; not from a defect of + essential title to success, but from _a positive external law, + unreasoning and irreversible_.' * * 'The elevation of a degraded + class of beings to the privileges of freemen, which, though + free, they can _never_ enjoy, and to the prospects of a happy + immortality.' * * 'They again most solemnly repeat to the free + colored people of Virginia their belief, that _in Africa alone_ + can they enjoy that complete emancipation from a degrading + inequality, which in a greater or less degree pervades the + United States, if not in the laws, in the whole frame and + structure of society, and which in its effects on their moral + and social state is scarcely less degrading than slavery + itself.'--[African Repository, vol. iii. pp. 25, 26, 66, 68, + 345.] + + + 'But there is one large class among the inhabitants of this + country--degraded and miserable--whom none of the efforts in + which you are accustomed to engage, can materially benefit. + Among the twelve millions who make up our census, two millions + are Africans--separated from the possessors of the soil by + birth, _by the brand of indelible ignominy_, by prejudices, + mutual, deep, _incurable_, by an _irreconcileable diversity of + interests_. They are aliens and outcasts;--they are, as a body, + degraded beneath the influence of nearly all the motives which + prompt other men to enterprise, and almost below the sphere of + virtuous affections. Whatever may be attempted for the general + improvement of society, their wants are untouched.--Whatever may + be effected for elevating the mass of the nation in the scale of + happiness or of intellectual and moral character, their + degradation is the same--dark, and deep, and _hopeless_. + Benevolence seems to overlook them, or struggles for their + benefit in vain. Patriotism forgets them, or remembers them only + with shame for what has been, and with dire forebodings, of what + is yet to come.' * * 'It is taken _for granted_ that in present + circumstances, any effort to produce a general and thorough + amelioration in the character and condition of the free people + of color must be to a great extent fruitless. In every part of + the United States there is a broad and _impassible_ line of + demarcation between every man who has _one drop_ of African + blood in his veins and every other class in the community. The + habits, the feelings, all the prejudices of society--prejudices + which neither _refinement_, nor _argument_, nor _education_, nor + _religion_ itself can subdue--mark the people of color, whether + bond or free, as the subjects of a degradation _inevitable_ and + _incurable_. The African in this country belongs by birth to the + very lowest station in society; and from that station _he can + never rise_, BE HIS TALENTS, HIS ENTERPRISE, HIS VIRTUES WHAT + THEY MAY.... They constitute a class by themselves--a class out + of which _no individual can be elevated_, and below which, none + can be depressed. And this is the difficulty, the invariable and + insuperable difficulty in the way of every scheme for their + benefit. Much can be done for them--much has been done; but + still they are, and, _in this country_, ALWAYS MUST BE a + depressed and abject race.'--[African Repository, vol. iv. pp. + 117, 118, 119.] + + + 'The distinctive complexion by which it is marked, _necessarily_ + debars it from all familiar intercourse with the more favored + society that surrounds it, and of course denies to it _all hope_ + of either social or political elevation, by means of individual + merit, however great, or individual exertions, however + unremitted.' * * 'It is deemed unnecessary to repeat what has + already been said, of the character of the population in + question, of its _hopeless degradation_, and its baneful + influence, in the situation in which it is now placed.' * * * + 'The colored population of this country can _never_ rise to + respectability and happiness here.' * * 'It was at an early + period seen and acknowledged, that neither the objects of + benevolence nor the interests of the nation could be materially + benefitted by any plan or measures that permitted them to remain + within the United States.' * * 'They leave a country in which + though born and reared, they are strangers and aliens; where + severe necessity places them in a class of degraded beings.' * * + 'With us they have been degraded by slavery, and STILL FURTHER + DEGRADED _by the mockery of nominal freedom_. We have + endeavored, but endeavored in vain, to restore them either to + self-respect, or to the respect of others. _It is not our fault + that we have failed_; it is not theirs. It has resulted from a + cause over which neither they, nor we, can ever have control. + _Here_, therefore, they must be _for ever debased_: more than + this, they must be _for ever useless_; more even than this, they + must be FOR EVER A NUISANCE, from which it were a blessing for + society to be rid. And yet they, and they only, are qualified + for colonizing Africa.' * * * 'Whether bond or free, their + presence will be _for ever a calamity_. Why then, in the name of + God, should we hesitate to encourage their departure? The + existence of this race among us; a race that can neither share + our blessings nor incorporate in our Society, is already felt to + be a curse.'--[African Repository, vol. v. pp. 51, 53, 179, 234, + 238, 276, 278.] + + + 'Is our posterity doomed to endure for ever not only all the + ills flowing from the state of slavery, but all which arise from + incongruous elements of population, separated from each other by + _invincible prejudices_, and by natural causes?' * * 'Here + _invincible prejudices_ exclude them from the enjoyment of the + society of the whites, and deny them all the advantages of + freemen. The bar, the pulpit, and our legislative halls are shut + to them by the irresistible force of public sentiment. No + talents however great, no piety however pure and devoted, no + patriotism however ardent, can secure their admission. They + constantly hear the accents, and behold the triumphs, of a + liberty _which here they can never enjoy_.' * * 'It is against + this increase of colored persons, who take but a nominal freedom + here, and _cannot rise_ from their degraded condition, that this + Society attempts to provide.' * * 'They may be emancipated; but + emancipation _cannot elevate their condition_ or augment their + capacity for self-preservation.--Want and suffering will + gradually diminish their numbers, and they will disappear, as + the inferior has always disappeared, before the superior race.' + * * 'Our great and good men purposed it primarily as a system of + relief for two millions of fellow men in our own county--a + population dangerous to ourselves and _necessarily degraded + here_.' * * 'The free blacks, by the moral necessity of their + civil disabilities, are and _must for ever be a + nuisance_--equally, and more to the owner of slaves, than to + other members of the community.'--[African Repository, vol. vi. + pp. 12, 17, 82, 168, 295, 368.] + + + 'Incorporated into our country as freemen, yet separated from it + by odious and degrading distinctions, they feel themselves + condemned to a hopeless and debasing inferiority. They know that + their very complexion will _for ever_ exclude them from the + rank, the privileges, the honors, of freemen. No matter how + great their industry, or how abundant their wealth--no matter + what their attainments in literature, science or the arts--no + matter how correct their deportment or what respect their + characters may inspire, they can never, NO, NEVER be raised to a + footing of equality, not even to a familiar intercourse with the + surrounding society.' * * 'To us it seems evident that the man + of color may as soon _change his complexion_, as rise above all + sense of past inferiority and debasement in a community, from + the social intercourse of which, he must expect to be in a great + measure excluded, not only until prejudice shall have no + existence therein, but until the freedom of man in regulating + his social relations is proved to be abridged by some law of + morality or the gospel.... Is it not _wise_, then, for the free + people of color and their friends to _admit_, what cannot + reasonably be doubted, that the people of color must, in this + country, remain for ages, _probably for ever_, a separate and + inferior caste, weighed down by causes, powerful, universal, + inevitable; _which neither legislation nor christianity can + remove?_' + + 'Let the free black in this country toil from youth to age in + the honorable pursuit of wisdom--let him store his mind with the + most valuable researches of science and literature--and let him + add to a highly gifted and cultivated intellect, a piety pure, + undefiled, and "unspotted from the world"--it is all nothing: he + would not be received into the very lowest walks of society. If + we were constrained to admire so uncommon a being, our very + admiration would mingle with disgust, because, in the physical + organization of his frame, we meet an insurmountable barrier, + even to an approach to social intercourse, and in the Egyptian + color, which nature has stamped upon his features, a principle + of repulsion so strong as to forbid the idea of a communion + either of interest or of feeling, as utterly abhorrent. Whether + these feelings are founded in reason or not, we will not now + inquire--perhaps they are not. But education and habit and + prejudice have so firmly riveted them upon us, that they have + become as strong as nature itself--and to expect their removal, + or even their slightest modification, would be as idle and + preposterous as to expect that we could reach forth our hands, + and remove the mountains from their foundations into the + vallies, which are beneath them.'--[African Repository, vol. + vii. pp. 100, 195, 196, 231.] + + + 'And can we not find some spot on this large globe which will + receive them kindly, and where they may escape those prejudices + which, in this country, must _ever_ keep them _inferior_ and + _degraded_ members of society?'--[Third Annual Report.] + + + 'A population which, even if it were not literally enslaved, + _must for ever remain_ in a state of degradation no better than + bondage.' * * 'Here the thing is impossible; a slave cannot be + really emancipated. You may call him free, you may enact a + statute book of laws to make him free, but you cannot bleach him + into the enjoyment of freedom.' * * 'The Soodra is not farther + separated from the Brahmin in regard to all his privileges, + civil, intellectual, and moral, than the negro is from the white + man by the prejudices which result from the difference made + between them by the God of nature. A barrier more difficult to + be surmounted than the institution of the caste, cuts off, and + while the present state of society continues _must always_ cut + off, the negro from all that is valuable in + citizenship.'--[Seventh Annual Report.] + + + 'Let the arm of our government be stretched out for the defence + of our African colony, and this objection will no longer exist. + There, _and there alone_, the colored man can enjoy the motives + for honorable exertion.'--[Ninth Annual Report.] + + + 'In the distinctive and indelible marks of their color, and the + prejudices of the people, an _insuperable_ obstacle has been + placed to the execution of any plan for elevating their + character, and placing them on a footing with their brethren of + the same common family.'--[Tenth Annual Report.] + + + 'Far from shuddering at the thought of leaving the comfortable + fireside among us, for a distant and unknown shore yet covered + by the wilderness, they have preferred real liberty there, to a + mockery of freedom here, and have turned their eyes to Africa, + as the only resting place and refuge of the colored man, in the + deluge of oppression that surrounds him.'--[Eleventh Annual + Report.] + + + 'The race in question were known, as a class, to be destitute, + depraved--the victims of all forms of social misery. The + peculiarity of their fate was, that this was not their condition + by accident or transiently, but _inevitably_ and _immutably_, + whilst they remained in their present place, by a law as + infallible in its operation, as any of physical nature.' * * + 'Their residence amongst us is attended by evil consequences to + society--causes _beyond the control of the human will_ must + prevent their _ever_ rising to equality with the whites.' * * + 'The Managers consider it clear that causes exist, and are + operating to prevent their improvement and elevation to any + considerable extent as a class, in this country, which are + fixed, not only beyond the control of the friends of humanity, + BUT OF ANY HUMAN POWER. _Christianity cannot do for them here, + what it will do for them in Africa._ This is not the fault of + the colored man, _nor of the white man, nor of Christianity; but + an ordination of Providence, and no more to be changed than the + laws of nature_. Yet, were it otherwise, did no cause exist but + prejudice, to prevent the elevation, in this country, of our + free colored population, still, were this prejudice so strong + (which is indeed the fact) as to forbid the hope of any great + favorable change in their condition, what folly for them to + reject blessings in another land, because it is prejudice which + debars them from such blessings in this! But in truth no + legislation, no humanity, no benevolence can make them + insensible to their past condition, can unfetter their minds, + can relieve them from the disadvantages resulting from inferior + means and attainments, can abridge the right of freemen to + regulate their social intercourse and relations, which will + leave them _for ever a separate and depressed class_ in the + community; in fine, nothing can in any way do much here to raise + them from their miseries to respectability, honor and + usefulness.'--[Fifteenth Annual Report.] + + + 'That no adequate means of attaining this great end existed, + short of the segregation of the black population from the + white--that an IMPASSIBLE BARRIER existed in the state of + society in this country, between these classes--that whatever + might be the liberal sentiments of some good men among us, the + blacks were marked with an _indelible note of inferiority_--they + saw placed high before them a station which here they _could + never reach_, and by a natural reaction they fell back into a + position where self-respect lent them no stimulus, and virtuous + principles and actions lost more than half their motive--that in + fact they were a branded and degraded caste--the Pariahs of the + United States, and destined _as long as they remained with us_ + to be hewers of wood and drawers of water--that the increase of + this population in a greater ratio than the whites, was + calculated to excite just apprehension--that no one could say + that when a few more millions should be added to their numbers, + the example of Hayti might not rouse them to an effort to break + their chains; and he would ask what man could contemplate, + without shuddering, all the complicated atrocity and bloody + revenge of such a revolt?' * * 'Those persons of color who have + been emancipated, are only nominally free, and the whole race, + so long as they remain among us, and whether they be slaves or + free, must _necessarily_ be kept in a condition full of + wretchedness to them and full of danger to the whites.'--[Second + Annual Report of New-York State Colonization Society.] + + + 'Many of those citizens who ardently wish for the removal of + such of the free colored population, as are willing to go, to + any place where they could enjoy, _what they can never enjoy + here_, that is, all the advantages of society,' &c. * * 'That + the free colored population in this country labor under the most + oppressive disadvantages, which their freedom can by no means + counterbalance, is too obvious to admit of doubt. I waive all + inquiry whether this is right or wrong. I speak of things as + they are--not as they might, or as they ought to be. They are + cut off from the most remote chance of amalgamation with the + white population, by feelings or prejudices, call them what you + will, that are ineradicable. Their situation is more unfavorable + than that of many slaves. "With all the burdens, cares and + responsibilities of freedom, they have few or none of its + substantial benefits. Their associations are, and must be, + chiefly with slaves. Their right of suffrage gives them little, + if any, political influence, and they are practically, if not + theoretically excluded from representation and weight in our + public councils." _No merit, no services, no talents can elevate + them to a level with the whites._ Occasionally, an exception may + arise. A colored individual, of great talents, merits, and + wealth, may emerge from the crowd. Cases of this kind are to the + last degree rare. The colored people are subject to legal + disabilities, more or less galling and severe, in almost every + state of the Union. Who has not deeply regretted their late + harsh expulsion from the State of Ohio, and their being forced + to abandon the country of their birth, which had profited by + their labors, and to take refuge in a foreign land? Severe + regulations have been recently passed in Louisiana, to prevent + the introduction of free people of color into the State. + Whenever they appear, they are to be banished in sixty days. The + strong opposition to a negro college in New-Haven, speaks in a + language not to be mistaken, the jealousy with which they are + regarded. And there is no reason to expect, that the lapse of + centuries will make any change in this respect. THEY WILL ALWAYS + UNHAPPILY BE REGARDED AS AN INFERIOR RACE.'--[Mathew Carey's + 'Reflections.'] + + + 'Instances of emancipation have not essentially benefitted the + African, and _probably never will_, while he remains among us. + In this country, public opinion does, _and will_, consign him to + an inferiority, _above which he can never rise_. Emancipation + can NEVER make the African, while he remains in this country, a + real free man. Degradation MUST and WILL press him to the earth; + no cheering, stimulating influence will he here feel, _in any of + the walks of life_.'--[Circular of the Massachusetts + Colonization Society for 1832.] + + + 'With us color is the bar. Nature has raised up barriers between + the races, _which no man with a proper sense of the dignity of + his species desires to see surmounted_.' * * 'What effects does + emancipation produce without removal? A discontented and useless + population; having no sympathies with the rest of the community, + _doomed by immoveable barriers to eternal degradation_. I know + that there are among us, those of warm and generous hearts, who + believe that we may retain the black man here, and raise him up + to the full and perfect stature of human nature. That degree of + improvement can never take place except the races be + amalgamated; and amalgamation is a day-dream. It may seem + strong, but it is true that "a skin not colored like our own" + will separate them from us, _as long as our feelings continue a + part of our nature_.'--[Speeches delivered at the formation of + the Young Men's Auxiliary Colonization Society in New-York + city.] + + + 'These [subsistence, political and social considerations] they + can _never_ enjoy here.' * * 'You may manumit the slave, but you + cannot make him a white man. He still remains a negro or a + mulatto. The mark and the recollection of his origin and former + state still adhere to him; the feelings produced by that + condition, in his own mind and in the minds of the whites, still + exist; he is associated by his color, and by these recollections + and feelings, with the class of slaves; and a barrier is thus + raised between him and the whites, that is between him and the + free class, which he can never hope to transcend.' * * 'A vast + majority of the free blacks, as we have seen, are and _must be_, + an idle, worthless and thievish race.'--[First Annual Report.] + + + 'Here they are condemned to a state of _hopeless_ inferiority, + and consequent degradation. As they _cannot_ emerge from this + state, they lose, by degrees, the hope, at last the desire of + emerging.'--[Second Annual Report.] + + + 'The existence in any community of a people forming a distinct + and degraded caste, _who are forever excluded by the fiat of + society and the laws of the land_, from all hopes of equality in + social intercourse and political privileges, must, from the + nature of things, be fraught with unmixed evil. Did this + committee believe it possible, by any acts of legislation, to + remove this blotch upon the body politic, by so elevating the + social and moral condition of the blacks in Ohio, that they + would be received into society on terms of equality, and would + by common consent be admitted to a participation of political + privileges--WERE SUCH A THING POSSIBLE, even after a lapse of + time and by pecuniary sacrifice, most gladly would they + recommend such measures as would subserve the cause of humanity, + by producing such a result. For the purposes of legislation, it + is sufficient to know, that the blacks in Ohio _must always + exist as a separate and degraded race_, that when the leopard + shall change his spots and the Ethiopian his skin, then, BUT NOT + TILL THEN, may we expect that the descendants of Africans will + be admitted into society, on terms of social and political + equality.'--[Report of a Select Committee of the Legislature of + Ohio.] + + + 'No possible contingency can ever break down or weaken the + impassable barrier which at present separates the whites from + social communion with the blacks. Neither education, nor wealth, + nor any other means of distinction known to our communities, can + elevate blacks to a level with whites, in the United + States.'--[American Spectator.] + + + 'However unjust may be the prejudices which exist in the whites + against the blacks, and which operate so injuriously to the + latter--_they are probably too deep to be obliterated_; and true + philanthropy would dictate the separation of two races of men, + so different, WHOM NATURE HERSELF HAS FORBIDDEN TO MINGLE INTO + ONE; but of whom, while they remain associated, _one or the + other must of necessity have the superiority_. For the future + welfare of both, we trust that the project of colonizing the + Africans, as they shall gradually be emancipated, although a + work of time, may not be altogether hopeless.'--[Brandon (Vt.) + Telegraph.] + + + 'The character and circumstances of this portion of the + community fall under every man's notice, and the least + observation shows that they _cannot_ be useful or happy among + us.'--[Oration by Gabriel P. Disosway, Esq.] + + + 'It is of vast importance to these people, as a class, that + their hopes and expectations of temporal prosperity _should be + turned to Africa_, and that they should not regard our country + as their permanent residence, or as that country in which they + will _ever_, as a people, enjoy equal privileges and blessings + with the whites.'--[Rev. Mr Gurley's Letter to the Rev. S. S. + Jocelyn.] + + + 'To attain solid happiness and permanent respectability, they + should now remove to a more congenial clime.... To raise them to + a level with the whites is AN IMPOSSIBILITY.'--[New-Haven + Religious Intelligencer.] + + + 'In Liberia--the land of their forefathers, they will be + restored to real freedom, which they have never yet enjoyed, and + which it is folly for them to expect they can ever enjoy among + the whites.'--[Norfolk Herald.] + +'My bowels, my bowels! I am pained at my very heart; my heart maketh a +noise in me.' Are we pagans, are we savages, are we devils? Can pagans, +or savages, or devils, exhibit a more implacable spirit, than is seen in +the foregoing extracts? It is enough to cause the very stones to cry +out, and the beasts of the field to rebuke us. + +Of this I am sure: no man, who is truly willing to admit the people of +color to an equality with himself, can see any insuperable difficulty in +effecting their elevation. When, therefore, I hear an +individual--especially a professor of Christianity--strenuously +contending that there can be no fellowship with them, I cannot help +suspecting the sincerity of his own republicanism or piety, or thinking +that the beam is in his own eye. My bible assures me that the day is +coming when even the 'wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard +shall lie down with the kid, and the wolf and the young lion and the +fatling together;' and, if this be possible, I see no cause why those of +the same species--God's rational creatures--fellow countrymen, in truth, +cannot dwell in harmony together. + +How abominably hypocritical, how consummately despicable, how +incorrigibly tyrannical must this whole nation appear in the eyes of the +people of Europe!--professing to be the _friends_ of the free blacks, +actuated by the purest motives of benevolence toward them, desirous to +make atonement for past wrongs, challenging the admiration of the world +for their patriotism, philanthropy and piety--and yet (hear, O heaven! +and be astonished, O earth!) shamelessly proclaiming, with a voice +louder than thunder, and an aspect malignant as sin, that while their +colored countrymen remain among them, they must be trampled beneath +their feet, treated as inferior beings, deprived of all the invaluable +privileges of freemen, separated by the brand of indelible ignominy, and +debased to a level with the beasts that perish! Yea, that they may as +soon change their complexion as rise from their degradation! that no +device of philanthropy can benefit them here! that they constitute a +class out of which _no individual can be elevated_, and below which, +_none can be depressed_! that no talents however great, no piety however +pure and devoted, no patriotism however ardent, no industry however +great, no wealth however abundant, can raise them to a footing of +equality with the whites! that 'let them toil from youth to old age in +the honorable pursuit of wisdom--let them store their minds with the +most valuable researches of science and literature--and let them add to +a highly gifted and cultivated intellect, a piety pure, undefiled, and +unspotted from the world, _it is all nothing_--they would not be +received into the _very lowest walks of society_--admiration of such +uncommon beings would mingle with _disgust_!' Yea, that 'there is a +broad and impassible line of demarcation between every man who has _one +drop_ of African blood in his veins and every other class in the +community'! Yea, that 'the habits, the feelings, all the prejudices of +society--prejudices which neither _refinement_, nor _argument_, nor +_education_, nor RELIGION itself can subdue--mark the people of color, +whether bond or free, as the subjects of a degradation _inevitable_ and +_incurable_'! Yea, that '_Christianity_ cannot do for them here, what it +will do for them in Africa'! Yea, that 'this is not the fault of the +colored man, NOR OF THE WHITE MAN, nor of Christianity; but AN +ORDINATION OF PROVIDENCE, _and no more to be changed than the_ LAWS OF +NATURE'!!! + +Again I ask, are we pagans, are we savages, are we devils? Search the +records of heathenism, and sentiments more hostile to the spirit of the +gospel, or of a more black and blasphemous complexion than these, cannot +be found. I believe that they are libels upon the character of my +countrymen, which time will wipe off. I call upon the spirits of the +just made perfect in heaven, upon all who have experienced the love of +God in their souls here below, upon the christian converts in India and +the islands of the sea, to sustain me in the assertion that there _is_ +power enough in the religion of Jesus Christ to melt down the most +stubborn prejudices, to overthrow the highest walls of partition, to +break the strongest caste, to improve and elevate the most degraded, to +unite in fellowship the most hostile, and to equalize and bless all its +recipients. Make me _sure_ that there is not, and I will give it up, now +and for ever. 'In Christ Jesus, all are one: there is neither Jew nor +Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor +female.' + +These sentiments were not uttered by infidels, nor by worthless +wretches, but in many instances by professors of religion and _ministers +of the gospel_! and in almost every instance by reputedly the most +enlightened, patriotic and benevolent men in the land! Tell it not +abroad! publish it not in the streets of Calcutta! Even the eminent +President of Union College, (Rev. Dr. Nott,) could so far depart, +unguardedly I hope, from christian love and integrity, as to utter this +language in an address in behalf of the Colonization Society:--'With us +they [the free people of color] have been degraded by slavery, and +_still further degraded by the mockery of nominal freedom_.' Were this +true, it would imply that we of the free States are more barbarous and +neglectful than even the traffickers in souls and men-stealers at the +south. We have not, it is certain, treated our colored brethren as the +law of kindness and the ties of brotherhood demand; but have we outdone +slaveholders in cruelty? Were it true, to forge new fetters for the +limbs of these degraded beings would be an act of benevolence. But their +condition is as much superior to that of the slaves, as happiness is to +misery. The second portion of this work, containing their proceedings in +a collective capacity, shows whether they have made any progress in +intelligence, in virtue, in piety, and in happiness, since their +liberation. Again he says: '_We have endeavored_, but endeavored in +vain, _to restore them either to self-respect, or to the respect of +others_.' It is painful to contradict so worthy an individual; but +nothing is more certain than that this statement is altogether +erroneous. We have derided, we have shunned, we have neglected them, in +every possible manner. They have had to rise not only under the +mountainous weight of their own ignorance and vice, but with the +additional and constant pressure of our contempt and injustice. In +despite of us, they have done well. Again: '_It is not our fault that we +have failed_; it is not theirs.' We _are_ wholly and exclusively in +fault. What have we done to raise them up from the earth? What have we +_not_ done to keep them down? Once more: 'It has resulted from a cause +over which neither they, nor we, can ever have control.' In other words, +they have been made with skins not colored like our own,' and +_therefore_ we cannot recognise them as fellow-countrymen, or treat them +like rational beings! One sixth of our whole population _must_, FOR +EVER, in this land, remain a wretched, ignorant and degraded race,--and +yet nobody be culpable--_none but the Creator_ who has made us +_incapable_ of doing unto others as we would have them do unto us! +Horrible--horrible! If this be not an impeachment of Infinite +Goodness,--I do not say intentionally but _really_,--I cannot define it. +The same sentiment is reiterated by a writer in the Southern Religious +Telegraph, who says--'The exclusion of the free black from the civil and +literary privileges of our country, depends on another circumstance than +that of character--a circumstance, which, as it was entirely beyond his +control, so it is unchangeable, and will for ever operate. This +circumstance is--_he is a black man_'!! And the Board of Managers of the +Parent Society, in their Fifteenth Annual Report, declare that '_an +ordination of Providence_' prevents the general improvement of the +people of color in this land! How are God and our country dishonored, +and the requirements of the gospel contemned, by this ungodly plea! +Having satisfied himself that the Creator is alone blameable for the +past and present degradation of the free blacks, Dr. Nott draws the +natural and unavoidable inference that 'here, therefore, they must be +_for ever debased, for ever useless, for ever a nuisance, for ever a +calamity_,' and then gravely declares (mark the climax!) 'and yet THEY, +[these ignorant, helpless, miserable creatures!] AND THEY ONLY, are +qualified for colonizing Africa'!! 'Why then,' he asks, '_in the name of +God_,'--(the abrupt appeal, in this connexion, seems almost +profane,)--'should we hesitate to encourage their departure?' + +Nature, we are positively assured, has raised up impassable barriers +between the races. I understand by this expression, that the blacks are +of a different species from ourselves, so that all attempts to generate +offspring between us and them must prove as abortive, as between a man +and a beast. It is a law of Nature that the lion shall not beget the +lamb, or the leopard the bear. Now the planters at the south have +clearly demonstrated, that an amalgamation with their slaves is not only +possible, but a matter of course, and eminently productive. It neither +ends in abortion nor produces monsters. In truth, it is often so +difficult in the slave States to distinguish between the fruits of this +intercourse and the children of white parents, that witnesses are +summoned at court to solve the problem! Talk of the barriers of Nature, +when the land swarms with living refutations of the statement! Happy +indeed would it be for many a female slave, if such a barrier could +exist during the period of her servitude to protect her from the lust of +her master! + +In France,[W] England,[X] Spain, and other countries, persons of color +maintain as high a rank and are treated as honorably as any other class +of the inhabitants, in despite of the 'impassable barriers of Nature.' +Yet it is proclaimed to the world by the Colonization Society, that the +American people can never be as republican in their feelings and +practices as Frenchmen, Spaniards or Englishmen! Nay, that _religion_ +itself cannot subdue their malignant prejudices, or induce them to treat +their dark-skinned brethren in accordance with their professions of +republicanism! My countrymen! is it so? Are you willing thus to be held +up as tyrants and hypocrites for ever? as less magnanimous and just than +the populace of Europe? No--no! I cannot give you up as incorrigibly +wicked, nor my country as sealed over to destruction. My confidence +remains, like the oak--like the Alps--unshaken, storm-proof. I am not +discouraged--I am not distrustful. I still place an unwavering reliance +upon the omnipotence of truth. I still believe that the demands of +justice will be satisfied; that the voice of bleeding humanity will melt +the most obdurate hearts; and that the land will be redeemed and +regenerated by an enlightened and energetic public opinion. As long as +there remains among us a single copy of the Declaration of Independence, +or of the New Testament, I will not despair of the social and political +elevation of my sable countrymen. Already a rallying-cry is heard from +the East and the West, from the North and the South; towns and cities +and states are in commotion; volunteers are trooping to the field; the +spirit of freedom and the fiend of oppression are in mortal conflict, +and all neutrality is at an end. Already the line of division is drawn: +on one side are the friends of truth and liberty, with their banner +floating high in the air, on which are inscribed in letters of light, +'IMMEDIATE ABOLITION'--'NO COMPROMISE WITH OPPRESSORS'--'EQUAL +RIGHTS'--'NO EXPATRIATION'--'DUTY, AND NOT CONSEQUENCES'--'LET JUSTICE +BE DONE, THOUGH THE HEAVENS SHOULD FALL!'--On the opposite side stand +the supporters and apologists of slavery in mighty array, with a black +flag on which are seen in bloody characters, 'AFRICAN +COLONIZATION'--'GRADUAL ABOLITION'--'RIGHTS OF PROPERTY'--'POLITICAL +EXPEDIENCY'--'NO EQUALITY'--'NO REPENTANCE'--'EXPULSION OF THE +BLACKS'--'PROTECTION TO TYRANTS!'--Who can doubt the issue of this +controversy, or which side has the approbation of the Lord of Hosts? + +In the African Repository for September, 1831, there is an elaborate +defence of the Colonization Society, in which occurs the following +passage:--'It has been said that the Society is unfriendly to the +improvement of the free people of color while they remain in the United +States. _The charge is not true._' I reiterate the charge; and the +evidence of its correctness is before the reader. The Society prevents +the education of this class in the most insidious and effectual manner, +by constantly asserting that they must always be a degraded people in +this country, and that the cultivation of their minds will avail them +nothing. Who does not readily perceive that the prevalence of this +opinion must at once paralyze every effort for their improvement? For it +would be a waste of time and means, and unpardonable folly, for us to +attempt the accomplishment of an impossible work--of that which we know +will result in disappointment. Every discriminating and candid mind must +see and acknowledge, that, to perpetuate their ignorance, it is only +necessary to make the belief prevalent that they 'must be for ever +debased, for ever useless, for ever an inferior race,' and their +thraldom is sure. + +I am aware that a school has been established for the education of +colored youth, under the auspices of the Society; but it is sufficient +to state that none but those who consent to emigrate to Liberia are +embraced in its provisions. + +In the Appendix to the Seventh Annual Report, p. 94, the position is +assumed that 'it is a well established point, that the public safety +forbids either the emancipation or _general instruction_ of the slaves.' +The recent enactment of laws in some of the slave States, prohibiting +the instruction of free colored persons as well as slaves, has received +something more than a tacit approval from the organ of the Society. A +prominent advocate of the Society, (G. P. Disosway, Esq.,) in an oration +on the fourth of July, 1831, alluding to these laws, says,--'The public +safety of our brethren at the South requires them [the slaves] to be +kept ignorant and uninstructed.' The Editor of the Southern Religious +Telegraph, who is a clergyman and a warm friend of the colonization +scheme, remarking upon the instruction of the colored population of +Virginia, says: + + 'Teaching a servant to read, is not teaching him the religion of + Christ. The great majority of the white people of our country + are taught to read; but probably not one in five, of those who + have the Bible, is _a christian_, in the legitimate sense of the + term. If black people are as depraved and as averse to true + religion as the white people are--and we know of no difference + between them in this respect--teaching them to read the Bible + will make christians of _very_ few of them. [What a plea!] ... + If christian masters were to teach their servants to read, we + apprehend that they would not feel the obligation as they ought + to feel it, of giving them oral instruction, and often + impressing divine truth on their minds. [!!] ... If the free + colored people were generally taught to read, _it might be an + inducement to them to remain in this country_. WE WOULD OFFER + THEM NO SUCH INDUCEMENT. [!!] ... A knowledge of letters and of + all the arts and sciences, cannot counteract the influences + under which the character of the negro _must_ be formed in this + country.... It appears to us that a greater benefit may be + conferred on the free colored people, by planting good schools + for them in Africa, and encouraging them to remove there, than + by giving them the knowledge of letters to make them contented + in their present condition.'--[Telegraph of Feb. 19, 1831.] + +Jesuitism was never more subtle--Papal domination never more exclusive. +The gospel of peace and mercy preached by him who holds that ignorance +is the mother of devotion! who would sequestrate the bible from the eyes +of his fellow men! who contends that knowledge is the enemy of religion! +who denies the efficacy of education in elevating a degraded population! +who would make men brutes in order to make them better christians! who +desires to make the clergy infallible guides to heaven! Now what folly +and impiety is all this! Besides, is it not mockery to preach +repentance, and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, to the benighted blacks, +and at the same time deny them the right and ability to 'search the +scriptures' for themselves? + +The proposition which was made last year to erect a College for the +education of colored youth in New-Haven, it is well known, created an +extraordinary and most disgraceful tumult in that place, (the hot-bed of +African colonization,) and was generally scouted by the friends of the +Society in other places. The American Spectator at Washington, (next to +the African Repository, the mouth-piece of the Society,) used the +following language, in relation to the violent proceedings of the +citizens of New-Haven: 'We not only _approve the course_, which they +have pursued, but we _admire the moral courage_, which induced them, +_for the love of right_, (!) to incur the censure of both sections of +the country.' + +As a farther illustration of the complacency with which colonizationists +regard the laws prohibiting the instruction of the blacks, I extract the +following paragraph from the 'Proceedings of the New-York State +Colonization Society, on its second anniversary:' + + 'It is the business of the free--_their safety requires it_--to + keep the slaves in ignorance. Their education is utterly + prohibited. Educate them, and they break their fetters. Suppose + the slaves of the south to have the knowledge of freemen, they + would be free, or be exterminated by the whites. This renders it + necessary to prevent their instruction--to keep them from Sunday + Schools, and other means of gaining knowledge. But a few days + ago, a proposition was made in the legislature of Georgia, to + allow them so much instruction as to enable them to read the + bible; which was promptly rejected by a large majority. I do not + mention this for the purpose of _condemning the policy_ of the + slaveholding States, but to lament its _necessity_.' + +Elias B. Caldwell, one of the founders, and the first Secretary of the +Parent Society, in a speech delivered at its formation, advanced the +following monstrous sentiments: + + 'The more you improve the condition of these people, the more + you cultivate their minds, the more _miserable_ you make them in + their present state. You give them a higher relish for those + privileges _which they can never attain_, and turn what you + intend for a blessing into a curse. No, if they must remain in + their present situation, _keep them in the lowest state of + ignorance and degradation_. The nearer you bring them to the + condition of _brutes_, the better chance do you give them of + possessing their apathy.' + +So, then, the American Colonization Society advocates, and to a great +extent perpetuates the ignorance and degradation of the colored +population of the United States! + +In a critical examination of the pages of the African Repository, and of +the reports and addresses of the Parent Society and its auxiliaries, I +cannot find in a single instance any impeachment of the conduct and +feelings of society toward the people of color, or any hint that the +prejudice which is so prevalent against them is unmanly and sinful, or +any evidence of contrition for past injustice, or any remonstrance or +entreaty with a view to a change of public sentiment, or any symptoms of +moral indignation at such unchristian and anti-republican treatment. On +the contrary, I find the doctrine every where inculcated that this +hatred and contempt, this abuse and proscription, are not only +excusable, but the natural, inevitable and incurable effects of +constitutional dissimilitude, growing out of an ordination of +Providence, for which there is no remedy but a separation between the +two races. If the free blacks, then, have been 'still further degraded +by the mockery of nominal freedom,' if they 'must always be a separate +and degraded race,' if 'degradation must and will press them to the +earth,' if from their present station 'they can never rise, be their +talents, their enterprise, their virtues what they may,' if 'in Africa +alone, they can enjoy the motives for honorable ambition,' the American +Colonization Society is responsible for their debasement and misery; for +as it numbers among its supporters the most influential men in our +country, and boasts of having the approbation of an overwhelming +majority of the wise and good whose examples are laws, it is able, were +it willing, to effect a radical change in public sentiment--nay, it is +at the present time public sentiment itself. But though it has done +much, and may do more, (all that it can it will do,) to depress, +impoverish and dispirit the free people of color, and to strengthen and +influence mutual antipathies, it is the purpose of God, I am fully +persuaded, to humble the pride of the American people by rendering the +expulsion of our colored countrymen utterly impracticable, and the +necessity for their admission to equal rights imperative. As neither +mountains of prejudice, nor the massy shackles of law and of public +opinion, have been able to keep them down to a level with slaves, I +confidently anticipate their exaltation among ourselves. Through the +vista of time,--a short distance only,--I see them here, not in Africa, +not bowed to the earth, or derided and persecuted as at present, not +with a downcast air or an irresolute step, but standing erect as men +destined heavenward, unembarrassed, untrammelled, with none to molest or +make them afraid. + +FOOTNOTES: + +[V] Walker's Appeal. + +[W] Why is it that the free people of color are now, in almost every +part of our country, threatened with banishment from State to State, and +with hunting from city to city, until there shall be no place for the +soles of their feet in this their native land? Is it because they are in +reality, as slaveholders tell us, an inferior race of beings? No, my +friends: their consistent conduct, their polished manners, and their +great respectability, wherever they have enjoyed the advantages of +equality of education and equality of motives, proclaim the contrary. +The true cause of this almost universal prescription is to be found in +the melancholy fact that we have been guilty of the most atrocious +injustice to their forefathers and to themselves. We would therefore now +banish the evidence of our guilt from before our eyes: for whom a man +has injured, he is almost sure to hate. Some of the finest men I met +with, during a residence of three years in London and Paris, were the +offspring of African mothers. There no distinction is made in any grade +of society, on account of color. I have repeatedly seen black gentlemen +sitting on the sofas, conversing with the ladies, at the hospitable +mansion of that universal philanthropist, LAFAYETTE; and there were no +persons present who appeared more respectable, or who were more +respected.--[Address of Arnold Buffum, President of the New-England +Anti-Slavery Society, delivered in Boston, Feb. 16, 1832.] + +[X] In England, it is common to see respectable and genteel people open +their pews when a black stranger enters the church; and at hotels, +nobody thinks it a degradation to have a colored traveller sit at the +same table. We have heard a well authenticated anecdote, which +illustrates the different state of feeling in the two countries on this +subject. A wealthy American citizen was residing at London for a season, +which time the famous Mr Prince Saunders was there. The London breakfast +hour is very late; and Prince Saunders happened to call upon the +American while his family were taking their morning repast. Politeness +and native good feelings prompted the lady to ask her guest to take a +cup of coffee--but then the _prejudices of society_--how could she +overcome _them_? True, he was a gentleman in character, manners and +dress; but he had a black skin; and how could white skins sit at the +same table with him? If his _character_ had been as black as perdition, +the difficulty might have been overcome, however reluctantly; but his +_skin_ being black, it was altogether out of the question. So the lady +sipped her coffee, and Prince Saunders sat at the window, occasionally +speaking in reply to conversation addressed to him. At last all retired +from the breakfast table--and then the lady, with an air of sudden +recollection, said, 'I forgot to ask if you had breakfasted, Mr +Saunders! Won't you let me give you a cup of coffee?' 'I thank you, +madam,' he replied, with a dignified bow, 'I am engaged to breakfast +with the PRINCE REGENT this morning!' + +We laugh at the narrow bigotry of the Mahometan, who feels contaminated +if a Christian shares his dinner, and who will not give his vile carcass +burial, for fear of pollution. Is our prejudice against persons of color +more rational or more just? The plain fact is, our prejudice has the +same foundation as that of the Mahometan--both are grounded in pride and +selfishness. A law has lately passed in Turkey, imposing a fine upon +whoever shall call a Christian a dog. _Let us try to keep pace with the +Turks in candor and benevolence._--[Massachusetts Journal and Tribune.] + + + + +SECTION X. + +THE AMERICAN COLONIZATION SOCIETY DECEIVES AND MISLEADS THE NATION. + + +It is now about fifteen years since the American Colonization Society +sprang into existence--a space of time amply sufficient to test its +ability. In its behalf the pulpit and the press (two formidable engines) +have been exerted to an extraordinary degree; statesmen, and orators, +and judges, and lawyers, and philanthropists, have eloquently advocated +its claims to public patronage. During this protracted period, and with +such powerful auxiliaries, a careless observer might naturally suppose +that much must have been accomplished towards abolishing slavery. But +what is the fact? Less than one hundred and fifty souls have been +removed annually to Africa--in all, about two thousand souls in fifteen +years!!--a drop from the Atlantic ocean--a grain of earth from the +American continent! In the mean time, the increase of the slaves has +amounted to upwards of _half a million_! and every week more than _one +thousand_ new-born victims are added to their number. Before a vessel, +with one hundred and fifty passengers, can go to and return from Africa, +more than ten thousand slave infants will have been added to our +population: while she is preparing to depart, or waiting for a fair +wind, the increase will freight her many times. + +The following eloquent and comprehensive Circular (published last year +in London by Capt. Charles Stuart, in consequence of the visit of +Elliott Cresson, an agent who was sent out to dupe the philanthropists +of England) exhibits the inefficiency and criminality of the Society in +a striking light: + + 'AMERICAN COLONIZATION SOCIETY. LIBERIA.--This Society was + formed in the United States, in 1817. + + Its Thirteenth Annual Report has just reached this country. + + Its object, as expressed by itself, (see the Thirteenth Report, + page 41, app. 9, art. 2,) "Is to promote and execute a plan for + colonizing the free people of color, residing in 'the United + States' in Africa, or such other place as Congress shall deem + most expedient." + + The facts of the case are these: + + 1. That the United States have about 2,000,000 enslaved blacks. + 2. That they have about 500,000 free blacks. + 3. That both these classes are rapidly increasing. + 4. That both are exceedingly depressed and degraded. + + The duty of the United States to them, is the same exactly as we + owe to our colored fellow-subjects in our slave colonies, viz. + to obey God, by letting them go free, by placing them beneath + wise and equitable laws, and by loving them all, and treating + them like brethren; that is to say, the unquestionable duty of + the people of the United States is to emancipate their 2,000,000 + slaves, and to raise the 500,000 free colored people to that + estimation in their native country which is due to them. + + But the American Colonization Society deliberately rejects both + of these first great duties, and confines itself to the + colonization in Africa of the free colored people. They say, in + page 5, of their Thirteenth Report, "To abolition she could not + look--and need not look." It "could do nothing in the slave + States for the cause of humanity;" and in page 8, "Emancipation, + with the liberty to remain on this side of the Atlantic, is but + an act of dreamy madness." + + Now in thus deliberately letting the great crime of negro + slavery alone; and in thus substituting a little restricted act + of very dubious benevolence to a few, for the great and sacred + duty of right which they owe to all,--they hurt the great cause + of everlasting truth and love, in the following particulars: + + 1. By offering to the nation a hope, at which many of their best + men seem eagerly grasping, of getting rid of the colored people + abroad--they conduce more and more, as this hope prevails, to + keep out of mind the superior, unalterable, and immediate duty + of righting them at home. + + 2. By removing whatever number it be, from their native country, + the number which remains must be diminished,--and the more the + number which remains is diminished, the more helpless will they + become--the less will be the hope of their ever recovering their + own liberty--and the more and longer will they be trampled upon. + + 3. The more the people of the United States (and this is equally + true of Great Britain) substitute a _half-way_ duty, difficult, + expensive, and partial as it must be, and criminal as it + unquestionably is--for the _whole_ duty which they owe their + negro fellow-subjects, of putting them, before the law, upon a + par with themselves--the less will they be likely to feel their + sin in continuing to wrong them; and the less they feel their + sin, the less likely will they be to repent of it, and to do + their duty. + + 4. The greater the number of slaves transported, the greater + will be the value of the labor of those who remain; the more + valuable their labor is, the greater will be the temptation to + over-labor them, and the more, of course, they will be + oppressed. + + 5. The American Colonization Society directly supports the false + and cruel idea that the native country of the colored people of + the United States, is not their native country, and that they + never can be happy until they either exile themselves, or are + exiled; and thus powerfully conduces to extinguish in them all + those delightful hopes, and to prevent all that glorious + exertion, which would make them a blessing to their country. In + this particular, the American Colonization Society takes up a + falsehood, as cruel to the colored people, as it is disgraceful + to themselves; dwells upon it, as if it were an irrefragable + truth; urges it, as such, upon others; and thus endeavors with + all its force, to make _that practically true_, which is one of + the greatest stains in the American character; which is one of + the greatest scourges that could possibly afflict the free + colored people; and which, in itself, is essentially and + unalterably false. For be the pertinacity of prejudice what it + may, in asserting that the blacks of America never can be + amalgamated in all respects, in equal brotherhood with the + whites, it will not the less remain an everlasting truth, that + the wickedness which produced and perpetuates the assertion, is + the only ground of the difficulty, and that all that is + requisite to remove the whole evil, is the relenting in love of + the proud and cruel spirit which produced it. Could the American + Colonization Society succeed in establishing their views on this + subject, as being really true of the people of the United + States, it would only prove that the people of the United States + were past repentance; that they were given over, through their + obstinacy in sin, finally to believe a lie; to harden + themselves, and to perish in their iniquity. But they have not + succeeded in establishing this fearful fact against themselves; + and as long as they continue capable of repentance, it _never_ + can be true, that the proud and baneful prejudices which now so + cruelly alienate them from their colored brethren, may not, will + not, must not, yield to the sword of the Spirit, to the Word of + God, to the blessed weapons of truth and love. + + The American Colonization Society is beautiful and beneficial as + far as it supports the cause commenced at Sierra Leone, by + introducing into Africa, civilization, commerce, and genuine + Christianity--by checking the African slave trade--and by + serving in love the emigrants who choose to pass to Liberia. + + But it powerfully tends to veil the existing and outrageous + atrocity of negro slavery; and it corroborates against the + people of color, whether enslaved or free, one of the most base, + groundless, and cruel prejudices, that has ever disgraced the + powerful, or afflicted the weak. + + The following calculations may throw further light upon the + subject. + + The United States have about 2,000,000 slaves, and about 500,000 + free colored people. + + The American Colonization Society has existed for thirteen + years, and has exported yearly, upon an average, about 150 + persons. + + Meanwhile the natural yearly increase has been 56,000 souls; and + nearly a million have died in slavery!! + + But it may be said, this is only the beginning--more may be + expected hereafter.--Let us see. + + The average price of transporting each individual is calculated + at 30 dollars: suppose it to be reduced to 20, and then, as + 56,000 must be exported yearly, in order merely to prevent + increase, 1,120,000 dollars would be yearly requisite simply for + transportation. Where is this vast sum to come from? Or suppose + it supplied, still, in the mass of crime and wretchedness, as it + now exists, there would be _no decrease_! Two millions of human + beings every 30 years would still be _born_ and _die_ in + slavery!! + + But perhaps you wish to extinguish the crime in thirty years. + + Then you must begin by transporting at least 100,000 yearly. In + order to do this, you must have an annual income of upwards of + 2,000,000 dollars; and if you have not only to transport, but + also to purchase, you would probably want yearly, _twenty + millions_ more!! + + Where are you to get this?-- + + Or suppose it got, and still one generation would perish in + their wretchedness; 2,000,000 of immortal souls--plundered by + you of the most sacred rights of human nature; of rights _always + the same_, and everlastingly _inalienable_, however + plundered--would have perished _unredressed_, and gone to + confront you at the bar of God. + + And will He not make inquisition for blood? And what will it + avail you to say, "Oh, we satisfied ourselves, and traversed + land and sea, and spent thousands to satisfy others, that if we + transported a few hundreds or thousands of our oppressed + fellow-subjects to a distant country, yearly, with care, we + might guiltlessly leave the remaining hundreds of thousands, or + the millions, in slavery, and harmlessly indulge the invincible + repugnance which we felt to a colored skin. We really thought it + better, to exile our colored brethren from their native country, + or to render their lives in it, intolerable by scorn, should + they obstinately persist in remaining in it;--we really thought + this better, than humbling ourselves before our brother and our + God, and returning to both with repenting and undissembling + love." + + Is not such language similar to the swearer's prayer!! + + Great Britain and the United States, the two most favored, and + the two most guilty nations upon earth, both need rebuke. They + ought to be brethren, mutually dear and honorable to each other, + in all that is true and kind. But never, never, let them support + one another in guilt. + + People of Great Britain, it is your business--it is _your + duty_,--to give to negro slavery no rest, but to put it + down--not by letting the trunk alone, while you idly busy + yourselves in lopping off, or in aiding others to lop off, a few + of the straggling branches--but by laying the axe at once to + its roots, and by putting your united nerve into the steel, till + this great poison-tree of lust and blood, and of all abominable + and heartless iniquity, fall before you; and law, and love, and + God and man, shout victory over its ruin. + + Hearken--thus saith the Lord, "Rob not the poor, because he is + poor; neither oppress the afflicted in the gate. For the Lord + will plead their cause, and spoil the soul of those that spoiled + them." Prov. xxii. 22, 23. + + LONDON, July 15, 1831. C. STUART.'[Y] + +Sometimes the Society professes to be able to remove the whole colored +population in less than thirty years! and the belief is prevalent that +the project is feasible. Again it tells us-- + + 'Admitting that the colonization scheme contemplates the + ultimate abolition of slavery, yet that result could only be + produced _by the gradual and slow operation of_ CENTURIES.' * * + 'How came we by this population? By the prevalence for a century + of a guilty commerce. And will not the prevalence _for a + century_ of a restoring commerce, place them on their own + shores? Yes, surely!' * * 'There are those, Sir, who ask--and + could not a quarter century cease and determine the two great + evils? You and I, my dear Sir, on whom the frost of time has + fallen rather perceptibly, would say a century. And now, let me + ask, could ever a century, in the whole course of human affairs, + be better employed?'--[African Repository, vol. i. pp. 217, 347; + vol. v. p. 366.] + + + 'It is not the work of a day nor a year, it is not a work of one + time, nor of two, nor of three, but it is one which will now + commence, _and may continue for ages_.'--[A new and interesting + View of Slavery. By Humanitas, a colonization advocate. + Baltimore, 1820.] + +Wild enthusiasts in the cause may respond--'The Society never expected +to accomplish much single-handed: it is about to enlist the energies of +the General Government--and doubtless Congress will appropriate several +millions of dollars annually for the purchase and colonization of the +slaves.' + +But are they sure, or is it probable, that Congress will make this +appropriation? And if it should, what can they do without the consent of +the people of color to remove? That consent can never be obtained. Is +it, then, proposed to buy the slaves of their masters, as if the claim +of property were valid? It were better that the money should rust at the +bottom of the deep!--better to buy bank-notes, and convert them to +ashes! To purchase slaves would only serve to make brisk the +slave-market. Their value would immediately rise in all the slave +States; especially in Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Kentucky, and North +Carolina, where they are now comparatively worthless--_and there would +be an end to voluntary emancipation_: for who would sacrifice his +'property,' when he might obtain an equivalent for it? Slave traders and +slave owners would be zealous to prevent any lack of miserable objects +for the bounty offered by government: if the natural increase were not +sufficient, they would be careful to make the importation from Africa +exceed the exportation to that ill-fated continent. Such a purchase +would be directly patronising the slave trade, at home and abroad, and +bribing masters to keep their slaves for the highest bidder. Besides, it +would be a gross violation of the great fundamental principle, that 'man +cannot hold property in man.' + +I know it is easy to make calculations. I know it is an old maxim, that +'figures cannot lie:' and I very well know, too, that our philanthropic +arithmeticians are prodigiously fond of FIGURING, but of doing nothing +else. Give them a slate and pencil, and in fifteen minutes they will +clear the continent of every black skin; and, if desired, throw in the +Indians to boot. While they depopulate America, they find not the least +difficulty in providing for the wants of the emigrating myriads to the +coast of Africa: we have ships enough, and, notwithstanding the hardness +of the times, money enough. O, the surpassing utility of the arithmetic! +it is more potent than the stone of the philosopher, which, _when +discovered_, is to transmute, at a touch, base metal into pure gold! + +In one breath, colonization orators tell us that the free blacks are +pests in the community; that they are an intemperate, ignorant, lazy, +thievish class; that their condition is worse than that of the slaves; +and that no efforts to improve them in this country can be successful, +owing to the prejudices of society. In the next breath we are told what +mighty works these miserable outcasts are to achieve--that they are the +missionaries of salvation,[Z] who are to illumine all Africa--that they +will build up a second American republic--and that our conceptions +cannot grasp the result of their labors. Now I, for one, have no faith +in this instantaneous metamorphosis.[AA] I believe that neither a sea +voyage nor an African climate has any miraculous influence upon the +brain. I believe that ignorant and depraved black men, who are +transported across the ocean, will be ignorant and depraved black men on +reaching the coast of Africa. I believe, also, that they who are capable +of doing well, surrounded by barbarians, may do better among a civilized +and christian people. + +It is stated in a Circular put forth by the Society last year, that +'from the _actual experience_ of the Society, it has been found that +$20, _or less_, will defray the whole expense of transporting an +individual to the Colony.' This is a very deceptive statement. The +receipts of the Society from 1820 to 1830, amounted to $112,841 89; the +expenses during the same period were $106,457 72; balance on hand, +$6,384 17. Nineteen expeditions had been fitted out, and 1,857 +emigrants,[AB] _including re-captured Africans_, landing on the shores +of Africa--averaging annually, for the ten years, about 186 persons, or +since the organization of the Society, about 124 persons. 'The +emigrants,' the Board of Managers inform us, in a recent address to +Auxiliary Societies, 'for the last three years, average about 227, while +the expenses, _exclusive of transportation, and temporary subsistence of +the new colonists_, exceed TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS'!! In the very last +number of the African Repository, (for April, 1832,) the Vice-Agent at +Liberia, A. D. Williams, writes to the Rev. R. R. Gurley as follows:--'I +think the price, say $35, fixed by the Board for the transportation of +each emigrant, _is entirely too low_: it should be at least $40, if not +$45.' Why, then, does the Society attempt to impose upon public +credulity, by stating that only $20 are requisite for every individual +transportation, when the actual cost has been more than thrice, and is +likely to be more than double that amount?[AC] + +The Society has succeeded in making the people believe that the +establishment of a colony or colonies on the coast of Africa is the only +way to abolish the foreign slave trade: on this account it has secured +an extensive patronage. Here is another fatal delusion. I shall show not +only that it has not injured this trade in the least, but that the trade +_continues to increase in activity and cruelty_. Let us look at its own +admissions. + + 'We regret to say, that the slave trade appears to be carried on + to a great extent, and with circumstances of the most revolting + cruelty.' * * * 'The French slave trade, notwithstanding the + efforts of the government, appears to be undiminished. The + number of Spanish vessels employed in the trade is immense, and + as the treaty between England and Spain only permits the seizure + of vessels having slaves actually on board, many of these watch + their opportunity on the coast, run in, and receive all their + slaves on board in a single day.' * * 'By an official document + from Rio de Janeiro, it appears that the following importations + of slaves were made into that port in 1826 and 1827. + + '1826, landed alive, 35,966 ... died on the passage 1,905 + '1827, landed alive, 41,384 ... died on the passage 1,643 + + 'Thus it would seem, (says the Boston Gazette,) that to only one + port in the Brazils, and in the course of two years, + _seventy-seven thousand three hundred and fifty_ human beings + were transported from their own country, and placed in a state + of slavery.'--[African Repository, vol. i. v. pp. 179, 181.] + + + 'It is not by legal arguments, or penal statutes, or armed + ships, that the slave trade can be prevented. Almost every power + in Christendom has denounced it. It has been declared felony--it + has been declared piracy; and the fleets of Britain and America + have been commissioned to drive it from the ocean. Still, in + defiance of all this array of legislation and of armament, slave + ships ride triumphant on the ocean; and in these floating + caverns, less terrible only than the caverns which demons + occupy, from sixty to eighty thousand wretches, received + pinioned from the coast of Africa, are borne annually away to + slavery or death. Of these wretches a frightful number are, with + an audacity that amazes, landed and disposed of within the + jurisdiction of this republic.'--[Idem, vol. v. 274.] + + + 'Notwithstanding all the efforts that have been made to suppress + the slave trade, by means of solemn treaties and laws declaring + it to be piracy; and notwithstanding the attempts to + exterminate it by the naval forces of the United States and + Great Britain, the inhuman traffic is still pursued to as great + an extent as at any former period, and with greater cruelty than + ever.'--[African Repository, vol. vi. p. 345.] + + + 'The slave trade, which many suppose has been every where + abolished for years, there is reason to believe is still carried + on to almost as great an extent as ever. It has been recently + stated in the papers, that an association of merchants at Nantz, + in France, had undertaken to supply the island of Cuba with + thirty thousand fresh negro slaves annually! And in Brazil, it + is well known, that for several years past, the importations + have even exceeded this number.'--[Idem, vol. vii. p. 248.] + + + 'Africa, for three long centuries, has been ravaged by the slave + trade. Notwithstanding all that has been done to suppress that + traffic, notwithstanding its formal abolition by all civilized + nations, it is carried on at the present hour, _with all its + atrocities unmitigated_. The flags of France, Portugal, Brazil, + and Spain, with the connivance of those governments, afford to + the slave trader, in spite of laws and treaties and armed + cruisers, a partial protection, of which he avails himself to + the utmost. And with what cruelty he carries on his war against + human nature, every year affords us illustrations sufficiently + horrible.'--[Christian Spectator for September, 1830.] + + + 'This horrible traffic, notwithstanding its abolition by every + civilized nation in the world, except Portugal and Brazil, and + notwithstanding the decided measures of the British and American + governments, is still carried on to almost as great an extent as + ever. Not less than 60,000 slaves, according to the most + moderate computation, are carried from Africa annually. This + trade is carried on by Americans to the American states. And the + cruelties of this trade, which always surpassed the powers of + the human mind to conceive, _are greater now than they ever were + before_. We might, but we will not, refer to stories, recent + stories, of which the very recital would be torment.'--[Seventh + Annual Report.] + + + 'Notwithstanding the vigilance of the powers now engaged to + suppress the slave trade, I have received information, that in a + single year, in the single island of Cuba, slaves equal in + amount to one half of the above number of fifty-two thousand + have been illicitly introduced.' * * 'Mr Mercer submitted the + following preamble and resolutions:--Whereas, to the affliction + of the Christian world, the African slave trade, notwithstanding + all the efforts, past and present, for its suppression, still + exists and is conducted _with aggravated cruelty_, by the + resources of one continent, to the dishonor of another, and to + an extent little short of the desolation of a third,' + &c.--[Tenth Annual Report.] + + + 'It is painful to state, that the Managers have reason to + believe that the slave trade is still prosecuted, to a great + extent, and with circumstances of undiminished atrocity. The + fact, that much was done by Mr Ashmun to banish it from the + territory, under the colonial jurisdiction, is unquestionable; + but, _it now exists, even on this territory_; and a little to + the north and south of Liberia, it is seen in its true + characters--of fraud, rapine, and blood! In the opinion of the + late Agent, the present efforts to suppress this trade must + prove abortive.'--[Thirteenth Annual Report.] + + + 'Some appalling facts in regard to the slave trade have come to + the knowledge of the Board of Managers during the last year. + _With undiminished atrocity and activity_ is this odious traffic + now carried on _all along the African coast_. Slave factories + are established _in the immediate vicinity of the Colony_, and + at the Gallinas (between Liberia and Sierra Leone) not less than + nine hundred slaves were shipped during the last summer, in the + space of three weeks.'--[Fourteenth Annual Report, 1831.] + + + 'In defiance of all laws enacted, it is estimated that no less + than _fifty thousand_ Africans were, during the last year, + (1831,) carried into foreign slavery. During the months of + February and March of the same year, two thousand were landed + on the island of Cuba.'--[Circular published by the + Massachusetts Colonization Society for 1832.] + +Here, then, is the acknowledgment of the Society, that it has +accomplished _nothing_ toward the suppression of the slave trade in +fifteen years! Nor has the settlement at Sierra Leone effected aught in +thirty years! Nor have the untiring labors of Wilberforce and Clarkson, +for a longer period, produced any visible effect! The accursed traffic +still continues to increase--and why? Simply _because the market for +slaves is not destroyed_. Break up this market, and you annihilate the +slave trade. Keep it open, and you may line the shores of Africa and +America with naval ships and armed troops, and the trade will continue. +No proposition in Euclid is plainer. So long as there is a brisk market +for goods, that market will be supplied. The assertion has been made in +Congress by Mr Mercer of Virginia, (one of the Vice-Presidents of the +Society,) that these horrible cargoes are smuggled into our southern +states to a deplorable extent. In 1819, Mr Middleton, of South Carolina, +declared it to be his belief 'that 13,000 Africans were annually +smuggled into our southern states.' Mr Wright of Virginia estimated the +number at 15,000!!!--[_Vide_ Seventh Annual Report--app.]--This number +is seven times as great as that which the Colonization Society has +transported in fifteen years![AD] By letting the system of slavery +alone, then, and striving to protect it, the Society is encouraging and +perpetuating the foreign slave trade! + +FOOTNOTES: + +[Y] 'We think the annual increase, as computed by Capt. Stuart, too low +by 10 or 15,000. The estimate also of the expense of transportation is +much below the actual cost. Besides, there is no provision made for the +support of these helpless beings after their arrival in Africa, until +they could provide for their own wants. Double the cost of +transportation would be required for their subsistence till they could +maintain themselves, without making any provision for implements of +husbandry, mechanics' tools, &c. &c. without which they would all +perish, even without the help of a pestiferous climate. But yet the +table shows at one view the utter futility of the whole scheme of +African Colonization. Slavery can no more be removed by these means than +the waters of the Mississippi can be exhausted by steam engines. And the +removal of slavery is the great consummation to which all benevolent +efforts for benefitting the African race in this country, should +ultimately tend. All schemes that do not promote this end will prove +futile, and will end in disappointment. The axe must be laid to the root +of the corrupt tree. It is a system that admits of no palliation, no +compromise.'--['Herald of Truth,' Philadelphia.] + +[Z] 'Every emigrant to Africa is a _missionary_ carrying with him +credentials in the holy cause of civilization, religion, and free +institutions'!!--[Speech of H. Clay--Tenth Annual Report.]--Why does not +Mr Clay increase this band of _missionaries_, by sending out some of his +own slaves? Is he consistent? + +[AA] 'As to the morals of the colonists, I consider them _much better +than those of the people of the United States_. That is, you may take an +equal number of inhabitants from any section of the Union, and you will +find more drunkards, more profane swearers and Sabbath breakers, &c., +than in Liberia. Indeed I know of no country where things are conducted +more quietly and orderly than in this colony; you rarely hear an oath, +and as to riots or breaches of the peace, I recollect of but one +instance, and that of a trifling nature, that has come under my notice +since I assumed the government of the colony. The Sabbath is more +strictly observed than I ever saw it in the United States.'--[Letter +from J. Mechlin, Jr. Governor of the Colony of Liberia.] + +'I saw no intemperance, nor did I hear a profane word uttered by any +one.' [Letter of Capt. William Abels.] + +If these statements be a true representation of the moral condition of +the colonists; if 'their morals are much better than those of the people +of the United States;' let us immediately bring back these expatriated +_missionaries_ to civilize and reform ourselves; for, according to our +own confession, we need their instruction and example as much as any +heathen nation. If these 'missionaries,' who, in this country, could +'scarcely be reached in their debasement by the heavenly light;' if +these 'most degraded, most abandoned beings on the earth,' have actually +risen up to this exalted height of intelligence and purity, in so brief +a period after a separation from ourselves, how desperately wicked and +corrupt does the fact make our own conduct appear! + +[AB] Of this number, nearly three-fourths were free persons of color. If +the Society is anxious to emancipate the slaves, why does it not confine +its efforts exclusively to their transportation, seeing so many are +offered for that purpose? Doubtless the reply will be--'O, it is +important, in the incipient state of the colony, to send free persons of +color, because they are more intelligent and virtuous.' Ah! is it so? +What! give the preference to those whom it elsewhere brands as 'more +corrupt, depraved and abandoned than the slaves can be,' and who +'contribute greatly to the _corruption of the slaves_?' 'O!' it may +reply, 'a careful selection is made between the virtuous and +vicious--none are sent whose character is not reputable.' But what is to +become of this choice selection, when it is able (as it hopes to be) to +send off even as many as seventy thousand annually? + +[AC] 'The expense of transporting such persons from the United States to +the coast of Africa, has been variously estimated. By those who compute +it at the lowest rate, the mere expense of this transportation has been +estimated at $20 per head. In this estimate, however, is not +comprehended the expense of transporting the persons destined for +Africa, to the port of their departure from the United States, or the +necessary expense of sustaining them, either there or in Africa, for a +reasonable time after their first arrival. All these expenses combined, +the Committee think they estimate very low, when they compute the amount +at $100 per head. It has been estimated by some at double this amount; +and if past experience may be relied upon as proving any thing, the +official documents formerly furnished to the Senate by the Department of +the Navy, show that the expenses attending the transportation of the few +captured slaves who have been returned to Africa by the United States, +at the expense of this government, _far exceeds even the largest +estimate_. But taking the expense to be only what the Committee have +estimated it: Then the sum requisite to transport the whole number of +the free colored population of the United States, would exceed +twenty-eight millions of dollars; and the expense of transporting a +number, equal only to the mere annual increase of this population, would +exceed seven hundred thousand dollars per annum. Sums which would impose +upon the people of this country, an additional burthen of taxation, +greater than this Committee believe they could easily bear; and much +greater than ought to be imposed upon them for any such purpose.' * * +'The annual increase of the slave population, at present, is at least +57,000. Now allow the same sum per head for the transportation of these +persons, that has been estimated for the transportation in the other +similar case; and the sum requisite to defray the expense of the +transportation of all the slaves in the United States, would be one +hundred and ninety millions of dollars; and that requisite to defray the +expense of the transportation of a number only equal to their mere +annual increase, would be five millions seven hundred thousand dollars +per annum. But to either of these sums must be added the reasonable +equivalent, or necessary aid, to be paid by the United States to humane +individuals, in order to induce them voluntarily to part with their +property. The Committee have no 'data' by which they can measure what +this might be. But any sum, however small, will make so great an +augmentation of the amount, as almost to baffle calculation, and to +exhibit this project at once, as one exceeding, very far, indeed, any +revenue which the United States could ever draw from their citizens, +even if the object was to increase and multiply, instead of reducing the +numbers of the class of productive labor.'--[Mr Tazewell's Report--U. S. +Senate, 1828.] + +[AD] The following amusing anecdote is a capital illustration of the +folly of those colonizationists, who are endeavoring to suppress the +rising tide of our colored population by extracting a few drops annually +with their 'mop and pattens.' Dame Partington is clearly outdone by +them, in regard to pertinacity of purpose and feebleness of execution. +Rev. Sidney Smith, in his speech at the Taunton meeting, (England,) +said: + +'The attempt of the House of Lords to stop the progress of Reform, +reminded him of the conduct of the excellent Mrs. Partington, during the +great storm at Sidmouth, in 1824. The tide rose to an incredible height; +the waves rushed in upon the houses, and every thing was threatened with +destruction. In the midst of the fearful commotion of the elements, Dame +Partington, who lived upon the sea beach, was seen at the door of her +house, with mop and pattens, trundling her mop and sweeping out the sea +water, and vigorously pushing back the Atlantic. The Atlantic was +roused, and so was Mrs. Partington; but the contest was unequal. The +Atlantic beat Mrs. Partington. She was excellent at a slop or a puddle, +but she could do nothing with a tempest.' + + +END OF PART I. + + + + +THOUGHTS ON AFRICAN COLONIZATION. + +PART II. + + + + +SENTIMENTS OF THE PEOPLE OF COLOR. + + +If the American Colonization Society were indeed actuated by the purest +motives and the best feelings toward the objects of its supervision; if +it were not based upon injustice, fraud, persecution and incorrigible +prejudice; still if its purposes be contrary to the wishes and injurious +to the interests of the free people of color, it ought not to receive +the countenance of the public. Even the trees of the forest are keenly +susceptible to every touch of violence, and seem to deprecate +transplantation to a foreign soil. Even birds and animals pine in exile +from their native haunts; their local attachments are wonderful; they +migrate only to return again at the earliest opportunity. Perhaps there +is not a living thing, from the hugest animal down to the minutest +animalcule, whose pleasant associations are not circumscribed, or that +has not some favorite retreats. This universal preference, this love of +_home_, seems to be the element of being,--a constitutional attribute +given by the all-wise Creator to bind each separate tribe or community +within intelligent and well-defined limits: for, in its absence, order +would be banished from the world, collision between the countless +orders of creation would be perpetual, and violence would depopulate the +world with more than pestilential rapidity. + +Shall it be said that beings endowed with high intellectual powers, +sustaining the most important relations, created for social enjoyments, +and made but a little lower than the angels--shall it be said that their +local attachments are less tenacious than those of trees, and birds, and +beasts, and insects? I know that the blacks are classed, by some, who +scarcely give any evidence of their own humanity but their shape, among +the brute creation: but are they _below_ the brutes? or are they more +insensible to rude assaults than forest-trees? + +'Men,' says an erratic but powerful writer[AE]--'men are like trees: +they delight in a rude [and native] soil--they strike their roots +downward with a perpetual effort, and heave their proud branches upward +in perpetual strife. Are they to be removed?--you must tear up the very +earth with their roots, rock and ore and impurity, or they perish. They +cannot be translated with safety. Something of their home--a little of +their native soil, must cling to them forever, or they die.' + +This love of home, of neighborhood, of country, is inherent in the human +breast. It accompanies the child from its earliest reminiscence up to +old age: it is written upon every tangible and permanent object within +the habitual cognizance of the eye--upon stone, and tree, and +rivulet--upon the green hill, and the verdant plain, and the opulent +valley--upon house, and garden, and steeple-spire--upon the soil, +whether it be rough or smooth, sandy or hard, barren or luxuriant. + + 'Like ivy, where it grows, 'tis seen + To wear an everlasting green.' + +The man who does not cherish it is regarded as destitute of sensibility; +and to him is applied by common consent the burning rebuke of Sir Walter +Scott: + + 'Breathes there the man, with soul so dead, + Who never to himself hath said, + This is my own, my native land! + Whose heart hath ne'er within him burned, + As home his footsteps he hath turned, + From wandering on a foreign strand! + If such there breathe, go, mark him well; + For him no Minstrel raptures swell; + High though his titles, proud his name, + Boundless his wealth as wish can claim; + Despite those titles, power, and pelf, + The wretch, concentred all in self, + Living, shall forfeit fair renown, + And, doubly dying, shall go down + To the vile dust, from whence he sprung, + Unwept, unhonored, and unsung.' + +Whose bosom does not thrill with pleasurable emotion whenever he listens +to that truest, sweetest, tenderest effusion,--'Home, sweet home?' + + ''Mid pleasures and palaces though we may roam, + Be it ever so humble, there's no place like home; + A charm from the skies seems to hallow us there, + Which, seek thro' the world, is ne'er met with elsewhere. + Home--home! + Sweet, sweet home! + _There's no place like home!_ + + 'An exile from home, splendor dazzles in vain-- + O give me my lowly thatched cottage again; + The birds singing gaily that came at my call-- + Give me them, with the peace of mind dearer than all! + Home--home! + Sweet, sweet home! + _There's no place like home!_' + +No one will understand me to maintain that population should never be +thinned by foreign emigration; but only that such an emigration is +unnatural. The great mass of a neighborhood or country must necessarily +be stable: only fractions are cast off and float away on the tide of +adventure. Individual enterprise or estrangement is one thing: the +translation of an entire people to an unknown clime, another. The former +may be moved by a single impulse--by a love of novelty, or a desire of +gain, or a hope of preferment: he leaves no perceptible void in +society. The latter can never be expatriated but by some extraordinary +calamity, or by the application of intolerable restraints. They must +first be rendered broken-hearted or loaded with chains--hope must not +merely sicken but die--cord after cord must be sundered--ere they will +seek another home. Our pilgrim-fathers were driven out from the mother +country by ecclesiastical domination: to worship God according to the +dictates of their own consciences, was the only cause of their exile. +Had they been permitted to enjoy this sacred right,--no matter how great +were their temporal privations, or their hopes of physical +enjoyments,--they would not have perilled their lives on the stormy +deep, to obtain an asylum in this western hemisphere. + +It may be said, in reply to the foregoing remarks upon the love of home +and of country, that the people of color cannot cherish this abhorrence +of migration, because here they have no 'continuing city,' and are not +recognised as fellow-countrymen. In PART I., I have shown, by copious +extracts, that colonizationists artfully represent them as aliens and +foreigners, wanderers from Africa--destitute of that _amor patriae_, +which is the bond of union--seditious--without +alliances--irresponsible--unambitious--cherishing no attachment to the +soil--feeling no interest in our national prosperity--ready for any +adventure--eager to absent themselves from the land--malignant in their +feelings towards society--incapable of local preference--content to +remain in ignorance and degradation--&c. &c. &c. + +Every such representation is a libel, as I shall show in subsequent +pages. The language of the people of color is,--'This is our country: +here were we born--here will we live and die--we know of no other place +that we can call our true and appropriate home--here are our earliest +and most pleasant associations--we are freemen, we are brethren, we are +countrymen and fellow-citizens--we are not for insurrection, but for +peace and equality.' This is not the language of sedition or alienated +affection. Their _amor patriae_ is robust and deathless: like the oak, +tempests do but strengthen its roots and confer victory upon it. Even +the soil on which the unhappy slave toils and bleeds, is to him +consecrated earth. + +African colonization is directly and irreconcileably opposed to the +wishes of our colored population as a body. Their desires ought to be +tenderly regarded. In all my intercourse with them in various towns and +cities, I have never seen one of their number who was friendly to this +scheme--and I have not been backward in canvassing their opinions on +this subject. They are as unanimously opposed to a removal to Africa, as +the Cherokees from the council-fires and graves of their fathers. It is +remarkable, too, that they are as united in their respect and esteem for +the republic of Hayti. But _this is their country_--they are resolute +against every migratory plot, and willing to rely on the justice of the +nation for an ultimate restoration to all their lost rights and +privileges. What is the fact? Through the instrumentality of BENJAMIN +LUNDY,[AF] the distinguished and veteran champion of emancipation, a +great highway has been opened to the Haytien republic, over which our +colored population may travel _toll free_, and at the end of their brief +journey be the free occupants of the soil, and meet such a reception as +was never yet given to any sojourners in any country, since the +departure of Israel into Egypt. One would think, that, with such +inducements and under such circumstances, this broad thoroughfare would +present a most animating spectacle; that the bustle and roar of a +journeying multitude would fall upon the ear like the strife of the +ocean, or the distant thunder of the retiring storm; and that the song +of the oppressor and the oppressed, a song of deliverance to each, would +go up to heaven, till its echoes were seemingly the responses of angels +and justified spirits. But it is not so. Only here and there a traveller +is seen to enter upon the road--there is no noise of preparation or +departure; but a silence, deeper than the breathlessness of midnight, +rests upon our land--not a shout of joy is heard throughout our +borders! + +How shall we account for this amazing apathy but on the ground that our +colored population are unwilling to leave their native homes, no matter +how strong soever are the inducements held out to them abroad? + +If it be said that they are not compelled to emigrate against their +wishes--I answer, it is true that direct _physical force_ is not +applied; but why are they induced to remove? Is it because they +instinctively prefer Africa to their native country? Do they actually +_court_ the perils of the sea,--the hostilities of a savage tribe,--the +sickening influences of an African climate? Or are they not peremptorily +assured that they never can, _and never shall_, enjoy their rights and +privileges at home--and thus absolutely compelled to leave all that is +dear behind, and to seek a shelter in a strange land--a land of darkness +and cruelty, of barbarism and wo? + +The free people of color, and even the slaves, have on numerous +occasions given ocular demonstration of their attachment to this +country. Large numbers of them were distinguished for their patient +endurance, their ardent devotion, and their valorous conduct during our +revolutionary struggle. In the last war, they signalized themselves in a +manner which extorted the applause even of their calumniators--of many +who are doubtless at the present day representing them as seditious and +inimical to the prosperity of the country. I have before me a +Proclamation in the French language, issued by General Andrew Jackson, +of which the following is a translation: + + 'PROCLAMATION TO THE FREE PEOPLE OF COLOR. + + 'Soldiers!--When on the banks of the Mobile, I called you to + take up arms, inviting you to partake the perils and glory of + your white fellow citizens, _I expected much from you_; for I + was not ignorant that you possessed qualities most formidable to + an invading enemy. I knew with what fortitude you could endure + hunger and thirst, and all the fatigues of a campaign. _I knew + well how you loved your_ NATIVE _country_, and that you had, as + well as ourselves, to defend what man holds most dear--his + parents, relations, wife, children and property. YOU HAVE DONE + MORE THAN I EXPECTED. In addition to the previous qualities I + before knew you to possess, I found, moreover, among you _a + noble enthusiasm_ which leads to the performance of great + things. + + 'Soldiers!--The President of the United States shall hear how + praiseworthy was your conduct in the hour of danger, and the + Representatives of the American people will, I doubt not, give + you the praise your exploits entitle you to. _Your General + anticipates them in applauding your noble ardor._ + + 'The enemy approaches; his vessels cover our lakes; our brave + citizens are united, and all contention has ceased among them. + Their only dispute is, who shall win the prize of valor, or who + the most glory, its noblest reward. + + 'By order. + + 'THOMAS BUTLER, _Aid de Camp_.' + +In commenting upon the above Proclamation, an intelligent writer in the +New-Orleans 'LIBERALIST' of March 15, 1830, very expressively +remarks:--'Those who served in the memorable campaign of 1814 will know +if the hero of the west was guilty of exaggeration. Just as fatal as was +every glance of his keen eye to the English lines, so is every word of +this Proclamation a killing thunderbolt to the detractors of this +portion of our fellow beings, now so inhumanly persecuted.' Yes--when +peril rears its crest, and invasion threatens our shores, then prejudice +is forgotten and the tongue of detraction is still--then the people of +color are no longer brutes or a race between men and monkeys, no longer +turbulent or useless, no longer aliens and wanderers from Africa--but +they are complimented as intelligent, patriotic citizens from whom much +is expected, and who have property, home and country at stake! Ay, and +richly do they merit this compliment. + +A respectable colored gentleman in the city of New-York, referring to +this famous Proclamation, makes the following brief comment: 'When we +could be of any use to the army, we possessed all the cardinal virtues; +but now that time has passed, we forsooth are the most miserable, +worthless beings the Lord in his wise judgment ever sent to curse the +rulers of this troublesome world! I feel an anathema rising from my +heart, but I have suppressed it.' + +How black is the ingratitude, how pitiful the hypocrisy, manifested in +our conduct as a people, toward our colored population! Every cheek +should wear the blush of shame--every head be bowed in self-abasement! + +From the organization of the American Colonization Society, down to the +present time, the free people of color have publicly and repeatedly +expressed their opposition to it. They indignantly reject every overture +for their expatriation. It has been industriously circulated by the +advocates of colonization, that I have caused this hostility to the +African scheme in the bosoms of the blacks; and that, until the +Liberator was established, they were friendly to it. This story is +founded upon sheer ignorance. It is my solemn conviction that I have not +proselyted a dozen individuals; for the very conclusive reason that no +conversions were necessary. Their sentiments were familiar to me long +before they knew my own. My opponents abundantly overrate my influence, +in acknowledging that I have overthrown, in a single year, the +concentrated energies of the mightiest men in the land, and the +perpetual labors of fifteen years. They shall not make me vain. Such a +concession affords substantial evidence of perverted strength and +misapplied exertion. + +If the people of color were instantly to signify their willingness to +emigrate, my hostility to the American Colonization Society would +scarcely abate one jot: for their assent could never justify the +principles and doctrines propagated by the Society. Those principles and +doctrines have been shown, I trust, to be corrupt, selfish, +proscriptive, opposed to the genius of republicanism and to the spirit +of christianity. + +The first public demonstration of hostility to the colonization scheme +was made in 1817, by the free colored inhabitants of Richmond, Virginia. +The proceedings of their meeting, copies of which were printed for +distribution, I have accidentally mislaid. To the sentiments of the +people of color, as expressed in the following pages, I cannot too +earnestly solicit the serious attention of every good man and true +philanthropist. After such an exhibition, persistance in expelling this +portion of our population from our shores must be productive of +aggravated guilt and the most dreadful collisions. + + +A VOICE PROM PHILADELPHIA. + + PHILADELPHIA, January, 1817. + +At a numerous meeting of the people of color, convened at Bethel church, +to take into consideration the propriety of remonstrating against the +contemplated measure, that is to exile us from the land of our nativity; +James Forten was called to the chair, and Russell Parrott appointed +secretary. The intent of the meeting having been stated by the chairman, +the following resolutions were adopted, without one dissenting voice. + +Whereas our ancestors (not of choice) were the first successful +cultivators of the wilds of America, we their descendants feel ourselves +entitled to participate in the blessings of her luxuriant soil, which +their blood and sweat manured; and that any measure or system of +measures, having a tendency to banish us from her bosom, would not only +be cruel, but in direct violation of those principles, which have been +the boast of this republic. + +Resolved, That we view with deep abhorrence the unmerited stigma +attempted to be cast upon the reputation of the free people of color, by +the promoters of this measure, 'that they are a dangerous and useless +part of the community,' when in the state of disfranchisement in which +they live, in the hour of danger they ceased to remember their wrongs, +and rallied around the standard of their country. + +Resolved, That we never will separate ourselves voluntarily from the +slave population in this country; they are our brethren by the ties of +consanguinity, of suffering, and of wrong; and we feel that there is +more virtue in suffering privations with them, than fancied advantages +for a season. + +Resolved, That without arts, without science, without a proper knowledge +of government, to cast into the savage wilds of Africa the free people +of color, seems to us the circuitous route through which they must +return to perpetual bondage. + +Resolved, That having the strongest confidence in the justice of God, +and philanthropy of the free states, we cheerfully submit our destinies +to the guidance of Him who suffers not a sparrow to fall, without his +special providence. + +Resolved, That a committee of eleven persons be appointed to open a +correspondence with the honorable Joseph Hopkinson, member of Congress +from this city, and likewise to inform him of the sentiments of this +meeting, and that the following named persons constitute the committee, +and that they have power to call a general meeting, when they in their +judgment may deem it proper. + +Rev. Absalom Jones, Rev. Richard Allen, James Forten, Robert Douglass, +Francis Perkins, Rev. John Gloucester, Robert Gorden, James Johnson, +Quamoney Clarkson, John Summersett, Randall Shepherd. + + JAMES FORTEN, Chairman. + +RUSSELL PARROTT, Secretary. + + +At a numerous meeting of the free people of color of the city and county +of Philadelphia, held in pursuance of public notice, at the school house +in Green's court, on the evening of August 10th, for the purpose of +taking into consideration the plan of colonizing the free people of +color of the United States, on the coast of Africa, James Forten was +appointed chairman, and Russell Parrott, secretary. + +Resolved unanimously, That the following address, signed on behalf of +the meeting, by the Chairman and Secretary, be published and circulated. + + _To the humane and benevolent Inhabitants of the city and county + of Philadelphia._ + +The free people of color, assembled together, under circumstances of +deep interest to their happiness and welfare, humbly and respectfully +lay before you this expression of their feelings and apprehensions. + +Relieved from the miseries of slavery, many of us by your aid, +possessing the benefits which industry and integrity in this prosperous +country assure to all its inhabitants, enjoying the rich blessings of +religion, by opportunities of worshipping the only true God, under the +light of Christianity, each of us according to his understanding; and +having afforded to us and to our children the means of education and +improvement; we have no wish to separate from our present homes, for any +purpose whatever. Contented with our present situation and condition, we +are not desirous of increasing their prosperity but by honest efforts, +and by the use of those opportunities for their improvement, which the +constitution and laws allow to all. It is therefore with painful +solicitude, and sorrowing regret, we have seen a plan for colonizing the +free people of color of the United States on the coast of Africa, +brought forward under the auspices and sanction of gentlemen whose names +give value to all they recommend, and who certainly are among the +wisest, the best, and the most benevolent of men, in this great nation. + +If the plan of colonizing is intended for our benefit; and those who now +promote it, will never seek our injury; we humbly and respectfully urge, +that it is not asked for by us; nor will it be required by any +circumstances, in our present or future condition; as long as we shall +be permitted to share the protection of the excellent laws and just +government which we now enjoy, in common with every individual of the +community. + +We, therefore, a portion of those who are the objects of this plan, and +among those whose happiness, with that of others of our color, it is +intended to promote; with humble and grateful acknowledgments to those +who have devised it, renounce and disclaim every connexion with it; and +respectfully but firmly declare our determination not to participate in +any part of it. + +If this plan of colonization now proposed, is intended to provide a +refuge and a dwelling for a portion of our brethren, who are now held in +slavery in the south, we have other and stronger objections to it, and +we entreat your consideration of them. + +The ultimate and final abolition of slavery in the United States, by the +operation of various causes, is, under the guidance and protection of a +just God, progressing. Every year witnesses the release of numbers of +the victims of oppression, and affords new and safe assurances that the +freedom of all will be in the end accomplished. As they are thus by +degrees relieved from bondage, our brothers have opportunities for +instruction and improvement; and thus they become in some measure fitted +for their liberty. Every year, many of us have restored to us by the +gradual, but certain march of the cause of abolition--parents, from whom +we have been long separated--wives and children whom we had left in +servitude--and brothers, in blood as well as in early sufferings, from +whom we had been long parted. + +But if the emancipation of our kindred shall, when the plan of +colonization shall go into effect, be attended with transportation to a +distant land, and shall be granted on no other condition; the +consolation for our past sufferings and of those of our color who are in +slavery, which have hitherto been, and under the present situation of +things would continue to be, afforded to us and to them, will cease for +ever. The cords, which now connect them with us, will be stretched by +the distance to which their ends will be carried, until they break; and +all the sources of happiness, which affection and connexion and blood +bestow, will be ours and theirs no more. + +Nor do we view the colonization of those who may become emancipated by +its operation among our southern brethren, as capable of producing their +happiness. Unprepared by education, and a knowledge of the truths of our +blessed religion, for their new situation, those who will thus become +colonists will themselves be surrounded by every suffering which can +afflict the members of the human family. + +Without arts, without habits of industry, and unaccustomed to provide by +their own exertions and foresight for their wants, the colony will soon +become the abode of every vice, and the home of every misery. Soon will +the light of Christianity, which now dawns among that portion of our +species, be shut out by the clouds of ignorance, and their day of life +be closed, without the illuminations of the gospel. + +To those of our brothers, who shall be left behind, there will be +assured perpetual slavery and augmented sufferings. Diminished in +numbers, the slave population of the southern states, which by its +magnitude alarms its proprietors, will be easily secured. Those among +their bondmen, who feel that they should be free, by rights which all +mankind have from God and from nature, and who thus may become dangerous +to the quiet of their masters, will be sent to the colony; and the tame +and submissive will be retained, and subjected to increased rigor. Year +after year will witness these means to assure safety and submission +among their slaves, and the southern masters will colonize only those +whom it may be dangerous to keep among them. The bondage of a large +portion of our brothers will thus be rendered perpetual. + +Should the anticipations of misery and want among the colonists, which +with great deference we have submitted to your better judgment, be +realized; to emancipate and transport to Africa will be held forth by +slaveholders as the worst and heaviest of punishments; and they will be +threatened and successfully used to enforce increased submission to +their wishes, and subjection to their commands. + +Nor ought the sufferings and sorrows, which must be produced by an +exercise of the right to transport and colonize such only of their +slaves as may be selected by the slaveholders, escape the attention and +consideration of those whom with all humility we now address. Parents +will be torn from their children--husbands from their wives--brothers +from brothers--and all the heart-rending agonies which were endured by +our forefathers when they were dragged into bondage from Africa, will be +again renewed, and with increased anguish. The shores of America will, +like the sands of Africa, be watered by the tears of those who will be +left behind. Those who shall be carried away will roam childless, +widowed, and alone, over the burning plains of Guinea. + +Disclaiming, as we emphatically do, a wish or desire to interpose our +opinions and feelings between all plans of colonization, and the +judgment of those whose wisdom as far exceeds ours as their situations +are exalted above ours; _we humbly_, respectfully, and fervently +intreat and beseech your disapprobation of the plan of colonization now +offered by 'the American Society for colonizing the free people of color +of the United States.'--Here, in the city of Philadelphia, where the +voice of the suffering sons of Africa was first heard; where was first +commenced the work of abolition, on which heaven has smiled, for it +could have had success only from the Great Maker; let not a purpose be +assisted which will stay the cause of the entire abolition of slavery in +the United States, and which may defeat it altogether; which proffers to +those who do not ask for them what it calls benefits, but which they +consider injuries; and which must insure to the multitudes whose prayers +can only reach you through us, MISERY, _sufferings, and perpetual +slavery_. + + JAMES FORTEN, Chairman. + +RUSSELL PARROTT, Secretary. + + +A VOICE FROM NEW-YORK. + + NEW-YORK, January, 1831. + +At a public meeting of the colored citizens of New-York, held at Boyer +Lodge Room, on Tuesday evening, the 25th ult. Mr Samuel Ennals was +called to the chair, and Mr Philip Bell appointed secretary. The +chairman stated that the object of the meeting was to take into +consideration the proceedings of an association, under the title of the +'New-York Colonization Society.' An address to the 'Citizens of +New-York' relative to that Society, was read from the Commercial +Advertiser of the 8th ult.; whereupon the following resolutions were +unanimously adopted. + +Whereas a number of gentlemen in this city, of mistaken views with +respect to the wishes and welfare of the people of this state, on the +subject of African colonization, and in pursuance of such mistaken views +are using every exertion to form 'African Colonization Societies;' and +whereas a public document, purporting to be an address to the people of +the 'city of New-York' on this subject, contains opinions and assertions +regarding the people of color as unfounded as they are unjust and +derogatory to them--Therefore + +Resolved, That this meeting do most solemnly protest against the said +address, as containing sentiments with respect to the people of color, +unjust, illiberal and unfounded; tending to excite the prejudice of the +community. + +Resolved, That in our opinion the sentiments put forth in the +resolution at the formation of the 'Colonization Society of the city of +New-York,' are such as to impress this community with the belief that +the colored population are a growing evil, immoral, and destitute of +religious principles. + +Resolved, That we view the resolution calling on the worshippers of +Christ to assist in the unholy crusade against the colored population of +this country, as totally at variance with true Christian principles. + +Resolved, That we claim _this country, the place of our birth, and not +Africa_, as our mother country, and all attempts to send us to Africa we +consider as gratuitous and uncalled for. + +Resolved, That a committee of three persons be appointed to draft an +address to the people of New-York, and to be published, together with +these resolutions, and the same be signed by the Chairman and Secretary. + + SAMUEL ENNALS, Chairman. + +PHILIP BELL, Secretary. + + +_An Address to the Citizens of New-York._ + +In protesting against the sentiments and declarations to our prejudice +with which the above noticed 'address' and 'resolutions' abound, we are +well aware of the power and influence we have attempted to resist. The +gentlemen named as officers of the 'Colonization Society' are men of +high standing, their dictum is law in morals with our community; but we +who feel the effect of their proscription, indulge the hope of an +impartial hearing. + +We believe many of those gentlemen are our friends, and we hope they all +mean well; we care not how many Colonization Societies they form to send +slaves from the south to a place where they may enjoy freedom; and if +they can 'drain the ocean with a bucket,' may send '_with their own +consent_,' the increasing free colored population: but we solemnly +protest against that Christian philanthropy which in acknowledging our +wrongs commits a greater by vilifying us. The conscientious man would +not kill the animal, but cried 'mad dog,' and the rabble despatched him. +These gentlemen acknowledge the anomaly of those political ethics which +make a distinction between man and man, when their foundation is, 'that +all men are born equal,' and possess in common 'unalienable rights;' and +to justify the withholding of these 'rights' would proclaim to +foreigners that we are 'a distinct and inferior race,' without religion +or morals, and implying that our condition cannot be improved here +because there exists an unconquerable prejudice in the whites towards +us. We absolutely deny these positions, and we call upon the learned +author of the 'address' for the indications of distinction between us +and other men. There are different _colors_ among all species of +animated creation. A difference of color is not a difference of species. +Our structure and organization are the same, and not distinct from other +men; and in what respects are we inferior? Our political condition we +admit renders us less respectable, but does it prove us an inferior part +of the human family? Inferior indeed we are as to the means which we +possess of becoming wealthy and learned men; and it would argue well for +the cause of justice, humanity and true religion, if the reverend +gentlemen whose names are found at the bottom of President Duer's +address, instead of showing their benevolence by laboring to move us +some four thousand miles off, were to engage actively in the furtherance +of plans for the improvement of our moral and political condition in the +country of our birth. It is too late now to brand with inferiority any +one of the races of mankind. We ask for proof. Time was when it was +thought impossible to civilize the red man. Yet our own country presents +a practical refutation of the vain assertion in the flourishing +condition of the Cherokees, among whom intelligence and refinement are +seen in somewhat fairer proportions than are exhibited by some of their +white neighbors. In the language of a writer of expanded views and truly +noble sentiments, 'the blacks must be regarded as the real authors of +most of the arts and sciences which give the whites at present the +advantage over them. While Greece and Rome were yet barbarous, we find +the light of learning and improvement emanating from this, by +supposition, degraded and accursed continent of Africa, out of the midst +of this very woolly-haired, flat-nosed, thick lipped, and coal black +race, which some persons are tempted to station at a pretty low +intermediate point between men and monkeys.'[AG] It is needless to dwell +on this topic; and we say with the same writer, the blacks had a long +and glorious day: and after what they have been and done, it argues not +so much a mistaken theory, as sheer ignorance of the most notorious +historical facts, to pretend that they are naturally inferior to the +whites. + +We earnestly desire that this address may not be misunderstood. We have +no objection in the abstract to the Colonization Society; but we do +protest against the means which that Society uses to effect its +purposes. It is evident, to any impartial observer, that the natural +tendency of all their speeches, reports, sermons, &c. is to widen the +breach between us and the whites, and give to prejudice a tenfold +vigor. It has produced a mistaken sentiment toward us. Africa is +considered the home of those who have never seen its shores. The poor +ignorant slave, who, in all probability, has never heard the name of +Christ, by the colonization process is suddenly transformed into a +'missionary,' to instruct in the principles of Christianity and the arts +of civilized life. The Friends have been the last to aid the system +pursued by the Society's advocates. And we say (for we feel it) that in +proportion as they become colonizationists, they become less active and +less friendly to our welfare as citizens of the United States. + +There does exist in the United States a prejudice against us; but is it +unconquerable? Is it not in the power of these gentlemen to subdue it? +If their object is to benefit us, why not better our condition here? +What keeps us down but the want of wealth? Why do we not accumulate +wealth? Simply because we are not encouraged. If we wish to give our +boys a classical education, they are refused admission into your +colleges. If we consume our means in giving them a mercantile education, +you will not employ them as clerks; if they are taught navigation, you +will not employ them as captains. If we make them mechanics, you will +not encourage them, nor will white mechanics work in the same shop with +them. And with all these disabilities, like a mill-stone about us, +because we cannot point to our statesmen, bankers and lawyers, we are +called an inferior race. Look at the glaring injustice towards us. (A +foreigner, before he knows one of our streets from another, mounts a +cart under the license of another man, or is a public porter, a +lamp-lighter, a watchman, &c.) + +These gentlemen know but little of a large portion of the colored +population of this city. Their opinions are formed from the unfortunate +portion of our people whose characters are scrutinized by them as judges +of courts. Their patrician principles prevent an intercourse with men in +the middle walks of life, among whom a large portion of our people may +be classed. We ask them to visit the dwellings of the respectable part +of our people, and we are satisfied that they will discover more +civilization and refinement than will be found among the same number of +white families of an equal standing. + +Finally, we hope that those who have so eloquently pleaded the cause of +the Indian, will at least endeavor to preserve consistency in their +conduct. They put no faith in Georgia, although she declares that the +Indians shall not be removed but '_with their own consent_.' Can they +blame us if we attach the same credit to the declaration that they mean +to colonize us 'only with our consent?' They cannot indeed use force; +that is out of the question. But they harp so much on 'inferiority,' +'prejudice,' 'distinction,' and what not, that there will no alternative +be left us but to fall in with their plans. We are content to abide +where we are. We do not believe that things will always continue the +same. The time must come when the declaration of independence will be +felt in the heart as well as uttered from the mouth, and when the rights +of all shall be properly acknowledged and appreciated. God hasten that +time. This is our home, and this our country. Beneath its sod lie the +bones of our fathers: for it some of them fought, bled, and died. Here +we were born, and here we will die. + + +A VOICE FROM BOSTON. + + BOSTON, March 12, 1831. + +Pursuant to public notice, a meeting was held by the colored citizens of +Boston, February 15th, at their school-house, for the purpose of +expressing their sentiments in a remonstrance against the doings of the +State Colonization Society, Feb. 10th. It was called to order by Mr J. +G. Barbadoes. Mr Robert Roberts was elected chairman, and Mr James G. +Barbadoes secretary. A prayer was then offered up to the throne of +grace, by the Rev. Mr Snowden. The chairman having explained the object +of the meeting, sundry resolutions were offered by Mr Barbadoes, and +fairly discussed. On motion, a committee of five was chosen to amend the +resolutions, and to draft an address to certain white citizens who had +formed a State Society auxiliary to the American Colonization Society, +and to the enlightened public. John T. Hilton, James G. Barbadoes, Rev. +Hosea Easton, Thomas Dalton and Thomas Cole were placed on the +committee. + + +The committee, to whom was referred the subject of an attempt, by +certain white citizens, to establish in this State a Society auxiliary +to the American Colonization Society, whose supposed object was the +removal of the free colored population to western Africa, have with +diligence sought for and obtained every fact within their reach, +relative to what was enjoined upon them by the respectable body by whom +they were delegated; and now respectfully + +REPORT: + +That they have attended to the duty with which they were charged, with +all the wisdom, prudence and fidelity which they possessed, and which +the merits of the case required. They therefore submit to the +consideration of the meeting their several conclusions on the subject. + +The duty of your committee seemed to be divided into three general +inquiries:--1st. To ascertain whether the Society above named was truly +established in this metropolis. 2d. By whom it was established, and for +what purpose. 3d. If established for the purpose entertained by the free +colored population, what method should be adopted in regard to +expressing their disapprobation thereto. + +As to the first inquiry, your committee can state, that every doubt is +now removed respecting the formation of such a Society, the proceedings +of the meeting being published, together with the names of the officers. + +On the second inquiry, your committee refer you to the 2d Article of the +Constitution of said Society, (published in the Boston Courier of Feb. +16, 1831,) which reads thus: + + 'The object to which this Society shall be exclusively devoted, + shall be to aid the parent institution at Washington, in the + colonization of the free people of color of the United States on + the coast of Africa; and to do this not only by the contribution + of money, but by the exertion of its influence to promote the + formation of other societies.' + +We deem any explanation here unnecessary. + +In regard to the third and most essential inquiry, your committee +report, that they know of no better way of expressing their +disapprobation of such measures, than to use every exertion to persuade +their brethren not to leave the United States upon any consideration +whatever; but if there are or should be any exasperated in consequence +of abuse from their white countrymen, and who are determined to leave +the country, we think it desirable to recommend them to Hayti or Upper +Canada, where they will find the laws equal. Your committee deem it +expedient also to urge this duty upon the several ministers of color +throughout the United States, and all other persons of color whose +influence may have any bearing in preventing their brethren from +yielding to a request so unjust and cruel. + +And if your respectable body should not think your committee were going +beyond the bounds of their duty, they would recommend the clerical order +throughout the United States, who have had or who are having any thing +to do with the deceptive scheme above alluded to, to read the 13th +chapter of Ezekiel. Read it--read it--and understand it. Your committee +would recommend those clergymen, who have not defiled their garment with +the blood of the innocent, to read the 1st, 2nd, 11th and 12th verses of +the 24th chapter of Proverbs. + +In support of the sentiments thus expressed, it becomes necessary that +our reasons should accompany them, why we object to the plan of dragging +us to Africa--a country to us unknown, except by geography. In the first +place, we are told that Africa is our native country; consequently the +climate will be more congenial to our health. We readily deny the +assertion. How can a man be born in two countries at the same time? Is +not the position superficial to suppose that American born citizens are +Africans? In regard to the climate, what better proof do we want of its +salubrity, than to know that of the numerous bodies who have embarked, a +large portion of them have immediately fallen victims, on their arrival, +to the pestilence usual to that place? + +It is again said, that the establishment of a colony on the coast of +Africa will prevent the slave trade. We might as well argue, that a +watchman in the city of Boston would prevent thievery in New-York, or +any other place; or that the custom-house officers there would prevent +goods being smuggled into any other port of the United States. + +We are aware, that such an unnecessary expense devoted to the +application of a remedy so far from the disease, is absolutely contrary +to common sense. We are sensible that the moral disease, _slavery_, is +in America, and not in Africa. If there was no market for the vending of +slaves, there would be no inducement for the thief to steal them. The +remedy for this evil, we humbly conceive, consists of three general +prescriptions, viz. 1st. Let him who stealeth obey the word of God, and +steal no more. 2d. Let him who hath encouraged the thief by purchase, +(and consequently is a partaker with him,) do so no more. 3rd. Let the +clerical physicians, who have encouraged, and are encouraging, both the +thief and the receiver, by urging their influence to the removal of the +means of their detection, desist therefrom, and with their mighty weight +of influence step into the scale of justice: then will be done away this +horrible traffic in blood. + +From the above considerations, we sincerely recommend to our white +countrymen honor and humanity, which will render useless the +transportation of the colored population to the coast of Africa, it +being altogether gratuitous and uncalled for. + +We proceed to offer several objections to the operation alluded to--one +is, the circumstance of the project originating with those who were +deeply interested in slavery, and who hold slaves as their property. We +consider the fact no evidence of the innocence of its design. We further +object, because its members admit slavery to be an evil, and use no +means to destroy it; but are exerting all their influence to urge every +free person of color to Africa, (whose right to this soil holds good +with any other citizen,) thereby rivetting the chains of slavery +stronger than ever upon their oppressed brethren. + +Again we object, because the whole spring of action seems to originate +in the fear lest the free colored people may whisper liberty in the ears +of the oppressed. We would suggest, however, that they who are fond of +liberty should not be annoyed at its sound, from whatever source it may +come. + +Again we object, on the ground of there being sufficient land in the +United States, on which a colony might be established that would better +meet the wishes of the colored people, and at a much cheaper rate than +could possibly be done by sending them to a howling wilderness far away, +and to them unknown. + +One of the leaders of the newly formed Society argued that in case a +colony was formed for the blacks in the United States, they would in a +short time be removed, as has been the case with the poor Indians. To +obviate this objection, we here inform him that Hayti will hold all the +slaves he will send her; and as for the free people, we expect they can +go where they please, either to Africa, Hayti or Upper Canada, or remain +at home, without asking the consent of a slaveholding party. Nor can we +conceive why free citizens, acting this liberty, should interfere with +them, if they are--as they have represented themselves to be--honest and +benevolent men. We conceive that the question in view stands in two +distinct points--the removal of the free colored population from this +country, or the acknowledgment of them as citizens. The former position +must be acknowledged, on all sides, a means of perpetuating slavery in +our land; the latter, of abolishing it; consequently it may be seen who +are for the well-being of their country. + +We regret that our interest has thus drawn us before the public, on +account of the regard we entertain towards many of our warmest friends +who have been deceived by a cloak of philanthropy, smooth words, and a +sanctified appearance. We remind them, however, that the blood of Abel +is beginning to be heard by many who are willing to acknowledge that +they hear it. + +We cannot close our duty without gratefully acknowledging the respect we +entertain for those who have defended our cause with more than Spartan +courage. It is the opinion of your committee, that they are to be +respected as our countrymen, our brethren, and our fellow citizens--not +to say they are to be applauded as men, whose great acts are based upon +the acclamation of their fellow men; but rather let us hold up their +hands, and let their works praise them. We shall only add an expression +of our hopes, that the Spirit of Liberty, recently awakened in the old +world, may redouble its thundering voice, until every tyrant is seized +with a Belshazzar tremble at the hand-writing upon the wall of his +corrupt palace. + +In addition to the above, your committee submit the following +resolutions for your acceptance. + +Resolved, That this meeting contemplate, with lively interest, the rapid +progress of the sentiments of liberty among our degraded brethren, and +that we will legally oppose every operation that may have a tendency to +perpetuate our present political condition. + +Resolved, That this meeting look upon the American Colonization Society +as a clamorous, abusive and peace-disturbing combination. + +Resolved, That this meeting look upon the conduct of those clergymen, +who have filled the ears of their respective congregations with the +absurd idea of the necessity of removing the free colored people from +the United States, as highly deserving the just reprehension directed to +the false prophets and priests, by Jeremiah the true prophet, as +recorded in the 23d chapter of his prophecy. + +Resolved, That this meeting appeal to a generous and enlightened public +for an impartial hearing relative to the subject of our present +political condition. + +Resolved, That the gratitude of this meeting, which is so sensibly felt, +be fully expressed to those editors whose independence of mind and +correct views of the rights of man have led them so fearlessly to speak +in favor of our cause; that we rejoice to behold in them such a strong +desire to extend towards us the inestimable blessing in the gift of a +wise Providence which is demanded by all nature, and for which their +veteran fathers struggled in the revolution. + + ROBERT ROBERTS, Chairman. + +JAMES G. BARBADOES, Secretary. + + +A VOICE FROM BALTIMORE. + + BALTIMORE, March 21, 1831. + +At a respectable meeting of persons of color, convened, pursuant to +public notice, for the purpose of expressing their sentiments in regard +to the pretensions of the American Colonization Society, William +Douglass was called to the chair, and William Watkins appointed +secretary. The object of the call having been explicitly stated, the +meeting immediately proceeded to the consideration of the following +resolutions, which were unanimously adopted:--On motion, + +Resolved, That it is the belief of this meeting, that the American +Colonization Society is founded more in a selfish policy, than in the +true principles of benevolence;--and, therefore, so far as it regards +the life-giving spring of its operations, is not entitled to our +confidence, but should be viewed by us with all that caution and +distrust which our happiness demands. + +Resolved, That we are not insensible to the means usually employed by +that Society, and its auxiliaries, to effectuate our removal--that we +sincerely deprecate their gratuitous and illiberal attacks upon, and +their too frequently exaggerated statements of our moral standing in the +community--that such means are unworthy of a magnanimous people, and of +a virtuous and noble cause. + +Resolved, That we consider the land in which we were born, and in which +we have been bred, our only '_true and appropriate home_,'--and that +when _we_ desire to remove, we will apprise the public of the same, in +due season. + +Resolved, That we are deeply sensible that many of our warm and sincere +friends have espoused the colonization system, from the purest +motives,--and that we sincerely regret their efforts to ameliorate our +condition are not more in accordance with our wishes. + +Resolved, That the proceedings of this meeting be published in the daily +papers of this city, signed by the Chairman and Secretary. + + WILLIAM DOUGLASS, Chairman. + +WILLIAM WATKINS, Secretary. + + +A VOICE FROM WASHINGTON. + + WASHINGTON, May 4, 1831. + +Pursuant to previous notice, a large and very respectable meeting of the +colored citizens of Washington, D. C., convened at the African Methodist +Episcopal church on Wednesday evening last, for the purpose of +expressing their views upon the subject of African colonization. Mr John +W. Prout was called to the chair, and Arthur Waring was appointed +secretary. + +The chairman briefly explained the object of the meeting, in a short +speech well adapted to the occasion, which was followed by several neat +and very appropriate addresses delivered by sundry gentlemen present. + +The following preamble and resolutions were offered and adopted, nearly +unanimously. + +Whereas we consider that the period has arrived for the colored citizens +of this place to express their opinion upon the subject of colonization +in Liberia; a subject of great importance to themselves, as well as to +the colored citizens of the United States generally; and whereas our +brethren at a distance are desirous of obtaining information relative to +the object and policy pursued by the American Colonization Society: +Therefore, be it + +Resolved, That this meeting view with distrust the efforts made by the +Colonization Society to cause the free people of color of these United +States to emigrate to Liberia on the coast of Africa, or elsewhere. + +Resolved, That it is the declared opinion of the members of this +meeting, that the soil which gave them birth is their only _true and +veritable home_, and that it would be impolitic, unwise and improper for +them to leave their home without the benefits of education. + +Resolved, That this meeting conceive that among the advocates of the +colonization system, they have many true and sincere friends; and do +regret that their actions, although prompted no doubt by the purest +motives, do not meet our approbation. + +Resolved, That we believe the PRESS to be the most efficient means of +disseminating light and knowledge among our brethren; and that this +meeting do acknowledge with gratitude the efforts made in our behalf, by +the editors of the Genius of Universal Emancipation, and the +Liberator;--and do most earnestly recommend their respective papers to +our brethren generally, for their approval and support. + +Resolved, That the foregoing resolutions be signed by the Chairman and +Secretary, and published. + + JOHN W. PROUT, Chairman. + +ARTHUR WARING, Secretary. + + +A VOICE FROM BROOKLYN. + + BROOKLYN, (N. Y.) June 3, 1831. + +At a numerous and respectable meeting of the colored inhabitants of the +village and township of Brooklyn, convened in the African Hall, +Nassau-street, for the purpose of taking into consideration our views in +relation to the Colonization Society-- + +The throne of grace was addressed by the Rev. Mr Hogarth, after which +Henry C. Thompson was called to the chair, and George Hogarth appointed +secretary. + +Appropriate addresses were delivered by Messrs George Hogarth, James +Pennington, and George Woods. The following resolutions were then +adopted:-- + +Resolved, unanimously, That the call of this meeting be approved of; and +that the colored citizens of this village have, with friendly feelings, +taken into consideration the objects of the American Colonization +Society, together with all its auxiliary movements, preparatory for our +removal to the coast of Africa; and we view them as wholly gratuitous, +not called for by us, and not essential to the real welfare of our race: +That we know of no other country in which we can justly claim or demand +our rights as citizens, whether civil or political, but in these United +States of America, our native soil: And, that we shall be active in our +endeavors to convince the members of the Colonization Society, and the +public generally, that we are _men_, that we are _brethren_, that we are +_countrymen_ and _fellow-citizens_, and demand an equal share of +protection from our federal government with any other class of citizens +in the community. + +It was also Resolved, That the following persons, viz.: James +Pennington, Henry C. Thompson, and George Woods, be appointed a +committee to draft an address to the public, expressing our views more +fully in relation to the Colonization Society; and that a delegate be +appointed to proceed to the city of Philadelphia, to represent us in the +ensuing convention, (which will commence its sitting the 6th inst.) to +co-operate with the measures that may then be adopted for the general +welfare of our race. + + HENRY C. THOMPSON, Chairman. + +GEORGE HOGARTH, Secretary. + + +_Address to the Colored Citizens of Brooklyn, (N. Y.) and its Vicinity._ + +Respected brethren, and fellow-citizens:--As men and as christians, +whose secular and eternal interests are the same, we are seriously +called upon by truth and reason, and every thing of which human action +is composed, to take into consideration the objects of the American +Colonization Society; which aims to remove us, the free people of color, +from this, our beloved and native land, to the coast of Africa; a +country unknown to us in every respect. + +As they propose to remove us with our own free will and consent, we do +not contradict the assertion, that their objects, in the abstract, are +salutary and benevolent; but when we hear those influential gentlemen, +who are advocating this cause, generalize by language directly +calculated to increase that prejudice, which is already one grand reason +of our wretchedness, we are moved by a spirit of reliance upon justice +and humanity, to lift our positive and decided voice against their +proceedings; and consider them as a stigma upon our morals as a people, +as natives and citizens of this country, to whom equal rights are +guaranteed by the Declaration of Independence. + +When we consider that by abridging men in their moral liberty, we touch +their responsibility to the highest authority in the universe, we should +shudder at the thought of retaining such feelings as would lead to any +irreligious or impolitic acts; nor should we be willing to yield one +particle of ours to others, unless it be on the ground of expediency, +and in some way conducive to the glory of God. + +We are sorry to say that those gentlemen have injured their cause, and +perhaps caused much good to be evil spoken of, by making use of improper +language, in their discussions upon our character and condition in this +country; without using one effort to improve or prepare us for the posts +of honor and distinction which they hold forth to us, whenever we set +foot on this much talked of, and long expected promised land. We would +ask the Colonization Society, what are they doing at home to improve our +condition? It is a true proverb, that 'charity begins at home.' How can +they extend their charities with christian sympathies and feeling some +thousand miles across the Atlantic ocean, when they are not willing, +with a few exceptions, to give us even a christian instruction while +among them? To prove the assertion, we would inquire, how many of our +sable brethren have been elevated to any post of distinction in this +country? Even in states, where our numbers have almost doubled, have we +seen one statesman, one officer, or one juror? No! in our village and +its vicinity, how many of us have been educated in colleges, and +advanced into different branches of business; or taken into mercantile +houses, manufacturing establishments, &c.? Are we not even prohibited +from some of the common labor and drudgery of the streets, such as +cartmen, porters, &c.? It is a strange theory to us, how these gentlemen +can promise to honor and respect us in Africa, when they are using every +effort to exclude us from all rights and privileges at home. + +They say, 'that those of our friends, who look for the day when we shall +have equal rights in this country, are mistaken.' May we not accept it +as an assurance, that they will do all they can to prevent us from +arriving to any degree of respectability at home, in our own land? Away +then with such false sympathies and friendships! they are as foreign to +us as the coast of Africa! + +We truly believe, that many gentlemen who are engaged in the +Colonization Society are our sincere friends and well-wishers; they +wish to do something for us, consequently they have subscribed largely +to it, because there was no other plan on foot. Some of them have been +deluded into its schemes, with a view of thoroughly civilizing and +christianizing Africa, by our free people of color and emancipated +slaves, who may, from time to time, be colonized on its coasts, with +their consent. We conceive that such measures are fraught with +inconsistency, and in no way calculated to have such an effect. To send +a parcel of uninstructed, uncivilized, and unchristianized people, to +the western coast of Africa, with bibles in their hands to teach the +natives the truths of the gospel, social happiness, and moral virtue, is +mockery and ridicule in the extreme. + +Missionary families should be well instructed in the rudiments of our +holy religion, that their example may shine forth as lights in that much +neglected and benighted land. We are much in favor of christianizing +Africa; but not according to the plans of the Colonization Society, to +purchase their lands of them, with a few paltry guns, beads, &c., and +then establish forts and garrisons, to protect traders and traffickers, +without, perhaps, once naming the religion of Jesus to them. We well +know that the examples of traders and traffickers are in no way +calculated to induce heathens to embrace our religion. For example, we +will refer to the early settlements of our American colonies, and +inquire what religious impressions did the settlers make (who were wise +and learned from Europe) upon the aborigines of our country? We believe +that a few men, well instructed and possessing a true missionary spirit, +are calculated to do more good in that country, than a thousand on the +colonization plan. + +Many wish us to go to Africa, because they say that our constitutions +are better adapted to that climate than this. If so, we would ask why so +many of our hearty, hale and healthy brethren, on arriving in that +country, fall victims to the malignant fevers and disorders, prevalent +in those regions? We would observe, that none are exempt from being +touched with the contagion. It operates more severely upon those from +the higher latitudes. + +Some of our brethren have come to the conclusion to leave this country, +with all its prejudices, and seek an asylum in foreign climes. We would +recommend to your serious consideration, the location in Upper Canada; a +place far better adapted to our constitutions, our habits, and our +morals; where prejudice has not such an unlimited sway; where you will +be surrounded by Christians, and have an opportunity to become civilized +and christianized. + +Brethren, it is time for us to awake to our interests; for the +Colonization Society is straining every nerve for the accomplishment of +its objects. By their last publications we see, that they have invoked +all Christian assemblies and churches throughout the Union, to exert +their influence, by raising subscriptions to send us (the strangers +within their gates, as they call us) to the coast of Africa. They have +got the consent of eleven states, who have instructed their senators to +do something in the next Congress for our removal. Maryland calls +imperatively on the general government to send us away, or else they +will colonize their own free blacks. They have, by their influence, +stopped the emancipation of slaves in a measure, except for colonization +purposes. + +We owe a tribute of respect to the state of New-York, for her not having +entered into the confederacy. Though she is the last in proclaiming +general emancipation to the slave, yet we find her slow in adopting any +such unchristian measures. We may well say, she is deliberate in her +councils, and determinate in her resolutions. + +Finally, brethren, we are not strangers; neither do we come under the +alien law. Our constitution does not call upon us to become naturalized; +we are already American citizens; our fathers were among the first that +peopled this country; their sweat and their tears have been the means, +in a measure, of raising our country to its present standing. Many of +them fought, and bled, and died for the gaining of her liberties; and +shall we forsake their tombs, and flee to an unknown land? No! let us +remain over them and weep, until the day arrive when Ethiopia shall +stretch forth her hands to God. We were born and nurtured in this +Christian land; and are surrounded by christians, whose sacred creed is, +to do unto all men as ye would they should do unto you--to love our +neighbors as ourselves; and which expressly declares, if we have respect +to persons, we commit sin. Let us, brethren, invoke the christian's God, +in our behalf, to do away the prejudices of our brethren, that they may +adopt the solemn truths of the gospel, and acknowledge that God is no +respecter of persons--that he has made of one blood all the nations that +dwell on the face of the earth--that they may no longer bring their +reasonings in contact with the omniscience of Deity; and insinuate to +the public, that our intellect and faculties are measurably inferior to +those of our fairer brethren. Because adversity has thrown a veil over +us, and we, whom God has created to worship, admire and adore his divine +attributes, shall we be held in a state of wretchedness and degradation, +with monkeys, baboons, slaves, and cattle, because we possess a darker +hue? + +We feel it our duty ever to remain true to the constitution of our +country, and to protect it, as we have always done, from foreign +aggressions. Although more than three hundred thousand of us are +virtually deprived of the rights and immunities of citizens, and more +than two millions held in abject slavery, yet we know that God is just, +and ever true to his purpose. Before him the whole world stands in awe, +and at his command nations must obey. HE who has lately pleaded the +Indian's cause in our land, and who has brought about many signal +events, to the astonishment of our generation, we believe is in the +whirlwind, and will soon bring about the time when the sable sons of +America will join with their fairer brethren, and re-echo liberty and +equal rights in all parts of Columbia's soil. + +We pray the Lord to hasten the day, when prejudice, inferiority, +degradation and oppression shall be done away, and the kingdoms of this +world become the kingdoms of our God and his Christ. + +Signed in behalf of a public meeting in Brooklyn. + + H. C. THOMPSON, Chairman. + +GEORGE HOGARTH, Secretary. + + +A VOICE FROM HARTFORD. + + HARTFORD, Ct., July 14, 1831. + +At a large and respectable meeting of the colored inhabitants of the +city of Hartford and its vicinity, convened at the vestry room of the +African church, on the 13th inst. for the purpose of expressing their +views in relation to the American Colonization Society, Mr Henry Foster +was called to the chair, and Mr Paul Drayton appointed secretary. The +object of the meeting was then stated in a brief and pertinent manner, +after which extracts from several speeches delivered by the founders of +the colonization scheme, together with the general sentiments of +colonizationists extracted from the African Repository, were laid before +the meeting, and the following resolutions were unanimously adopted: + +Resolved, That it is the opinion of this meeting, that the American +Colonization Society is actuated by the same motives which influenced +the mind of Pharaoh, when he ordered the male children of the Israelites +to be destroyed. + +Resolved, That it is the belief of this meeting, that the Society is the +greatest foe to the free colored and slave population with whom liberty +and equality have to contend. + +Resolved, That we look upon the man of color that would be influenced by +the Society to emigrate to Liberia, as an enemy to the cause and a +traitor to his brethren. + +Resolved, That it is the opinion of this meeting, that many of those who +are engaged in this unjust scheme would be willing, if it were, in their +power, to place us before the point of the bayonet, and drive us out of +existence--so that they may get rid of that dark cloud, as we are +termed, which hangs over these United States. + +Resolved, That, in our belief, we have committed no crime worthy of +banishment, and that we will resist all the attempts of the Colonization +Society to banish us from this our native land. + +Resolved, That we consider ourselves the legitimate sons of these United +States, from whence we will never consent to be transported. + +Resolved, That we will resist, even unto death, all the attempts of this +Society to transport us to the pestilential shores of Liberia. + +Resolved, That we will not countenance the doctrine of any pretended +minister of the gospel, who is in league with those conspirators against +our rights. We would, therefore, warn them to beware of following the +footsteps of Balaam, who taught Balak to cast a stumbling block in the +way of the children of Israel; for we verily believe, that if God +almighty have to deliver his people by his mighty arm of power, they +will share the fate of that false prophet. + +Resolved, That, though we be last in calling a meeting, we feel no less +the pernicious influence of this Society than the rest of our brethren; +and that we consider all their pretexts, whether under the cloak of +religion or philanthropy, gratuitous and uncalled for. We would, +therefore, advise the Society, that as we have learned that there are +one hundred and fifty thousand dollars in its funds, it had better +appropriate this sum in meliorating the condition of our brethren the +slaves, in this their native land, and raising them from that +degradation into which they are plunged. + +Resolved, That the thanks of the meeting be returned to Messrs William +Lloyd Garrison, Isaac Knapp, and every friend of emancipation, for their +benevolent exertions in our behalf. + +Resolved, That the proceedings of this meeting be signed by the Chairman +and Secretary, and sent to the Liberator for publication. + + HENRY FOSTER, Chairman. + +PAUL DRAYTON, Secretary. + +A VOICE FROM MIDDLETOWN. + + MIDDLETOWN, Ct., July 15, 1831. + +At a meeting of the colored citizens of Middletown, pursuant to public +notice, held in the Lecture Room in the African church--Mr Joseph +Gilbert was called to the chair, and Amos L. Beman appointed secretary. +The meeting being thus opened, it was warmly and freely addressed by +Messrs Jeffrey, Condoll and Gilbert, when, on motion, it was + +Resolved, That the proceedings of our brethren in Brooklyn, N. Y., meet +our entire approbation: they breathe our sentiments in full, and may our +voices cheerfully accord with them in protesting against leaving this +our native soil. Why should we leave this land, so dearly bought by the +blood, groans and tears of our fathers? Truly this is our home: here let +us live, and here let us die. What! emigrate to Liberia, a land so +detrimental to our health! We have now before us a letter written by a +friend who emigrated from this place to the burning shores of Africa, in +hopes of splendor, wealth and ease; and he says that 'sickness and +distress prevail to a great extent--and it is a clear case that those +who come from the United States must undergo a long and protracted +sickness with this country's fever, and I would not advise my friends to +emigrate.' + + JOSEPH GILBERT, Chairman. + +AMOS G. BEMAN, Secretary + + +A VOICE FROM NEW-HAVEN. + + NEW-HAVEN, August 8, 1831. + +At a meeting of the Peace and Benevolent Society of Afric-Americans, +held on the 7th inst., Mr Henry Berrian was called to the chair, and Mr +Henry N. Merriman was appointed secretary. The following resolutions +were then unanimously adopted. + +Resolved, That we consider those christians and philanthropists, who are +boasting of their liberty and equality, saying, that all men are born +free and equal, and yet are endeavoring to remove us from our native +land, to be inhuman in their proceedings, defective in their principles, +and unworthy of our confidence. + +Resolved, That we consider those colonizationists and ministers of the +gospel, who are advocating our transportation to an unknown clime, +because our skin is a little darker than theirs, (notwithstanding God +has made of one blood all nations of men, and has no respect of +persons,) as violaters of the commandments of God and the laws of the +bible, and as trying to blind our eyes by their vain movements--their +mouths being smooth as oil, and their words sharper than any two-edged +sword. + +Resolved, That, while we have no doubt of the sinister motives of the +great body of colonizationists, we believe some of them are our friends +and well-wishers, who have not looked deeply into the subject; but when +they make a careful examination, we think they will find themselves in +error. + +Resolved, That it is our earnest desire that Africa may speedily become +civilized, and receive religious instruction; but not by the absurd and +invidious plan of the Colonization Society--namely, to send a nation of +ignorant men to teach a nation of ignorant men. We think it most wise +for them to send missionaries. + +Resolved, That we will resist all attempts made for our removal to the +torrid shores of Africa, and will sooner suffer every drop of blood to +be taken from our veins than submit to such unrighteous treatment. + +Resolved, That we know of no other place that we can call our true and +appropriate home, excepting these United States, into which our fathers +were brought, who enriched the country by their toils, and fought, bled +and died in its defence, and left us in its possession--and here we will +live and die. + +Resolved, That we consider the American Colonization Society founded on +principles that no Afric-American, unless very weak in mind, will +follow; and any man who will be persuaded to leave his own country and +go to Africa, as an enemy to his country and a traitor to his brethren. + +Resolved, That we have heard with pleasure of the proceedings of our +brethren in neighboring cities; and that a number of this Society will +willingly become auxiliary to the parent Society of Philadelphia, for +the mutual benefit of the Afric-Americans throughout the United States. + +Resolved, That the proceedings of this meeting be signed by the Chairman +and Secretary, and sent to the Liberator for publication. + + HENRY BERRIAN, Chairman. + +HENRY N. MERRIMAN, Secretary. + + +A VOICE FROM COLUMBIA. + + COLUMBIA, Pa., August 5, 1831. + +At a respectable meeting of Afric-Americans convened pursuant to public +notice, at their school-house, with a view of taking into consideration +the novel scheme of the American Colonization Society, Mr Stephen Smith +was called to the chair, and Mr James Richards appointed secretary. A +prayer was then offered to the throne of grace, by Mr Smith. The +chairman called the house to order, and explained the object of the +meeting in a few preliminary remarks; after which, the meeting proceeded +to business, and adopted the subsequent resolutions. + +Resolved, That we view the country in which we live as our only true and +appropriate home; and let colonizationists pour contempt upon our race, +and slaveholders look on our brethren as a nuisance to the country, yet +here will we live, here were we born, this is the country for which some +of our ancestors fought and bled and conquered, nor shall a conspiring +world be able to drive us hence. + +Resolved, That it is our firm belief, that the Colonization Society is +replete with infinite mischief, and that we view all the arguments of +its advocates as mere sophistry, not worthy our notice as freemen. Being +citizens of these United States, we could call upon our brethren to +awake from their slumber of ignorance, break the chain of prejudice that +has so long bound them, and in the strength of the omnipotent Spirit +give their hearts to God. + +Resolved, That we will resist all attempts to send us to the burning +shores of Africa. Beware of Alexander, the coppersmith, for he hath +done us much harm. May the Lord reward him! We verily believe that if by +an extraordinary perversion of nature, every man and woman, in one +night, should become white, the Colonization Society would fall like +lightning to the earth. + +Resolved, That we will not be duped out of our rights as freemen, by +colonizationists, nor by any other combination of men. All the encomiums +pronounced upon Liberia can never form the least temptation to induce us +to leave our native soil, to emigrate to a strange land. + +Resolved, That we readily coalesce with our brethren in the different +towns and cities, and take the liberty to say, that we as a little flock +feel a fixed resolution to maintain our ground, till the great Author of +our being shall say to those who deprive us of our rights,--Thus saith +the Lord, because ye have not hearkened to me in proclaiming liberty, +every one to his brother, and every man to his neighbor, behold I will +proclaim liberty for you, saith the Lord, to the sword, to the +pestilence, and to the famine. + +Resolved, That it is the decided opinion of this meeting, that African +colonization is a scheme of southern policy, a wicked device of +slaveholders who are desirous of riveting more firmly, and perpetuating +more certainly, the fetters of slavery; who are only anxious to rid +themselves of a population whose presence, influence and example have a +tendency (as they suppose) to produce discontent among the slaves, and +to furnish them with incitements to rebellion. + +Resolved, That this meeting will not encourage a scheme, which has for +its basis prejudice and hatred. Though there may be some good wheat, yet +it is to be feared the enemy has sown tares among it. + +Resolved, That we will support the colony at Canada, the climate being +healthier, better adapted to our constitutions, and far more consonant +with our views than that of Africa. + +Resolved, That we unanimously agree to patronize the Liberator, and use +our best endeavors to get subscribers for the same; and that we are +under renewed obligations to God, that he ever raised up such honest +hearted men as Messrs Garrison and Knapp. + +Resolved, That this meeting cause its proceedings to be sent to the +Liberator for publication; praying that the Lord will succeed all the +lawful efforts of its conductor to meliorate the condition of our +brethren in these United States, trusting his weapons are not carnal, +but mighty through God to pull down the strong holds of the devil. + +Signed by the Chairman and Secretary. + + STEPHEN SMITH, Chairman. + +JAMES RICHARDS, Secretary. + + +A VOICE FROM NANTUCKET. + + NANTUCKET, August 5, 1831. + +At a respectable meeting of the colored inhabitants of the town of +Nantucket, convened for the purpose of taking into consideration our +views in relation to the American Colonization Society, Mr Arthur Cooper +was called to the chair, and Edward J. Pompey appointed secretary. + +Addresses were delivered by Messrs William Harris and Edward J. Pompey, +in which they took a general view of the Colonization Society, of its +leading members, and some of the speeches and remarks made by gentlemen +at the meetings of said Society. The following resolves were then +adopted: + +Resolved, That the call of this meeting be approved of, and that the +colored citizens of this town have with friendly feelings taken into +consideration the objects of the Colonization Society, together with its +movements preparatory for our removal to the coast of Africa; and we +view them as wholly gratuitous, not called for by us, and in no way +essential to the welfare of our race; and we believe that our condition +can be best improved in this our own country and native soil, the United +States of America. + +Resolved, That we hold this truth to be self-evident, that all men are +born free and equal; and we are men, and therefore ought to share as +much protection and enjoy as many privileges under our federal +government as any other class of the community. + +Resolved, That we will be zealous in doing all that lies in our power to +improve the condition of ourselves and brethren in this our native land. + +Resolved, That there is no philanthropy towards the people of color in +the colonization plan, but that it is got up to delude us away from our +country and home into a country of sickness and death. + +Resolved, That the thanks of this meeting be returned to every friend +who vindicates our rights and interests. + +Resolved, That the proceedings of this meeting be signed by the Chairman +and Secretary, and sent to Boston, to be published in the Liberator. + + ARTHUR COOPER, Chairman. + +EDWARD J. POMPEY, Secretary. + + +A VOICE FROM PITTSBURGH. + + PITTSBURGH, (Pa.,) Sept. 1, 1831. + +At a large and respectable meeting of the colored citizens of +Pittsburgh, convened at the African Methodist Episcopal church, for the +purpose of expressing their views in relation to the American +Colonization Society, Mr J. B. Vashon was called to the chair, and Mr R. +Bryan appointed secretary. The object of the meeting was then stated at +considerable length, and in an appropriate manner, by the chairman. The +following resolutions were then unanimously adopted: + +Resolved, That 'we hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men +are created equal, and endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable +rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of +happiness'--Liberty and Equality now, Liberty and Equality forever! + +Resolved, That it is the decided opinion of this meeting, that African +colonization is a scheme to drain the better informed part of the +colored people out of these United States, so that the chain of slavery +may be rivetted more tightly; but we are determined not to be cheated +out of our rights by the colonization men, or any other set of +intriguers. We believe there is no philanthropy in the colonization plan +towards the people of color, but that it is got up to delude us away +from our country and home to the burning shores of Africa. + +Resolved, That we, the colored people of Pittsburgh and citizens of +these United States, view the country in which we live as our only true +and proper home. We are just as much natives here as the members of the +Colonization Society. Here we were born--here bred--here are our +earliest and most pleasant associations--here is all that binds man to +earth, and makes life valuable. And we do consider every colored man who +allows himself to be colonized in Africa, or elsewhere, a traitor to our +cause. + +Resolved, That we are freemen, that we are brethren, that we are +countrymen and fellow-citizens, and as fully entitled to the free +exercise of the elective franchise as any men who breathe; and that we +demand an equal share of protection from our federal government with any +class of citizens in the community. We now inform the Colonization +Society, that should our reason forsake us, then we may desire to +remove. We will apprise them of this change in due season. + +Resolved, That we, as citizens of these United States, and for the +support of these resolutions, with a firm reliance on the protection of +divine providence, do mutually pledge to each other our lives, our +fortunes, and our sacred honor, not to support a colony in Africa nor in +Upper Canada, not yet emigrate to Hayti. Here we were born--here will we +live by the help of the Almighty--and here we will die, and let our +bones lie with our fathers. + +Resolved, That we return our grateful thanks to Messrs Garrison and +Knapp, publishers of the Liberator, and Mr Lundy, editor of the Genius +of Universal Emancipation, for their untiring exertions in the cause of +philanthropy. + +Resolved, That the proceedings of this meeting be signed by the Chairman +and Secretary, and published in the Liberator. + + J. B. VASHON, Chairman. + +R. BRYAN, Secretary. + +A VOICE FROM WILMINGTON. + + WILMINGTON, July 12, 1831. + +At a large and respectable meeting of the people of color of the borough +of Wilmington, convened in the African Union Church, July 12th, 1831, +for the purpose of considering the subject of colonization on the coast +of Africa: + +On motion, the Rev. Peter Spencer was called to the chair, and Thomas +Dorsey appointed secretary. + +The meeting was addressed by Abraham D. Shad, Junius C. Morell, Benjamin +Pascal and John P. Thompson, after which the following resolutions were +unanimously adopted. + +Resolved, That this meeting view with deep regret the attempt now making +to colonize the free people of color on the western coast of Africa; +believing as we do that it is inimical to the best interests of the +people of color, and at variance with the principles of civil and +religious liberty, and wholly incompatible with the spirit of the +Constitution and Declaration of Independence of these United States. + +Resolved, That we disclaim all connexion with Africa; and although the +descendants of that much afflicted country, we cannot consent to remove +to any tropical climate, and thus aid in a design having for its object +the total extirpation of our race from this country, professions to the +contrary notwithstanding. + +Resolved, That a committee of three persons be appointed to prepare as +soon as practicable an address to the public, setting forth more fully +our views on the subject of colonization. The following persons were +appointed: Abraham D. Shad, Rev. Peter Spencer and W. S. Thomas. + +Signed on behalf of the meeting. + + PETER SPENCER, Chairman. + +THOMAS DORSEY, Secretary. + + +_Address of the Free People of Color of the Borough of Wilmington, +Delaware._ + +We the undersigned, in conformity to the wishes of our brethren, beg +leave to present to the public in a calm and unprejudiced manner, our +decided and unequivocal disapprobation of the American Colonization +Society, and its auxiliaries, in relation to the free people of color in +the United States. Convinced as we are, that the operations of this +Society have been unchristian and anti-republican in principle, and at +variance with our best interests as a people, we had reason to believe +that the precepts of religion, the dictates of justice and humanity, +would have prevented any considerable portion of the community from +lending their aid to a plan which we fear was designed to deprive us of +rights that the Declaration of Independence declares are the +'unalienable rights' of all men. We were content to remain silent, +believing that the justice and patriotism of a magnanimous people would +prevent the annals of our native and beloved country from receiving so +deep a stain. But observing the growing strength and influence of that +institution, and being well aware that the generality of the public are +unacquainted with our views on this important subject, we feel it a duty +we owe to ourselves, our children and posterity, to enter our protest +against a device so fraught with evil to us. That many sincere friends +to our race are engaged in what they conceive to be a philanthropic and +benevolent enterprise, we do not hesitate to admit; but that they are +deceived, and are acting in a manner calculated most seriously to injure +the free people of color, we are equally sensible. + +We are natives of the United States; our ancestors were brought to this +country by means over which they had no control; we have our attachments +to the soil, and we feel that we have rights in common with other +Americans; and although deprived through prejudice from entering into +the full enjoyment of those rights, we anticipate a period, when in +despite of the more than ordinary prejudice which has been the result of +this unchristian scheme, 'Ethiopia shall stretch forth her hands to +God.' But that this formidable Society has become a barrier to our +improvement, must be apparent to every individual who will but reflect +on the course to be pursued by the emissaries of this unhallowed +project, many of whom, under the name of ministers of the gospel, use +their influence to turn public sentiment to our disadvantage by +stigmatizing our morals, misrepresenting our characters, and endeavoring +to show what they are pleased to call the sound policy of perpetuating +our civil and political disabilities for the avowed purpose of +indirectly forcing us to emigrate to the western coast of Africa. That +Africa is neither our nation nor home, a due respect to the good sense +of the community forbids us to attempt to prove; that our language, +habits, manners, morals and religion are all different from those of +Africans, is a fact too notorious to admit of controversy. Why then are +we called upon to go and settle in a country where we must necessarily +be and remain a distinct people, having no common interest with the +numerous inhabitants of that vast and extensive country? Experience has +proved beyond a doubt, that the climate is such as not to suit the +constitutions of the inhabitants of this country; the fevers and +various diseases incident to that tropical clime, are such as in most +cases to bid defiance to the force of medicine. + +The very numerous instances of mortality amongst the emigrants who have +been induced to leave this their native, for their adopted country, +clearly demonstrate the fallacy of those statements so frequently made +by the advocates of colonization in regard to the healthiness of +Liberia. + +With the deepest regret we have witnessed such an immense sacrifice of +life, in advancing a cause which cannot promise the least advantage to +the free people of color, who, it was said, were the primary objects to +be benefitted by this 'heaven-born enterprise.' But we beg leave most +respectfully to ask the friends of African colonization, whether their +christian benevolence cannot in this country be equally as +advantageously applied, if they are actuated by that disinterested +spirit of love and friendship for us, which they profess? Have not they +in the United States a field sufficiently extensive to show it in? There +is embosomed within this republic, rising one million free people of +color, the greater part of whom are unable to read even the sacred +scriptures. Is not their ignorant and degraded situation worthy of the +consideration of those enlightened and christian individuals, whose zeal +for the cause of the African race has induced them to attempt the +establishment of a republican form of government amid the burning sands +of Liberia, and the evangelizing of the millions of the Mahometans and +pagans that inhabit the interior of that extensive country? + +We are constrained to believe that the welfare of the people of color, +to say the least, is but a secondary consideration with those engaged in +the colonization project. Or why should we be requested to move to +Africa, and thus separated from all we hold dear in a moral point of +view, before their christian benevolence can be exercised in our behalf? +Surely there is no country of which we have any knowledge, that offers +greater facilities for the improvement of the unlearned; or where +benevolent and philanthropic individuals can find a people, whose +situation has greater claims on their christian sympathies, than the +people of color. But whilst we behold a settled determination on the +part of the American Colonization Society to remove us to Liberia, +without using any means to better our condition at home, we are +compelled to look with fearful diffidence on every measure of that +institution. At a meeting held on the 7th inst. in this borough, the +people of color were politely invited to attend, the object of which was +to induce the most respectable part of them to emigrate. The meeting was +addressed by several reverend gentlemen, and very flattering accounts +given on the authority of letters and statements said to have been +received from individuals of unquestionable veracity. But we beg leave +to say, that those statements differ so widely from letters that we have +seen of recent date from the colony, in regard to the condition and +circumstances of the colonists, that we are compelled in truth to say +that we cannot reconcile such contradictory statements, and are +therefore inclined to doubt the former, as they appear to have been +prepared to present to the public, for the purpose of enlisting the +feelings of our white friends into the measure, and of inducing the +enterprising part of the colored community to emigrate at their own +expense. That we are in this country a degraded people, we are truly +sensible; that our forlorn situation is not attributable to ourselves is +admitted by the most ardent friends of colonization; and that our +condition cannot be bettered by removing the most exemplary individuals +of color from amongst us, we are well convinced, from the consideration +that in the same ratio that the industrious part would emigrate, in the +same proportion those who would remain would become more degraded, +wretched and miserable, and consequently less capable of appreciating +the many opportunities which are now offering for the moral and +intellectual improvement of our brethren. We, therefore, a portion of +those who are the objects of this plan, and amongst those whose +happiness, with that of others of our color, it is intended to promote, +respectfully but firmly disclaim every connexion with it, and declare +our settled determination not to participate in any part of it. + +But if this plan is intended to facilitate the emancipation of those who +are held in slavery in the South, and the melioration of their +condition, by sending them to Liberia; we question very much whether it +is calculated to do either. That the emancipation of slaves has been +measurably impeded through its influence, except where they have been +given up to the Board of Managers, to be colonized in Africa, to us is +manifest. And when we contemplate their uneducated and vitiated state, +destitute of the arts and unaccustomed to provide even for themselves, +we are inevitably led to the conclusion that their situation in that +pestilential country will be miserable in the extreme. + +The present period is one of deep and increasing interest to the free +people of color, relieved from the miseries of slavery and its +concomitant evils, with the vast and (to us) unexplored field of +literature and science before us, surrounded by many friends whose +sympathies and charities need not the Atlantic between us and them, +before they can consent to assist in elevating our brethren to the +standing of men. We therefore particularly invite their attention to +the subject of education and improvement; sensible that it is much +better calculated to remove prejudice, and exalt our moral character, +than any system of colonization that has been or can be introduced; and +in which we believe we shall have the co-operation of the wisest and +most philanthropic individuals of which the nation can boast. The +utility of learning and its salutary effects on the minds and morals of +a people, cannot have escaped the notice of any rational individual +situated in a country like this, where in order successfully to +prosecute any mechanical or other business, education is indispensable. +Our highest moral ambition, at present, should be to acquire for our +children a liberal education, give them mechanical trades, and thus fit +and prepare them for useful and respectable citizens; and leave the +evangelizing of Africa, and the establishing of a republic at Liberia, +to those who conceive themselves able to demonstrate the practicability +of its accomplishment by means of a people, numbers of whom are more +ignorant than even the natives of that country themselves. + +In conclusion, we feel it a pleasing duty ever to cherish a grateful +respect for those benevolent and truly philanthropic individuals, who +have advocated, and still are advocating our rights in our native +country. Their indefatigable zeal in the cause of the oppressed will +never be forgotten by us, and unborn millions will bless their names in +the day when the all-wise Creator, in whom we trust, shall have bidden +oppression to cease. + + ABRAHAM D. SHAD, } + PETER SPENCER, } Committee to prepare + WM. S. THOMAS, } an Address. + + +A VOICE FROM HARRISBURG. + + HARRISBURG, Pa., October, 1831. + +At a large, well informed and respectable meeting of the citizens of +Harrisburg, convened at the African Wesleyan Methodist church, for the +purpose of expressing their sentiments in a remonstrance against the +proceedings of the American Colonization Society, Rev. Jacob D. +Richardson was called to the chair, and Jacob G. Williams appointed +secretary. After singing and prayer, Rev. Mr Richardson in some concise +remarks,--equalled by few, and exceeded by none,--expressed the object +of the meeting. The chairman called the house to order, and the +following resolutions were unanimously acceded to: + +Resolved, That we hold these truths to be self-evident, (and it is the +boasted declaration of our independence) that all men (black and white, +poor and rich) are born free and equal; that they are endowed by their +Creator with certain inalienable rights; that among these are life, +liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. This is the language of America, +of reason, and of eternal truth. + +Resolved, That we feel it to be our duty to be true to the constitution +of our country, and are satisfied with the form of government under +which we now live; and, moreover, that we are bound in duty and reason +to protect it against foreign invasion. We always have done so, and will +do so still. + +Resolved, That we view the efforts of the Colonization Society as +officious and uncalled for by us. We have never done any thing worthy of +banishment from our friends and home: but this we would say--if the +Colonization Society will use their best endeavors to get our slave +brethren transported to Liberia, when we as a free body of people wish +to go, we will give the colonizationists timely notice. + +Resolved, That it is the firm and decided opinion of this meeting, that +were there no free people of color among us, or if those who are free +had remained in the degraded character of slaves, (or, as they sometimes +call us, monkeys, apes and baboons,) they would never have got up the +chimerical scheme for our transportation to the burning shores of +Africa, with the fancied vision of elevating us, as they say, to dignity +and affluence. + +Resolved, That we cannot remain inactive while colonizationists are +straining every nerve and racking their inventions to find out arguments +to persuade our free colored brethren to migrate to an unknown land, +which we can no more lay claim to than our white brethren can to England +or any other foreign country. + +Resolved, That we reject the inhuman and unchristian measures taken by +the Colonization Society, for the illumination of the colored citizens +of the United States, their appropriate home, in a land of sickness, +affliction and death, when they are not willing, with few exceptions, to +give us a christian education while among them. We would wish to know of +the colonizationists, how, in the name of common sense and reason, do +they expect to do any thing for us thousands of miles across the +Atlantic, when they oppose almost every measure taken by our white +friends and brethren to improve our condition here? + +Resolved, That it is the united opinion of this meeting, that the +enemies of our race, who are members of the Colonization Society, see +that the great Author of universal existence, who 'is no respecter of +persons,' who taught Balaam's ass to speak, and taught Solomon wisdom, +is now enlightening the sable sons of America: hence their object to +drain the country of the most enlightened part of our colored brethren, +so that they may be more able to hold their slaves in bondage and +ignorance. + +Resolved, That we object to leaving the land of our birth, as there is +sufficient land in these United States, on which a colony can be +established that would be far more consonant to the wishes of the +colored population generally, and would be more adapted to their +constitution: neither would it involve the country in such expense as +would be incurred by sending them to a howling wilderness, far away from +the graves of their forefathers, unknown to us in every respect, unless +by geography, which few of us understand. + +Resolved, That this meeting look upon the Colonization Society as a +vicious, nefarious and peace-disturbing combination, and that its +leaders might as well essay to cure a wound with an argument, or set a +dislocated bone by a lecture on logic, as to tell us their object is to +better our condition; because its members acknowledge slavery to be a +national evil, and use no means to annihilate it, but are exerting all +their energies and influence to persuade the free people of color to +remove to Africa, whose rights to Columbia's happy soil holds good with +any other citizen in America. + +Resolved, That we look upon the conduct of those clergymen who have +misled their respective congregations with the preposterous idea of the +necessity of transporting the free people of color to Africa, as highly +deserving the just reprehension directed to the false priests and +prophets by the true prophets of the Most High; yet we gratefully +acknowledge the respect we entertain for those who have defended our +cause--we mean our white friends. + +Resolved, That this meeting appoint Mr George Chester of Harrisburg, as +agent for the Liberator, and will use our utmost endeavors to get +subscribers for the same. + +Resolved, That we will support the Colony in Canada, the climate being +healthy and the rights of our brethren secured. + +Resolved, That the gratitude of this meeting, which is so sensibly felt, +be fully expressed to the Editors of the Liberator and Genius of +Universal Emancipation, Messrs Garrison and Lundy, whose independence of +mind and correct views of the rights of man have led them so intrepidly +to speak in favor of our cause. + +Resolved, That the proceedings of this meeting be signed by the Chairman +and Secretary, and sent to the Liberator for publication. + + JACOB D. RICHARDSON, Chairman. + +JACOB G. WILLIAMS, Secretary. + + +A VOICE FROM ROCHESTER. + + ROCHESTER, N. Y., October, 1831. + +A large number of the colored citizens of Rochester having convened +themselves together, for the important object of taking into +consideration the anti-republican principles of the American +Colonization Society, the Rev. Mr Johnson was called to the chair, and +Mr A. Lawrence was appointed secretary. + +The meeting was then briefly addressed by the secretary as follows: + +Countrymen and Brothers--When viewing the inhumanity and anti-christian +principles of the American Colonization Society, in plotting our removal +to Africa, (which is unknown to us as our native country,) it seems as +though we were called upon publicly to express our feelings on the +subject. We do not consider Africa to be our home, any more than the +present whites do England, Scotland, or Ireland. This is the land our +fathers have tilled before us; this is the land that gave us our +birthright.--The meeting then + +Resolved, That we never will remove to Africa; but should any of our +brethren wish to emigrate, we would recommend Canada as a country far +more congenial to our constitutions;--that we give our most sincere +thanks to our friendly advocates Messrs Garrison and Knapp, and Mr +Benjamin Lundy, who are crying unto their fellow men, night and day, to +let their countrymen go free: they will be called blessed by many +generations yet to come. The Colonization Society say that they cannot +treat us as men while we are with them; but if we will go out of their +reach, they will begin their charity. What should we think of such +religion as this? Because our skin is a little darker than theirs, they +say they cannot think of treating us as men. The scripture says, 'Beware +of wolves in sheep's clothing'--and such they seem to be. We earnestly +believe, with our generous friend Garrison, that it would not be a hard +matter to exceed them in doing right. Our blessed Lord said, that we +should do to all men as we would have them do to us. Now what would they +think, if we should tell them that they would be better off in New +Holland or in Tartary? + +Resolved, That we will do all in our power to support the Liberator, +printed by Mr Garrison, and all other works in our behalf. + +Resolved, That the foregoing proceedings be published in the Liberator. + + HENRY JOHNSON, Chairman. + +A. LAWRENCE, Secretary. + + +A VOICE FROM PROVIDENCE. + + PROVIDENCE, November 1, 1831. + +At a respectable meeting of the colored people of Providence, R. I., +duly appointed and publicly holden at the African church, on the 31st of +October, 1831, to take into consideration the objects and motives of the +American Colonization Society, Mr George C. Willis was called to the +chair, and Mr Alfred Niger appointed secretary. The meeting was then +addressed at some length by the chairman, stating their object in +assembling together, and exposing the injustice and prejudice by which +he believed the friends of African colonization were actuated. The +following preamble and resolutions were read by the secretary, and +unanimously adopted: + +Whereas our brethren, in different parts of the United States, have +thought proper to call meetings to express their disapprobation of the +American Colonization Society; we, concurring fully with them in +opinion, have assembled ourselves together for the purpose of uniting +with them, in declaring that we believe the operations of the Society +have been unchristian and anti-republican, and at variance with our best +interests as a people. Therefore, + +Resolved, That we will use every fair and honorable means in our power, +to oppose the operations of the above mentioned Society. + +Resolved, That we are truly sensible that we are in this country a +degraded and ignorant people; but that our ignorance and degradation are +not to be attributed to the inferiority of our natural abilities, but to +the oppressive treatment we have experienced from the whites in general, +and to the prejudice excited against us by the members of the +Colonization Society, their aiders and abettors. + +Resolved, That we view, with unfeigned astonishment, the anti-christian +and inconsistent conduct of those who so strenuously advocate our +removal from this our native country to the burning shores of Liberia, +and who with the same breath contend against the cruelty and injustice +of Georgia in her attempt to remove the Cherokee Indians west of the +Mississippi. + +Resolved, That we firmly believe, from the recent measures adopted by +the freemen of the city of New Haven, in regard to the establishment of +a College for our education in that place, that the principal object of +the friends of African colonization is to oppose our education and +consequent elevation here, as it will deprive them of one of their +principal arguments for our removal. + +Resolved, That as our fathers participated with the whites in their +struggle for liberty and independence, and believing with the +Declaration of that Independence, 'that all men are created free and +equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable +rights, among which are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness;' +and as we have committed no crime worthy of banishment--Therefore + +Resolved, That we will not leave our homes, nor the graves of our +fathers, and this boasted land of liberty and christian philanthropy. + +Resolved, That, our unfeigned and sincere thanks be tendered to Messrs +Garrison and Knapp, and to every true friend to our cause, for their +unwearied and truly benevolent exertions in our behalf. + +Resolved, That we will earnestly recommend the Liberator, published in +Boston by the above mentioned gentlemen, to the patronage of our friends +throughout the country. + +Resolved, That the proceedings of this meeting be signed by the Chairman +and Secretary, and sent to Boston, with the request that they may be +published in the Liberator. + + GEORGE C. WILLIS, Chairman. + +ALFRED NIGER, Secretary. + + +A VOICE FROM TRENTON. + + TRENTON, November 30, 1831. + +At a respectable meeting of the free people of color in Trenton, +convened in the Mount Zion church, November 30, 1831, for the purpose of +considering the subject of colonization on the coast of Africa--On +motion, the Rev. Lewis Cork was called to the chair, and Abner H. +Francis appointed secretary. The meeting was addressed by Messrs +Gardener and Thompson; after which, the following resolutions were +unanimously adopted. + +Resolved, Inasmuch as we, free people of color, have done all that is in +our power to convince the white inhabitants of these United States, that +it is our wish to live peaceably with all men; and inasmuch as our +general demeanor has been that of industry and sobriety, notwithstanding +there are some among us to the contrary, as well as among the whites; +therefore we do most solemnly declare, that the statements made to the +contrary by the Rev. Mr Crosby, in his late addresses in this city, and +all statements by petitioners to legislative bodies, and by the +Colonization Society, or any thing of the same nature, are a positive +libel on our general character. + +Resolved, Whereas we have lived peaceably and quietly in these United +States, of which we are natives, and have never been the cause of any +insurrectionary or tumultuous movements as a body, that we do view every +measure taken by any associated bodies to remove us to other climes, +anti-christian and hostile to our peace, and a violation of the laws of +humanity. + +Resolved, That if, in the opinion of government, our stay or liberty can +no longer be granted in the States in which we live, we see nothing +contrary to the constitution of these United States, or to christianity, +justice, reason or humanity, in granting us a portion of the Western +territory, as a state, with the same franchise as that of Pennsylvania, +New Jersey, or any other free State; for we challenge the Union to prove +that, as free men, we have ever given the least ground for the +uncharitable censures that have been cast upon us. + +Resolved, That we view the American Colonization Society as the most +inveterate foe both to the free and slave man of color; forasmuch as the +agents thereof, and its members who have petitioned the several +legislatures, have unequivocally declared its object, to wit, the +extermination of the free people of color from the Union; and to effect +this they have not failed to slander our character, by representing us +as a vagrant race; and we do therefore disclaim all union with the said +Society, and, once for all, declare that we never will remove under +their patronage; neither do we consider it expedient to emigrate any +where, but to remain in the land and see the salvation of God. +Nevertheless, if any of our brethren should be compelled or see proper +to emigrate, we would recommend to them Upper Canada or Mexico. + +Resolved, That we view with the highest emotion of gratitude, the +benevolence of Great Britain and that of the Canada Company, in +affording an asylum in the Wilberforce settlement, in Upper Canada, for +our oppressed brethren of the South, who have been or may be forced, by +unconstitutional laws, to leave their rightful home and place of +nativity, without any cause except that of having a dark skin. + +Resolved, That this meeting approve the establishment of a college, as +recommended by the Annual Convention held in Philadelphia last June, and +that we give all possible aid to that institution. + +Resolved, That we view the Liberator, edited by William Lloyd Garrison, +as a great herald in the cause of liberty, and that we recommend to the +colored citizens of Trenton the utility of subscribing to the above +named paper. + +Resolved, That there be a committee of three appointed to draft an +address more expressive of our views on the above subject. + +Resolved, That the following persons compose that committee--Sampson +Peters, Robert Thomas, George Cole. + + LEWIS CORK, Chairman. + +ABNER H. FRANCIS, Secretary. + + +ADDRESS. + +We, the undersigned, in conformity to the above appointment, beg leave +to present to the public, in a calm, unprejudiced manner, our decided +disapprobation of the American Colonization Society and its auxiliaries, +in relation to the people of color in the United States. We are well +convinced, from the mass that has been written on the above subject by +those who have preceded us, that it will be difficult to avoid +repetition; nevertheless; we hope to touch some points which have not +been fairly understood by that Society. They have supposed that our +objections are to civilizing and evangelizing Africa; but we beg leave +to say, that it is an error. We are well aware, that there is no surer +way to effect this great object than to plant among the heathen, +colonies of Christian missionaries. We wish, therefore, to be +understood, that we highly approve of the evangelizing of Africa, but +disapprove of the present measures of the American Colonization Society, +if their motives have not been misrepresented by their agents and +others, in some previous addresses in this city and elsewhere. But +viewing them as we now do, we must say that, in our opinion, their false +representations of our general character--their recommending our removal +from our native land--their opposition to our having a part of the West +appointed to us--their objections to our proposed college, and of our +march to science--their false statements in relation to the health of +the colony at Liberia, with a variety of other subjects of the same +nature--all lead to a conclusion, that it is our greatest foe. + +We would here ask the public a few questions. First--Is the gospel of +Jesus Christ calculated to lead to insurrectionary measures? If so, why +then send it to the heathen? Second--What gentleman, who has set his +slaves free, has been murdered by them for so doing? Third--What have +those States, who have washed their hands clean of the cursed stain of +slavery, lost by it? Fourth--What neighborhood, where education and +general information have been disseminated among the people of color, is +the worse for it? + +In closing our remarks, we would say, that we do think that the subjects +looked to by the Colonization Society, to civilize Africa, are +incompetent; for we do suppose that men selected for such an important +enterprise, should be men of deed and sound piety--men of regular and +industrious habits, of scientific knowledge and general experience: that +such men can be obtained, we have no doubt; and if there cannot, let us +first prepare some in this country. + + SAMPSON PETERS, } + ROBERT THOMAS, } Committee. + GEORGE COLE, } + + +A VOICE FROM LYME. + + LYME, Ct., January 9, 1832. + +At a respectable meeting of the colored citizens of this place, held +pursuant to public notice--Mr Luther Wright was called to the chair, and +Mr Daniel R. Condol appointed secretary. + +After some animated remarks by Messrs Wright and Condol, it was + +Resolved, That it is the sincere opinion of this meeting, that the +American Colonization Society is one of the wildest projects ever +patronised by a body of enlightened men; and further, that many of those +who support it would be willing, if it were in their power, to drive us +out of existence. + +Resolved, That though we be last in calling a meeting, we feel no less +the pernicious influence of this Society than the rest of our brethren; +and that we will resist every attempt to banish us from this our native +land. + +Resolved, That we place unshaken reliance upon the promises of Jehovah, +and believe that he will take our reproach away, and give freedom to +those who are held in captivity. + +Resolved, That we are not for insurrection, but for peace, freedom and +equality. + +Resolved, That the thanks of this meeting be rendered to Messrs Garrison +and Knapp, for their benevolent exertions in behalf of the oppressed +descendants of Africa; and that they be requested to insert these +proceedings in the Liberator. + + LUTHER WRIGHT, Chairman. + +DANIEL R. CONDOL, Secretary. + + +A VOICE PROM LEWISTOWN. + + LEWISTOWN, Pa., January 9, 1832. + +At a numerous meeting held by the free people of color of the borough of +Lewistown, in the African Methodist Episcopal church, Samuel Johnston +was called to the chair, and Martin Johnston appointed secretary. The +following resolutions were then read, and unanimously adopted: + +Resolved, That we will not leave these United States, the land of our +birth, for a home in Africa. + +Resolved, That we will strenuously oppose the colonizing of the free +people of color in Liberia. + +Resolved, That we are willing to emigrate to any part of the United +States which may be granted to us. + +Resolved, That we will support the Liberator, a paper published in +Boston, edited by William Lloyd Garrison; and also the colony in Upper +Canada as an asylum for our oppressed brethren. + +Resolved, That a committee be appointed to prepare an address to be +published in the Liberator. + +Resolved, That the proceedings of this meeting be signed by the Chairman +and Secretary, and forwarded to the editor of the Liberator for +publication. + + SAMUEL JOHNSTON, Chairman. + +MARTIN JOHNSTON, Secretary. + + +ADDRESS. + +We, the undersigned, in conformity to the above appointment, beg leave +to present to the public, in a calm and unprejudiced manner, our reasons +for opposing the scheme of African colonization. This is the land of our +birth. The Declaration of Independence declares, that 'all men are born +free and equal:' it does not say that the _white_ man or the _black_ man +is free,--but all, without respect to color, tongues, or nation. We +therefore consider all laws to enslave or degrade the people of color as +contrary to the letter and spirit of this Declaration; and that +according to it we are freemen, and have as indisputable a right to +enjoy our liberty as any white man. To deny it to us, because we differ +in color, is oppression. To say that Africa is our native country is +untrue. Here we were born, and here we mean to die; for all men are born +free. + +We wish to return our grateful thanks to our friends, and to the friends +of the abolition of slavery. We consider slavery a national sin, which, +if not speedily overthrown, will cause this nation to mourn and weep; +for God has declared that Ethiopia shall stretch forth her hands unto +him, and he will hear her cry. + +We would say to colonizationists that we consider them our foes instead +of our friends. It is vain for them to say that we would do better in +Liberia; for we do not believe it. There is room enough in this country +for us; and if they be our friends, let them meliorate our condition +here. Let them join in the work of immediate abolition of slavery. Let +them wash out the stains which disfigure the national character. And +then let them tell us about Liberia. + +One reason why we are opposed to leaving these United States is this: +you have so long denied us the enjoyment and protection of the laws of +God and man in this country, that you wish now to oppress us still more. +But thanks be to Him who holds all things in his hand, we believe He +will plead our cause. Your skirts are already dyed with the blood of +millions of souls. 'Vengeance is mine--I will repay,' saith the Lord. + +Awake, ye wolves in sheep's clothing. Your cup is now full. You are +daily causing innocent blood to be shed. How long, ye slavites, ye +kidnappers, ye that traffic in human flesh, will you sleep? When will +you awake to your best interests? For remember that you will not always +be able to hold your victims in servile chains. + + J. G. SMITH, } + M. WALKER, } Committee. + M. JOHNSTON, } + + +A VOICE FROM NEW-BEDFORD. + + NEW-BEDFORD, January 23, 1832. + +At a meeting of the people of color in New-Bedford, January 23d, for the +purpose of considering and giving their opinion of the American +Colonization Society, and the actual evil or benefit of that Society to +the objects of its supervision, the free people of color, Mr Richard +Johnson was called to the chair, and Richard G. Overing appointed +secretary. After an address from the chair, it was moved that +resolutions expressive of the views of the meeting, respecting the +Colonization Society, be drawn up, and published in some newspaper not +adverse to the rights and well being of all men, be their color what it +may. The following are the resolves of the meeting: + +Resolved, That in whatever light we view the Colonization Society, we +discover nothing in it but terror, prejudice and oppression; that the +warm and beneficent hand of philanthropy is not apparent in the system, +but the influence of the Society on public opinion is more prejudicial +to the interest and welfare of the people of color in the United States, +than slavery itself. + +Resolved, That the Society, to effect its purpose, the removal of the +free people of color, (not the slaves) through its agents, teaches the +public to believe that it is patriotic and benevolent to withhold from +us knowledge and the means of acquiring subsistence, and to look upon us +as unnatural and illegal residents in this country; and thus by force of +prejudice, if not by law, endeavor to compel us to embark for Africa, +and that too, apparently, by our own free will and consent. + +Resolved, That as great a nuisance as we may be in the estimation of +that Society, we yet have a hope in Him who has seen fit to continue our +existence through days worse than which we do not fear, and which +emboldens us as peaceable citizens, to resolve to abide the issue of +coming days in our native land, in which we ask no more than the age in +which we live demands, and which this nation, as republicans and +christians, should not refuse to grant. + +Signed in behalf of the meeting. + + RICHARD JOHNSON, Chairman. + +R. G. OVERING, Secretary. + + +The foregoing resolutions and addresses are given in plain, it may be +occasionally in severe language; and display an intensity of feeling, a +depth of abhorrence, and a firmness of purpose, honorable to men who +appreciate their rights and love their country. Before I proceed, +however, to comment upon these important proceedings, I shall make some +quotations from the essays and addresses of colored writers, in order to +sustain my assertion that the American Colonization Society is directly +opposed to the wishes of our free colored population. + +'A COLORED BALTIMOREAN'[AH] records his sentiments in the following +style: + + 'We believe, sirs, that the people of color in the United States + will never be prevailed over to abandon the land of their birth, + and every thing vernacular with them--to forego many advantages + which they now possess, and many more which they have in + prospect, for the imaginary, or if real, the fleeting and + short-lived honors held out to them by our "Americo-African + empire." Why should we exchange a temperate and salubrious + climate, adapted to our constitutions as Americans, for one, to + us, fraught with disease and death? Why should we leave a land + in which the arts and sciences are flourishing, and which is + beginning to yield to our research, for one, where the + irradiating beams of the sun of science have yet to be announced + by the bright star of hope? Why should we leave a land + illuminated with the blaze of gospel light, for one enshrouded + in pagan gloom? Why should we, who are in tolerable + circumstances in America, who enjoy many of the comforts of + life, and are evidently on the advanced march of mind, cast away + these certain, real, and growing advantages, for those which are + precarious and chimerical? Why should we abandon our firesides, + and every thing associated with the dear name of _home_--undergo + the fatigues of a perilous voyage, and expose ourselves, our + wives, and our little ones, to the deleterious influences of an + uncongenial sun, for the enjoyment of a liberty divested of its + usual accompaniments, surrounded with circumstances which + diminish its intrinsic value, and render it indeed "a dear + earned morsel"? * * * * * * + + 'But "it is the hope of accomplishing the entire subversion of + the slave trade and Mahometan superstition, and all their + subsidiary concomitants, that has actuated the Christian and + stimulated the philanthropist." Noble objects indeed! And who + are those christians and philanthropists? Our friend tells us, + without distinction, that they are "those noble and heroic men + who have enlisted under the banner of colonization." But how + happens it that some of the most distinguished of these + _christians_ and _philanthropists_ are themselves slaveholders, + and so far abettors of the _slave trade_ as to be actually + guilty of selling into a cruel and interminable vassalage the + hapless victims of their tender mercies? Again, how is it that + none but the free people of color have been chosen to evangelize + Africa? Is it because they are under an exclusive moral + obligation to dispel the "gloom of Mahometan superstition?" Is + it because they are pre-eminently qualified in point of morals + and information for the missionary enterprise? None will say + this. Perhaps we shall be told, that the identity of their color + gives them a decided advantage over every other people. But how + is it that those wicked white men, who are in the habit of + resorting thither for the most nefarious purposes, have access + to these people? And we have not forgotten that during the visit + of the Rev. G. R. McGill, in Baltimore, he informed us that + colored men from the United States, being thought by the natives + to be men of information, are received and treated as white men, + and denominated by the same epithet. Since then it does not + appear that we are pre-eminently qualified for this work, why + should it be pressed upon us? * * * * + + 'Tell us not that the Sovereign Ruler of the universe, who is + not a respecter of persons, whose "tender mercies are over all + his works," will _never_ elevate us to the dignity of men and + christians, unless we emigrate to Africa. Tell us not that in + this _christian_ country, this "land of the free and home of the + brave," we must _for ever_ remain a degraded and proscribed + race--that we must _for ever_ be treated as the outcasts of + creation. We are aware that this doctrine has been asserted with + all the confidence of inspiration by _some_ of our gospel + ministers. We have heard them proclaim it in a tone calculated + to strengthen the prejudices existing against us. They seem to + forget that there is a superintending providence--that He, who + "sits upon the whirlwind and directs the storm," has ever + manifested himself a friend to the oppressed of every clime. + They seem to forget that the religion of Jesus, wherever it + reigns with unrestrained sway, demolishes every partition wall, + and exterminates out of the heart all those bitter prejudices + which impede the march of the Messiah's kingdom. We should like + to have these prophets give us their ideas in relation to the + millennial reign of Christ. We should like to have them inform + us whether or not the general prejudices and their inseparable + accompaniments, which now lie upon, and operate against us, on + account of our color, will be consistent with this glorious + reign of _peace_, and _love_, and _joy_. Let these ministers + consider that much of our degradation is chargeable to the + indifference (to say the least) that they manifest in regard to + our situation--that if they as patterns of piety hold us at a + distance, it is but natural for the inconsiderate to follow + their example. Let them recollect that while they are making + powerful and irresistible appeals to the humanity of the + American people in behalf of the oppressed of other climes, they + have a people among them whose claims upon their liberality are + paramount to those of any other. Let these ministers tell us how + often they make it their business to visit those portions of + their flocks whose crime is, their color. Nay, one of them said + not long since, to be familiar with the people of color would + destroy his _usefulness_ among the whites. But whether they do + their duty in relation to us or not, we indulge in no fears in + regard to our future condition. We are not distrustful of the + goodness and power of Him who has overruled the evil designs of + those men that first tore our ancestors from their native + shores, who is still overruling, and who will continue to + overrule the designs of all who would treat us as the + offscouring of the earth, because our Creator has not given us a + color as white as their own. If ever there was a people who + could look up to Heaven with unshaken confidence for protection, + it is that people whose sufferings are not the consequences of + their crimes; it is that people whose misfortunes work in them + the graces of faith, patience and hope. And why should we not + cherish these invaluable graces? We are told by high authority, + that "_all things_ shall work together _for good_ to them that + love God"--that "He will give grace and glory, and _no good + thing_ will He _withhold_ from them that walk uprightly." You + see, sirs, we have one straight forward course to pursue--one + marked out by the hand of unerring wisdom. This course we intend + to pursue, without giving ourselves any uneasiness as to the + issue; this we leave to Him who has the administration of the + universe in his hands, and who has declared for our + encouragement, "even the very hairs of your head are all + numbered." Tell us not of the wisdom, and power, and number of + our enemies; He who has given us a hope, which at least makes + our condition tolerable, will say to them, as He did to the + tempestuous billows, "Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further; + and here shall thy proud waves be stayed."' + + * * * * * * * * * + + 'What effect have the evils of slavery in this _happy_ land upon + the mind of the liberal, the unprejudiced, and philanthropic + Lafayette? + + 'Hear him, he will speak for himself: "When I am indulging in my + views of American prospects and American liberty, it is + mortifying to be told that in that very country a large portion + of the people are slaves. It is a dark spot on the face of the + nation. _Such a state of things cannot always exist._" It was a + sight of the evils alluded to, and their inseparable + concomitants, that extorted from the pen of Mr Jefferson that + comprehensive and soul-thrilling sentence--"I tremble for my + country when I reflect that God is just, and that his justice + cannot sleep for ever." But may we not indulge the hope that + the evils spoken of will yet awaken the sympathies of the + American people--soften their cruel prejudices--arouse their + slumbering energies--and produce in them an unconquerable + determination to wash from their "stars and stripes" one of the + blackest spots that ever cursed the globe, or stained the + historic page? Shall we be told that _invincible_ prejudices + render this great desideratum impracticable? And what is this + but a libel upon the American people? What is it but to say, + there is in them a moral incapacity to do justice, love mercy, + and walk uprightly? Colonization orators, designing politicians, + ministers of Jesus, tell me, how can you thus libel your + countrymen? Surely, there is a regenerating, a redeeming spirit + in the land--a spirit transforming misanthropes into + philanthropists--bondmen into freemen--abettors of slavery into + champions of liberty--a spirit that will yet drive from America + the demon of slavery, and render it indeed "the land of the free + and the home of the brave."'[AI] + + * * * * * * * * + + 'I have just found time to notice a few very exceptionable + features of a communication over the signature of "A + Marylander," published, a few days ago, in the American of our + city. The writer is unquestionably entitled to the credit of + being a thorough-going colonizationist. He writes in the _true + spirit_ of the cause. He seems to be under an excitement + produced by the publication of our anti-colonization + resolutions. This being the case, it is not to be expected that + he would, throughout his communication, avail himself of the + guarded, accommodating, and conciliating language usual with + colonization writers and declaimers. After being convinced that + the people of color are not to be persuaded to leave the land of + their birth, and every thing vernacular with them, for "regions" + which he tells us are "now dark as the valley of the shadow of + death," he says, "I would propose then that Maryland should + colonize her own free blacks." He does not add the usual + qualification, "_with their own consent_:" he knows this will + never be obtained. He therefore says: "I earnestly _hope_ that + the time _is now_ come when our state will wake up to all the + importance of this subject, and will instantly commence _a + system of measures_ imperatively demanded by the _sternest_ + principles [colonization principles?] of _sound_ policy." We + would tell this precocious statesman that we are not to be + intimidated into colonization "_measures_" by the angry + effusions of his illiberal soul; that we had rather die in + Maryland under the pressure of unrighteous and cruel laws than + be driven, like cattle, to the pestilential clime of Liberia, + where grievous privation, inevitable disease, and premature + death, await us in all their horrors. We are emboldened thus to + speak, not from a reliance on the mere arm of flesh; no--it is + the righteousness of our cause, a knowledge of the attributes of + Deity, combined with a consciousness of innocence under + suffering, that have inspired us with a moral courage which no + oppression shall shake, no fulminations overawe. Our limits will + not permit us to expatiate, at this time, on the import of the + terms, "_a system of measures--the sternest principles_," &c. We + would barely remark that the climax of injustice and cruelty, + here suggested, nay, recommended, is the legitimate fruit of the + operations of the American colonization societies relative to + the free people of color. We have always believed that the + "_system of measures_" here recommended, would be the dernier + resort of these _christian_ associations. The unmerited abuse, + that has been so unsparingly heaped upon us by colonizationists + for expressing our opinions of their project as connected with + our happiness, their manifest determination to effectuate their + object regardless of our consent, abundantly corroborate the + opinion we have long since entertained. We turn, however, from + the contemplation of the persecution and oppression, which, it + seems, are in reserve for us, to notice, briefly, the moving + cause of this virulent and relentless attack upon our rights and + happiness. "The _census just taken_," says A Marylander, + "_admonishes_ us in the strongest manner, of the necessity of + prompt and efficient measures to drain off this description of + our population." Here then is the _patriotic_, the _benevolent_, + the _christian_ principle, by which the colonization societies, + throughout our land, are actuated. This is the selfish policy of + which we complain, and which should be execrated by all _true_ + patriots, philanthropists, and christians. Our increase is + represented as an "_alarming evil--an evil_," said one of our + colonization orators in the pulpit, not long since, "which + _threatens_ our very _existence_." Now, if all this be true, how + can they, on their own principles, say we can _never_ be a + people in this country? Surely, they are taking effectual steps + to convince us, that the enjoyment of our rights in this, our + native land, is not only possible, but highly probable. This we + have always believed. And we hope and pray, that it may be + accomplished in a way sanctioned by the gospel of peace: + "without confused noise, or garments rolled in blood." But this + glorious victory over pride and prejudice, by gospel weapons, + will never be accomplished by colonization principles. Nor will + those ministers of the gospel have any part or lot in this + matter, who solemnly declare, in the face of heaven and earth, + that we can _never enjoy, in this country_, those inalienable + rights of man, whose inviolable preservation promotes the + welfare of the whole human family. Such ministers virtually + declare that they do not believe the doctrines they are bound to + preach; that He, from whom they profess to have received their + commission, is, indeed, "a hard man, reaping where he has not + sown, and gathering where he has not strawed;" that He requires + of them and their flocks, that which they are morally incapable + of performing; that they _cannot_ love their neighbor as + themselves, or do unto others what they wish done unto + themselves, because their Lord, in his wisdom, has given some of + their fellow creatures a different color from their own. These + temporising, retrograde reformers are doing a serious injury to + the people of color. They heed not the warning of Heaven: "Do my + people no harm." They are doing more to strengthen the cruel and + unchristian prejudices, already too powerful against us, than + all the slaveholders in the Union. They hesitate not to declare, + that, in America, we are out of the reach of humanity. They seem + to think that the religion of the benevolent Saviour which + enjoins, "_honor all men_," and which explicitly says, "if ye + have _respect to persons_, ye _commit sin_," is nothing more + than a dead letter, or must _for ever_ remain powerless, in the + United States of America. And have these men the face to contend + with the infidels of our land? Why, one infidel, with the bible + in his hands, would "chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand + to flight." But notwithstanding these discouraging + circumstances, our cause will yet triumph. He who is for us, is + stronger than all that are against us. "The rulers" of the land + may "take counsel together," and some of the professed ministers + of Jesus may "come into their secret," but "He that sitteth in + the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision." + Fear not then, my colored countrymen, but press forward, with a + laudable ambition, for all that heaven has intended for you and + your children, remembering that the path of duty is the path of + safety, and that "righteousness" alone "exalteth a nation."' + + +If excellence of style, a dignified carriage, sound logic, a high and +abiding faith, and fervent piety, confer credit upon a writer, few have +ever better illustrated these traits than 'A COLORED BALTIMOREAN,' or +deserved a nobler tribute of praise. He who would be ashamed to +acknowledge such a man as his countryman and brother, has yet to learn +his own insignificance and what constitutes the majesty of human nature. + +The following is an extract of a letter from a colored gentleman of +wealth and respectability in Philadelphia, whose friendship is courted +by honorable men, and whose usefulness is scarcely exceeded by any other +citizen: + + 'Is it not preposterous to one, like myself, whose family has + resided in the state of Pennsylvania ever since the great + lawgiver, William Penn, came last to this state from England; + and who fought for the independence of my country, whose + Declaration asserts, that all men are born with free and equal + rights--is it not preposterous to be told that this is not my + country? I was seven months on board of the old Jersey Prison + ship in the year 1780, "the times that tried men's souls;" and + am I now to be told that Africa is my country, by some of those + whose birth-place is unknown? Is it not a contradiction to say + that a man is an alien to the country in which he was born? To + separate the blacks from the whites is as impossible, as to bale + out the Delaware with a bucket. I have always been decidedly of + opinion, that if the Colonization Society would take but half + the pains to improve the children of color in their own country, + and expend but half the money that they are devoting to + accomplish their visionary scheme of christianizing Africa, by + offering premiums to master mechanics to take them as + apprentices, they would do more to destroy prejudice than any + thing else. When I look at this globe, containing eight or nine + hundred millions of inhabitants, and see that they differ in + color from the frozen to the temperate and torrid zones, and + that every thing is variegated, I am astonished that any man + should be so prejudiced against his fellow-man; but we pray for + the aid of the Almighty to take the scales from their eyes; and + that the Liberator may be one of the instruments in commencing + the work.'[AJ] + + + 'I would ask some of our pretended white friends, and the + members of the American Colonization Society, why they are so + interested in our behalf as to want us to go to Africa? They + tell us that it is our home; that they desire to make a people + of us, which we can never be here; that they want Africa + civilized; and that we are the very persons to do it, as it is + almost impossible for any white person to exist there. I deny + it. Will some of those guardian angels of the people of color + tell me how it is that we, who were born in the same city or + state with themselves, can live any longer in Africa than they? + I consider it the most absurd assertion that any man of common + sense could make, unless it is supposed, as some have already + said, that we are void of understanding. If we had been born on + that continent, the transportation would be another matter; but + as the fact is the reverse, we consider the United States our + home, and not Africa as they wish to make us believe;--and if we + do emigrate, it will be to a place of our own choice. + + 'I would also mention to the supporters of the Colonization + Society, that if they would spend half the time and money that + they do, in educating the colored population and giving them + lands to cultivate here, and secure to them all the rights and + immunities of freemen, instead of sending them to Africa, it + would be found, in a short time, that they made as good citizens + as the whites. Their traducers would hear of fewer murders, + highway robberies, forgeries, &c. &c. being committed, than they + do at present among some of the white inhabitants of this + country.'[AK] + + + 'Colonization principles, abstractly considered, are + unobjectionable; but the means employed for their propagation, + we think, are altogether objectionable. We are deprived of our + birthright, and pointed by the colonization partisans to another + country as a home. They speak of the prejudices which exist + against us, as an insuperable hindrance to the improvement of + our situation here. We are sickened by the constant reiteration + of "_extraneous mass_," "_African inferiority_," &c. which tends + immediately to justify the slaveholder in his crime, and + increase already existing prejudice. The Colonization Society + never will effect the removal of slavery. The God of justice + will never, in my opinion, let this nation off so easily. It is + in vain to hold back. The eyes of all will ultimately be opened + to see that nothing but universal emancipation can possibly + avert impending wrath.'[AL] + + + 'How long, oh! ye boasters of freedom, will ye endeavor to + persuade us, your derided, degraded fellow countrymen, to the + belief that our interest and happiness are prized in high + estimation among you? Be it known, that we are not all such + misguided, deluded mortals as to be duped by your plans; that we + will not suffer ourselves to become so infatuated as to "hurl + reason from her throne," and succumb to your glittering, showy, + _dissimulating_ path to eminence. We spurn with contempt your + unrighteous schemes, and point the finger of derision at your + fruitless attempts. You have commenced them in a day, when + liberty, justice and equality are claimed by almost all, as + nature's rights; for behold! a beam of science, lucid as the + sun, has divinely fallen upon the lightless intellects of a + portion of that ignoble part of your fellow creatures, who have + been so long the victims of your fell injustice and inhumanity. + Would to God that conscience might subdue your malignant + prejudices. Tell us not that our condition can never be bettered + in the land of our birth: you know it not. Make but the attempt + in consecrating a portion of your time, talents and money upon + us here, and you would soon find the cause of Afric's injured + race vindicated by her descendants; and the day which now dawns + would be speedily ushered into blazing light, declaring in its + effulgence the joyful sound of Liberty--Justice--Equality, to + all mankind.'[AM] + + + 'There is much to be surprised at, little to admire, and nothing + worthy of imitation, in the "bubbles" of our friends, the + colonizationists. They have enlisted the prejudices and the + support of the wealthy and influential in their favor; they have + succeeded in sending some two or three thousand to Liberia; and + they are flattered with their partial success, and no doubt look + forward to the time when they will behold the whole of the + colored inhabitants of America, in the far distant land of + Africa. But let them not anticipate too much; they have yet one + obstacle to overcome which threatens to overthrow their + "baseless fabric;" or at any rate impede their progress. Their + proceedings have not obtained the approbation of those, whose + approbation is most needed, _the colored people themselves_. + They are most strangely mistaken if they suppose that it is an + easy matter to win them, either by _sophistry_ or _force_. The + press has begun its revolutionizing work, overturning in its + progress every thing calculated to suppress inquiry or to blind + the understanding. Already have the intrigues of the designing + been exposed, and already have the colored people set their + faces against oppression. + + 'The Colonization Society has erred in matters of _policy_; for + instead of exerting themselves to gain the confidence of the + colored people, and thus by persuasion to have rid the country + of them, they have acted in a manner calculated to disgust every + humane mind, and have rendered it an utter _impossibility_ to + remove them; and it is most fortunate for the unfortunate, that + they have detected those intriguing spirits in their _humane_ + and _charitable_ undertaking. + + 'How many hours of anguish, how much incalculable misery has been + prevented; in short, how many human beings have been saved from + an untimely grave, by the timely interposition of the PRESS! It + has said, let it be so, and it _was_ so; its thunders have been + heard, and the oppressor trembles like the earthquake: it has + overthrown, yea, totally demolished the sharp-edged sword of + the Colonization Society. + + 'Support the PRESS then, ye people of color, and the result will + be a total overthrow of all the darling schemes of the aforesaid + darling Society; it has accomplished wonders, yea, wonders + already; much more can, nay, will be done; again I say, support + the PRESS.'[AN] + + + 'The African Colonization Society declares that we the people of + color shall have no part nor lot in the free institutions of + this country. Why? Because the Creator of all--the sovereign + Ruler of the universe, who holds in his hands the destiny of + nations, thought fit and proper, in his infinite wisdom, to + tincture us with a darker hue than the paler part of community! + or, if I may say, because the lot of our predecessors happened + to be cast in the torrid zone, beneath the scorching beams of a + vertical sun! These are the objections the African Colonization + Society offer to this community to our remaining in this + country--in the land of freemen! These are the considerations + that prompt them to tell us that we the descendants of Africa + can never be men unless we abandon the land of our birth, our + homes and people, and submit to that uncongenial clime, the + barbarous regions of Africa, amidst unyielding contagion and + mortality! O, that man would remember, that knowledge and + virtue, not complexion, are the emblems that constitute the + value of human dignity! With these, we are worthy--without them, + we are unworthy. By the acts and operations of wicked men, + shielded under a cloak of religion, we the people of color are + doomed to all the miseries that the human body is able to + sustain--deprived of light, knowledge and social intercourse, by + the colonization gentlemen. With all their pretended zeal and + love of liberty, manifested towards the African race, I count + them as enemies, not friends. I do not solicit their love, nor + regard their friendship. I speak for one: I never did, and never + will court an enemy as a friend, knowingly, let him be whom he + may--let him belong to church or state, I feel the weight of + their predominant power, and the finishing blow they are about + to strike. Thus we move by them, poor and pennyless, despised + and forsaken by all; creeping through your streets, submissively + bowed down to every foot whose skin is tinctured with a lighter + hue than ours--thus we sojourn in solitude, not for our crimes + but color. + + 'I came here for the purpose of showing to this community, that + the people of color of the United States disapprove of the + African Colonization plan. They do not wish to emigrate to + Africa. These six hundred or more, that the gentleman tells you + are now waiting for a passage to Liberia, are not the free + people of color of the United States; they are, if any, the + poor, old, worn-out southern slaves, freed on the condition to + go to Africa, or die in the tracks of slavery, no more fit for + their cotton and rice fields--for the laws of those states + forbid the master, let him be possessed of all the fine feelings + that the human mind is able to contain; unless he banishes them + to some distant region, across that "mighty ocean" they speak + of, they cannot be free. According to the laws of those states, + and the basis on which the Society is built, the emancipated + slaves are not free until they stand upon the shores of Liberia. + Thus the Northern and Middle States are called upon for + donations to enable the monarch of the south to bury his slaves + in the sands of Africa; thus far, northern capital is + instrumental in parting asunder parents and children--no more to + meet, until Jehovah will stand upon the four corners of the + earth, and proclaim deliverance to the captive!--when the arm of + tyrants shall cease to sway the rod of tyranny over the heads of + their helpless children--until all creation shall vanish and + crumble into nothing. + + 'About the time of the formation of this Society, the people of + color, in different sections of the Union, took the alarm--they + thought there was something wrong in the views of that combined + body. So, the free people of color of Richmond, convened + themselves together in the state of Virginia, where the + gentleman says the African Colonization Society first + originated. They assembled themselves together for the purpose + of ascertaining each other's feelings with regard to that + combined body, and after mature reflection, they petitioned + Congress--I will give you the words of their memorial, which are + sufficient evidence to substantiate in the mind of every + rational person, that the people of color wish to remain in this + country. + + + '"At a meeting of a respectable portion of the free people of + color of the city of Richmond, on Friday, January 24, 1817, + William Bowler was appointed chairman, and Lentey Craw, + secretary. The following preamble and resolution were read, + unanimously adopted, and ordered to be printed. + + '"Whereas a Society has been formed at the seat of government, + for the purpose of colonizing, with their own consent, the free + people of color of the United States; therefore we, the free + people of color of the city of Richmond, have thought it + advisable to assemble together under the sanction of authority, + for the purpose of making a public expression of our sentiments + on a question in which we are so deeply interested. We perfectly + agree with the Society, that it is not only proper, but would + ultimately tend to the benefit and advantage of a great portion + of our suffering fellow creatures, to be colonized; but while we + thus express our approbation of a measure laudable in its + purposes, and beneficial in its designs, it may not be improper + in us to say, that we prefer being colonized in the most remote + corner of the land of our nativity, to being exiled to a foreign + country--and whereas the president and board of managers of the + said Society have been pleased to leave it to the entire + discretion of Congress to provide a suitable place for carrying + these laudable intentions into effect--Be it therefore + + '"Resolved, That we respectfully submit to the wisdom of + Congress whether it would not be an act of charity to grant us a + small portion of their territory, either on the Missouri river, + or any place that may seem to them most conducive to the public + good and our future welfare, subject, however, to such rules and + regulations as the government of the United States may think + proper to adopt." + + 'WM. BOWLER, Chairman. + + 'LENTEY CRAW, Secretary.'[AO] + + + 'The _colonization craft_ is a diabolical pursuit, which a great + part of our christian community are engaged in. Now, brethren, I + need not enlarge on this point. You that have been observing, + have already seen the trap under the bait; and although some of + our population have been foolish enough to sell their birthright + for a mess of pottage, yet I doubt whether the Colonization + Society will entrap many more. It is too bare-faced, and + contrary to all reason, to suppose, that there is any good + design in this project. If they are willing to restore + four-fold for what they have taken by false accusation, they + can do it to better advantage in the bosom of our country, than + at several thousand miles off. How would you do, brethren, if + your object was really to benefit the poor? Would you send them + into a neighboring forest, and there deal out that food which + they were famishing for? Now we stand different from beggars. + Our ancestors were stolen property, and property which belonged + to God. This is well known by our religious community; and they + find that the owner is about to detect them. Now if they can + slip away the stolen goods, by smuggling all those out of the + country, which God would be likely to make an instrument of, in + bringing them to justice, and keep the rest in ignorance; by + such means, things would go on well with them, and they would + appease their consciences by telling what great things they are + doing for the colored population and God's cause. But we + understand better how it is. The deception is not so well + practised, but that we can discover the mark of the beast. They + will steal the sons of Africa, bring them to America, keep them + and their posterity in bondage for centuries, letting them have + what education they can pick up of themselves; then transport + them back to Africa; by which means America gets all her + drudgery done at little expense, and endeavors to flatter the + Deity, by making him a sacrifice of good works of this kind. But + to the awful disappointment of all such blasphemers, they will + meet the justice of God, which will be to them a devouring + sword.'[AP] + + + 'Though delivered from the fetters of slavery, we are oppressed + by an unreasonable, unrighteous, and cruel prejudice, which aims + at nothing less, than the forcing away of all the free colored + population of the United States to the distant shores of Africa. + Far be it from me to impeach the motives of every member of the + American Colonization Society. The civilizing and christianizing + of that vast continent, and the extirpation of the abominable + traffic in slaves, (which, notwithstanding all the laws passed + for its suppression, is still carried on in all its horrors,) + are no doubt the principal motives, which induce many to give it + their support. + + 'But there are those, and those who are most active and + influential in this cause, who hesitate not to say, that they + wish to rid the country of the free colored population; and + there is sufficient reason to believe that with many, this is + the principal motive for supporting that Society; and that + whether Africa is civilized or not, and whether the slave-trade + be suppressed or not, they would wish to see the free colored + people removed from this country to Africa. + + 'Africa could certainly be brought into a state of civil and + religious improvement, without sending all the free people of + color in the United States there. + + 'A few well-qualified missionaries, properly fitted out and + supported, would do more for the instruction and improvement of + the natives of that country, than a host of colonists, the + greater part of whom would need to be instructed themselves, and + all of whom for a long period would find enough to do to provide + for themselves, instead of instructing the natives. + + 'How inconsistent are those who say, that Africa will be + benefitted by the removal of the free people of color of the + United States there, while they say, they are the _most vile and + degraded_ people in the world!--If we are as vile and degraded + as they represent us, and they wish the Africans to be rendered + a virtuous, enlightened and happy people, they should not + _think_ of sending _us_ among them, lest we should make them + worse instead of better. + + 'The colonies planted by white men on the shores of America, so + far from benefitting the aborigines, corrupted their morals, and + caused their ruin; and yet those who say _we_ are the most vile + people in the world, would send us to Africa, to improve the + character and condition of the natives! Such arguments would not + be listened to for a moment, were not the minds of the community + strangely warped by prejudice. + + 'Those who wish that that vast continent should be _compensated_ + for the injuries done it, by sending thither the light of the + gospel and the arts of civilized life, should aid in sending and + supporting well qualified missionaries, who should be wholly + devoted to the work of instruction, instead of sending + colonists, who would be apt to turn the ignorance of the natives + to their own advantage, and do them more harm than good. + + 'Much has also been said by colonizationists, about improving + the character and condition of the people of color of this + country, by sending them to Africa. This is more inconsistent + still. We are to be improved by being sent far from civilized + society. This is a novel mode of improvement. What is there in + the burning sun, the arid plains, and barbarous customs of + Africa, that is so peculiarly favorable to our improvement? What + hinders our improving here, where schools and colleges abound, + where the gospel is preached at every corner, and where all the + arts and sciences are verging fast to perfection? Nothing, + nothing but prejudice. It requires no large expenditures, no + hazardous enterprises, to raise the people of color in the + United States to as highly improved a state, as any class of the + community. All that is necessary is, that those who profess to + be anxious for it, should lay aside their prejudices, and act + towards them as they do by others. + + 'We are NATIVES of this country; we ask only to be treated as + well as FOREIGNERS. Not a few of our fathers suffered and bled + to purchase its independence; we ask only to be treated as well + as those who fought against it. We have toiled to cultivate it, + and to raise it to its present prosperous condition; we ask only + to share equal privileges with those who come from distant lands + to enjoy the fruits of our labor. Let these moderate requests be + granted, and we need not go to Africa nor any where else, to be + improved and happy. We cannot but doubt the purity of the + motives of those persons who deny us these requests, and would + send us to Africa, to gain what they might give us at home. + + 'But they say, the prejudices of the country against us are + invincible; and as they cannot be conquered, it is better that + we should be removed beyond their influence. This plea should + never proceed from the lips of any man, who professes to believe + that a just God rules in the heavens. + + 'The American Colonization Society is a numerous and influential + body. Would they lay aside their _own_ prejudices, much of the + burden would be at once removed; and their example (especially + if they were as anxious to have _justice done us here_, as to + send us to Africa,) would have such an influence upon the + community at large, as would soon cause prejudice to hide its + deformed head. + + 'But alas! the course which they have pursued, has an opposite + tendency. By the _scandalous misrepresentations_, which they are + continually giving of our character and conduct, we have + sustained much injury, and have reason to apprehend much more. + + 'Without any charge of crime, we have been denied all access to + places, to which we formerly had the most free intercourse; the + colored citizens of other places, on leaving their homes, have + been denied the privilege of returning; and others have been + absolutely driven out. + + 'Has the Colonization Society had no effect in producing these + barbarous measures? + + 'They profess to have no other object in view, than the + colonizing of the free people of color on the coast of Africa, + with their _own consent_; but if our homes are made so + uncomfortable that we cannot continue in them; or if, like our + brethren of Ohio and New Orleans, we are driven from them, and + no other door is open to receive us but Africa, our removal + there will be any thing but voluntary. + + 'It is very certain, that very few free people of color _wish_ + to go to that _land_. The Colonization Society _know_ this, and + yet they do certainly calculate, that in time they will have us + all removed there. + + 'How can this be effected, but by making our situation worse + here, and closing every other door against us?'[AQ] + + + 'My attention was forcibly attracted by a communication in Mr + Poulson's Daily Advertiser of the 16th inst. which states, that + Mrs Stansbury of Trenton, N. J. has presented _one thousand + dollars_ to the Colonization Society. Now I think it is greatly + to be regretted, that this highly generous and benevolent lady + has been induced to make this donation for the purpose of + conveying some of the superannuated slaves to Africa, when + objects of much greater importance could be attained by offering + a premium to master mechanics to take colored children as + apprentices, so that they would become useful to themselves and + others. It is an inquiry becoming of the utmost importance, what + is to become of those children who are arriving at the age of + manhood? + + 'I am greatly astonished that the ministers of the gospel should + take so active a part, in endeavoring to convey the freemen of + color to Africa. Even in Boston and New-York, they have taken + the lead in support of this object. They cannot be aware of the + great injury they will be the means of inflicting on us: instead + of doing this, they should endeavor to remove prejudice, to + ameliorate and improve the condition of the colored people by + education, and by having their children placed in a situation to + learn a trade. I hope, through the assistance of Divine + Providence, that the Liberator may be the means (especially in + Boston, the Cradle of Liberty and Independence) of guiding the + people of this country in the path, which equal justice and the + public good so evidently indicate. + + 'I have never conversed with an intelligent man of color, (not + swayed by interested and sinister motives,) who was not + decidedly opposed to leaving his home for the fatal clime of + Africa. I am well acquainted with all the masters of vessels, + belonging to this port, who have been to the coast of Africa; + and they all agree in representing it as one of the most + unhealthy countries in the latitude of 40. In the months of June + and July, the thermometer is at from 88 to 90 degrees. What must + it be, then, in the latitude of 6 or 7, under a vertical sun, + and where, after the rainy season, the effluvium which arises + from the putrefaction of vegetables is productive of the most + fatal effects? Sir James L. Yeo agrees with their account, in + his statement laid before the Admiralty of Great Britain. + + 'Has any one, in either of our southern States, given any thing + like a thousand dollars to promote emigration to Africa? Not one + has shown so much compassion for the oppressed slave. General + Mercer,--who is, I believe, the President of the Colonization + Society,--promised to emancipate his slaves, and to sell his + large possessions in Virginia, and to remove with them to + Africa--(my friends inform me, and I believe him to be one of + the most humane and best of masters.) Mr Key, the great + advocate, and the late Judge Washington, promised to liberate + their slaves: I believe that neither of them has performed his + promise. + + 'According to a statement made by Mr Key, they have removed in + fourteen years about as many hundred emigrants. I will venture + to say, that at least a half million have been born during the + same period. We ask not their compassion and aid, in assisting + us to emigrate to Africa: we are contented in the land that gave + us birth, and for which many of our fathers fought and died, + during the war which established our independence. I well + remember that when the New England regiment marched through this + city on their way to attack the English army under the command + of Lord Cornwallis, there were several companies of colored + people, as brave men as ever fought; and I saw those brave + soldiers who fought at the battle of Red Bank, under Col. Green, + where Count Donop the commander was killed, and the Hessians + defeated. All this appears to be forgotten now; and the + descendants of these men, to whom we are indebted for the part + they took in the struggle for independence, are intended to be + removed to a distant and inhospitable country, while the + emigrants from every other country are permitted to seek an + asylum here from oppression, and to enjoy the blessings of both + civil and religious liberty, equally with those who are entitled + to it by birthright. + + 'I think the ministers of the gospel might do much towards + destroying the domestic slave trade, which breaks asunder the + sacred ties of husband, wife and children. Not a voice is + raised by them against this most cruel injustice. In the British + colonies, this is not permitted; yet it exists in the only true + republic on earth.'[AR] + + + '_My Friends and Countrymen_:--I trust, by this time, you have + known well my sentiments in relation to the American + Colonization Society; and the great objects, which have been set + forth, of a general union of interest, in funds and education, + for the permanent establishment and furtherance of our + prosperity, in this our native country. + + 'In addition to what has been already said on the subject, I + shall briefly set forth some of the leading causes of our + wretchedness and misery; and the prominent motives of the + Colonization Society in sending us away. Much theory has been + used, in the discussions upon our civil and political situation, + in this country. We have been branded, in many instances,--may I + not say, in the highest courts of the nation, courts of justice + and equity, in public and family circles?--as being an inferior + race of beings, not possessing like intellect and faculty with + the whites. We are represented as being incapable of acting for + ourselves; consequently not educated and qualified to be + admitted into public places, to vindicate the integrity of our + race, and the qualifications we are capable of acquiring. Many + of our noble statesmen, orators and lawyers, have made our + capital ring with the empty sound of + inferiority,--degradation,--the impossibility of tolerating + equality with the blacks. Sacred writ has been carefully + examined by these gentlemen of science, and construed to suit + their narrow consciences. Prophets have arisen among them, who + hold forth to the people the continuation of our political + thraldom, unless there be a general removal of all the free + among us to the coast of Africa. Others argue, that, although + they have good feelings towards us, and would do any thing for + us, if we were out of their sight and out of the hearing of + their slaves, yet to admit us into their circles would be to + pervert the present order of society, and the happiness of the + good white citizens of the country. These are generally bible + men, such as hold forth the true oracles of God; yet deny him, + in their actions and words, the supreme control over all his + creatures. There is hardly ever an action performed, whether + good or bad, but there is generally a reason given for so doing; + and he is a wicked, daring character, who cannot find a cloak, + at any time, to cover his hideous crimes. The men who have been + foremost, in withholding from us our dearest and most sacred + rights, have always held out false colors to the community at + large, (such as, inferiority, degradation, nuisance, pest, + slaves, species of monkey, apes, &c.) to justify their inhuman + and unchristian acts towards us, and to deaden the severe pangs + of conscience that harass them. They would wish to appear + innocent before the world; as doing unto all men as they would + they should do unto them. Do they base their objects, in full, + upon such frivolous excuses as these? No. The truth is, actions + speak louder than words. It is my candid opinion, there would + have been no Colonization Society formed for our transportation + to the western coast of Africa, had there been no free colored + people, and did not our numbers increase daily. If we, as a free + body of people, had remained in the same character with slaves, + monkeys and baboons, there would not have been so much + excitement in the community about us; but as they see by our + improvement, (a great improvement, indeed, within forty years,) + that the period is hastening on, 'when there will be no other + alternative but we must rank among them in civilization, science + and politics, they have got up this colonization scheme to + persuade us to leave our slave brethren, and flee to the + pestilential shores of Africa, where we shall be in danger of + being forced to hang our harps upon the willows, and our song of + liberty and civilization will be hushed by the impelling force + of barbarian despots.'[AS] + + + 'And in pursuit of this great object [the elevation of the + people of color] various ways and means have been resorted to; + among others, the American Colonization Society is the most + prominent. Not doubting the sincerity of many friends who are + engaged in that cause; yet we beg leave to say, that it does not + meet with our approbation. However great the debt which these + United States may owe to injured Africa, and however unjustly + her sons have been made to bleed, and her daughters to drink of + the cup of affliction, still we who have been born and nurtured + on this soil, we, whose habits, manners and customs are the same + in common with other Americans, can never consent to take our + lives in our hands, and be the bearers of the redress offered by + that Society to that much afflicted country. + + 'Tell it not to barbarians, lest they refuse to be civilized, + and eject our Christian missionaries from among them, that in + the nineteenth century of the christian era, laws have been + enacted in some of the States of this great republic, to compel + an unprotected and harmless portion of our brethren to leave + their homes and seek an asylum in foreign climes: and in taking + a view of the unhappy situation of many of these, whom the + oppressive laws alluded to, continually crowd into the Atlantic + cities, dependent for their support upon their daily labor, and + who often suffer for want of employment, we have had to lament + that no means have yet been devised for their relief.'[AT] + + + 'The Convention has not been unmindful of the operations of the + American Colonization Society; and it would respectfully suggest + to that august body of learning, talent and worth, that, in our + humble opinion, strengthened, too, by the opinions of eminent + men in this country, as well as in Europe, that they are + pursuing the direct road to perpetuate slavery, with all its + unchristianlike concomitants, in this boasted land of freedom; + and, as citizens and men whose best blood is sapped to gain + popularity for that Institution, we would, in the most feeling + manner, beg of them to desist: or, if we must be sacrificed to + their philanthropy, we would rather die at home. Many of our + fathers, and some of us, have fought and bled for the liberty, + independence and peace which you now enjoy; and, surely, it + would be ungenerous and unfeeling in you to deny us a humble and + quiet grave in that country which gave us birth!'[AU] + + + 'Sir, upon the whole, my view of the operations of the + Colonization Society, in relieving the slave States of the evil + which weighs them down more than a hundred tariffs, is + illustrated by an old fable, in which it is stated, that a man + was seen at the foot of a mountain, scraping away the dust with + his foot. One passing by, asked him what he was doing? I wish to + remove this mountain, said he. You fool, replied the other, you + can never do it in that way. Well, said he, I can raise a dust, + can't I? + + 'Sir, I do not wish to censure the motives of this Society, but + surely they are visionary. Its supporters are bewildered in + their own dust, which is well calculated to injure the vision of + good men. The Commercial Advertiser says they do indeed wish to + wipe away from the national records the stain of slavery, "but + hope it may be accomplished (as the Virginia Enquirer has it) + surely but quietly." Yes, Sir, and quietly enough! + + 'Our ambition leads not to superiority, but to our _freedom_ and + _political rights_. _Grant this!_ we ask no more! If the places + in which we dwell are too straight for us and the white + population, place us in a state far to the West--take us + into the Union--give us our _rights_ as _freemen_. Let the + southern states make all born after a date not two years + distant, free! and let the Colonization Society turn its + attention and energies to the removing of liberated slaves + there: the free people will go without their aid. But if the + Government is fearful of retaliation, it may allay its fears by + a consideration of the fact of there not being one freeman + engaged in the late insurrections--of freemen informing against + slaves--the peaceable manner in which we live in the + neighborhoods of the south, and throughout the whole Union. The + meetings that have lately been held, and resolutions passed + expressive of our disapprobation of such measures, may all show + that such fears are groundless. I repeat again--_Give us our + rights--we ask no more!_ + + 'Yes, Sir, if I possessed the Indies, I would pledge the whole + that if such measures were taken, and such grants made, no + retaliation would be made by us as a body for former evils.'[AV] + + + 'In no age of our existence have there been more pains taken by + priests and people, in public and private, in church and state, + to give them currency, than at present. The whole theme of that + wicked, persecuting combination--the Colonization Society--is + calculated to impress upon the mind of the public these + atrocious maxims which every day strengthen a prejudice not only + cherished by the whites against the blacks, but by the blacks + against the whites. That foul fiend of hell, that destroying + angel who hath power to take peace from the earth, and to kill + with the sword, is gaining a commanding influence very fast over + both parties. And who, but the advocates of the Colonization + Society, receive him as a welcome guest? Who but they have built + him a temple, and cried, "Long live Prejudice against free born + Americans of sable hue!" Who but they are continually crying, + "The free blacks are dangerous! the free blacks are dangerous! + Away with them--away with them to Africa!" Who but they are the + apologists for murder, theft, and all the horrid concomitants of + slavery? Who but they have defiled our temples of worship + dedicated to God for his service, making merchandise of the + souls of men by transferring them over to the keeping of + prejudice?'[AW] + + +Other extracts might be recorded, but these must suffice. I have given +the sentiments of the people of color as expressed individually, in +public orations, in conventions of delegates, and in popular assemblies. +Their proceedings evince a keen discrimination between true and false +philanthropy, and an intellectual ability successfully to defend their +cause. Their instincts are more than a match for the specious sophistry +and learned sense of colonizationists: they meet them on every point, +and on every point achieve a victory. Conscious of the fact that in +their complexion is found the only motive for their banishment, they +clearly illustrate the hypocrisy and injustice of the African crusade. +Their union of purpose is such as cannot be broken. How intense is their +love of country! how remarkable their patient endurance of wrongs! how +strong their abhorrence of expatriation! how auspicious the talents +which they display! + +Every humane and honorable man will assent to the proposition, that no +scheme for the removal of a numerous people from one continent to +another, ought to be prosecuted contrary to their desires. A scheme +cannot be benevolent which thrives upon persecution. Benevolent +oppression is a solecism. + +Another self-evident truth is, that no such removal can be effected +merely by the presentation of selfish inducements, or without resorting +to coercive measures. To show that coercion is openly advocated by some +of the prominent supporters of the Colonization Society, I make the +following extracts from the speeches of Messrs Broadnax and Fisher, +delivered during the 'Great Debate' in the Virginia House of Delegates a +short time since. Mr Broadnax said: + + 'IT IS IDLE TO TALK ABOUT NOT RESORTING TO FORCE. Every body + must look to the introduction of force of some kind or + other--and it is in truth a question of expediency; of moral + justice; of political good faith--whether we shall fairly + delineate our whole system on the face of the bill, or leave the + acquisition of extorted consent to other processes. The real + question--the only question of magnitude to be settled, is the + great preliminary question--Do you intend to send the free + persons of color out of Virginia, or not?' + + 'If the free negroes are willing to go, they will go--if not + willing, they must be compelled to go. Some gentlemen think it + politic not now to insert this feature in the bill, though they + proclaim their readiness to resort to it when it becomes + necessary; they think that for a year or two a sufficient number + will consent to go, and then the rest can be compelled. For my + part, I deem it better to approach the question and settle it at + once, and avow it openly. The intelligent portion of the free + negroes know very well what is going on.--Will they not see your + debates? _Will they not see that coercion is ultimately to be + resorted to?_ They will perceive that the edict has gone forth, + and that it must fall, if not now, in a short time upon them.' + + 'I have already expressed it as my opinion that few, very few, + will _voluntarily_ consent to emigrate, if no COMPULSORY MEASURE + be adopted.--With it--many, in anticipation of its sure and + certain arrival, will, in the mean time, go away--they will be + sensible that the time would come when they would be forced to + leave the State. Without it--you will still, no doubt, have + applicants for removal equal to your means. Yes, Sir, people who + will not only consent, but beg you to deport them. But what sort + of _consent_--a consent extorted by a series of oppression + calculated to render their situation among us insupportable. + Many of those who have already been sent off, went with _their + avowed consent_, but under the influence of a more decided + compulsion than any which this bill holds out. I will not + express, in its full extent, the idea I entertain of what has + been done, or what enormities will be perpetrated to induce this + class of persons to leave the State. Who does not know that when + a free negro, by crime or otherwise, has rendered himself + obnoxious to a neighborhood, how easy it is for a party to visit + him one night, take him from his bed and family, and apply to + him the gentle admonition of a severe flagellation, to induce + him to _consent_ to go away? In a few nights the dose can be + repeated, perhaps increased, until, in the language of the + physicians, _quantum suff._ has been administered to produce the + desired operation; and the fellow then becomes _perfectly + willing_ to move away. I have certainly heard, if incorrectly, + the gentleman from Southampton will put me right, that of the + large cargo of emigrants lately transported from that country to + Liberia, all of whom _professed_ to be _willing_ to go, were + rendered so by some such severe ministrations as those I have + described. A lynch club--a committee of vigilance--could easily + exercise a kind of inquisitorial _surveillance_ over any + neighborhood, and convert any desired number, I have no doubt, + at any time, into a willingness to be removed. But who really + prefers such means as these to the course proposed in this bill? + And one or the other is inevitable. For no matter how you change + this bill--sooner or later the free negroes will be _forced_ to + leave the State. Indeed, Sir, ALL OF US LOOK TO FORCE of some + kind or other, direct or indirect, moral or physical, legal or + illegal. Many who are opposed, they say, to any compulsory + feature in the bill, desire to introduce such severe regulations + into our police laws--such restrictions of their existing + privileges--such inability to hold property--obtain + employment--rent residences, &c., as to make it impossible for + them to remain amongst us. _Is not this force?_' + +Mr Fisher said: + + 'If we wait until the free negroes consent to leave the State, + we shall wait until "time is no more." _They never will give + their consent_; and if the House amend the bill as proposed, + their consent is in a manner pointed out by the gentleman from + Dinwiddie--and it is a great question whether we shall force the + people to extort their consent from them in this way.--He + believed if the compulsory principle were stricken out, this + class of people would be forced to leave by the harsh treatment + of the whites. The people in those parts of the State where they + most abound, were determined,--as far as they could learn + through the newspapers and other sources,--to get rid of the + blacks.' + +What a revelation, what a confession, is here! The free blacks taken +from their beds, and severely flagellated, to make them willing to +emigrate! And legislative compulsion openly advocated to accomplish this +nefarious project! Yes, the gentlemen say truly, 'few, very few will +_voluntarily_ consent to emigrate'--'they never will give their +consent'--and therefore they must be expelled by force! It is true, the +bill proposed by Mr Broadnax was rejected by a small majority; but it +serves to illustrate the spirit of the colonization leaders. + +The editor of the Lynchburg Virginian, an advocate of the Society, uses +the following language: + + 'But, if they will not consider for themselves, WE _must + consider for them_. The safety of the people is the supreme law; + and to that law all minor considerations must bend. If the free + negroes will not emigrate, _they must be contented to endure + those privations which the public interest and safety call + for_.--In the last Richmond Enquirer we notice an advertisement, + setting forth, that "a petition will be presented to the next + legislature of Virginia, from the county of Westmoreland, + praying the passage of some law to _compel_ the free negroes in + this commonwealth to emigrate therefrom, under a penalty which + will effectually promote this object." So, too, at a meeting of + the citizens of Prince George county, in Maryland, it was + resolved to "petition the next legislature to remove all the + free negroes out of that State, and to prohibit all persons from + manumitting slaves without making provision for their removal."' + +I close this work with a specimen of the sophistry which is used to give +_eclat_ to the American Colonization Society. + +In the month of June, 1830, I happened to peruse a number of the +Southern Religious Telegraph, in which I found an essay, enforcing the +duty of clergymen to take up collections in aid of the funds of the +Colonization Society on the then approaching fourth of July. After an +appropriate introductory paragraph, the writer proceeds in the following +remarkable strain: + + 'But--we have a plea like a peace offering to man and to God. We + answer poor blinded Africa in her complaint--that we have her + children, and that they have served on our plantations. And we + tell her, look at their returning! We took them barbarous, + though measurably free,--untaught--rude--without + science--without the true religion--without philosophy--and + strangers to the best civil governments. And now we return them + to her bosom, _with the mechanical arts_ ... _with science_ ... + _with philosophy_ ... with civilization ... with republican + feelings ... and above all, with the true knowledge of the true + God, and the way of salvation through the Redeemer.' + +'The mechanical arts!'--with whom did they serve an apprenticeship? +'With philosophy!'--in what colleges were they taught? It is strange +that we should be so anxious to get rid of these scientific men of +color--these philosophers--these republicans--these christians, and that +we should shun their company as if they were afflicted with the +hydrophobia, or carried a deadly pestilence in their train! Certainly, +they _must_ have singular notions of the christian religion which +tolerates--or, rather, which is so perverted as to tolerate--the +oppression of God's rational creatures by its professors! They must feel +a peculiar kind of brotherly love for those _good men_ who banded +together to remove them to Africa, because they were too proud to +associate familiarly with men of a sable complexion! But the writer +proceeds: + + 'We tell her, look at the little colony on her shores. We tell + her, look to the consequences that must flow to all her borders + from religion, and science, and knowledge, and civilization, and + republican government! And then we ask her--_is not one ship + load of emigrants returning with these multiplied blessings, + worth more to her than a million of her barbarous sons?_' + +So! every ship load of ignorant and helpless emigrants is to more than +compensate Africa for every million of her children who have been +kidnapped, buried in the ocean and on the land, tortured with savage +cruelty, and held in perpetual servitude! Truly, this is a compendious +method of balancing accounts. In the sight of God, of Africa, and of the +world, we are consequently blameless--and rather praiseworthy--for our +past transgressions. It is such sophistry as is contained in the +foregoing extract, that kindles my indignation into a blaze. I abhor +cant--I abhor hypocrisy--and if some of the advocates of the +Colonization Society do not deal largely in both, I am unable to +comprehend the meaning of these terms. + +Of the whole number of individuals constituting the officers of the +Society, nearly three-fourths, I believe, _are the owners of slaves_, or +interested in slave property; not one of whom, to my knowledge, has +emancipated any of his slaves to be sent to Liberia!! The President of +the Society, (CHARLES CARROLL,) owns, I have understood, nearly _one +thousand slaves_! And yet he is lauded, beyond measure, as a patriot, a +philanthropist, and a christian! The former President, (Judge BUSHROD +WASHINGTON,) so far from breaking the fetters of his slaves, actually +while holding his office offered a large reward for a runaway female +slave, to any person who would secure her by putting her into any jail +within the United States! What a mockery it is for such persons to +profess to deplore the existence of slavery, or to denounce the foreign +slave trade! for they neither cease from their own oppressive acts, nor +act much more honestly than the slave dealers--the latter stealing those +who are born on the coast of Africa, and the former those who are born +in this country! + +FOOTNOTES: + +[AE] John Neal. + +[AF] _Vide_ the Fourth Volume of the Genius of Universal Emancipation +for 1829. + +[AG] Alexander H. Everett, Esq. vide his work entitled 'America, or a +General Survey,' &c. &c. pp. 212, 225. + +[AH] Genius of Universal Emancipation for November 27, 1829. + +[AI] Genius of Universal Emancipation, January 29, 1830. + +[AJ] 'The Liberator' for January 22, 1832. + +[AK] 'A Colored Philadelphian'--vide 'The Liberator' for Feb. 12, 1831. + +[AL] Correspondent of 'The Liberator,' Feb. 26, 1831. + +[AM] Correspondent of 'The Liberator,' March 12, 1831. + +[AN] 'African Sentinel,' Oct. 8, 1831, printed at Albany. + +[AO] Extracts from 'An Address to the Gentlemen and Ladies of the County +of Otsego, N. Y., delivered on the 30th September, 1830, by Hayden +Waters, a man of color.' The proceedings of the colored inhabitants of +Virginia, incorporated into this Address, are those referred to on page +8 as having been accidentally mislaid. + +[AP] 'Address delivered before the colored population of Providence, R. +I., November 27, 1828, by Rev. Hosea Easton.' + +[AQ] 'A Discourse delivered in St. Philip's Church, for the benefit of +the colored community of Wilberforce, in Upper Canada, on the Fourth of +July, 1830. By Rev. Peter Williams, Rector of St. Philip's Church, +New-York.' Mr Williams is a clergyman of superior talents and great +moral worth, and beloved by an extensive circle of acquaintance. + +[AR] From the pen of the Colored Gentleman in Philadelphia, referred to +on page 58--vide 'The Liberator,' March 12, 1831. + +[AS] 'Address delivered before a Colored Association in Brooklyn, N. Y., +August 5, 1831,' by George Hogarth. Vide 'The Liberator' for August 27, +1831. + +[AT] Conventional Address of the People of Color in Philadelphia, in +1830. + +[AU] 'Minutes and Proceedings of the First Annual Convention of the +People of Color, held by adjournment in the city of Philadelphia, in +June, 1831.' + +[AV] 'Philadelphia Evangelist'--vide 'The Liberator' for November 26, +1831. + +[AW] Correspondent of 'The Liberator,' December 17, 1831. + + +END OF PART II. + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Thoughts on African Colonization, by +William Lloyd Garrison + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THOUGHTS ON AFRICAN COLONIZATION *** + +***** This file should be named 31178.txt or 31178.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/3/1/1/7/31178/ + +Produced by Louise Pattison, Suzanne Shell and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, +set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to +copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to +protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project +Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you +charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you +do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the +rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose +such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and +research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do +practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is +subject to the trademark license, especially commercial +redistribution. + + + +*** START: FULL LICENSE *** + +THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE +PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK + +To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free +distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work +(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project +Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project +Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at +http://gutenberg.org/license). + + +Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic works + +1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to +and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property +(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all +the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy +all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. +If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the +terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or +entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. + +1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be +used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who +agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few +things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works +even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See +paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement +and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. See paragraph 1.E below. + +1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" +or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the +collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an +individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are +located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from +copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative +works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg +are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project +Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by +freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of +this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with +the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by +keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project +Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. + +1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern +what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in +a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check +the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement +before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or +creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project +Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning +the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United +States. + +1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: + +1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate +access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently +whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the +phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project +Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, +copied or distributed: + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + +1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived +from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is +posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied +and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees +or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work +with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the +work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 +through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the +Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or +1.E.9. + +1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted +with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution +must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional +terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked +to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the +permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. + +1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this +work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. + +1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this +electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without +prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with +active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project +Gutenberg-tm License. + +1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, +compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any +word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or +distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than +"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version +posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org), +you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a +copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon +request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other +form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. + +1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, +performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works +unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. + +1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing +access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided +that + +- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from + the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method + you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is + owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he + has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the + Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments + must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you + prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax + returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and + sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the + address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to + the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." + +- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies + you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he + does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm + License. You must require such a user to return or + destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium + and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of + Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any + money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the + electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days + of receipt of the work. + +- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free + distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set +forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from +both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael +Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the +Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. + +1.F. + +1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable +effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread +public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm +collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain +"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or +corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual +property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a +computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by +your equipment. + +1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right +of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project +Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all +liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal +fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT +LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE +PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE +TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE +LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR +INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH +DAMAGE. + +1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a +defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can +receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a +written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you +received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with +your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with +the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a +refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity +providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to +receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy +is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further +opportunities to fix the problem. + +1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth +in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER +WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO +WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. + +1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied +warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. +If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the +law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be +interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by +the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any +provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. + +1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the +trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone +providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance +with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, +promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, +harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, +that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do +or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm +work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any +Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. + + +Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm + +Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of +electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers +including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists +because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from +people in all walks of life. + +Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the +assistance they need, are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's +goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will +remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure +and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. +To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation +and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 +and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. + + +Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive +Foundation + +The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit +501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the +state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal +Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification +number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at +http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent +permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. + +The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. +Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered +throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at +809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email +business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact +information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official +page at http://pglaf.org + +For additional contact information: + Dr. Gregory B. Newby + Chief Executive and Director + gbnewby@pglaf.org + + +Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation + +Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide +spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of +increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be +freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest +array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations +($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt +status with the IRS. + +The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating +charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United +States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a +considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up +with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations +where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To +SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any +particular state visit http://pglaf.org + +While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we +have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition +against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who +approach us with offers to donate. + +International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make +any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from +outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. + +Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation +methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other +ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. +To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate + + +Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. + +Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm +concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared +with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project +Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. + + +Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed +editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. +unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily +keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. + + +Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: + + http://www.gutenberg.org + +This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, +including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary +Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to +subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. diff --git a/31178.zip b/31178.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..2acb9bf --- /dev/null +++ b/31178.zip diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..37f9ddf --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #31178 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/31178) |
