Edwardsville spectator. [volume] (Edwardsville, Ill.) 1819-1826, 1823-10-04
From the Charleston Courien
AFRICA.

There is something delightful in the
idea OF the free black returning to the
land OF his ancestors, not merely to en-
JOY himself, but to be the bearer Of civil
lization and religion 10 bis benishted
countrymen. Ii is not every African,
though bis predecessors for several
generations have been in a chris.
sian country, who has pro6ted by the
light around him. Ii is not every Afri.
can therefore who is capable of being
. useful TO his country. But there are
many persons ofcolor born free ,or emanci.
pated by their industry or other merits,
who might IN ost advantageously for them
selves and for Others, migrate to their
proper country. 1t is surprising that
this class OF people should be nsensible
TO their true interest on this sub ect.
Ought not some of their real friends to
make them acquainted with the facilities
tor improving their condition and for
dong good, which are open 10 them in
Africa! All who have gone from this
country have expressed their satisfaction
with The removal. Difficulties they have
indeed encountered, but they are no
greater than those which our frontier
clnzens have so successfully surmouht-
ed. Indeed they are less, for the native
African is far less unfriendly to the new
settler than the American Indian.
The fertility of Africa is unquestion-
ed. The Cassada, which grows almos,
spontaneously, alone gives it a great adj
vantage over this country as il respects
means of subsistence. But the country
produces the articles to which our peo-
pie have been accustomed, rice and corn
70. food, and cotton for clothing. The
agricultural knowledge of some Of OUT
free blacks would ensure abundance.
The single circumstance of their intro
ducing a better agriculture would secure
IN their favor the respect and esteem OF
the natives. Manufactures are scarcely
known in Africa. The same may be
said OF the mechanic arts. The women
who have here learned to spin and to
weave; the carpenter, tbs brick maker,
and the brick layer, would find instant
and profitable employment. A recent
vlslter to Africa from this city confirms
all tina, has been said of the desire of
knowledge which at present is increasing
there. The princes are anxious that
their sons should go, and in some ins,an
ces have sent them abroad for education.
The humblest teacher is welcomed, no.
nored, and amply rewarded.
Such is the respect in which civil
1ed black is held by the aborigines,
that they emphatically call him a {" white
man"
There is not motive, whether it be
selfish or benevolent, or pious, which
annually invites thousands to our wes-
tern wilderness, which does not address
ilseh, and II IS conceived in a strll more
impressive manner, TO the free black, in
favor of migration to Africa. Is he
poor! A fertile. not crowded territory, is
open to hin. For handful of tobacco
or string of beads he may procure =
farm large enough for himself and his
children's children. For the few dol
lars OF passage money, (and it is nol
doubted that even this be can obtain
gratis. by the contribution of benevolent
societies or indis i6uas) he can be injro.
duced into country where he may be
sure of constant and well-rewarded en-
ploymens.
Is he ambitiousa Honor awaits him
among his countrymen. HIS intell-
gence, and superior knowledge, cannot
fail to raise him above the general level.
There is nothing to prevent his attaining
the elevation, if he has he talent, of the
Emperor Of Hayti. Is he benevolent
mn, fired with the noble views of
Howard ! He has an ampler field be-
fore him than IF ward. A whole CONT
nent is in the dungeon Of barbarism, aud
a few choice spirits may be destined 70
rester it a fair land, worthy of Hannibal.
10 ne a religious man? Consider the
moral darkness which hangs over his
native country. 1t is great, but not
greater than once existed in Europe.
Christianity has effected wonders in
three OF the continents; and how glo-
rious is the design of these pious sons
who would introduce it into the fourth
continent Should they succeed, how
ineffable will be their satisfaction; what
reason tor rejoicing evern,ore, that in the
order OF Providence they were carried
fro 4.:heir home, to be prepared for. re-
tuI Ing to it in the course OF a few gene
raIons, laden with the rich treasures oil
the gospel!
The man who shall lead in this grand
undertaking might almost be permitted
to take his seat in the college of the
Appctleg DCStla nT A frirao This