The Litchfield County post. [volume] (Litchfield, Conn.) 1826-1829, 1827-02-16
AMERICAN COLONIZATION SOCIE
TY
MIR. CLAY's SPEECH.

MIR. CLAWS SPEECH.
In carrying this supplication before the
Legislature of our country, it will be me-
cessary for The Society to establish satisfies
torily, two positions. The first is, that
they propose scheme which is practicable:
and the second, that, if this practicable
scheme is carried into effect, its results will
be such, as to entitle it to the encourages
ment of the Government. There is no
difficulty in establishing both OF these po-
sitions.
Ten years ago, good and pous man,
now no more, projected this Society: he
was the founder Of the Colonization .Soci-
ETY., although he has not survived to wit
ness the successful adoption of his plans.
He suggested the subject to me and list
ened with the same feeling of doubt, which
is always felt in relation to new and untri-
ed schemes. considered the subject, how
ever, with attention, and, in the end, arri-
we'd at the decision that the scheme was
practicable, and that its effects would be of
vast benefit. The first organization of this
society, was effected by few gentlemen,
who met in a tavern in this city; and from
that small beginning, we now behold re-
suit as great as it is wonderful.
" ~
Sir, it is no longer matter of specula-
ton. 1t has been shown that the United
States can establish colony on the coast
Of Africa. A Colony in fact exists there.
A Colony which has made war and peace,
established commerce and trade; and which
displays all the attributes of a civilized, and,
I may say, an enlightened community.
But, sir, do not found my arguments i'll
its favour, upon what has been done: but
shall proceed to show, by data, which
think will be convicting, that this scheme
is practicable, and may be carried into eff
feet without any serious demand upon the
funds of our country.
The great error of those who have oppo-
sed this Society is, that they substitute their
own imaginations for facts: They look at
the great mass of Slave population, and
shrink back from any attempt to lessen
that enormous evil. Such men do not see
the ultimate benefits of the Society.-But
they who look at this project through an
tons of the Society in comparison with its
practice. What does the Society propose!
Sir, it leaves untouched the question of Ne
gro Slavery. 1t knows that it has nothing
to do with it; that the general government
has nothing to do with it; e. that whole sub
ject entirely appertains to the government of
the several States. 1t knows that it influ-
ence extends, and should extend no farther,
than over those persons who are as free as
you and |, to go to Africa, or to remain in
this country. 1t interferes with no rights;
it only contemplates making the rights of
the free blacks worth possessing. 81
Not resting upon the fact that Colony
has already been established !; that Z hss
made war and peace; and that it stands
now upon respectable footing; but, going
still farther, and believing that this Colo-
nv may be made the means of ultimately
Kidding this country of its greatest curse,
shall be necessitated to make use of figures
in order to establish this position. know
that they are always tedious, and ] shall
make my reference to them as brief as pos
sible. repeat again, that it is no object
Of the Society to transport the whole slave
population and it would not be necessary