Martinsburg gazette and public advertiser. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1826-1833, 1827-03-15
COLONIZATION SOCIETY.


Ec.raeis from he papsrs read by DR.. Dariss
[Gea. Harper's letter continued from our last j
But this effect, injurious as it must be
to the character and conduct of the
slaves, aud consequently to their COM
fort and happiness, is far from being
the worst that is produced by the exis-
tence Of free blacks among Us, vast
majority of the tree blacks, as we have
seen, are and must be an idle worthless
and thievish race. Ii is with this part
of them that toe slaves will necessarily
associate, the most frequently and the
mos. Intimately. Free blacks of the
better class, who gain a comfortable
subsistence by regular industry, keep as
much as possible aloof from the slaves,
TO whom in general they regard them.
selves as in some degree superior.
Their association is confined as much as
possible, 10 toe better and more respec-
table class of slaves But The idle and
disorderiy free blacks naturally seek
the society of such slaves, as are dispo-
sed to be idle and disorderiy too; whom
they encourage to be more and more so
by their example, their conversation,
and the shelter and means Of conceal-
men, which they furnish. They encou-
rage the slaves TO theft, because tbsy
partake in its fruits. They receive, se-
crete and dispose of the stolen goods:
part, and probably much the largest
part, of which they often receive, as a
reward for their services. They furnish
places of meeting and hidipg places in
their houses, for the idle aid the viciods
slaves; whose idleness aud vice are thus
increased aad rendered more contigu,
Gus. These hiding places and places OF
meeting are so many traps and snares,
for the young and thoughtless slaves
who have not yet become vicious: SO,
many schools in which they are taught,
by precept and example, idleness, lying
debauchery, drunkness and theft. ibe
consequence of all this is very easily
seen. and ara sere is severely FELT in
all places, where tree people of colour
exist 10 considerable numbers. That so
many resist this contagioa; that the free
blacks themselves, as well as the slaves
do not become still more generally pre-
1lgate; is a strong and consoling proof
that the race possesses fund of good
dispositions, and is capable in a proper
situation aud under proper mansge-i
ment, Of becoming virtuous and hsp-ii
py people. To place them in such a
situation, to give them the benefit Of
such management, is the object OF yo ar
noble enterprise: and surely no object
is more entitled to appreciation.
Great, however, as the benefits are,
which we may thus promise ourselves,
from the colonization Of the free people
of colour, by its tendency to prevent
the disconteht and corruption of our
slaves, aud to secure to them better
treatment By rendering them more wor-
thy OF it, there is another advantage
infinitely greater, in every point of
view, to which it may lead the way. 1t
tends, and may powerfully tend, TO rid
us gradually aud entirely in the United
States, of slaves and slavery: great
moral and political evil, OF increasing
vlrulence and extent, from which much
mischief is now felt, and very great ca
lamity IN future is Justly spprehended
II is in this point # view, confess, THAI
your scheme Of colonization most strong
ly recommends itself, in my opinion. to
attention and support. The alarming
danger of cherisbing in our bosom a
distinct nation, which can never become
incorporated with us, while it rapidly
increases in numbers, and improves in
intelligence; learning from us the arts
oil peace and war, the secret of its own
strength, and the talent of combining
and directing its force, nation which
must ever be hostile to us, from feeling
and interest. because it can never in
corporate with us, nor participate in
the advantages which we enjoy; the
danger OF such nation in our bosom.
need not be pointed nut to any reflect.
ing mind II peaks not only To our
understandings, butt our very senses.
And however it may be deriagd by
some or overlooked by others, who have
not the ability or the time, or do not
give themselves the trouble, TO reflect
o" ana estimate properly the force aad
extent OF those great moral and physical
causes, which prepare gradually aud at
length bring forth. the most terrible
c9nvuis'ons IN civil society; it will not
be & 10 y o. "a - 80. A. . -