Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1830-05-11
Ebe Constitutional geIbtg.
SATURDAY MORNING, MAY 9, 1880.
A CURIOSITY.

CURIOSITY.
Mr.. Crane of this City, has had the goodness TO
put into hands the first No. of the 81 liberia Her
nld' published at Monrova, the Capitol of the Colo
ny, aRa dated March 9th. The Editor is Jno g.
Russworm, formerly of New York, and the publisher
OF Journal in that city, who one time violent
enemy OF the Colony, ultimately became convert,
and proved his sincerity by emigrating to Liberia
we had supposed that this the first African
newspaper, ever issued by the people of color on
That continent; but we informed that one previ-
ously existed at Monrovia for short time. and one
or more at Sierra Leone, the English Colony Be
thls TACT as may it is difficult for the rejecting mind
20 survey this little sheet superior to many of the first
similar efforts made in this country, without emotion
Ii is of the success of the colony and of
the truth that the minds of the Coonsts ire turned
towards improvement, are already instructed to a
certain point and demand intellectual aliment
10 us, the colonization of Western and Central
Africa from the shores Of America is subject of al
most romantic interest. For America the natives of
Africa were inst torn from their homes and reduced
to the most dreadful bondage. For nearly three CEN
lur1es, estern Africa has resounded with the sreks
OF thousands OF human beings, annually dragged from
their native land and all that the human heart holds
DEAR TO toll for Christian in slavery perpe-
dua transmitted to their posterity, and from which
.lere were no instances Of escape. History may be
searched In vain, for crme-so unprovoked so
dreadful and lasting in consequences, SO purely sell
1lsh and so long sustained Averaging the annual
amount of slaves ravshed from Africa at 10 OOO-it
ihosl ProoapY exceeds twice that number-and the
aggregate since the false humanity of Father Las
casas nrst suggested the expedent of saving Indian
lie at the expence of Afrcan-fas but little short of
fhraa
enormous havoc of human life and human happiness
Christian avarice began, and has persevered in for
500 years, system of degradation, blood and suffer
ing, without any parallel in Pagan annals.
Gan Christians then, do less than endeavor to re-
pair IN some degree the vast wrongs which they have
inflicted For the most part we are enemies to the
lnnumerable plans of philanthropy in which the age
abounds-but to this plan of making some repatriation
datonement to Africa, and the children of Africa
OF sending back in instructed freedom such of the de-
scendants ofthose who were wrested by force from
shores, at liberty & willing to return
of thus laying the foundation ola free and enlightened
Commonwealth in that benghted region-of commu
ncatng the knowledge of letters and civilization in
PREPARATION for ages of insult and oppression-of this
glorious, this truly Christian benevolent, and God
like design, we are ardent friends and disciples
But to return to the Herald. The address of the
Editor to his readers is merely good it is in some
places, forcble and elegant Speaking of education
he says:
owe shall feel deep interest ON the sub
ject Of education; from it flows every comfort
and blessing which society enjoys Without it, no
Government can long exist in state of freedom: is
the link which binds to his fellow man. and
teaches him his duty to his kindred, his country |
and his Cod
In relation to his editorial course, he observes:
Con religious topics, subjects of controver-
sial nature will be admitted into our columns but
well written essays the fundamental principles of
the Christian Religion, will be received with plea
sure'
The death of the Hon. Bushrod Washington is
noticed in the Herald, and the notices of the police
and prospects of he Colony, Indicate the one to be
sound, and the other every way encouraging. The
tone of this country, in relation free govern
ment our free Institutions" &c. is already caught
We recommend to Editors TO send a copy of
their Journals to the Herald 1t is little to them
brit materially important to the emigrants.
And could voices avail, we would soemnly
invoke the friends of African Colonization In this
country to persevere in efforts so signally coun;e
nanced by Providence, in the wonderful success
which has rewarded them. We do not wish to see
the Federal Government step over the boundaries of
its proper powers, to aid in these efforts; State and
individual means arc fully competent and they are
Tree to obey the impulses of benevolence.
THE U. STATES BANK
We are informed by the Telegraph, that notwith-
standing the victorious Reports of Gen. Smith on the
Currency, and Mr. McDuffie on the U. S. Bank, OPP
position to the rechaering of that Institution will
not be relinquishcd Should this opposition prove of
the character as that Of the Presidents Mes
sage, the Bank will great obligations to its OPP