The Massachusetts spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1831-1858, 1831-10-12

tlvated by thousands OF laboriols colonlsts,
and will grow in abundance on one of the
most fertile regions of the globe. Gums,
spices, dyewoods, coffee, indigo, sugar
and other productions of tropical Chimes
will reach the markets of America and
Europe, and these two countries Will send
in exchange 20 the shores of Africa the pro-
ducts of art and manufacture.
Agriculture has made but little progress
yet in the colony. Many emigrants cannot
wait for the slow return of agricultural iE-
dustry, and prefer mercantile speculation.
Yet the advantages of the older merchants
in trade, will diminish the chances of sue
cess to the new Corners, and they will turn
their attention to agriculture. Already the
farmers of Caldwell hold agricultural meet
ings to discuss the best methods of tilling.
A no less important object is the defence
of the colony. Surrounded by an avari-
cious and savage people, who pay no re-
spect to treaties, they must think of the
means of defence. They have six volun-
teer uniform companies of 500 men, which
compose their national militia. The Gov
eminent has 20 field pieces and 1000 mus
kets. The natives who had already receiv-
ed many checks whan4he colony was weak,
will not dare to attack it. Their security
on the sea shore is not SO perfect. Al
though the Cape is commanded by a fort,
two or three well armed privateers might
do great injury, should they attack when
no English or American vessel is in port.
The miserable freebooters who infest the
coast have vowed eternal hatred to the
colony. The Society ought then to hasten
the Notifications.
In short. the attempts for colonization
made by other nations, and in other circum-
stances, offer few cases of such prosperity
in SO short a time. Notwithstanding the
numerous obstacles and limited means of
acton, the Colony of Liberia has been bas
/ ed on solid foundations, which exhibit quar-
antics tor the future, and indicate sure sue
cess. Its resources viii suffice for the wants
of large nation, and the larger part of the
blacks Of the United States will fnd honor
able and sure means of existence. Should
we compare Llheria with Sierra Leone, it
will he to the advantage. Of the former
The British Government have expended vast
sums for a precarious and ill-directed es-
Enlistment, when the blacks are yet half
i slaves, and desplsed 10y the white popua-
ton. The United States have done nothing
for the colony. The persevering effort and
donations of individuals, have produced the
|, happy results described. So true is it, that
individuals car act cheaper and more effect
ually than Governments
In the first line of beneiactors, we put Je-
T hudi Ashmun, who died 1928, a victim of his
zeal. On more elevated theatre, and in a
civilized country, he would have acquired
the renown eff great man. On his arri-
val in 1922, he found the colony on the eve
of ruin, without laws, delivered to anarchy
and despair. He changed degraded be-
ings into free citizens, became the arbitel
of their quarrels, fortified Monrova, excit-
ed military spirit, led them on 10 battle
against an enemy thirty times his number
and all this while suffering with a burning
fever. His shattered health compelled hi
, return TO his native land, where he devoted
, the remainder Of his life to the cause he hat
embraced. Honor to Ashmuni Be tn,
maine placed beside Las Casas, Vincent d.
Paul, Howard, and Clarkson! When Afr
J ca shall rise from her degradation, she wi
raise affairs to thy memory, as did Greco
to Cecrops and Thesus.
: Unhappy experience has shown that tn
whites cannot endure the climate Nearl
thirty Agents, who have been employed b
, the Society, have died. The blncks are nc
: exposed to the same danger. Most of thos
from Georgia, the two Carolinas, and Vii
glnla, have not had even the attacks
fever, which the new corners experienc
during the first month of their arrival
, The Western coast of Africa is not period
, cally desolated by pest as Turkey, nor B.
ChoieraMorbus as the Indies, nor by Mala
ria as the Antilles.