Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1831-06-30


And the meeting adjourned.
d. l. BURR, Secretary.
REPORT
Of the Colonization Society of FHgiaia-prese"ted
June 9th, 1881.
Two REGULAR seasons having passed. since the Cooni-
gation Society of Virginia, assembled in General Meet
ing the Managers have deemed it proper to anticipate
the usual time and invite tins special convention OF the
friends The discussions and excitcments,
which grew out of the formation of a new State Gov
eminent, and have occupied much of the public atten
ton since the last General Meeting might be assigned
for postponing the consideration OF our
affairs period of greater rcpose If Prejudi-
ces were rckinded reference TO the designs and pro-
ceedngs of society preferred that reason should
silently assert it's empire, and that those preudccs
should gradually yield to the of events and the
convictions of experience. We have never tatered nor
hcsitated in our attachment the great pro-
fess to aid. We still believe in the certainty and invet
of the evil against which our humble efforts are
directed and unwilling to renounce our conf
dence in the which have been employed to mlti
gate, if they cannot remove 1t.
We congratulate the friends of Colonization, upon the
bright and cheering prospects which opening be-
fore them The settlement at Liberia, ndng
all its dscouragements, has advanced and is still adj
vlncng with unexampled rapidity. The efforts of the
Parent Society, have been increasingly employed to
promote the enlargement and prosperity of the Colo
ny,-and under Divine Providence those efforts have
been crowned with signal success III Is also CONN.,
IDENTITY believed that much of the vague and mistaken
apprehension which has heretofore existed the sub
ect fast Welding to ulster views and enlieh-
aned conviction. If the one hand, northern
brethren longer regard the colonization scheme
designed to rivet the chains of slavery-on the other
we hope, that fellow--citzens of the south,
by this time convinced that it is neither intended
to disturb their security, intcrmeddle with their
rghts If there any, who still cherish this dcuson,
Notwithstanding the solemn and repeated assurances
those who equally interested in the preservation
tho rights supposed to be endangered, and equally ea
Of any encroacment upon them we shall never
theless, still forbear TO reor their injurious suspicious
We shall continue to trust in the persuasive force Of
truth and conde in the ultimate triumph of the only
weapons emile.
Tho change in the tone and feelings of our northern
brethren, the subject of slavery obvious be
staken Discussion and enquiry have led to sounder
and practical views with respect its origin and
existence among us,-and more sympathy is evidently
felt and expressed towards those arc compelled TO
sustain its pressure. The well informed convinced
that elimination is as imPoc it is unjust. In the
language of an eloquent member of the society the
north,-so far from reproachng the south with the
evil of her coored population, admitted that the
noEth owes her exemption not to better morality, but
TO colder skies and less fertile soil;"-and whilst it is
acknowledged that all have participated in producing
tho mischief it is not denied, that all should unite to
mitigate it's evils.
That Society is more and more sustained by pub
Ic sentiment throughout the Union, may be shcvn by
few striking facts selected from great variety of sim
lar character. The Legislatures of fourteen States
including FIVE where slavery exists passed resou
tions approving it's object. Sixteen states and about
200 county and town auxiliarcs, have been formed
and are believed 10 be in actual operations each const
tung in itself organ of intercourse with the Parent
Society, TO collect and dflHc intelligence, and each
contributing it's pecuniary quota to the trcas
~. Without any aid from the General Government
the funds Of the Society have nevertheless gradually in
creased. From 1921 to 1923 inclusive the donations
from various sources, amounted to SS21G In 1899
the receipts $50, 1895, and in 1890, S26.573 In
some OF the large Cities where three years since but
tee interest was felt and all cooperation withheld the
hand OF friendship and beraity now promptly extern
1ed In many of the States particularly Maryland and
Kentucky, the importance of foreign Colonization is
commanding universal attention. In the latter Com
nou"ealth Of her ables citizens have cnpaoed
IN thecaofe With Characteristic enthusiasm and the la
ciss 81 Lexington, and other parts of the State resol
ved not 10 be surpassed in works Of charity, have form
ed Auxiliary SocietIeE, and contributed efficient aid to
ere object.
CHANGING from this cheering state of public senti
ent IN thF country, to the actual condition of the
Colony disclosed by the most recent and authentic
accounts, there is ample for encouragement and
EMULATION. Indeed, when it is rccolectcd that the
FIST establishment was effected Moasera3o in 1899