Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1832-03-28
EoR TIE WIG.
On the removal Of our Free Colored Population.


On the removal Of orr Free Colored Populations
NO. III.
The American Colonization Society originated
i'll the counsels of some of the first men of our
country, especially of Virginia, who saw and felt
as strongly fifteen years ago, many among us
now do, that "something must be DONE" and that
no time was to be lost The principle they adopt
ed was happily conceived, addressing itself alike TO
the interest and the bcnevolence of ALL in any way
connected with those 1t intended to operate
upon; and although doomed to experience the as
saults OF prejudice and suspicion, it stands vndcat
ed to the world, erect in fair proportions, mildly
yet firmly surmounting all opposition.
The wisdom of the principle and the prudence
of the counses of the society, are shewn i'm the re-
suit. colony is established on the best perhaps
the only unexceptiOnable spot that can even now
be indicated, possessing all the essentials of free
and prosperous community, with great facilities
ior almost indefinite extension. 1t is wonderful
indeed, and only to be received on the concurrent
testimony OF many competent witnesses, that a so =
cal body composed of such matercl as we know
that to be, should fully exhibit capacity for
self-government, and the actual enjoyment of DO.
hticel, civil and religious freedom; and although
their prctensons TO mental attanmcnts and the
rehncmcnts of society may be humble, they
can boast of all important advantage, which
but few of the most favored countries
enjoy Their youth are universally in
structcd in the elementary branches of a COM
mon educaton; and thus is laid Il foundation
deep and strong to sustain and preserve them in
III the sound condition of the Colony at Liberia,
be extraordinary, considering tho mdteriei, it is
not less so III reference to the circumstances of
its origin and progress. Disappointment and pc
culiar difficulties marked the first; the latter has
been struggle with the jcalouses and hostility of
native tribes and piratcal marauders in Africa;
and with cold indifference suspicion here Yet
the Parent Society strong in the rcctitude of it's in
tentlons, and upheld by comparatively small,
but INCREASING patronage, has persevered TO the
DliShm Mt oG ihp Tho fret
tention, viz to prove by experiment, the pracica-
billty and benefits of African Colonization.
such being the fact, we come now to enquire in
to the facilities and encouragement offered by the
colony at Liberia, well the difficulties that
may attend a prosecution of the system to an cx-
lent commensurate with that of the free population
among us, which it is desirable to provide for in a
way That shall be safe to us and beneficial to them
Here 1T should be promised that the American
Colonization Society have never proposed or OK.
pectcd to carry out their operations to the full ex
tent desirable, but with the patronage and aid OF
our General Government, or of the respective
States that may be disposed 10 share the benefits
or to promote the scheme. The object is too vast
and must involve expense too great to be at
tanned by voluntary effort; and it cannot be sumo
sed that the promptings of liberty and bencvo
lencc will avail, where the more pressing claims
of interest denied.
Neither is this Il mere question of expense in
which the cost Of passage, and other attendant
charges of colonizing being asccrtaincd, nothing
remains but to compare them with our resources
aud thereby decide the extent Of our operations
The morals of the subject must here be regarded
with solicitudc, and SaluS poPui becomes para
mount consideration.
Let us then contemplate the Colony Of Liberia
comprising Monroya, the seaport, with two set
Elements OIL the st. PaulS Caldwell and Millsulrp
within about eight miles distance of each other
and with intervening and surrounding farms anC
plantations, the whole population being about
@0OO; prosperous in trade and foreign commerce
and I'm its internal and social relations, enjoying q
heathtul infancy; yet limited in those resources
which can be Immediately avaing to an increase
OF population; lnasmuch the very circumstance,
That open to her an extensive unoccupied country
present at tho same time cnfcebled tribes suing tc
her for protection from more powerful G.es, AND
DESTROYS to partako the benefits Of civilization
which they begin to appreciate without bringing
in return corresponding benefits.
These considerations, in connection with the
character of the emjgrants from this country, rem