Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1832-01-21
ANNUAL REPORT
or The Colonixation Society of Virginia.

OF the Colonization Society Of Virginia.
Three years have now elapsed since the forma-
ton of this Society; and until this time; no regular
annual meeting has been held. The reasons for
this delay, are sufficiently explained in report Of
the managers made ut general meeting held on
the 9Th Of June last which, 1t brings to view the
topics that will engage tho attention of the Socie-
ty at this timc and being of recent date, will
furnish most Of the information that it is desirable
to communicates; the managers request that the
same may be received part Of this report.
The Troasuicr's account now to be presented,
exhibits receipts for the last six months to the
| amount Of $40 ga larger sum it is thought,
than had been received before in like period from
private sources. The balance undisbursed is
SS1l5 81. Several county Societies have contri-
buted during that time, others believed TO be in
the habit of giving direct aid to emigrants. The
Female Society of Richmond and Manchester,
heretofore large contributor, has decided to APP
ply its funds chiefly to the support of Female
School in Liberia.
The meeting of 9th June was called. under the
belief that material change in public opinion
was taking place within our State favorable to the
views ofthis Socity, and that its interests requir-
ed immediate action. Accordingly resolutions
were then adopted, preparatory to the present oc-
casion, which were published IN the newspapers,
as also in pamphlet form, and thus have been dis
seminated over our State
Since that meeting the favorable state of public
sentiment to the cause of Colonization, has been
more strongly indicated. Many have been adverse
to it, from the opinion that the plan impracti-
cable, others feared that it would result in the
ultimate sacrifice of all who were so mprudent as
to emigratc The success and present stability OF
the colony, has completely put to. rest all such APP
prehensions; ard some who entertained them, have
magnanimously acknowledged their error, and pro-
icssed their disposition to cooperate In an under
taking rcpletc with benefits to all parties. Ad-
ded to this the recent tragic events i'll Southamp-
ton, while eiciting the liyecst sympathy for the
unhappy sufferers, have not failed to arouse the
before dormant sonsibilitics of the community, to
the necessity Of adopting, without delay such
| measures may tend to prevent repetition of
those horrid scenes, repress ALARM and give sccu-
| rty TO the people; and prevailing sentiment is
manifested in favor of Colonization, the best c.
| source now presented, if not the only remedy, for
the evils that threaten our community. To expat!.
! ate on these, s not ncedful; they seen and
| felt.
TO those who have endured their share Of the
obloquy and suspicion, thrown not unsparingly on
the scheme of African Colonization, and its abct-
tors, the prcsNit is proud era for, they en-
abed to exhibit in return for these colony tri-
umphant over all incipicnt trials, and hourlsiing
beyond any previous example: possessing the essen
tails of present stability and future promise. Late
communications from Liberia confirm previous &C
counts, and give additional testimony to its in
creasing influence over surrounding native tribes,
| and also of the continued Improvement OF the
| colony in trade and agriculture. Civil and rc-
ligiOus institutions well conducted and observed,
and education fails to receive in good degree,
| the attention II deserves. We forbcaT to enlarge
on these particulars, they fully detailed in
the periodical publications of the Parent Society.
Suffice it to say, there is scarcely an obsta-
| Gle now presented to the progress Of our
| cause, that might not be expected to yield TO the
! patronage and liberaly Of our State and General
| Government; nor objection remaining, unless
it TIC thought to exist in the climate Of Africa,
which, however, we have the best authority to as
sert, is not more unhealthy than almost any new
tropical country the ocean, and is dangerous
only, in regard to people of color to enigrate from
a northern cline mountainous region, and docs
| not materially affect those from the middle and
lower districts of the southern States, the very
districts that most need the provision thus made.