The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1837-12-21
MIR. CLAY on COLONIZATION.

We are indebted 10 the Secretary OF the American
Colonization Society for the following report Of Mr.
CLAy's speech taking the chair at the Annual Meet
ing as President of that Society
Gentlemen Of the Colom=atiOa Society:
On this first occasion Of meeting You since received
the appointment which hold, prompted by
my grateful feelings 10 present my cordial thanks and
nv respectful Acknowledgements To be called 10 that
high station which has been successfully occupied by
Washington, by Carroll the most distinguished and
beloved Of all who bore his honorcd name, and by
Madison, whose long life was continued exhibition
OF public and private virtue Of patriotism, OF ineili-
gence, and of beneyoience, among the most graft
flying public honors which have ever received ard it
will always of the most cherished recolec-
fions Of my kie. But, gentlemen, considering the
BILE aims and humane purposes of this Society, there is
honor resulting from the Office of presiding its de-
lberations greater than any which can he communicated
even by their illus,rious names. 1t was established
twenty years ago; and the peaceful acquisition of
large territory Africa, eight fonrishng settlements
and towns, containing population already civilized,
In the process OF cvll!zao with schools oil instruction
duties here below, and temples erected the
everything God. pointing 10 the hopes and blessings Of
Christianity above, attend the of the abors Of
the Society, and encourage to further and nvgoraed
exertions
The Society formed TO demonstrate the practical
bility Of colonization in Africa and, If uuhap-
PLY dissolved tomorrow, that great purpose of lis
founders will have been completely accomplished No
one can doubt that with the application of ade-
quate means such the Governments of the several
States and of the Union could supply almost without
effort. the colonization of the descendants Of the
African may be effected to any desirable extent
The founders of the Society never imagined that de
pending does upon spontaneous contributions from
the good and the bene, oen rreguarly made without
an established revenue and without EoHer the Society
alone competent TO coonze all the free persons of
color in the United States They hoped, and the So.
ciety still hopes, that seeing what has been done, AMI
be done, Governments may think fit to take hold Of
the principle, and carry it out far they may
deem right with their ample powers and abundant
sources.
The object Of the Society to colonze. with their
voluntary consent the free persons Of color in the
United States. 1t had nothing coercivc compulsory
about it. 1t neither had The disposition nor the power
to apply force Throughout its whole existence it has
invariably adhered to that principle 1t never sought 10
shake or affect in the slightest degree the tenure by
which any property is held It is believed that the
States alone, in which the institution of slavery exists
had the exclusive right 10 decide upon its continuance
or termination. 1t hoped be able 10 do what il has
done-to point out mode by which any Of them or
any Of their citizens might find home and refuge for
liberated slaves And, accordingly, many humane pro-
prleors Of slaves have embraced the opportunity thus
offered
II has been objected against tho Society that its aim
and tendency have been pepetuate slavery, and
draw still tighter the bonds Of the slave II has, the
other hand, been proclaimed that its purpose aho
lish slavery forthwith, and to let loose the untuored
and unprepared slaves upon society Both objections
cannot he founded in truth. Neither is The Society
does not medde with slavery, either proong or TO
discontinue its existence lis abstract OPINION or ra-
ther the abstract opinions Of its members, well known
They believe it deporablc evil; but here it is 10 be
touched If touched at all with the greatest caution
and delicacy, and only with authorized hands. Both
principle aud policy restrain the Society from disturb
ing tprncple because the Society believes that it is
matter exclusively appertaning to the States and cit
zens immediately concerned and policy, because 10
agitae the subject ALL would deprive the Society Of
the cooperation OF large portion Of the Union, and
prevent it from accomplishing atainable good by
the pursuit Of what il is constrained TO rhink an i'm
practicable aud dangerous object
But the Society attacks no person and no associa-
ton II neither assals those who believe slavery
blessing those who believing it great curse seek
its immediate extipation 1t pursues the even tenor
OF its way, appealing to the understanding, to the hu
manity, and TO the religion Of enlightened commn-
nifty. II had hoped to escape unmorted reproaches
apd unjustiahe attacks but it has not and il has only
defended itself Because ii cannot agree cooperate
with the abolitionists, they assa it, Because it be-
levcs that the agitation Of the question Of abolition is
unwise and unhappy, alike destructive to the harmony
of the whites, and injurious the OF the blacks,
which is esposed, the motives and purposes aud ten
deney OF colonization all misrepresented and con-