The native American., 1838-12-22
FROM LIBERIA.

This letter is entitled to attention not only tor
its interesting matter, but also for the style.
CORRESPONDENCE OF THE COMMERCIAL ADVERTISER.
MoNRovlA, WEsr AFRICA, August 8, 1898.
The announcement of vessel about to sail
from this port to the U. States is hailed by Us all
as the signal to commence and wear pens to the
pith, III giving to our friends at home the nine
teen,h edition of the old stereotyPsd form, 1.-THE
fourishing condition Of Libera," /" and what seem
to be the oft-rcpeated versions Of the truths.
This can only be accounted for by the faetthat we
see and hear SO little Of the doings Of the great
world, that we become inflated with the idea that
the orbit which we circumscribe is the world
Happy for mankind ifthey all enjoyed the domestic
peace and quiet that are experienced in our COM
munity's circle; happy indeed if the world was
possessed Of the industry and contentment which
here peryade every breast. and are, seen TO beam
forth in the cheerful countenances of the free cti-
zens Of Liberia. Our growing republic is not con-
vused by the factions Of deep and designing poiti-
cal demagogues; nor are our agricultural and COM
mercal operations parayzed by 'the removal Of
deposites," or the suspension of specie pay
ments.' Our circulating medium, gold, silver.
and ivory, floats freely throughout the land, and
we have suAiciency Of each, soithout discount.
So much for the home Of the oppressed not hav-
ing been located in the suburbs OF, or next neigh
Dor to, the American States.
1t is source of great pleasure to me to be able
to inform you that all the colonies are in pros
porous condition. The vigorous exertions and
anxious devotedness which characterize the efforts
Of the citizens to elevate and establish themselves
permanently in the possessiono of privileges, moral
and political, almost amount to enthusiasm.
The people are nd.,strious and persevering in
their attempts to gain comfortable livelihood,
temperate and economical in their habits, and ap-
pear to be really enjoying life.
1t is mistaken idea that among the colonists
there are contentious and dissatisfied spirits who
long ''for the fesh-pots of Egypt" and desire to
turn back and enjoy ''the proud mans contumely''
in America. No, no; there are here no restless
persons, nor any who would give up their posses
sions in Africa for any station, no matter however
elevated, in the country where they cannot have
equal rights, but must ever be looked upon as the
dark and degraded sons Of Ham. Many to whom
| have put the question-W ould you prefer to re-.
turn to America, and live bondmen as you have
been? have replied in substance, No, sir; we would
rather remain here, possessed of half the privileges
and happiness we nOU have than 90 back and be
reported free men in any of the States.
have inquired diligently, and have yet the
first man to find who would leave Liberia for a
residence in America on any terms.
This account you will find fully corroborated
in the numerous letters written by the colonists.
and sent to their afflicted brethren throughout
the Union. / am aware that it is not credited by
some; but If men not themselves the best judg,
of their own enjoyments and feelings, and are moi
to be believed when they thus publicly testify Of
the blessings and comforts which they possess, |
ask, what portion of the community is that is bet
ter qualifel to decide? An enlightened and intel
ligent public will hear and believe, when the diff
ferent papers and periodicals are daily teeming
with the very conclusive letters from the citizens
here, describing their happy condition, returning
thanks to a generous and benevolent people for
having placed them in this country, and praying
and beseeching their fellows to come and enjoy
with them the sweets Of freedom in its broadest
acceptation. But if there are any whose percep-
tive faculties are so very Opaque as not to permit
them to see and understand how these things can
be, there are only such who, believing, would
stamp the fact with uncertainty
The colonization scheme is one of the nobIest
benevolent institutions now in operation. It con-
templates the entire annihilation of slavery i'm
America and the Chrstianizing Of Africa. 1t is
institution that engages the energies and united
efforts Of the patriot, the philanthropst and di-
vine; il is no other than giving liberty to the cap
tive, and salvation to the heather.
1t is utterly impossible for you to form correct
estimate of the good that has resulted from the
means thus far expended, unless you were here
to observe with your own eyes the changes
wrought. The man who was slave in America
is here free citizen; the plebeian and servant there
the lord Of the soil here; there the degraded
child Of affliction, here the claimant and occupant
Of the highest Office in the gift Of free people,
Here there are colonists of all professions and
trades; governors, divines, lawyers, physicians
and mechanics. Here are those who possess
wealth and live ease: here the inhabitants enjoy
all the comforts and luxures Of soil the most
fertile, well watered. and best timbered that have
ever seen. And here permit me to ask why do
you colonization folks, in every address that you
make, speak Of the burning sands and barren
shores Of Africa! Because, in the vast continent
Of Africa, the Zahara desert is found? Where is
the continent thaHhas no desert? Is there not a
great desert within the territory of the U. States!
England and other European nations, get all their
ship-building and other timber from Africa The
coast from Senegambia, southwark, presents an
almost impregnable forest, which contains much
yarietv of than Won have i'm the States