The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1841-04-17
THE MAIDS MAN.
FOR THE MApIsoNlAl
1381I0 THE MADIS0NIAN.
MISSION OF THE REV. R. R. GURLEY TO
f.. ENGLAND. 'l.f.

MISSION OF THE REV. r. r. GURLEY TO
ENGLAND. .g
The inquiry is 50 often made of late, by persons
from every section of the United States, "What rela
ton the Rev. Mr.. Gurley sustains to the American
Colonization Society 2"-that take up the pen again,
to mpart such brief information this point in con-
nection with his mission, will lead the friends of
African Colonization to understand at relation this
eminent and devoted advocate of the cause recently
held, and now holds, to the American Colonization
Society. 1t is well known that Mr.. Gurey, although
the Corresponding Secretary of the Society," had, by
desire Of the Board Of Directors, been engaged for
than year previous to his departure for England,
in visiting the cities and large villages in the United
States arousng the friends of Colonization and awak-
ening deep and general interest in this benevolent
institution. 81.
When the great scheme Of Sir POWELL Buxton for
destroying the slave trade on the coast of Africa and
civizng that continent out in the early part Of
last summer the friends Of Colonization in New York
and Philadelphia regarded it having so important
bearing the American Colonies in Africa that they
deemed it highly necessary mission to England
should be authorized by the Board of Directors o. the
A. G. s. without delay. The Board Of Managers of
the Colonization Societies in those two cities convened
anu Pdsseu Iesouuons, representing theI VeWs VI te
Importance of such mission, and designating the
Rev. Mr.. Gurley man eminently qualified for the
Office These resolutions received the consideration
of the Board Of Directors of the A. c. s., and Mr..
Gurley was appointed by unanimous vote, under
resolution that confers him general discretionary
powers" With copy of this in his PORTFOLIO and
an official document from the Hon. Henry Clay Pre-
sdent Of the American Colonization Society, Mr..
Gurley embarked in July last for England.
1t was anticipated that Mr.. Gnrley would have
many dieultiAs 10 overcome in the execution Of his
mission not the least Of these was the deeprooted
preudices entertained by the people Of England to-
ward the American Colonization Society. A large
delegation from the Abolition Societies Of the North
then in England, and it to be expected that
they would exert their utmost ability to destroy any
favorable impressions that might be made by Mr.. Cur
ley on the minds of British philanthropists.
1t was believed, however, that there were several
distinguished gentlemen in England who would greet
Mr.. Gurley the representative of the American
Colonization Society, with the most cordial welcome.
In this he was not disappointed. But the time when
he arrived in London was the season when the prin-
cipa usually retire to the continent and most of
these gentlemen were absent. He was therefore de-
prived of the immediate aid and influence of those,
without which he could not hope to meet with success
Fortunately however both for Mr.. Gurley and the
cause he met with several American gentlemen
among whom our distinguished historian, the Rev.
Jared Sparks This gentleman very kindly wrote to
a member of the Executive Committee, representing
the position of things and the great importance of the
continuance of Mr.. Gurleys abors in England for at
least year.
Mr.. Gurley soon perceived the nature of the work
before him. and that instead of few weeks being suf
cent for the purposes of his mission period of nine
or ten months would scarcely allow him time, to dis
charge faithfully, the important commission with which
he had been entrusted that his return to this coun
try within four months from the time the Board of Di
rectors authorized the mission, would bring disap-
pointment to the friends of African Colonization bar
out friendly intercourse with the African Cvliz alton
Society," and leave the preudces of the people of En-
gland to increase until they became not only lnvnci
be but would burst forth in fearful violence against
America, and American Institutions.
The whole American people have deep interest in
this mission of Mr.. Gurey; and well may they con-
graduate themselves in having such representative
before the people of England. Our statesmen whose
far-reaching and closely observing minds perceive the
secret springs that the social and political world
will not fail to appreciate the happy influences exerted
by such man.
But to return to the question. Mr. Gurley sustain
ed the relation of Corresponding Secretary to the
American Colonization Society," until the annual meet
ing Of the Board of Directors in January last. Let
Ibe remembered that The present Constitution of the
American Colonization Society, allo,os il to hare
nothing to do Nth its affairs, ercspt to elect
President and Vice Presidents, annually. The
Board of Directors composed of delegates om the
State Societies, and such other gentlemen as have
constituted themselves life Directors by the payment
Of ST. OO0 This Board appoint all other officers, and
an Executive Committee. By reference to the con-
sttuon, it will be perceived that five members of the
Executive Committee with two Of the Directors may
be constituted Board Of Directors ALSO that the
Colonisaton Society cannot alter or amend its o,on
Constitution the power to do this rests solely with
the Board Of Directors.
Toproceed with Mr. GurIey the Hon Samuel
Wkeson refused to pay his salary after the middle of
October last. In doing this, know not whether he
exercised his office President ofthe Board Of Drec
tors, as Chairman of the Executive Committee, or,