The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1845-08-12
COMMUNICATIONS.
Forthe Union.
THE COAST OF AFRICA.
No. 10.


;, our last, we earnestly recommended that, as
government could not take the Liberian colo
under its especial protection, something ought
Ia done to obtain the forbearance Of England, or
mower that might at any time be disposed to as
,hem-as was recently done in the case of the
ooner John Seys We cannot forbear anlmad-
ling upon such cruel treatment towards an IN
,,rious and peaceable people, who are striving to
he for themselves, and their coored brethren
ouehout the world, place Of refuge and an asy-
|, might truly be said that the Liberian and
os palmas colonies are the only places where the
ored race enjoy unlimited freedom; and 1t can
with truth be said, that they do not abuse II
.nv way. They are quiet, and, with very few
sn,ions, an industrious people, who appear grateful
heir former masters, and happy in the choice they
made, in emigrating to those shores. Unlike
:, ober settlements on this coast OF Africa, the
ols I.berian population is made up of volunteers;
,.contured Africans held in bondage for a certain
18th Of time, to pay for the expense of their re-
,,rs are here found. You do not here see the
!, IGNORANT native African at work on the public
as and dragging carts and wagons laden with
Yea and hogsheads, up hill, into the town Nor
vou see the trade almost monopolized as it is
Sierra Leone and Goree, by white people, who,
N thirst for gain, have ventured to these sickly
mes, No! here is the garden-spot of the civilized
,;can race here he lives and feels his indepen-
ure: he breathes the air Of freedom, and becomes
changed being. No white man is here seen to in
sre in any of the arrangements of the colonists
nm the merchant to the shoe-black, all advan-
yes belong TO the colored race.
i, is true, they are dependent, in great measure,
on the white race for their support; and they are
,sdl for it. The American and Maryland Colo
alton Societies are the two greatest charities that
ye ever been instituted. They are liberal and dis
crested in all their acts for the ameoration of the
uaition Of the civilized African race directly, and
,he whole uncivilized race indirectly; for their
Adjustment among the native Africans must event.
Nv lead to the enlightenment Of all Africa. The
ample of these colonists is an incentive to the ma.
es to improve themselves and, in proof of this,
is only necessary to state that King Freeman--a
tive African chief of great power, whose village
almost touching the town of Harper, the capital
the Maryland society of Cape Palmas-has is
ed a code of laws for the government of his peo-
which he certainly owes to the colonists;s and
IS to be regretted that the copy we had has been
st or mislaid With this King Freeman and his
buary chiefs we held palaver, and found him
BY sagacious.
We feel certain that, if these colonies could be
pected, they would improve much more rapidly.
e South is certainly interested in their welfare.
e great majority Of those who 60 there, are sent
m that section Of the United States. 1t is pity
the abolitonists are so blind to the interests of
colored race as to continue their abolition move
ns Would that few of them could lay aside
ir prejudces for time, and visit the Liberian
onies to see and Judge for themselves how much
ter their time would be spent and their money
pended in the cause of colonization, than in per-
erng in course which every true philanthro-
must deprecate.
The Liberian colonies have their governor, and a
slative council, which meets once year; the
nbers of this council are elected by the people,
the lieutenant governor. (The governor is APP
nted by the American Colonization Society," At
nrovia, the capital, there is fine legislative hall,
IRE their legislature meets, and where the affairs
he colony are discussed with a great degree of
prum, and ably presided over by Gov. Roberts,
an of sound judgment and clear mind, cultivated
good education. There are also number of
ces of worship, comfortable, and well construct
ofbrick These churches have good and intel
mt pastors, and are well filled by very respecta-
Congregations. There are, besides, number of
bols, supplied with good teachers, to which all
their children; and it is pleasure to see them
king clean, and behaving in the most orderly man
The houses, many Of which are built Of brick,
comfortable, very clean, and neatly furnished
he soil is very productive, and since the colony
become sufficiently strong to intimidate those
YES who live in the interior some IL or Is miles
ith whom they were at war for several years,
are now at pcace-the colonists have turned their
(nion to agriculture, which, until within a few
RS, had been almost entirely neglected.
We have been led to these details, to show how
rtess must be government which would au-
rze any attacks upon young nation just emer-
HOH infancy. DOeS SUCH treatIneIt upon u race,
whom England wishes the world TO think she is
sole Champion rebound in the least to her credit
be is so opposed to slavery and the lave-trade,
does she not foster and cherish colony plant
upon the shores Of Africa by private charities,
whose limits slavery is abolished, and from
pse shores no slave has for years been exported
he government of England were sincere in her
Jared hatred to the slave-trade, would she not
Ter encourage than annoy those who are SO pow
lly Though without concert) cooperating with
IN the suppression Of this odious traffic.
gain British cruisers knowing how inoffensive
quiet these people are, (for they have all been
Png them,) is it not unjust and ungenerous to
age their flag, and pretend ignorance as to its
onality' Until Great Britain acts more in con-
nifty with her professions we shall never believe
sincere in her apparent desire to abolish the
e-trade.
that government sanctions the conduct Of the
mander of the Lily-acts speaking louder than
ds-the whole world will strongly suspect her
enty, and believe, with us, that she wears but
ask, which she is not yet prepared to throw off
AN OFFICER OF THE NAVY.