The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1845-02-28
From the Ohio Statesman.

State. 1t may, therefore, be interest
ing to our readers to be made acqualnt-
ed with the views and feelings Of men
in different parts of the State, in differ
ent situations, and in opposite political
parties. The project of civilizing and
christianizing unhappy Africa, is one
that at least recommends itself to the
phianthropist, by the immense amount
Of good which it proposes to accom-
plish. We therefore cheerfully pub
iish the following correspondence:
| Extract of a letter from III. McMil-
Ian, Esq, of Xenia, to MIR. Archbold
of Monroe, on the subject Of the black
laws:
"-Xenia, Feb. 10, 1845.
"DEAR SIR: have had the satisfac-
ton of reading the reports OF the COM
mittee on the repeating of the coIored
laws of the State. The subject is tru-
ly one of perplexity. We ought to be
righteous, ,jand to do to others as we
would that they should do to us. The
report of the majority of the commit
lee is, therefore, entitled to respect. 1t
is a good abolition document. Still |
am persuaded that the views and poll
cy OF the report of the minority ought
to prevail. The thanks of the CON-
inunity are due to the minority for
their able report on the subject. To
express this sentiment to you and your
colleague, though personally unknown
to me, is. in fact, the object of these
lines. My main design is, however,
to encourage you and others to meet
this question fairly and fully. The
sooner the better; the longer the worse.
1t is the question of questions, what
shall be done with our cololed citizens,
free or bond? There are but three
ways: one to remain as they are; an
other. to repeal all laws imposing disa
biIities, and thus introduce them rs part
and parcel of our community; and the
third is to provide home for them
elsewhere, out of the State. No good
man can desire the first; the second is
still more Objectionable; and tho third
is the way of wisdom, of love, and of
enlightened policy. To lead our COM
munity to see it. to get them to feel its
importance, while the mind is busted
about other matters, is very difficult.
Still the question is on US; il is before
you; it will be before every succeeding
Assembly. Mind ought to confer with
mind, throughout the State, and no
time left unemployed till some plan
shall have been adopted, that will re-
Iieve the State Of this growing species
of population, and also provide for their
well being, as a community by them
selves. In the mean time a too cold
or unlriendly policy ought not to lie
pursued. 1t will streng then abolition
feeling. Also. we ought to be kind TO
the stranger in our midst, remember
ing that we were strangers. y y =
"Where would be the objection to
colony being planted some where in
the west! This was Senator Kings
proo .sition some time ago to Congress.
1t is still worthy of consideration. =
Still the most desirable location, con-
sdering the situation Of Africa, is Ii
IBERIA. This measure should be sustain
ed by State policy. Could not some
bonus or premium be for time offered
to enterprising colored persons to in
duce them to go to Liberia. 1t is only
necessary to get the spirit of emigra-
ton once started, so that it would gen
orally prevail. ar
"But cannot detain you by these
remarks. hope you will be encour-
aged to sustain your views in the As
sembly. The member, Mr.. Drake, from
this county is worthy member, and
has, think, correct views on this sub
ject. 1t is no party question. 1t is
one that ought to engage all hearts and
hands. a, sr'
81 remain yours with respect,
"H. M'MILLAN.
"Messrs. Archbold and Spear.n
.l Mr.. ARcHBoLp's REPLY.
"House Of Rp'esenhtiiues.(
Feb. IS, l845.
"DEAR SIR: Y ours has been received.
entertain no doubt that this is an i'm
portant que stion; the great numbers of
that unfortunate people on this conti-
nent, render it a question of the first
magnitude. entirely agree with you
that colonization is our true policy, but
it W ould seem to be inexpedient if MOI
impossible, on this continent.
"Place black colony on the North
American continent where we might,
it would be pressed upon and overrun
by the Anglo Saxon race. The voy-
age to the western coast of Africa is a
short and easy one. And by strength
ening the colony already there, we take
| the most effectlal stems to abolish the