Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1850-09-24
Report Of the Naval COmmittee-.-Af"
Pican Steamers.

We have read with some care the able
and interesting Report of the Naval Com
mit,ee recommending the building Of stea
mers to ply regularly between the United
States and the coast Of Africa. The Hon.
F. p. Stanton, chairman Of the committee,
by whom the Report was offered, seems
to have studied the subject we'll, and he
will no doubt receive the thanks of his
countrymen for the interest he has eXhlb.
tied in the subject.
We regard it as the most important
measure offered for the consideration Of
Congress for years, and we trust therefore
that it will be approached in liberal and
national spirit, and with degree of eau
ton commensurate with its deep import
ance, and the great results depending up,
on it.
independently Of the important bearing
which the proposed measure must have
upon our national marine, there are other
considerations which recommend it to the
support Of the American people, and their
Representatives in Congress.
1t is proposed that the steamers when
completed shall be under the command OF
naval officers, and subject in every respect
to the rules and regulations Of the navy.
Should occasion arise, they are TO be
always ready for active service, 10 be con-
ver,ed from mail and transportation steam
ers into war steamers fully manned and
equipped, to support the honour of the
country. Thus whilst in time of war they
will constitute the most eilectual branch
of our navy, in peace they will always be
engaged in useful service. Who can fore
tell the wonderful results this scheme may
produce 10 our commerce! Africa pre-
senis wide field for commercial enter
prise, and the acts of kindness which have
been exhibited by the English and French
governments to the Republic of Liberia,
we ale uncharitable enough to believe.
were dictated rather by an Unsuitable thirst
for commercial supremacy, than by the
shirt of kindness which should suggest
such acts. We are not attaching any
blame to France or England. IN the race
for national supremacy such ruSes dc
guerre are, we believe, considered per-
fectly right and proper. This then is the
suspicious season for our Congress 10 move
in the matter, if they would secure 10 this
country the advantages Of the commerce
Of Africa which will at no distant day Offer
itself 10 the nations Of the world.
We have thus far been considering the
question merely as matter Of govern
mental policy, looking 10 the advantages
TO result 10 our national marine, and our
commerce. This view Of the question.
important as it may be, is much less so
than another to which we would direct
the attention OF the philanthropic reader.
Looking 10 the powerful aid which it will
render TO the Colonization Scheme. We do
verify regard ii as one Of the most imPor,
tant questions which has been presented
to the American people during their exis-
tence as nation. Ills this view Of the
matter which challenges the ardent sup.
port OF every man who has the good ofhis
country at heart. 1t is admitted every
where that one OF the greatest curses
which can befall our country is The accu-
mutation Of free negroes in our midst.
This class If persons can never attain q
position of equality in this country, pOllti'
cally or socially, whatever laws The stat
ute books Of some states may contain, by
which such equality is recognized. Such
Iaws are but dead letter. without that vi.