Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1850-04-24
UNITED STATES AND AFRICA.

gress by JosEPu BRYAN, of Alabama, for himself and
Of deep national interest Il proposes TO accomplish
these objects, viz:
1.-The suppression of the Slave trade.
2.-The carrying of the mails between the United
States and the Republic Of Liberia.
3.-To extend and regulate trade between the u
nited States end Liberia.
It proposes TO build for direct trade between this
country and Liberia four Of the largest class Steam
ers each capable of carrying 1000 emigrants, and TO
make al least four trips year-all 10 be placed al
the service of the American Colonization Society,
to convey free people of color for 81 each for those
twelve years of age, and IS for all under twelve
Each Steamer is to be commanded by Lieut.. of
The u S Navy, and to carry two guns Of heavy cal
ibre, with seamen of the Navy to work them.
The whole will cost from four to five millions Of
dollars; the government to advance two thirds of the
amount with lien on the ships and Ave per cent.
interest on the capital advanced to be repaid to The
Treasury in equal annual insalments.
The Steamers are to be constructed so as to be
convertible into war steamers, and in any exigency
of war to be at The service of the government, for
which, in such case, the government shall buy them
at cost and ten per cent. commission.
The steam power Of each ship is to be adequate
TO propel them the distance from Y ork to Liv-
erpool in eight days-two-lhirls the time now re-
quired by the first class steamers
This arrangement is expected TO supercede the ne
cessily Of maintaining our naval force on the coast of
Africa, which now costs S3S4,000 per annum. It's
regarded as furnishing better protection to the
coast by the almos. constant presence of some one
Of the steamers there by their ability 10 overtake
with incredible velocity any suspicious vessel, and
by the rapid settlement of the coast by emigrants.
This is truly day of grand designs, great enter
prises and splendid achievements, What would,
few years ago. have been regarded as visionary, no
longer asonishes in actual execution. We have come
almost to consider that man behind the age, who
will treat with rdicule any theory, merely for its
strangeness, novelty or magnitude. Who would
have listened TO man that should have proposed
thirty years ago, to make voyage across the Allan
tic in eight days. Then, our merchants from the
Valley could hardly reach their Northern markets
merce with central Africa, through its Western coast
by four steamers, each of two thousand ous TO con-
meet with Republic there to convey U. States
mail every month, and secure 10 ourselves trade
which The world is beginning to seek by treaty and
competition. COLUMBUS discovered new world
the old world. new tide Of emigration is formed,
and the impulses given 10 the human intellect, act
ing on the African brought here savage and an
idoator, send him back civilized man and chris
tian. Africa, we may almost say, even now. is re-
generated, and that too by means Of slavery ITSELF
The plan proposed in the memorial before us, it
is understood, has been thoroughly matured by bus
mess men, who know what they about, and who
are able and willing to employ in the project, if it
be necessary two millions of dollars in the conf
deuce that it will be profitable investment. 1t has
been approved by the American Colonzatlch Socle-
ty, who will be ready and glad TO cooperate i'll car
rying it into effect. II has already been examined
by many of the most distinguished statesmen in
Congress, and will receive their cordial support. In
less than two years we may sail to Western Africa
by the voyage Of fortnight alter to Calllor-
MIA, in the same time, by ship canal through the
ishmus, or by steam coaches across the continent,
at option-AFRIcA, not as heretofore, barbarous
and pagan, but in rapid march TO civilization and
christian character-CALIFoRNIA, not barren and
desert, but her vallies enriched by the hand of cu
ture, and her mountains brilliant like the temple al
Jerusalem, with gold and precious stones.
FIRST OF MAY.-The Spring term of the United
States District Court for Western Virginia common
ces its session in this place on Wednesday next, the
first day of May. On the same day, the cornerstone
Of the Wesleyan Female Institute will be laid with
appropriate ceremonies by the Masonic Fraternity.