The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1851-02-25

sented. No doubt seems 70 exist IN the public mind,
that vast advantages would flow from the estao-
lshment Of this line Of steamers, not only TO the
commerce Of the country, to the intelligence OF the
country but to the we'll being of the nation; hast,
not least, that ssch an enterprise would have d.
rect and salutary influence in removing future
causes of sectional luminosity and local exctements,
10 reference to the African race. Providence has
put the fortunes of that great division Of the human
family into the hands of the American republic.
For many successive ages, the existence OF vast
millions Of savage and brutal men on the African
continent, has been an enigma to philosophers and
naturaste So far back as we can trace the his
tory Of the African population, by the light of
authentic writings, appears that their story has
been the same at all periods. Numerous II
val tribes, nlumined by none of the light
Of civilization, and fired by the most ferocious
passions that devour savage races, have been at
tempting to extermnate one another. Not quite
SO large share of the disgrace OF the slave trade
rests upon European shoulders as has been sup
posed; for, from time immemorial, coasters and
traders along the western borders OF the African
continent have been tempted TO engage IN this traf-
| fc in men by motives even of humanity, SINCE, 10
nearly all instances, as far as we have any know
LEDGE slaves carried away were captives taken IN
war; who would have been inundated on the altar
of some heather god had they not fallen into the
hands of civilized men. In this way the Southern
portion of our eonfederacy, through the policy OF
England, while we were. colonies, has been popu-
lated with laboring class. And now since their
number has reached three millions, and they have
become civilized and enlightened, to such degree
in fact that very large proportion OF them receive
religious instruction from week TO week, and not
only call themselves Christians, but display, TO
great extent the chief virtues that belong to that
profession, the time has come when, in the Provi-
dence which guides the world, our nation is
enabled to accomplish the great objects of prac-
teal utility not only TO itself, but TO the uncounted
millions of Africa, by carrying out the scheme
which has been recently suggested, and which now
| lies for action before Congress.
| We design in short time TO take up the whole
subject of African colonization. The idea was
started some thirty or forty years ago, and it met,
at The time, with the Apr obation of enlightened,
discreet, good, and farseeing men. Had the plan
ofAfricsn colonization been vigorously prosecuted
a quarter of century ago; and the favor, the pa
tronsge, and the aid of the federal government and
the State legislature been extended towards it,
there never would have been room for the aboli-
I
threatens the perpetuity of the Republic. We
hope stlll, that the time is already come when our
Congress feels the force of these considerations SO
deeply, tina. the plan now before them will meet
with their highest approval, and gain immediate
attention More hes in this matter than some peo-
pie sgne. There is here, SO far we can per-
ceive, little scope for individual speculation; at all
events none, except SO far as the hope of gain may
be fair stimulus 10 capital to bring it to bear upon
grea, end humane plan, that will ultimately re-
4 suk in incalculable advantages TO the whole world
II Is one of those movements, which, if prosecuted
with vigor, will expand the wings of commerce
over fields where they were never spread, and ex-
tend the circle of civilization over the bosom of
of the most ferue continents the face Of the
earth, where the light of Christianity, of well re.
gulated commerce, and Of civilization has never
yet dawned.