The republic., 1851-01-30
Liberia.

Oar readers Will doubtless remember tnat
Mr.. CLAY, in his recent speech before the Co
lonization Society, alluded in terms of praise to
the report of the Rev. r. r. GuRLEY, the
agent sent out by our Government to obtain in
formation in respect to Liberia, and expressed
a hope that it would be widely circulated and
everywhere read. A copy of this document is
before us. We find on perusal that it fully
justifes the opinioa given of 1t by Mr.. CLAY;
and for the sake of bringing the information
which it contains within the compass of some
whom it might possibly fail to reach in its pre-
sent shape, as well as for the sake Of calling
public attention to the document itself, we pur
pose to embody its most important points in this
article.
Mr.. GuRLEy took passage at Baltimore in
the Liberia packet on the lst of August last,
and arrived al Monrovia on the 18th of Sep
tember. He remained in Liberia about two
months, during which time every facility was
afforded him by the officers of Government. and
the citizens of the country generally, for tho
rough personal examination of the condition, re-
lations, and prospects of their commonwealth
His information is, therefore, derived from the
most authentic sources, and, in all essential par
ticulars, may be relied upon as correct.
The territories both of the republic and Of
the Maryland colony founded at Cape Paimas
are included under the general name of Libe-
ria. At the date of Mr.. GURLEI's visit the
republic held political jurisdiction over the coun-
try from Mama, point bordering on the noto-
rious Gallinas, on the northwest, to Grand Ses
tiers on the east, distance on the coast of three
hundred and fifty miles, with an average extent
interior of forty miles--the boundary line en-
closing space Of about fourteen thousand square
miles, These limits have since been somewhat
extended by purchases of adjacent territory, the
most important of which is Gallinas, for years
the principal slave factory on the western coast
of Africa, which as slave mart is now no more,
but forms part ofthe free republic of Liberia
The authority of the Maryland colony extends
from Grand Sesters to the river Pedro, dis
tance by water of one hundred and twenty
miles, and by land of one hundred and forty or
fifty miles. New acquisitions from the natives
are constantly enlarging the boundaries above
laid down.
The immigrant population in the. republic is
estimated at six thousand, and the native popu-
Iation at one hundred and forty to two hundred
thousand. OF the Maryland colony the immi
grant inhabitants are about nine hundred and
the natives are about one hundred thousand
The native people of this region of Africa are
separated into numerous tribes, varying in Ian
euage, but bearing striking similarity in man
ners, character, and supersiitions. Most of them
are mild and inoffensve, and easily won to the
habits of civilization. The most intelligent and
remarkable are the Kroomen, numbering from
six to ten thousand, finely proportioned race
of men, ambitious of reputation, capable Of ar
dent attachment, and, where their interests are
deeply concerned, of extraordinary fidelity
Among all these tribes the slave trade formerly
prevailed, and barbarous superstitions and prac-
tjces still exist TO some extent. One of the
most prevalent of African superstitions is 'the
ordeal of sassywood," by which thousands per-
sh miserably every year. The native tribes
of Africa ascribe sickness and death to witch
craft, and rely upon their doctors to designate
the person who has perpetrated the crime. The
accused is seized by public officer and CON-
PEELED to drink % decoction of sassywood, Ga
powerful narcotic poson,) which, if re-
jected by his stomach, proves his innocence;
if not, his guilt, and consigns him to q
speedy and cruel death. This barbaruus Gus
tom, and mahy others Of similar nature, have
been in great degree arrested, if not eradicated,
through the influence of the Liberian govern
ment, whose relations with the native tribes
residing within the jurisdiction of the republic
are entirely peaceful and friendly, and whose
authority over them has been highly salutary
and beneficent The Maryland colony exerts,
perhaps, less controlling authority over its
native population, but the influence Of lis intel
luent officers, and of the missionary establish
ment within its limits, is Of great and increasing
benefit.
The constitution Of the republic of Liberia is,
in all vital particulars, conformed TO the model
of our own, with the single exception that no
State governments. One section provides ex-
pressly for the Improvement Of the native
tribes, and their advancement in the arts of
agriculture and husbandry; purpose so Chris
tian-ike in its character, that we have thought
it worthy Of especial mention. The Judicial
system of the republic is wisely constituted,
and Justice is administered TO all classes impair
TALLY, without unnecessary expense or delay.
The common law, with few notifications, as
existing in Great Britain and the United
States, is the basis Of judicial arguments and
decisions.
Mr.. GUaLEY describes the President of the
republic as ga gentleman of distinguished tai
enls and courage. Of unaffected, plain, but pol