The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1851-01-18

Gated TO an evil spirit, thought 10 control mainly
The analrs OF ne world. Like many, il not most,
Of the tribes OF Western Africa, they ascribe sick
mess and death 10 witchcraft, and rely upoa their
doctors to Designate the person who has perperated
the crime. The accused is seized BY public
oincer, ana compelled to drink decoeuea OF
sassywood "a powerful narcotic poIson), which, il
rejected BY his stomach, proves his innocence, II
not, his guilt, and consigns him to a speedy and
cruel death. This ordeal OF sassy wood is one of
the most prevalent and distinctive of African super
stitiOns, and by il thousands perish, m5eraby,
every year.
The government of the Kroo people is believed
to have been originally patriaIchal but is now a
Office hereditarily; and the headmea, some twelve
or fifteen in number marked or distinguished by
iron ring around the leg, constitute the legis-
lative council of the nation. Their laws are
body of customs, handed down by tradition. lf-
terpreted and enforced by the general council. wao
also enact special laws for any emergency, sug-
gested, it is thought, in most cases, by the doctor
or conjurer.
These laws are frequently defective, incon-
sistent and unjust. Most Of the labor ON their
plantations and in their villages is performed
BY the women. Aged men Of influence, in diff
ferent families, act guardians for the younger,
who, even until they reach the age OF thirty
or forty years, 60 abroad in groups OF ten or
dozen (each company electlng leader, whom
they cheerfully obey, TO different parts of the
coast, from Sierra Leone to Fernando Po labor
ndustriously from six months to three years, and,
on their return home, place the proceeds OF their
labor at the disposal of their guardian, to be ex-
pended in the purchase Of wives for themselves,
and for the benefit of their respective families.
The kroomen are, in their persons, straight,
well developed, and haely proportiened race of
men; they are intelligent and independent, vain
and sensual, ambitious Of reputation, capable OF
ardent attachment, and, where their 10 erests are
deeply concerned, of extraordinary fidelity Their
number at home and abroad is probably from six
to ten thousand. The people of Nifou are still
further south. in popula ion less than either the
Fishmen or Kroomen, but very similar in their
occupations, customs, and superstiions.
With other tribes, more remote and interior,
treaties have been formed but those just specified
constitute the most important native population re-
siding within the jurisdiction Of the republic To
these African tribes, the relations Of the Lioeral
government are entirely peaceful and friendly, and
It's authority over them highly salutary and bene
fcient II has banished the slave trade from all
this district of Africa; adjusted the differences
which separated, and suppressed the wars which
have for centuries sp.ead misery and devastation
among these people; has interrupted if not eradi-
Gated, some of their most barbarous superstiuons,
minisered new incentives to their industry, opened
new channels and supplied new motives and re-
wards to trade, and invited them to listen to the
teachings and become enriched with all the bless
ings of civilization and Christianity In recent
tna for capital offence IN the county OF Grand
Bassa, three native Africans sat among the jury;
nor is it unusual to meet with respectable iud-
viduals of this class holding commissions as public
officers Of justice or police, from the President of
the republic.
The Maryland Colony, at Cape Palmas. exerts,
perhaps, less positive and controlling authority
over its large native population than is exered by
the government of the republic; yet the influence
OF its intelligent and respectable officers is highly
beneficial, and must increase; while tAe mission
airy establishment within its limits exctes our ad
niratIon, and deserves the most liberal support.
In regard to the third subject of inquiry specified
in my instruclions-"t the form of the government
and the characters of the leading men in the exc
cutive, legislative, and judicial departments''-
allow me 10 point TO the constitution OF the repub.
lie of Liberia fully pervsded by the spirit of liberty
and, in all vital particulars, conformed TO the
model OF our own American free government. No
provision is contained in this constitution for the
existence of separate State governments do its
trainers appear TO have contemplated or desired
their existence; but in the provision for the cleo
ton Of the President and representatives every
two years; in the subordinaton OF the military TO
the civil power; the declarations Of the right OF
trial by jury, of universal federation IN matters of
religion, and of the freedom Of the press; and in
the prohibition of the slave trade and Slavery
have the people shown the purpose and ability 10
rear, fer the protection Of tles liberties, wisely
limited and Justly constructed republican govern
ment.
EDUCATION
Mr.. Teage, in a discourse delivered In Monro-
via, thus expresses his views on education -
THE education Of our youth is the next subject
to which would direct your attention. Know
ledge is power il an old proyerb, but not the less
true because ii is old. This is the spring thai re-
gulates the movements 81 society; this Is ii once
the lever and safety-valve Of human institutions.
Without IL, society will either not al all, or,
hke an unbalanced, nnhelmed ship, move IN a d.
| recton AID at a rate that must eventually destroy
IT, education corects vice, cures disorders, abat8S
jeelousies, adorRs virtue. commands the WINDS,
uiumphs over the waves, scales the heavens IL
word, Education lays all nature under tribute, aud
forces her 10 administer 10 the comfort and bappl
ness OF man. Nor is this all that education does.
IL ennobles and elevates the mind, and urges the
soul upward and animaes II to deeds Of high and
lasting renown Education opens sources OF pure.
refined, and exquisite enjoyment; il uuocks the
temple Of nature, and admits the awe stricken soul
to behold and admire the wondrOus works Of God.
An ignorant, vicious, idle community has the es-
ments OF destruction already IN it, bosom. Ga the
very first application Of sxtorch, hey wtl explode,
and lay the whole fabric in ruins. virtuous,
orderly. educated people, have all the elements Of
national greatness and nauon al perpeuiy. Would
we be happy at home and respected abroad, we
OF this Grafton by Mr. TeagC, the following Is
the concluding passage
"Tbe last remark time will allow me 10 make,
under this head, is, that righteousness exateih
nation, but sin ID reproach 10 any people All
attempts 10 correct the depfayIy of man, to stay
the heedlong propensity 10 vice, 20 abae the mad
ness OF ambition, will be found depofably Insfi.
Gent, unless we apply the restrictions and the ue-
mendous sanctions Of religion. profound regard
ard difference for reigloa--a constant IscOgl lion
and dependence upon God, and OF our obi CATION
and accountability TO hIm-sn ever-Prcsent, ever.
pressing of his universal and Ditcontro ling
providence this, and only this can give ensrgyto
the arm Of law cool the raging fever Of the Pas
sions, and abate the lofty preiensonE Of mad amos
ton In prosperity, let Us bring out our thanf-
Offering. and present II with cheerful hearts, il
Derby, urtuous, and religious condugt. ln adyrf-
SHY, let consider, confess our sins, and abtse
ourselves before the throne Of God. In danger,
Jet 20 10 him whose pretogatiye It il 70 deliver,
let US 20 to him with the humility and confidence
which deep conviction that the battle Is not 10 the
strong, and the race TO the swift l. calculated 70
inspire.
"Fellow-citizen--we stand now on ground neyet
occupied by people before. However insi tnfh-
cant we may regard ourselves, the eyes Of Europe
and America are upon us, az . germ destined 10
burst from lite enclosure ~ TIE earth, unioIf ~
petals 20 the q NAL ait, rise IN ke .bt sui swell ~
the dimensions Of the tul-afOvu tree or (nE'Ofi0s.
fste,) 70 shrvei. 70 die, ed ~ buued ~ oblivion
Rise, fellow ctzens, tise 10 I fIli and clear utf.
cepuOn of your tremendous responsibilities. lp0a
you, rely upon II, depends, IN measure you "
hardly conceive, the future destiny "a Your race.
lou are % give The enHwty, whether TIE African
race IL doomed % 10, rWlnable uegFa8 ttn1--A