Richmond daily times. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1853, 1851-01-25

z TONI tHe 1ItVUOlW,
| THE ANNUAL MEETING OF THE AMERl

|byteran church, on Tuesday evening" the 2lst
instant. There was large attendance of ladies'
and gentlemen, including the President of the
United States, and not a few others who occupy
high public stations. Many persons were unable
to procure seats.
The President of the Society (he Hon. H.
Clay) took the chair at the hour appointed; and,
after prayer by the Rev. DR.. Eddy, of New
Jersey, he said, substantially:
Gentlemen Of the Society, l have been told that it
Is expected on this occasion that ! should say few
words--a few words they must be- This i mink i,
the thirty fourth year of our existence as Society
either unlncorporaed or Incorporated. OF all those
who assembled here some thirty four years ago to
lay its foundation believe that EN- the sole or al
most the sole survivor, and have to be thank
I'LL as am, to God, tor sparing long, aud ena-
bling me TO witness the progress and the success OF the
Society up to this time.
have often addressed it. or rather puhlie as=en
bages OF this Society, that really Islould have but it,
tie to say, If passing events and especially those which
occurred during the year now Just closed did not
gest some on which could say few words. And in
the hrst place. gentlemen of the Society allow me to
icongrauiae you on the whole current OF events with
reference to this Society.
| 1t IS not my purpose to anticipate what will be dis
closed ny the reading OF the annual report of the se
cretary, but may be allowed to say that all the one
ratlons OF the Society during the past year have been
unusually successful; and have been greatly blessed
The number OF emigants exported to Africa has been
greater than in any preceding year, if my information be-
correct. The amount of money received by voluntary
contributions OF those who favor this Society in its OBJ
ecs has been greater than in any preceding year: and
| think do not mistake the signs of the times when
say that degree of public interest has baen excied in
favor of this Society, all parts of the Union to an
extent greater than has heretofore been Witnessed Ia
eed, gentlemen, some OF the very causes which hav.
led to great agitation, to uncommon excitement aud
serious apprehension with regard to the institutions OF
our country-those very themsel yes hapy ter
minaon OF which hope has taken place, have con-
duced TO the advantage OF the Society, for if am not
mlsntormed, that portion OF the general community
| from which We experience the greatest opposition
| to the proceedings and the success of this Soce-
ty-l mean the Abolitionsts of the North-un-
less am mistaken, at least all the moderate and
rational portion OF them, have become satisfied that to
agate the subject OF slavery, with view to The ex-
tnction OF slavery within the bosoms OF the various
States in which 1t is tolerated and by law Is Ut
terly ruitess and tailed effort that further agitation
OF the subject neither benefits those whose interests are
intended to be advanced nor benefits the country at
large; that it is complete failure, and that their exer-
lions hereafter, if governed by motives of humanity
and benevoence should be directed not to the unat-
alnabe object OF the extinction Of slavery within the
States but tor the great purpose of colonization which,
in its ultimate consequences will lead the final sepa-
ration OF the two classes oil persons who now nhabii
this country. TAppause.l
There circumstances OF interest and of great inte-
rest to the Society which have TRANSFERRED in the course
OF the past year. The first OF which would advert 10
Is the proposition submitted to the House OF Repre-
senatves during the last session. aud renewed ut this
to establish under the sanction and auspices OF the Co.
vernnent line osteam packets, which plying regalar-
ly between the United States and AFRICA and Other
points shall furnish the means of transporting empraus
from this continent to Africa. 1t not the more SUBJ
mission OF such proposition, but degree of conse-
quence and spirit which, think l am authorized to
say will succeed whether shall fail or pass during the
present session. Ii it fail shall despair, fol
gentlemen, despair is word not in the vocabulary OF
the COLONIZATION Society. (Applause( We resort to
no formidable violent measures, in the pursuit OF our
object Mild temperate, moderate, exciting no appre-
tensions it appeals to Heaven for the continuation of
the success and support which has hitherto deigned to
extend TO u.s. These are our principles, and that they
Will be successful is beyond all human doubt. The
proposition Tor line of steamers repeat, has been re-
newed and am happy to say, what generally known
to the community OF Washington, thait is the hands
OF a gentleman from one OF the sravehoding States,
Mr.. Stanton, OF TENNESSEE who has pursued it with
an earnestness and zeal which entle him to success
entities him. at all events to the thanks OF his country
Tor the efforts which he has already made
COLONIZATION is a common object for the common
benefit OF tine whole country. 1t has nothing sectional
IN It, nothing selfish in its aims; it does seek to dis
turb or convuse society," it does not deal with proper
ty or the right OF popery proposes concern itself
with those who, being already free will or will not 60
to the shores OF Africa, to enjoy social, POLITICAL and
moral advantages which they enjoy in this coun-
try Having common OBJECT Tor a common benefit, it
ought to be prosecuted by common means for those
who are to be the benelicaries OF the colonies Aud
believe that will be found in looking into the power.
OF the Government, either directly or Indirectly that
the Constitution of the United States grants ample au-
thony Tor the performance of this duty for the
congratulate you, gentlemen the presentation of
such proposition, and l hope that now, or at some
future session, shall be able congratulate you on the
| success OF the proposition.
There are circumstances which have occurred during
the past year which deserve passing notice; and
among Them not the least important under the au,hor-
agent 1.-THE Rev. r. X. Gurley) was sent to Africa for
the purpose OF collecting statistics and other information
connected with the interests OF this Sociev-a man well
known 10 US, faithful to the cause Jealous, able, and
flor pip,y A
remaining there several months. he returned and the
result OF his abors and the amount of information COL
eced during his absence, is contained in vo ume
which has been printed under the authority of the SEN
ate, and deserves general diffusion, The result is no.
thing but hope and encourageme are held ont for the
prospecsot the colony OF Lbe ria and others on the
coast trust that to the widest extent this paper will
De Circulated tor wherever read the conviction which
is common to the whole country will be shared in that
colonization is not an idle, visionary, and mpraclicabe
scheme, but one full OF encouragement and beneiie,-
Applause.
Another circumstance deserves moments notice.
and WILL trust command the very particular attention
OF the boaId OF managers. aude to the death of an
individual OF vast estate in the city of New Orleans
who has made bequest to this Society of twenly-fye
thousand dollars per annum, during period Of forty
years. Mr.. McDonough was member of this Socie-
ty, and was personally known TO me.
We have seen in the newspapers evidence of an at
tempt, on the part OF those who interested in the
destruction OF the will to destroy it, on the ground OF
legal invalidity. Ihave examined the subject with
that care which enables me to pronounce an opinion
Professionally on the questions but have looked little
into it, and am convinced that whatevergmay be the
fate OF other parties in the will that portion OF it which
contans beques to this Society will be sustained and
upheld by the courts OF the country. If so, it will add
vastly to the means OF the Society the prosecution OF
its great object.
Twill not detan you longer the subject OF any spe-
cal or particular circumstance occurrence during The
past year. But you will allow me to advert for mo.
ment or two to the great object which engages our
thoughts and anxiety
have said, and recently another occasion thatI
liz kaIt az Atu A..
age, tho scheme OF colonization of the African race on
the shores OF Africa is the greatest,