The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-02-27
From The Nt,o York Herald.

There seems to be disposition in both Houses of
Congress to give the go-by to some of those great
can people; and for this reason we fear that the
line of African steamships will not be established du
ring the present session. Petitions have been sent
in for that purpose from Legislatures. conventions,
chambers of commerce, and large assemblages of
the American people, where tho worth, character,
dignity, capital and intelligence of the States were
fully represented. No doubt seems to exist in the
public mind that vast advantages would flow from
the establishment of this line Of steamers not only
to the commerce of the country, to the intelligence
of the country, but to the we-being of tho nation;
last not least, that such an enterprise would have
direct and salutary influence in removing future
causes ofsectional annosity and local excitements
in 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 nges the existence Of vast
millions of savage and brutal men on the African
continent has been an enigma to philosophers and
naturalists. So far back can trace the his
tory of the African population, by the light of
authentic writings, it appears that their story has
been the same at all periods. Numerous ri.
val tribes, illumned by none of the light
of civilization, and fired by the mort ferocious
tempting to exterminate 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 rsf.
fc in men by motives even of humanity, since, in
nearly all instances, Tar have 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 Confederacy, through the policy of
England, while we were colonies, has been popu-
lated with laborng 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 a
great extent the that belong that pro-
fession the time has come when in the Providence
which guides HE world, our nation is enabled to
accomplish the great objects Of practical 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 a short time to take up the whole
subject Of African colonization. The idea was
started some thirty or forty years ago, and met,
at the time, with the appreciation OF enlightened,
discreet, good, and far-sceing men. Had the plan
of African colonization been vigorously prosecuted
quarter of a century ago, and the favor, the pa
the State Legislatures been extended towards il,
there would have been room for the aboli-
ton excitement which has pervaded the nation and
threatens the perpetuity OF the Republic. We
hope still that the time il already come when our
Congress feels tho force Of these considerations 90
deeply, that the plan now before them will meet
with their highest approval, and gain immediate
attention. More lies in this matter than some
people imagine. There is here, far as VIC can
perceive, little scope for individual speculation; at
all events none, except far as the hope Of gain
may be fair stimulus to capital to bring it to
bear upon great and humane plan, that will ult-
matcy result in incalculablc advantages to the
whole world. II is one Of those movements which,
ii prosecuted with yigor, will expand the wings
of commerce over fclds where they were never
spread, and extend the circle of civilization over
the bosom Of Of the most fertile continents on
the face Of the GARTH where the light of Christian
ity, Of well. regulated commerce, and of civiliza-
ton, has never yet dawncd.