The republic., 1851-08-16
African colonization.
[c0ns.ponasne. q he Ballimors San

WAsHIE0ToS, Aug. II, 1851.
The subject of the establishment of line Of
steamers TO Africa now engages public attention
TO greater extent than ever The friends of
southern commerce, as well as of African colonial
tion, are called upon by the Richmond Republican,
and many other papers, to "keep their eyes stead
lily fixed upon the plan of establishing steam COM
municaton with Africa These steamers shall sail
from southern ports to which the African line will
open rich commercial relations, while it will af-
ford means for the removal of the free people of
color from southern cities and States. The provi-
sions in respect TO he emancipation ofslaves which
embraced in tft plan of a constitution just pro-
posed in Virginia, settle one point-to wit that
colonization must hereafter keep pace with eman-
cipation. The slaves hereafter emancipRted cam
not remain within the State, and they have no in
ducement to emigrate to any of the free States.
The repugnance Of the free people OF color to col
onzation in Africa arises from the dread of long,
tedious, and dangerous passage. When they shall
have means for making passage in twenty days,
by steam, vast numbers will be eager TO so.
There Is little doubt, as is believed, that
Congress Will, at the next session, pass the bill for
the encouragement Of the Ebony line of steamers.
II ID known that many members Of different par
ties and sections, are strongly in favor oft.
This line would, at first, need the same aid from
the Government which has been given TO other
steam lines; but, ultimately, by opening new and
rich channels of commerce, il will afford induce
ments for private enterprise. The Government
will receive ample return for the original expendi
ture In Increased revenue, consequent upon the in
crease OF commerce, and, besides il will thereby
have at its command, in time Of war, three or four
OF the most powerful ships of that ever
hoated
Africa is still almost terra i,icognita to the
world, though we have reason to believe that
1t is destitute of resources, and of vast capacities
for civilization and commerce. Beyond the coast
the country is believed to be salubrous and beauti
full as well as rich in products that must ultimate
ly invite the commerce of the world.
With great satisfaction, therefore, it will be no
hced that an intelligent and enterprising officer OF
our navy, who has had an experience of six years
service the coast of Africa, has projected plan
for the exploration of the interior of Africa re-
fer to the proposition recently made to the Govern
ment by Lieut.. M g. Watkins. learn that Lieut.
Watkins has asked leave of absence, on present
pay, for himself and one officer and five six
from the naval service, and for outfit consisting
OF small iron steamboat, &C., not costing in the
whole more than ten thousand dollars, for the pur
pose oil exploring the most important rivers in
Africa. He proposes to begin with the river ST.
Pauls, which, there is reason TO believe, has
course of several hundred miles through rich
beautiful, and healthful country, teeming with
commercial products This river is destined to af-
ford facilities to Liberia for vast commerce, and
therefore 1t is OF great Importance to the of
colonization and of the contemplated line Of steam
ers 10 ATica, tnat IL snould De explored. Inc es-
ablishnent of interior colonies, and the opening of
an inland trade, would be the result.
Lieutenant Watkins intends next to follow in the
career of discovery and exploration that COM
menced by Park, Clapperton, Landers, Trotter,
and many others, who, though they perished in
their attempts still effected something for the OBJ
ject in view. The Americans, with improved ia
cilites and better adaptation of means, WILL have
no doubt, meet with some success If officers of
our navy once take up this subject will under
take to say that they will not abandon it till they
can show the world map Of africa which is not
three -fourths blank, and part of the remainder
mere guess work. Lieutenant Watkins is conf
dent in his belief that he will find ample coal fields
on the st. Pauls and this alone would be discov-
cry Of vast Importance to the future commerce and
civilization of Africa. Ion.