Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1851-04-17
MISCELLANY.
Liberia.

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It is well known, that by the appointment Of
the President Of the United States, the Rev.
Ralph Randolph Gurley lately visited this
Young Republic, for the purpose of enquiring
into its political, social, and commercial condi
ton. .,-,,.
The following are the concluding remarks
in the long and able report he made to the
Secretary of State, and by him laid before
Congress. '.'"
''lt is the success of the plan of African
colonization, as seen in the independent repub-
lie of Liberia, that most conclusively COM
mends it to national consideration. On this
far distant shore, for ages darkened by SUPER
stition and outraged by crime, community Of
free colored persons from the United States,
aided by American benevolence, have adopted
a constitution of free government, and taken
their position among the- independent States Of
the world. England and France have ac-
knowledged their right of self government and
their just claim to the respect and comfy of
nations. What higher motives can be imag-
ined than those which have given existence to
this Republic! What work more honorable
or more sublime than that to which it is dedi-
Gated and destined Though at present
few in numbers and very limited in means, a
vast field Of influence and action opens before
it and in its constitution shows, and the spir-
1t of its people, the advantages of its positions,
and the motives and necessities of those who
are fastening TO build up their homes and their
fortunes under the shadow of its wings, we
see the elements of mighty power, of an un-
bounded growth and prosperity. 1t has been
justly said, that the great necessity Of the
world at this moment, is free, civilized, and
powerful State within the tropics, necessity
felt through every period of the worlds histo-
ry, aud now about lo be realized The west
ern coast of Africa is in every point of view,
the most effective position for such State to
occupy. The black race, of which there can
not be many less than l30 1000, 900 on earth,
is preeminently the race needing such devel-
oPment, and prepared for it and the United
States are exactly in condition to found such
commonwealth with this race, and under cir
cumstances the most glorious 10 ourselves, the
most hopeful to the world, and the most ben
fetal TO the blacks" Around the Republic of
Liberia-the morning star of Africz's redemp-
tion, revealing how great evils may be trans
muted by the hand OF the Almighty into an in
calculable gOod; which looks with encourage
ing and cherishing aspect upon the African
race in every part Of the earth !; reconciling
the gift of liberty with the highest interests Of
those who bestow and those who receive it !;
opens quarter Of the world for many years
shut up IN barbarlsm to the genial and renovat-
ing influence Of letters, laws, commerce, and
Chrstianity-and gathered the sympathies OF
all vlrtuOus and generous minds, allied with
its safeguard. the all-encircling and never
slumbering power Of an omnipoteRt Provi-
dence. The rapid increase of free persons of
color in many OF the States of this Union the
importance of their benefit more than our own,
of their organization into community BY
| themselves, IN the land of their ancestors; the
immense advantage such community must
secure to itself and extend to others, BY devel-
Oping the resources and turning into legiti-
mate channels the commerce of Africa, BY the
civilization 1t must impart, and the moral and
political truths II must exemplify and enforce
among her ignorant, debased, and chaotic pop
ulation-all comm end the Republic of Liberia
to the regards Of the general government of
this Union. Engaged in work of surprising
dignity and importance, the inhabitants of this
small Republic are accomplishing more good,
as must believe, than any equal number Of
human beings, in private stations, on the face
OF the glObe. More than to the united en-
deavors of Christian nations, with their trea-
ties and armed squadrons against the slave
trade, Is humanity indebted for its suppression
along many hundred miles of the African coast,
TO the people Of Liberia. But it should not be
concealed, that to explore Africa; to estab-
lish commercial intercourse and relations with
her interior tribes to improve and fortify the
harbors of the Republic to make needful ex-
periments in agriculture and the arts, in re-
gion to which the people Of this country have
SO recently been introduced, and to maintain
wise system of education for all classes Of her
population, so that its territory shall offer an
attractive home to all the free descendants of
Africa, demanded pecuniary means to which
the present revenues of Liberia are unequal
But since this Republic, more than any other
power, will develope the resources and increase
the trade of Western Africa, the United States
in aiding her endeavors, will open new mar
kets for American productions, and essentially
augment American commerce yet far higher
and nObler motives than those Of gain, will,
trust, incline our national authorities to en-
courage and assist the citizens of Liberia, a
few adventurous but determined children Of
Africa, gone out from our midst, that they
may recover their long lost inheritance, show
their ability to build mp cities and States in re-
gions where they have been unknown, and
bring vast continent, now, lying in dim
eclipse, within the circle and the influence Of
enlightened Christian nations. s- .4ag,svf
From the presence Of our squadron on the
African coast, benefits, doubtiess, accrue both
10 Liberia and TO our own commerce; but NAV
be permitted, in the conclusion Of this report,
to avow the opinion that a recognition bv the
government Of the United States, Of the indie
pendence Of the Republic Of Liberia, and an
appropriation Of $5O, 900 year for ten years,
to enable that Republic to carry out the prin-
ciples of its constitution, for the happiness Of
those who from this country are seeking
home upon its soil; for the suppression of the
slave trade; and the civilization Of Africa,
would be in harmony with the character and
sentiments Of this nation, and give stability,
progress, and triumph to liberty and christian
ity Oh the African shore"
j. The Infant Drummer. a-.a