Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1851-02-12
rKEE-coLoUnED ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The policy Of adopting some means tor The reno
"a, Of The rree.coloured population has been ueer
consideration in this State for several years past
Who, tho spbisct was first brought 20 the public at
,sn,;on bc Governor SMITH, in one of his annual
messages to the Legislature, the plan proposed oy
him mel with little favour. II was thought to be
harsh and unjust 10 the subjects OF it, who, without
fault of theirs, are found in our midst and have
claim on our sympathy and protection. Since then,
public sentiment has undoubtedly undergone
change, and the removal of this class generally re-
garded as highly desirable, essential we confess
to some change in our own views Free negroes are
usually denounced as hrfless, dishonest and pests
to society," and SUCH for the most part, they may be-
vet we are disposed rather TO pity than condemn
them and would not desire their removal except mat
their condition, as well as that OF Others might oe
improved They are necessarily ignorant, and have
little 10 stimulate them to industry and enterprise
and not being watched and restrained as the slave'
! they are in consequence idle and vicious. We could
naturally expect nothing better
! The late census shows iree-cooured population
in the State of 6fly-tlree thousand seren hundred ana
| ffly-sepsn. Something must be done IN regard 10
them before great while. 1t seems Impossible 10
ameliorate their condition here. They cannot be adj
mit,ed to political privileges equality with the whites
they cannot be reduced 10 savery-and II the at
tempt was made 10 drive them into the Tree States,
thew would be thrust back Illinois will not receive
them The Convention of Indiana has just incopo-
rated provision in their new Constitution prohibit
ING negroes from entering that State. In the Con-
yenton of Ohio, now in session, similar provision
is urged In Pennsylvania, also, the subject is agl-
ted. What then is TO become of this unfortunate
classs Prescribed here, where are they to hnd
home? The Baltimore American says, "Ihe Cen
Jus of Colonization points out one TO 'hem, across
the ocean. in the land of their origin Their enc
mics, the aboltonisls, The worst enemies that the
colored man ever encountered, have sought and do
still indeatigably SEEK to poison their minds agalns,
Liberia and the whole colonial system But the true
friends of that race will be hearkened to when the
free blacks come 10 perceive the reality oil that pre-
carious condition in which they stand in this country
and when they have obtained accurate and full
knowledge of the colonies in Africa TO which they
are invited, and where people of their own color have
planted llourishng communities and established Tree
and independent governments"
The Rev. r. r. GuRLEY, at present Chaplain OF
the House of Representatives of the United States,
visited Africa in September, lS49, special agent
of the Government, to obtain information respecting
Liberia His report to the late Secretary Of State has
recently been published by order Of Congress, and
contains much valuable and interesting information.
He says:
Every civilized stranger, instructed in the truths, and
sensible of the value of the Christian religion who visits
the republic of Liberia must experience an lnexpessoe
delight not only in the visible evidences of the institutions
ola free and weorganzed State, but in the quiet ever
active and bene6cen operations Of missionary teachers
penetrating and making glad by their presence the gloom
OF the African Forest and under the protection OF us gov
eminent inviting not only its sons and daughe,S '"'
schools, but mparting with zeal, cheer'uhess' anu
not be discouraged and not to be
know ledge of letters, OF branches OF science and a.
bove all of Divine Revelation the superstIlous and bar
barons population of Africa To find Christian teachers
and ministers with libraries, SMALL but of choice books In
their matched dwellings, beneath the shade of the palm
tree in spots where but few openings have been made IN
the dense forest groups Of native African chuien
gathered for instructions listen tn voices VI Chrlsta
worshppers and hear the songs OF Christian praise, amid
the habitaons of idoIary and cruey-gives beauty even
TO the aspect of uncuvaed nature and anmaies with I'M
wonted Joy every thoughtful and benevolent heart
! TIE CoSyENrIoN-The Committee the Bill OF
Rghts reported on The Sd and propose the following amend
ment To strike out oPthe 9Th article the words that the
legislative and executive power of the State should De sep