The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-01-23
THE REPU BLIC.
The Annual Meeting OF the American Colo
niEatIon Society


nization Society
Was held in the Four and 4 half street Presby-
terian church, on Tuesday evening, the 2lst IN
slant. There was large attendance OF ladlesand
gentlemen, including the President OF the United
States, and not few others who occupy high
public stations. Many persons were unable TO
procure seats.
The President of the Society (the Hon II.
CLAY) took the chair at the hour appointed
and, after prayer by the Rev. DIR. EDDY, OF
New Jersey, he said, substantially:
Gentlemen Of the Society, have been told that il
is expected this occasion that should say few
words--e few words they must be. This, think,
is the thirty-fourth year OF our cxistenceas 80,
ciety, either unncorporated or incorporated. Oi
all those who assembled here some thirty four years
ago to lay its foundation, ! believe that am the
sole, almost the sole survivor; and have reason
to be thankful, l am, God, for sparing me SO
long, and enabling TO witness the progress and
the success Of the Society up to this time
have 50 often addressed it, rather public as
semblages of this Society, that really should have
but little to say, If passing events, and especially
those which occurred during the year now just
closed did not suggest some on which could say
n few words. And in the first place, gentlemen Of
the Society, allow me to congratulate you on the
whole current "a events with reference to this So
ciety.
II is not my purpose to anticipate what will be
disclosed by the reading OF the annual report of the
secretary, but may be allowed to say that all the
operations Of the Society during the past year have
been unusually successful; ana have been greatly
blessed. The number of emigrants exported to Al
RIGA 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 objects has been
greater than in any preceding year; and think
do not mistake the signs Of the tunes when
excited in favor of this Society in all parts OF the
Union, TO an extent greater than has heretofore
been witnessed. Indeed, gentlemen, some OF the
very causes which have led to great agitation to
uncommon excitement, and serious apprehension
with regard 10 the institutions of our country
those very causes themselves, happy termination
of which hope has taken place, have conduced to
The advantage of the Society, for, II am not mis-.
Informed, that portion of the general community
from which we experience the greatest opposition
10 the proceedings and the OF this Society
NEAR the Abolitionsts of the North-unless am
mistaken, at least all the moderate and rational
portion Of them, have become satisfied that to 81
tate the subject of slavery, with view to the
tncton of slavery within the bosoms OF the various
States in which ipis tolerated and exists by law, Is
utterly lruitess and failed effort; that a further
agitation of the subject neither benefits those whose
interests are intended to be advanced, benefits
the country large that it is complete failure,
and that their exertions hereafter, If governed by
motives Of humanity and benevolence, should be
directed not TO the unattainabe object of the ex-
tincton of slavery within the States, but Tor the
great purpose of colonization, which, III It's ut-
consequences will lead to the final separation
OF the two classes of persons who now lnhabit TINS
country. Applause
There are circumstances of interest, and of great
interest, to the Society which have transplred IN
the course of the past year. The first OF which
would advert to ID the proposition submitted 10 Inc
House of Representatives during the last session,
and renewed at This, to establish, under the saic-
ton and auspices of the Government, line oil
steam. packets, which, plying regularly between
the United States and Africsand other points, sbal
furnish the means OF transporting emgraEts from
this continent to Africa. 1t ia not the mere sub
mission of such proposition, but degree OF con
sequence and spirit which, think am authorized
say, will succeed whether it shall fail or pass
during the present session. If fall shall never
despair for gentlemen, despair ID word not IN the
vocabulary OF the Colonization Society. lApplause
We resort to no Formidable violent measures In the
pursuit Of our object Mild temperate, moderate,
exciting no apprehension5, il appeals to Heaven for
the continuation Of the success and support which
il has hitherto deigned to extend TO US. these
are our principles, and that they will be successful
il beyond all human doubt The proposition Tor i
line OF steamers, repeat, haS been renewed, and
am happy to say, what Is generally known TO Tue
community of Washingto that 1t Is in the hands
of a gentleman from of the slaveholding States,
mir. SrANToN, of fcnnessee,) who has pursued it
with an earnestness and zeal which entite him to
success-entites him, at all events, to the than s
of his country for the efforts which he has already
made.
Colonization is common object for the common
benefit of the whole country. IL has nothing scc-
tonal in it, nothing selfish in its aims IT does not
seek disturb to convulse society it does not deal
with property or the right of Propery 1t proposes
free, will will 60 to the shores of Africa, to
enjoy social, POLITICAL and moral advantages which
they cannot enjoy in this country. Having com
mon object for common benefit, 1t ought 10 be
prosecuted by common means, for those who are to
be bcnehciaries of the colonies. And believe that
il will be found in looking into the powers oil the
Government, either directly or indirectly, that the
Constitution of the United States grants ample au-
thority Sr the performance of this common duty
for the common benefit of the country.
congratulate YOU. gentlemen, on the presenta-
of mel
a. come future session, shat. be able to congratu
late you on the success of the proposition.
There circumstances which have occurred
during the past year which deserve passing no
tice; and, among them, not the least important,
under the authority and instruction OF tbs Gov
eminent, a competent agent the Rev. r. X. Cur
levi was sent to Africa for the purpose of coll
Letting statistics and other information con
nected with the interests OF this Society -
man well known 10 faithful to the cause,
jealous, able, and indcfatgable in its support IF
ter going to Africa, and remaining there several
months, he returned and the result OF his labors,
and the amount OF information collected during his
absence, ia contained in volume which has been
printed under the authority of the Senate, and de-
serves general diffusion. The result is, nothing but
hope and encoura cement are held out for the pros
poets of the colony OF Liberia, and others on the
coast trust that to the widest extent this paper
will be circulated, for wherever read, the convc-
ton which is common to the whole country will be
shared in, that colonization is not idle, vsiora
nv, and impracticable scheme, but one full of en-
enlargement and benefit. [Appause.l
Another circumstance deserves moments no
tice, and will, trust, command the very particu-
lar attention Of the board of managers. allude to
the death of individual of vast estate in the city
ofNew Orleans, who has made bequest to this So
ciety oftwenty five thousand dollars per annum,
during period OF forty years. Mr.. McDonogh
was a member of this Society, and was personally
known to me.
We have seen in the newspapers evidence OF an
attempt, the part of those who are interested in
the destruction of the will, TO destroy it, ON tie
ground Of legal invalidity have not examined
the subject with that which enables me TO pro-
nounce opinion professionally on the question;
but have looked a little into it, and am con
WINGED that, whatever may be lie fate OF other par
ties in the will, that portion Of il which contains
bequest to this Society will be sustained and up
held by the courts Of the country. II co. il viii add
vastly to the means Of the Society in the prosscu
ton of its great object.
will NOT detain you longer the subject OF any
special particular circumstance or occurrence
during the past year. But you will allow me to