The republic., 1851-01-27
COlOniZatiOn.

The eloquent speech of Mr.. CLAY at the re-
cent meeting of the American Colonization So
ciety, of which we published full account in
for gratifying reflection, and is in all respects
worthy the attentive consideration of every per-
son who has at heart the improvement of the
African race and the welfare of the country. tits
now some thirty -fouryears since the great scheme
of Colonization was first projected From the
beginning it has met with nothing but discour-
agements from those who have been loudest in
their professions of friendship towards the race for
whose benefittwas mainlydesigned. Notcontent
with amere negative opposition, the Abolitionists
have lost no opportunity to misrepresent and
denounce it, and to throw obstacles in its way
They have done their best to prejudice the
public mind against the movement, and to dis
suade the free blacks from availng themselves
of the advantages which it has offered to
them. And yet, in the face of all this opposi-
tion, the Colonization Society has, with won
derful perseverance and success, gone right on
ward with its work. The results which it has
accomplished are so we'll known that it is hardly
necessary to recapltulate them. II has estab-
lished an Independent and fourishing republic
land Of schools and churches and dwellings, of
civilized men---in a place which would other
wise have remained to this day the home of
savages and wild beasts. 1t has opened an asy-
lum, and the only asylum on the face of the earth
where the negro can enjoy the blessings of true
liberty, and stand up erect in the full stature of
his manhood 1t has done more than any thing
else towards the dimlnuton of the slave trade,
and has pointed out to us the only effectual in
strument for its entire suppression. In view of
these beneficent results, we may well say in
the words of Mr.. CLAY. that 'if there ever
was scheme presented to the consideration
and acceptance of men, which in all its parts
presents nothing but commendation, it is the
scheme of African colonization"
The benefits which it has thus far accom-
plished, and the still greater benefits which it
promises, are every day becoming more mani
fest, and are commencing the scheme more and
more to the hearts of the people. Mr. CLAY
informs us that the operations Of the Society
for the past year have been unusually success
ful. The number Of emigrants exported has been
greater than in any previous year. The
| amount Of money received from contributions
has also been greater; and there is every indi-
cation that public interest, in favor of the So
ciety in all parts of the Union, has been excited
| TO degree never heretofore witnessed. Ever
among the Abolitionists, Mr.. CLAY states, upon
| credible information, that the moderate and ra
tional portion have become satisfied that to ag
tate the subject of slavery, with a view to it,
extinction within the States in which it exists
| by law, is fruitlsss effort, and that their ex
| ertions hereafter should be directed To the pur
| pose of colonization We believe that this
statement is well founded and that united
and vigorous effort at this period by tn,
friends of this great enterprise would turn near
ly the whole Of the anti slavery feeling of tn,
| North into the same channel.
As one Of the measures tending greatly {,
further the objects of the Society, Mr.. CLA,
makes favorable mention Of the proposition
now pending before Congress to establish linz
of steam packets between this country anC
Africa. He declares that, as colonization is fo
the common benefit Of the whole country, it i,
common duty, for the performance Of which