The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-02-27
African CoIonixatiou.

SOsDs~sS@~@C.e
The following remarks appear in the New
York Tribune of Monday, in answer to CON-
muncation of a colored person on the subject of
the colonization of free blacks in Liberia
sour correspondent begins by disclaiming iden-
ty with the African race, but forgets this and
fully identifies himself with that race. We regret
still than this that no proves his identity by
evincing and striving to confirm their worst and
most mischievous prejudices.
.sThere are no laws in Massac husetts Vermont,
or New Hampshire, and we believe none in Maine,
which infict political social disabilities on the
African race such, and yet their political and so
cial condition in those States is a very inferior and
disagreeable one. No colored man is admitted
into general society or elevated to any honorable
office in either of those States and none IL likely
be. Laws can do much, but public opinion is, in
the long run, stronger than they, and this does
not accord to blacks the social intercourse and votes
Of whites. And, SO far from abolishing The unjust
and to abhorrent laws which now exist tending
to deprive blacks of the right of voting and be-
ing supported for Office, with others even more
essential, the tendency ia obviously and strongly
the other way. Nearly every State which has
revised its Constitution within the last twenty
years has made II more equal and truly democratic
in regard to whites, and at the time less 90 in
relation to. blacks. New York, Pennsylvania.
North Carolina, Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois.
SC, are among the States which, in revising their
fundamental law, have either retained the old
clauses denying equal rights to negroes or substi-
tued therefor others still more oppressive. Virgil
MIA is seriously considering the suggestion Of her
last and her present governors that free blacks be
banished from the State; and Indiana has just pro-
vided against the future settlement of blacks with
in her borders. In our own State most earnest
struggle was made to secure equal rights. regard
less of color in constitutions but that effort
was defeated by vast majority Of the people.
I'm view of these facts shall not we, who have bat
tied against the current of false democracy and real
aristocracy, which has steadily overborno every
effort (save in Rhode Island, under peculiar cir
cumstances) to equal political franchises to
all, frankly tell the blacks that further effort is
hopelessthat their elevation to the level of
ded equality of rights must be wrought out else
where than in this Wanted Republic? We were
always favorable to systematic colonization by the
blacks Of this country, but now we regard it az
their only reliance for political and social ele
walton to the full dignity of manhood. Mere COM
planning of the hardship. the injustice Of their
treatment, is paltry and childish they must prove
themselves worthy Of a nobler destiny by nobly
achieving 1t. Our fathers were treated very
unjustly by George the Third and his min
istry, but that injustice the means of their
entire emancipation from foreign control. II
the blacks will confront their disabilities in the
same spirit. they may yet achieve for their race
glorious destiny, for themselves enduring fame.
BY quitting the land Of their oppres and return
ing to the homo Of their fathers they will have Sc
cured to themselves country unsurpassed in
mildness of climate, in fertility, in extent and va
riety of natural resources, in spontaneous produc
tons, and in capacity. to stimulate and reward
benc6cent exertion. They may there enjoy the
blessings of equality, independence, and peace; for
it 10 absurd to talk Justice docs of their Amcri
can enemies assailing them in Africa. Where I'M
der the sun has Liberia an enemy to-day except
among the slavc-traders Of Africa and the blacks
of America? The civilized world would promptly
resist any attack on that young republic.
'That some bla ks do improve under our present
social and political regime, we gladly admit; that
the majority do not, We consider equally clear.
We do not blame them, therefore, considering the
circumstances; but the fact il SO. II il mistake
to say that all now believe in the equal capacity
of blacks with whites for self government and pro-
gress: we know those who would gladly believe it,
may be- but we do not all know that what has not
been done can be. Liberia is to-day doing more
for the African than all that is being or can
be done for them in this country and we think
many linger here whose post of duty Is there Such
are our convictions let them be compared with the
facts and judged accordingly.
We are desired to state that, in consequence