The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1852-08-12
PROGRESS IN MARYLAND.

A Convention of the Free Colored People of
Maryland was held in Baltimore on the Goth
July, for the purpose of taking into considera-
ton the condition and prospects of the colored
race. The following delegates appeared viz
East Baltimore-James A. Handy, James T.
Jackson, Chas. o. Fisher, Stephen w Hill,
Daniel Koburn, David e. Bailey.
Kent County---James A. Jones Isaac Ander-
SON. Levi Rogers VIM. Perkins
Dorchester County-B. Jeniler, &. Sinclair
s. Green, Thos. Fuller :. Camper, j. Hughes
Caroline County-Jacob Lewis, Philip Can
ada, John Webb.
Northwest Baltimore-Saml h. Hutchings
David p. Jones, VIM. h White Francis Johns.
John II. Walker, Cornelius Thompson
Frederick County-Rev VIM Taskcr, Perry
F.. Walker, Joseph Lises, Robert Troby, +.
Lawson. Nicholas Penn
Northeast Baltimore-Charles Williamson,
Rev. Darius Stokes, II. II. Webb J. Forty, {.
Perry, Fred Harris.
Hartford County-Danel Ross Henry Hop
kins
Talbot County-Garrison Gibson, Charles
Dobson, Joseph Bantem.
The following officers were chosen, viz:
Preadent-Rev VIM. Tasker of Frederick
Vice Preadents--C. Sinclair, of Dorchester: L.
Rogers, of Kent; F.. Lawson, of Frederick S
w. Hill, of East Baltimore Charles Dobson, of
Talbot Francis Johns, of West Baltimore; and
John Webb, of Caroline. Secyetdries-JOhn
H. Walker, of Baltimore and Josiah Hughes,
of Dorchester
The Convention held its session three days,
and numerous speeches were made, some urg-
ing emigration to Liberia, and others opposing
it. The proceedings are fully reported in the
Sun, which says that the proceedings were
conducted in the most creditable manner
The following, among other resolutions, were
adopted
"Resolued That, comparing the relative ad-
vantages afforded us in Canada, the West In
dies, and Liberia-these being the places be-
yond the limits Of the United States to which
circumstances have directed our attentiOn--we
are led to examine the claims of Liberia par
ticularly for there alone, we have been told
that we can exercise all the functions of free
Republican Government and hold an honor
able position among the nations of the earth.
"Resoiued, That this Convention recommend
to the colored people of Maryland the forma-
and the city of Baltimore, who shall meet
monthly for the purpose of raising means to
establish and support free schools for the edu-
cation of our poor and destitute children
"Resolued, That rs this subject is one of the
greatest importance to us, and the considera-
ton of which, whatever may be the result can
not be put aside, we recommend to our people
in this State to establish and maintain an or
ganzaton in regard to it, the great object of
which shall be inquiry and discussion, which
without committing any, may lead to accurate
information and that "A Convention like the
present, composed Of delegates from the re.
spective counties in the State, and from Balti-
more city, be held annually at such times and
places as may be hereafter designated
Resolved, That in thus expressing our opin-
ions it IL not our purpose to counsel emigration
rs either necessary or proper in every case.
The transfer of an entire people from one
country to another must necessarily he the
work of generations Each individual now and
hereafter must be governed by the circum-
stances of his own condition, of which he alone
can be the Judge as well in regard to the time
of removal ~ to the place to which he shall
remove; but deeply impressed ourselves with
the conviction that sooner or later removal
must take place, we would counsel our people
to accustom themselves TO that idea
"Resoirtd That this Convention recommend
to the ministers of the Gospel among the free
colored population Of Maryland to cndeavor,
by contributions from their congregations and |
by other means to raise funds for the purpose
of forwarding the benevolent object Of educa-
ting the children Of the destitute colored per-
sons in this State: and that they also impress
upon the minds of their hearers the benefits
which would necessarily result from develop
mcnt of their intellccts, and the bringing into
fullest use those mental powers and reasoning
faculties which distinguish mankind from the
brute creation; and that this be requested Of
them as part of their duty as ministers of the
religion of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ"
VIM Perkins spoke of the law enforced in
Kent county, by which the children OF free
colored persons, whom the officers decided the
parents were unable to support, were bound
out: and also of the law which prohibited n
,olored person returning to the State if he
should happen to leave it. They were OPP
pressed and borne down.
Charles o. Fisher moved that committee OF
i've be appointed 10 draw up memorial TO the
Legislature of Maryland, praying more indul-
yence to the colored people Of the State, in
,rder that they may have time to prepare
themselves for change IN their condition,
md Cor removal to some other land.
Daniel Koburn, of Baltimore, in referring to
he oppressive laws Of the State said the hog
aw of Baltimore was better moderated than
hat in reference to the colored people The
,og law said mt certain seasons they should run
.bout, and at certain seasoDs be taken up; but {
he law referring to colored people allowed [
hem TO be taken up at any time.
Charles Dobson, OF Talbot said that the time
,ad come when free colored men in his county
,ad been taken up and sold for one year, aud /
when that year was out, taken up and sold for j
mother wear. Who knew what the next Legis-
AZURE would do! and If any arrangements
Gould he made b. better their condition, he was !
n favor of them. lie was for the appointing !
he committee on the memorial.
Cbas. Wyman, Of Caroline; Joseph Bantem,
# Talbot John II. Walker, Charles o. Fisher |
md others discussed the resolution, which was
inally adopted. I
The following is the committee appointed
John H. Walker and James A. Handy, OF
Baltimore; VIM. Perkins OF Kent; Thomas