The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1852-02-05
Free Negroes.

More pressing matters have prevented an
earlier notice of the movements that have been
made within the last few weeks by negroes re-
sident in some Of the free States.
| The most interesting, and that most likely
to lead 10 beneficial results. has been conven-
ton of men of color held at Cincinnati, with a
view TO determine measures for the improve
ment Of their condition. Their proceedings ex-
tended over week, and the brief chronicle that
has reached us through the Cincinnati journals
indicates the growth Of very encouraging feel
in regard to colonization in some other country,
OF in some remote part of this continent. The
reporter OF the Gazette says:
"On Saturday letter from James G. Brney
Liberty party candidate for Presidency to the
convention was read aud received with many de-
nonstrations Of applause. Mr.. Birney, as well as
his brothcr-in-law, Gerrit Smith, has for years
been most decided and incorporating oppo-
nent OF every scheme for the colonization of the
free colored people OF the United States but within
the last year bis sentiments have undergone a
change. and in the letter to the convention he
strong ground in favor Of emigration His letter
will have great weight
The subject Of emigra ton has been the princi-
pal one discussed during the session. On Friday
the President, Jchn Langston, "a graduate OF
collcge,) addressed the convention for nearly two
hours in support Of the policy Of emigration. He
pointed TO the significant fact that nearly every
one Of the distinguished gentlemen W no had writ
ten letters TO the convention had heartily approved
Of the policy Of general emigration, and the devo.
ton of these to the best interests of the black
race unquestioned. He commended there was
, repclieucy bcfweer, The .,o x.no. -.
ing ont Of consciousness, the part of the whites
that they were the oppressors, and among the
backs that they were oppressed. He warned hi,
race that when they decided TO remain in this
country they taInely and moanly assented TO the
db'orpiion and rITIscTIos Of their rnce. He would
never consent TO this. Mr.. Langston's scathinR de
ANNEXATION OF ali who would consent TO the policy
of amaigamation, will be remembered by all who
heard 1t II an able effort"
Another channel conveys the fact that Mr..
BrRsrY takes ground in favor of Liberia as the
fttesi field for negro colonization
Ho thinks the reasons against their omigrstinn
to Canada or the British West Indies are conclu.
dive He docs not suppose hs counsel will be fol.
lowed al once, 60 strongly and 40 long have they
been accustomed to think differently, but that il
will be we'll for them TO have the idea-ss coming
from friend Of thers-before them NJ soon az poe
sibls"
Letters were read in the convention from
CAssrUs NJ. CLAY, Horace M.us. and
other leaders Of the Aboitionists, all hold
ing out hopes of happy destiny for ne
groes in this country, and all. consequently.
more or less deprecating every scheme Of colo
nization. Such a course is in Keeping with
their whole policy; and the evident disposition
Of the negroes to depart from it may be hailed
as evidence Of The declining influence. in
Ohio, at least, of those who have always
proved themselves the wors, enemies oT the
culOred race. We gather that the conven-
ton was averse TO the existing colonization
society; bat that is small matter in COM
parson with their growing perception Of the
truth that the real freedom and happiness Of
their race can be secured only by distinct ma
tionality-not by the hopeless struggle to ANAL
gamate with people from whom they are sepa
rated by the instincts Of nature, not less than
by the feelings, habits, and interests of society.
Demsgogues and sham philsnlhropists may ef.
feet their objects by fattering their deluded
victims into another belief, but the fact re-
mains. "too powerful" as Governor HUsr re-
marks, "to DO counteractcd by the refinemenis
of abstract reasoning"
In tho State Of New York the colored poo
pie are not disposed to listen To- any plan of
colonization, and have resorted to various means
to express their indignation at the advocacy Of
the Colonization Society by Governor HUHT,
in his message 20 the Legislature. Their
leaders denounce in unmeasured terms the
"New York and Liberia Agricultural and Emf
grafton Society,"" an organization recently ef
fscted by colored persons exclusively. The
New York Tribune also comes in for share OF
abuse Cor sanctioping that and similar schemes.
The double-dyed aboitionism Of that journal is
forgotten in the anxiety to stop colonization.
Meanwasiille. it is impossible to overlook the
disposition that is manifesting itself in several