The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1853-02-09

rted back to the Senate without amendment.
I'd slept the remainder of the session.
December Z, 1852, (the second DAY OF the new
pssion, y Hon. Mr. Clemens again brought up the
Ime resolution in the Senate, and 1t passed that
ody on the 2lst, by a vote OF 81 to IL.
reUdent FILLMORE and the American Colo
nixation Society. sty s.
The following correspondence explains the
hammer in which the PRESIDENT of the United
tates was recently constituted Director of
he American Colonization Society, an institu-
on whose Importance is augmented with every
dded year of its existence:
ALEXANDRIA, January 81, 1858.
o the PREsIDENr of the United States:
HoNoRED SIR: have the pleasure to inform you
hat by the contribution of ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS
B the treasury of the American Colonization Soci-
ky, you have, according to the constitution of the
Pcety, been made director of the same for life.
his contribution is the aggregate of many dona-
ons, which are intended to express not only the
ind feelings of the donors towards yourself, but
eir interest in the great objects of the society;
be tribute of regard to you, and testimony
attachment to the cause of African colonization.
In this tribute and testimony, all the members of
our Cabinet, distinguished officers of the army
II
krnment, with their clerks, and large number
p your fellow. citizens, have participated.
In thus connecting your name with that of great
National Society, so well adapted to link together
|he benevolent efficiency of the North and of the
Pouth, your fellow citizens do but echo the gene
fal sentiment of gratitude for your services to
both, in maintaining, amid difficult and perilous
circumstances, the peace, honor, and prosperity of
pur common country. AS by the aid and bene-
diction of Almighty God you have been enabled
thus to meet the crisis, and fulfil its duties, may
that aid be vouchsafed to you through the remain
der Of life, and that benedcton rest upon you, as
well in death as in life.
am, with great respect and esteem, your ODE
dent servant,
JOSHUA N DANFORTH. 4
WAsHINGToN Cry, January 81, 1858. e
Rev. JOSHUA N. DANFoRTH:
SIR: have your letter of the 9th instant, in.
forming me that, by the contribution of one thou
sand dollars to the treasury of the American Colo
nization Society, have, according to the consitu
ton of the society, been made director of the
same for life. You further inform that this
is the aggregate of many donations
which were intended not only to express the kind
feelings of the donors towards myself, but their
luteE III tuc fcdl ODJSCt5 VI 4 KNOW
not, sir, to whom am indebted for this most un-
exp ected and fear undeserved mark of respect.
That they are both my friends, and the friends of
colonization, | am not at liberty to doubt; and as
such, beg leave through you to return to them
my sincere thanks for this aattering testimonial of
their regard, and to assure them that accept the
honor thus conferred with grateful emotions.
By the unsolicited kindness of some one was
MAJ her of in nd
ceived certificate of membership, which prize
very highly, bearing the signature of its late illus
trious president, Henry Clay. | have from that
time to the present been attentive spectator of
it's proceedings, watching with intense interest it's
aims and prospects, but yet have purposely
avoided taking any part its proceedings for the
reason that have made it invariable rule since
came to the Presidency to take no part in the
action of any association, society, or sect, whose
objects might by possibility come in conflict with
my official duty. This will continue to be my
course while occupying my present position, and
my acceptance of the trust so generously confded
must be subject to this qualification. l have no
hesitation in expressing my decided approval of
the objects of this society 1t appears to to have
pointed out the only rational mode of ameliorating
the condition of the coored in this country.
But it requires means, and such means as the
States and nation alone can furnish to give it
power adequate to the evil which it is intended to
remedy. Nevertheless, its successful efforts have
already demonstrated the practicabiliy of coloni-
cation, and thereby indicated the mode by which
the free colored man may be elevated to the dig
nifty of social equality, and be made the bearer of
and Christianity to the benighted re-
gions of heather Africa. May God in mercy, both
90 the white and black races smile upon its efforts
am your obedient servant,
WILLARD FILLMORE. e
m