The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1853-03-24
COLONIZATION IN THE SENATE.

While the Naval Appropriation Bill was
under consideration in the Senate, during the
last hour of the session, Mr.. Miller of New Jer-
sey offered the following amendment:
"For equipment, maintenance, and supply
of an expedition for the exploration of the in
terror of Africa, eastward of Liberia, and the
ascertaining of the resources of that region and
for the colonization of the free blacks of the
United States to be expended under the direc-
ton of the Secretary of the Navy, sl25,OOO.o
This gave rise to considerable debate, in
which Mr.. Pratt, of Maryland, acclaimed in the
usual style about getting rid of the free color
ed people.
MIR. Bell, of Tennessee, suggested to Mr..
Miller to strike out that part of the resolution
relating to colonization.
Mr. Chase, we are pleased to see, uttered a
worthy protest against the scheme of expatria-
ton. He said
al see no objection to this amendment, Mr..
President, so far as it cOntemplates the employ
ment of portion of our naval force in the ex-
ploration of Africa. | should not object even
to the organization of party Of officers and
civilians for the purpose of ascertaining the re-
sources of that continent, and opening new ave-
nue. of commerce with its inhabitants. 1t is
but recently that an expedition has been or
ganized by this Government to visit the shores
of Japan, with the purpose of opening, if posi-
BILE, that vast country to American commerce.
Africa in a commercial point Of view, is of
more Importance than Japan. The honorable
Senator from New Jersey Mr. Millerl has
stated strongly, but not too strongly, the value
of its commerce. In what he has said on that
head fully concur.
"But, sir, object with emphasis to that fea-
ture Of this amendment which eontemplates the
expatriation, or getting rid to use the Ian
guage of the Senator from Maryland, MIR.
Pratt of any portion of our population Not
that | object to colonization that is quite an
other matter. Let every one who chooses,
whether white OF black leave our shores and
seek, under happier auspices, happier homes in
other lands. But let no man, native or natu-
ralized guiltless of offence be driven from his
country. Compulsory expatriation of any class
is an offence against civilization, and incom-
pstible with justice.
"Let all classes Of our population, of what
ever complexion and Of whatever origin. be
dealt with upon the simple principles of right
of justice, of humanity. Give every man a
fair and equal chance upon the arena of hui
man effort and, my word for it, you will do
more for civilization more for the improvement
Of all classes, more for the prosperity and pro-
gress of the whole country, than can be accom-
plished by any scheme OF expatriation.
III know there il no time now to debate this
subject. have risen merely to enter my dis
tinct and decided protest against getting rid
bu trtaf nf Of
No such scheme can be reconced with the sim.
plest dictates of humanity and justice, and to
disregard these is criminal folly in legislation
or in administration
"If the Senator from New Jersey is willing
to modify his amendment according to the sug-
gestion of the Senator from Tennessee, by stri-
king out that part relating to colonization,
have no objection to voting for it."
MIR. Miller accepted the modification pro-
posed by MIR. Bell, and the yeas and nays being
ordered, the amendment was lost--yeas 81,
nays 81.
Z" did think of asking you few questions,
about who made or preserves and appoints the
bounds Of nations but you do not seem to like
religious hints Some of your readers think
eh"s VIC NihhBh'y ohiy h"o iiShe w S'c
North or South America, or any other part Of
the earth, to whom he pleases. The poor,
blind, imbecie beings who are suffered to in
habit it for very short period, take too much
upon.themselves when they assume the attitude
Of dictators to the King Eternal. He will give
the kingdoms of this world to whom He pleases.
Past instances of His humbling proud monarchs
and Republics appear TO be now disregarded.
When once His wrath begins to burn, wos me
for all Wanting orators and editors"
We do not dislike religious hints" for we
believe in religious obligation.
As to the questions of our correspondent
Man proposes, and God disposes; but that God
dispooes, ia no reason why man should not pro-
pose. A man deviseth his way, but the Lord
directeth his steps. Is it wrong for man to
devise his wayi Nations and individuals are
hound In acknovl adOa thu ahsolut0 nupremacy