Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1855-01-18
& otal ana 4srsonal.
!. Colonlzation-Interesting Proceedings.--

MISUNDERSTANDING Proceeding
AT the annual meeting Of the American Colonial
ton Society, in Trinity Church, on Tuesday eve
ming, Governor Dutton, and the Rev. DIR. Haight,
addressed the large auditory, composed OF both
ladies and gentlemen, with marked acceptance.
Commander Foot, Of the navy, followed them
in brief but acceptable speech, adverting TO a
few OF the dark as well as the bright aspects Of
the question, and showing that our African squad
ron is essentially necessary TO hold in check The
slave trade in that quarter Of the globe. He dis
scented from some of the positions OF the Governor
though, at home, in Connecticut, he owed him al
Iegiance. In this metropolis, he felt privileged to
express his sentiments with freedom, which he
did in frank, of-hand manner, occasioning
laughter and applause. He did not believe with
the Governor that we are so much indebted TO
ancient Africa for the civilization which we now
enjoy as was represented Hannibal, Cyprian,
and Terrence, were more of Asian than Of Afri-
can character; and in vain would we look for
such eminent men at the present day in that be-
nighted land The future, however, was hopeful
of great results in civilization and enlightenment.
The President rose 10 adjourn the meeting,
but We're restrained from doing so by Colonel
specially asked permission 70 say few words.
The privilege was accorded, when that gentleman
approached the stand and addressed the auditory.
Although not member Of the society he had
plan 10 suggest, which would, while strengthen
ing the arm of the society, prove beneficial 10 the
negroes OF this country. The society had, so far,
failed Of its great object, accomplishing, compare
lively, but little good. II was known that our
government has acquired an immense tract OF
land from Mexico, which is rich in resources,
I..x LIZ T. IL az - l..
OF the sales of the public lands be devoted to the
purchase OF the slaves, and that they either be
sent to this Mexican possession, to Liberia,
cording to their own desire. Those who do not
choose 10 emigrate 70 either, foreman where they
are, I'd be employed as the laboring white men are
the constitutional rights of Southern men, and Of
course, would consult them as to the sale of their
slaves. This was the home Of the American black
man, he knows no other, andit would be cruel 10
force him hence without his consent. He earn
estly contended that his sclleme was feasible and
practicable The blacks could be settled on our
acquired Mexican territory, either to become an
independent republic, or, ultimately, to be admit
ted into the Union as a State.
The President again rose TO adjourn the meet
ing, when
The Rev. Charles A. Davis said that gentle
man from Virginia had in vain been endeavoring
to catch the Presidents eye. That gentleman
was the Rev. DR.. Lee, who, stepping forward,
said he totally differed with Colonel Baldwin in
the views which had just been expressed by him.
We are not the legislature of the nation, and,
therefore, cannot entertain the extraordinary sug-
gestion. If he recollected history, this was not
a new scheme. Jefferson once held similar
opinion, but, for good and sufficient reasons,
abandoned it, as impracticable. As had been
said, with much force by the Governor of Con-
necticut, we neither Wings nor Democrats,
neither Abolitionists nor pro-slavery men, as con-
Germs American colonization, but all trust in God
to promote the good of the coored race. Having
nothing to do with parties and sects, the Society
may rally. Our object is not, the gentleman from
New York said, to remove the olored man uithout
his consent, but Nth his consent Africa is the
land of his.fathers, and where he can alone enjoy
freedom-where he can fold his arms, and, looking
up toward heaven, in proud ciousness, say,
al too, am freeman [Applause.l Friction
among equals re6nes, but not otherwise. He
repeated, he regretted exceedingly the gentle
mans speech. We are seeking other and better
aims. As minister of the gospel, he had travelled
in Virginia and North Carolina, speaking in behalf
OF colonization and taking up collections in aid of
the cause. The north, east, south AID west be-
eve that, in order to the complete success of the
society il must stand by its first principles. APP
pausel They were wise men who laid the ioun-
datons OF this society--its base broad and deep
as that of the pyramids, its apex pointing towards
heaven, as if in supplication of its blessing. In
support Of our principles, il our ship must go
down, let it be with flying colors TO the mast 10
waive above the troublous waters.
The remarks ofthe reverend gentleman through
out were received with general favor.
The meeting then adjourned.