Bedford inquirer. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1857-1884, 1858-12-24

seiye Ihcm, who is required 10 reside on the
coast, was unnecessary, and they might have
been landed by our vessels anywhere IN Africa,
and left exposed TO the sufferings and the fate
which would certainly await them.
bIr. Monroe, In his special message of l7th
of December, 1919, at the first session after
the act was passed, announced to Congress what
in his opinion, was It's true construction. He
believed il to be his duty under il, TO follow
these unfcrtunates into Africa, and make pro-
vision for them there, uDtl they should be able
to provide for themselves. In communicating
this Interpretation Of tho aet of Congress, be
stated that some doubt had been entertained as
TO its true intent and meaning, and he submit
ted the question to them, SO that they might,
sshould it be deemed advisable, amend the
same before farther proceedings are had under
it,
Nothing was done iy Congress TO explain the
act, and Mr. Monroe proceeded to carry il in
to execution according TO his own interprcta-
ton. This, then became the practical con-
structen. When the Africans from on board
the Echo were delivered to the marshal at
Charleston, it Lecame my duty to consider
What disposition ought TO be made Of tlem un-
del the lew. For many reasons, it was expedi-
ent to remove them from that locality as spcedi-
" rs possible. Although the conduct of the
authorities and citizens OF Charleston, in CIV
ing countenanee to the execution of the law,
was just what might have been expected from
their high character, yet prolonged con-
tiuuance of three hundred Africans in the
Immediate vicinity of that city, could not have
failed TO become a source of Inconvenience and
anxiety to It's inhabitants Where TO send thom,
was the question. There was no portion Of the
coast Of Africa, to which they could be removed
with any regard TO humanity, except to Lii
IBERIA.
Under these circumstances, an agreement
was entered into with the Colonization Society
on the 7th Of September last, copy of which
is herewith transmitted, under which the Socie
ty engaged for the copsidcraiin of forty y-Gye
thousand dollars, TO receive these Africans in
Libe, ia from the ngcIt of the United States,
anG furnish them during the period Of one year
thereafter, with comfortable shelter, clothing.
PROVISIONS, and medical attendance, causing he
children to receive schooling; and all, whether
children or adults, 10 he instructed in the arts
of civilized life, suitable to their condition.
This aggregate of forty five thousand dollars
was based upon an allowance of one hundred
and fifty dollars for each individual, and as
there has been considerable mortality among
them, and mag be moro before they reach Afri-
ca, the society have agreed, 10 an equitable
spirit, TO make such deduction from tho
amount, as under the circumstances may appear
Just aud reasonable. This cannot be fixed un-
til we shall ascertain The actual number which
may become a charge to the society.
1t Was also distinctly agreed, that unler no
circumstances shall this government be called
rDon f,r any n adritio,i,l evpensac
The agents of the society manifested lau-
dable desire to conform to the wishes of the
government, throughout the transaction They
assured me that, after careful calculation,
ihey would be required 10 expend the sum Of
one hrudredand ffry dollars each i1.d;viduei
in complying with the agreement, and they
would have noting left to remunerate them for
their care, trouble, and responsibility. At ali
events, I could make no better arrangement,
and there was no other alternative. During
the period when the government itself, through
its own agents undertook the task of providing
for the captured negroes in Africa, the cost Per
head was very much greater.
There having been no outstanding appropria-
tivn applicable to this purpose, could not ad-
vance any money on the agreement. there
fore recommend that an appropriation may be
made, of the amount necessary to carry it into
effect.
Other captures of q similar character may,
and probably will, be made By our naval forces
and earnestly recommend, shat Congress may
amend the second section of the ac: of March
3, 1889, SO as to free It's construction from
the ambiguity which has 50 long existed, and
render the duty of the President plain in exc
Gu ing its provisions.
recommend to your favorable regard the
local interests of the District of Columbia
As the residence of Congress aud the executive
departments of the government, We cannot fail
to feel deep concern in its welfare. This is
heightened by the high character and the
peaceful and orderly conduct of its resident in
habitants.
cannot conclude without performing the
agreeable duty of expressing my qualification,
that Congress so kindly responded to the re-
commendation of my last annual message, by
affording ME sufficient time before the close Of
their late session for the examination Of all the
bills presented to me for approval This
charge in the practice Congress, bas proved to
be wholesome reform. Il exertcd u beneficial
influence on the transaction of legislative busi-
ness, and cicited the general appreciation of
the country. it enabled Congress to adjourn
Win tHat uigu'y anu deiipefdtlou 80 pecoming
to the representatives. of this great republic,
without having crowded into general appro-
pria.ion bills provisions foreign t. their nature,
and of doubtful cUnstitutionality and cxpod-
ency. Let me warmly and strongly commend
this precedent, established by themselves, as
guide to their proceedings during the present
session.
JAMES BUCHANAN
WASHINGTON Cry, December 6, 1858.
DOUGLAS AND BUCHANAN.