The Cass County Republican. [volume] (Dowagiac, Mich.) 18??-1880, 1858-12-16

tentioH Of Congress, the employment
Of an agent to receive them, who is re-
quired to. reside on the coast, was I'M
necessary, and they might have been
landed by our vessels anywhere in At
RIGA, and left exposed to the sufferings
and the fate which would certainly await
them.
Mr.. Monroe, in his special message
of 18th December, 1919, at the FIRST
session after the act passed, announced
to Congress what, in his opinion, was
its true construction. He believed it
to be his duty under it, to follow these
unfortunates into Africa, and make
provisions for them, until they should
be able to provide for themselves. In
communicating this Interpretation of
the act of Congress, he stated that
some doubt had been entertained as to
its true intent and meaning, and he
submitted the question to them, so that
they might, "should it be deemed adj
visable, amend the same before further
proceedings are had under it. Nothing
was done by Congress to explore the
act, and Mr.. Monroe proceeded to carry
into execution, according to his own
Interpretation. This, then, became the
practical construction. When the
Africans from on board the Echo were
delivered to the Marshal at Charleston,
| it became my duty to consider what
disposition ought to be made of them
under the law. For many reasons, it
was expedient to remove them from
that locality as speedily as possible.
Although the conduct of the authori-
ties and citizens of Charleston, in Civ
ing countenance to the execution of the
law, was just what might have been
expected from their high character, yet
the prolonged continuance of three
hundred Africans in the immediate
vicinity of that city, could not have
failed to become a source of inconve-
nience and anxiety to the inhabitants.
Where to send them, was the question.
There was no portion of the coast of
Africa, to which they could be removed
with any regard to humanity, except
Liberia. Under these circumstances,
an agreement was entered into with
the Colonization Society on the 7th of
September last, a copy of which is
transmitted, under which the Society
engaged, for the consideration of forty
five thousand dollars, to receive these
Africans in Liberia from the agent of
the United States and furnish them
during the period of one year thereaf-
ter with comfortable shelter, clothing,
provisions and medical attendance,
causing the children to receive school
ing, and all, whether children or adults,
to be instructed in the arts of civilized
life, suitable to their condition. This
aggregate of forty-iye thousand dol
lars, was based up0x an allowance of
one hundred and fifty dollars for each
individual, and as there had been con-
siderable mortality among them, and
may be more before they reach Africa,
the society have agreed, in an equitable
spirit, to make such a deduction from
the amount, as under the circumstances
may appear just and reasonable. This
cannot be fixed until we shall ascertain
the actual number which may become
charge to the society.
1t was also distinctly agreed that,
under no circumstance, shall this gov
eminent be called upon for any addi-
tional expenses.
The agents of the society manifested
laudible desire to conform to the
wishes of the government, throughout
the transaction. They assured me that
after careful calculation, they would
be required to expend the sum of one
hundred and fifty dollars on each indi-
vidual in complying with the agree
ment, and they would have nothing left
to remunerate them for their trouble,
and responsibility. At all events, /
could make no better arrangement, and
there was no other alternative. Du-
ring the period when the government
itself, through its own agents, under
took the task of providing for captured
negroes in Africa, the cost per head
was very much greater.
There having been no outstanding
appropriation applicable to the purpose,
l could not advance any money on the
agreement. | therefore recommend
that an appropriation may be made, of
| 1iiC diiiOulie hSSSSSaiy " Odii IL lhoO
effect.
Other captures of similar charac-
ter may, and probably will be made by
our naval forces, and l earnestly re-
commend that Congress may amend
the second section Of the act of March
8, 1918, SO as to free its construction
from the ambiguity which has SO long
existed, and render the duty of the
President plain in executing its provis-
ions.
/ recommend to your favorable re-
gard the local interests of the District
of Columbia. As the residence of
Congress and the executive depart
ments of the government, we cannot
fail to feel deep concern in its welfare.
This is heightened by the high charac-
ter and the peaceful and orderly con-
duct of its resident inhabitants.
cannot conclude without perform
ing the agreeable duty of expressing
my qualifications that Congress so
kindly responded to the recommends
ton of my last annual message by af-
fording me sufficient time before the
close of their late session, for the exami-
nation of all the bills presented to me
for approval. This change in the prac-
tice of Congress has proved to be a
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