The Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1855-1875, 1858-12-16
No. I.

United States. OF all such negroes, mu'attoes, or
persons Of color captured by vessels Of the United
States, as NAV be delivered TO the marshal OF the
district into which they are brought; sand 10 ap-
point proper person or persons rcsd ding npe' the
coast of Africa, as agent or agents for receiving
the negroes, mulaitees persons of color, deliS-
cred from On board vessels seired in the proseeu
tion of the slave trade by commanders Of the
Z nitea States armed vessels
\ doub; Immediately arose IS to the true con-
struction of this act. 1t is quite clear from its
terEas that the President authorized to provide
"for the safe keeping, support and removal of
these negroes up till the time Of their delivery TO
the agent the coast of Africa; but express
provision was made fer their protecfien and sup
port after they had reached the place Of their des
tination- Still, an agent was TO he appointed 10
receive them IN Africa snd il could not have been
supposed that Congress intended he should desert
them at the moment they were received, and turn
them loose on that inhesptabe coast TO perish Tor
want of food 10 become again the victims of
the slave trade. Had this been the intention of
Congress, the employment of an agent TO receive
them, who is required to reside the coast, was
unnecessary, and they hight have been landed by
our vessels anywhere in Africa, aud leff exposed
70 the suterings and the fate which wonid certain
ly await them.
Mr. Monroe in his special naeasa re If I7tl De-
ceneer, 1879, at the first session after the act
passed, announced to Congress what, in his opin-
ion was Its true construction. He believed it 10
be his duty under il, TO follow those unfortgnates
into Africa, and make provision for them there
until they should be able provide for themselves
In communicating this interpretation of the act of
Congress, he stated that some doubt had been en-
tertained as TO its true intent and meaning, aud
f, he submitted the question to them. So thar they
might should il be deemed advisable amend the
same before further proceedings are had under it,
Nothing was done by Congress to explain the act,
and Mr. Monroe proceeded TO carry 1t into execu-
ton according TO his Interpretation. This
then, became the practical construction. When
the Africans from on board the Echo were deliver
ed a fha Mars al lat Char q
duty TO consider what disposition ought 10 be made
OF them under the law. For many reasons it was
expedient to remove them from that locality as
speedily a. possible. Although the conduct of the
authorities and citizens of Charleston, in giving
countenance to the execution of the law was Just
wha. might have been expected from their high
character, yet prolonged continuance Of three
hundred Africans in the immediate vicinity of that
city, could not have failed become a source of
inconvenience and anxiety TO its Inhabitants
Where to send them, was the question. There was
no portion o. the coast of Africa to which they
could be removed with any regard to humanity.
except 10 Liberia Under these circumstances an
agreement was entered into with the Colonization
Society on the 7th December last a copy which is
herewith transmitted. under which the Society en-
gagged, 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 thereafter, with
comfortable shelter, clothing, provision, and medi-
cal attendance, causing the children TO receive
schooling; and all, whether children or adults, 10
able 10 their condition. This aggregate of fortr-
Ave thousand dollars based upon an allowance
of one hundred and fifty Collars for each individ-
ual, ani as there has been considerable mortality
among them, and may be before they reach
Africa, the society have agreed, in an equitable
spirit. 10 make such deduction from the amount, 3
as under the circumstances may appear just and
reasonable. This cannot be fixed until We shall
ascertain the actual number which may become q
+ charge to the society.
1t was also distinctly agreed that under no cir
cuGstances, shall this Government. be ealIe upon .
for any additional expenses
The agents of the society manifested n Ian liable j
desire to conform to the wishes of the government r
throughout the transaction. They assured me that
after careful calculation they would b. re1rirci
TO expend the sum Of one hundred and fftv dollars
on each individual in eompy ying with the agree
ment, and they would have nothing left 70 remu-
neFate them for their care trouble and resp0nsi-
5ility- At all events | could make no Lcttpr
arrangement, and there no other alternative.
Daring the period when the government itself
through its own agents undertook tho task OF pro-
yiling for captured negroes in Africa the cost Der
head very much greater.
There having been no outstanding APPROPRIATION
applicable TO this purpose could not advance any
money on the agreement. therefore recommend
tina; an appropriation may be made, of tho amount
necessary 10 carry it into effect.
Dther captures of similar character mav, and
prob1bly viii, be made by our naval forces; and
earnestly recommend, that Congress may amend
the second section OF the of March 3 1919 80
as to free its construction from the ambiguity
which has so l0ag existed, and render the duty OF
the President plain in executing it's provisions
recommend TO your favorable regard the local
interests Of the District of Columbia As the res
idence Of Congress and the Executive Departments
OF the government, we cannot fail to feel n deep
concern in its welfare. This is heightened by the
high character and the peaceful and orderly con-
duet of its resident inhabitants
! cannot conclude without performing the agree
able duty OF expressing my qualification, that Com
gress 50 kindly responded to the recoTnm. .nlstion
Of my last annual message, by afforiing me sufa-
cent time before the close of their session for the
examination Of all the bills presented 70 me for
approval. This change in the practice OF C0agress
has proved 10 be a wholesome reform. II exertei
beneficial influence the transaction Of legisla-
tive business, and ELECTED the general appreciation
of the country. II enables Congress to adjourn
with that dignity and deliberation SO becoming to
the representatives Of this great Republic without
having crowded into general appropriation bills,
provisions foreign to their nature and Of doubtful
consttutionalty and expe1ency. Let me warmly
and strongly commend this precedent established
By themselves guide 70 their proceedings dur
ing the present session.
JAMES BUCHANAN
WAsgIssTos CRY December 6, 1853