The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1858-12-07

dstric, into which they brought "and to sppont
proper person persons residing upon the OF
Africa as agent or aeeEs for receiving the negroes ~
sattoes persons OF color, delivered from ard
vessels seized in the prosecution Of the slave trad
commanders q the United States armed vessels
doubt lmmedi atelc arose as the true consructio
of this act IL is quite clear from its terms that III
PRESIDENT was authorized 20 provide for the sae keep
ing, support and removal" OF these negroes up tn the
time OF their delivery 10 the agent on the coast OF Arr!
ca; but express provision made for their protec
ton ard support after they had reached the place of
their destination Still, agent was 10 be APPOINTED 70
receive them IN Africa and could not have been sup
posed that Congress intended he should desert them
the moment they received, and turn them loose
that nhosPtable coast to perish for want OF food to
become again the victims OF the slave trade. lad this
been the intention Of Congress- the employment OF
agent 10 receive them who Is required 10 reside The
coast unnecessary ana they might have been landed
by vessels anywhere IN Africa and left exposed the
suferngs the fate which woud certainly avail: them
Mr. Monroe in his special message of nth Deoemher
1919, at the first session after the act passed,
bounced to Congress what in his Snn,on was its true
follow these nnfortunaes into Africa and make provision
for them there until they should be able provide for
themselves. In communicating this Interpretation OF
the to Congress- he stated that doubt had
enter tanned to its true intent aud meaning, AID he
should be deemed advisable, amend the before
further proceedings are bad under It," Nothing was
done by Congress TO explain the act and Mr. Monroe pro
Ceeded to carry into execution according to his in
depreciation. This, ten became the practical corstruc
ton. When the Africans from on board the Echo
delivered TO the Marshal at Charleston, il became nv
duty to consider what disposition ought to be made
them under the law. For many reasons, it
pedient TO remove them from that locality speedily
as possible. Although the conduct Of the authori
ties and citizens of Charleston, IN giving counte
TO the execution Of tho law, Just what might
have been 4 ,s,cd from their high character; yet
a proloirc Continuance Of three hundred Africans
IL = mediate vicinity Of that city could not
tg.iea to become source OF Inconvenience and anx
70 is Inhabitants. Where 10 seud them the
quesH There was no portion Of the coast Of Africa
10 which they could be removed with any regard to h
mainly, except to LIBERIA Under these circumstances
agreement entered into with the Colonization So
cicty, on the eth OF September last, copy OF which Is
herewith transmitted, under which the society engaged
for the consideration Of forty Eve thousand dollars 10 re-
these Africans in Liberia from the agent Of the
United States, and furnish them during the period
year thereafter with comfortable shelter, clothing pro
visions and medica, attendance. causing the children
receive schooling and all, whether children adults,
be instructed IL the arts Of civilized fe suitable 20 their
condition This aggregate OF forty five thousand dollars
based upon allowance Of one hundred aad fifty
dollars fer each Individual and as there had been con
Siderable mortality among Them and may be more before
they reach Africa, tie society have agreed in cqu
table spirit "a make such deduction from the
as under the circumstances ray aFpe just and reaso
bic. This cannot be fixed until shall ascertain tie
actual number which may become charge to the 30.
ciety.
II was also distinctly agreed, that, under no circum-
stances shall this COVER ama. be called upon Tor any ad
dtopal expenses.
TO conform the wishes of tn government throughout
the Transaction They assured that after careful
cacu they would be required 10 expend the sum
one hundred ard fifty collars on each individual, in COM
plying with the agreement and theyIwolid have nothing
left EenluIea la m FOR their care, trouble and
sponsibty, at al cTonts. could make no better
rangcmcnt and there no other alternative. During
the period when the government ITSELF through its
asents undertook the task q providing for captured ne
groes Africa the cost per head very much greater
There having been outstanding appropriations appl.
cable to ths purpose, could not advance any money or
the agreement therefore recommend that an appro-
stion may be made Of the amount necessary carry
| Il into effect.
Other captures OF O Similar character may and proba
bly, Will, be made BY our naval forces; ana earnestly
CONNER that Congress may amend the second section of
the act Of March 3. 1919 e. free its construction
from the ambiguity which has 20 long existed and render
the duty Of tho President plan in executing its pro-
yisio1s
DISTRICT COLUMBIA.
recommend 10 your favorable regard the local in
tsres.s 81 the District OF Columbia As the residence Of
Congress and tie executive departments OF the govern
mcnt, cannot fail 10 feel deep In liz vel
fare This heightened by the high character and tie
peaceful and orderly conduct Of lis resident uIab
! cannot conclude without performing the agreeable
duty Of expressing my qualification that Congress
kindly responded TO the recommendation Of my last
nua message by aortng sufficient time before the
close OF their late session for the examination OF MI the
bills presented 10 for approval This change in the
practice of Congress has proved 10 be wholesome
form. IL exertei beniclal influence the transaction
Of legislative business, and elected the general approba-
ton OF the country II enabled Congress adjourn with
that dignity and elaboration becoming to the repre-
senta;cs 81 this great republic without having crowded
into general appropriation bills provisions foreign TO their
nature and Of doubtful const,utonay and cxpcdency
Iei me warmly and strongly commend this precedent
established 10y themselves AS guide 10 their proceed
ngs during the present sess on
JAMES BUCHANAN
WASHINGTON C1f, Dee 8, 1853