True American. [volume] (Steubenville [Ohio]) 1855-1861, 1858-12-15

been the intention Of Congress, the em-
ployment of an agent to receive them, who
is required to reside on the coast, was un-
necessary, and they might have been land,
ed by our vessels anywhere in Africa, and
left exposed to the sufferings AMI 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 construc-
ton. lie believed it to be his duty under
it, to follow these unforsunates into Africa,
and make provisions for them there, until
they should be able to provide for them
selves. In communicating this interpreta-
tiOn of the act to Congress, be stated that
some doubt hid been entertained IS to Its
true intent and meaning, and be submitted
the question to them, so that they might,
'should it be deemed advisable, amend the
same before further proceedings are had
under it," Nothing was done BY Congress
to explain the a3t, and Mr.. Monroe pro-
ccedel to carry it into execution according
to his own Interpretation. This, then, be-
came 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 disposi'
tion ought to be made Of them under the
law. For many reasons, it was expedient
to remove them from that locality as speed
lily as possible. Although the conduct of
the authorities and citizens of Charleston,
in giving countenance to the execution of
the law, was just what might have been
expected from their high character, yet a
prolonged continuance Of three hundred
Africans in the immediate vicinity of that
city, could not have failed to become a
source of inconvenience and anxiety to its
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 to
Liberia. Under these circumstances an
agreement was entered into with the Colon
ization Society on the 7th of September
last, copy of which is herewith transmit
ted, under which the society engaged, for
the consideration of forty-ive thousand
dollars, to receive these Africans iu Liberia
from the agent of the United States, and
furnish them during the period of one yeal
thereafter with comfortable shelter, cloth
ing, provisions and medical attendance
causing the children to receive schooling
and all, whether children, or adults, to be
instructed in the arts of civilized life, snita'
BILE to their condition. This aggregate o
forty five thousand dollars was based upor
an allowance cf one hundred and fifty dol
lars for each individual, and as there het
been considerable mortality among them
and may be more before they reach Africa
the society have agreed, in an equitable
spirit, to make such deduction from th'
amount as under the circumstances ma!
appear Just and reasonable. This canno
be fixed until we shall ascertain the actua
number which may become charge to tn
, society.
il was also distinctly agreed, that unde
no circumstances, shall this governmen
be called up5n for any additional expenses
The agents O" the society manifested
laudablc desire to CONFIRM to the wishes o
the Government, throughout the transac
ton. They assured me that mter a care
full calculation they would be required t.
expend the sum of one hundred and Etty
dollars on each individual in complying
with the agreement, and they would have
nothing left, to remunerate them for theil
care, trouble and responsibility. AT al
events, could make no better arrangement
and there was no other alternative Du'
ring the period when the governmentit'el1 'el1
through its own agents, undertook the task
of providing for captured negroes in Africa
the cost per head was very much greater
There having been no outstanding ap
preparation applicable to this purpose, !
could not advance any money on the agree
ment. I therefore Recommend that an
appropriation may bo made, Of the amount
necessary to carry it into effect.
Other captures of similar character
may, and probably will be made by oul
naval forces; and earnestly Recommend
that Congress may amend the second sec
| ton of the act of March 3, 1919, so as tc
free its construction from the ambiguity
which has so long existed, and render tn
duty of the President plain in executing il
provisions.
I recomend to your favorable regard
the local interests Of the district of Colum
bia. As the residence Of Congress an
the.executiv. departments Of thegoVernmen
we cannot fail to feel deep concern in it
welfare. This is heightened by the hig
character and the peaceful and orderly con
duct of its resident inhabitants.
I cannot conclude without performin
the agreeable duty Of expressing my graft
fication that Congress 80 kindly responde
to the recommendation of my last annu'
message by affordiug me sufficient time be
fore tho close Of their late session for th
examination of all the bills presented to m
for approval. This change in the practic
of Congress has proved to be wholesom
reform. 1t exerted beneficial infuenc
! on the transactions of legislative business
| and elected the general appreciation of th
country. ISenabled Congress to adjour
with that dignity and delberation SO sbe
coming to the representatives Of this gre'
republic, without having crowded in'
) general appropriation bills provisions fol
, eigu to their nature, and of doubtful Col
} stitutionality and expediency. Let n
! warmly and strongly commend this pr
cedent, established by themselves, as
) guide to their proceedings during the pre-
, ont session. JAMES BUCHANAN.