Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1858-12-10

September, when the survivors, hundred and seventy
in number delivered on board the United States
steamer Niagara to be transported to the coast of Africa
under the charge of the agent the United States puru
dton to the acts prohibiting the trade Under he
I'd section of this act the President authorized to make
such regulations and arrangements as he nay deem expe
dent for the safe keeping support removal beyond
the limits of the United States of all negroes muat
toes or persons OF color captured by vessels the United
States be delivered to the marshal of the district in
to which they are brought and appoint proper per-
son or persons residing upon the coast of Africa agent
agents for receiving the muattoes or of
color delivered from board seized in the prose
States armed vessels
doubt Immediately the true construction of this
horized for Keeping support and remoT
Of Africa but no express provision ss made
f protection and support after they had reached thu
receive them in Africa and it euld have been supposed
they were received and them nbospabe
of b 20 want Of food OF to again the victims
employment of agent to receive Them required
by our Vessels anywhere In Ac and e' zp xe f tn
the snherngs and the fate which certainly
Mr. Monroe, in his special message of 18th December,
t te nSt session after the act was passed. announced
to Congress what in his opinion, its true
Inmates into Africa and make provision for them there
I'll they should be able to provide for themselves.
In communicating this Interpretation Of the
ress he stated that doubt had been entertained
us true intent and meaning and he submitted the question
to Them so that they might should be deemed advisable
amend the before further proceedings are had under
it. Nothing done by Congress explain the act and
!
to his own interpretation This then became the practical
construction When the Africans from board the Echo
were delivered to the marshal at Charleston my
duty to consider what disposition ought be made of them
under the law. For many reasons it eXpedient
move them from that locality speedily possible. Al
though the conduct Of the authorities and citizens of
Charleston in giving counenance the execution of the
hgn character, yet prolonged continuance Of three
could not have failed become source of inconye-
nience and anxiety to its inhabitants.
/ Where to send them, was the question There no
portion of the coast of Africa which they could be
moved wltha any regard to humanity except to Liberia I'm
| der these circumstances agreement entered
into with the Colonization Society the 18th of Sep
ted, under which the Society engaged, fer the
Of forty five thousand dollars to receive these
furnish them during the period Of thereafter with
dance causing children to receive schooling and all whether
or adults to be instructed in the arts of civilized life
v To n ee n o ben
Tea ca e a pd may before
deduction from amount the clcum
stances just and reasonable This be xed
charge to the society.
1t also distinctly agreed that circumstan
ces shall this government be called upon for any additions
expenses.
The agents of the society manifested laudabe desire
conform to the wishes Of the government throughout the
transaction They assured me that after careful cacua
ton they would be required to expend the of hun
the agreement and they would have nothing left
rate them for their trouble and responsibility At al
other alternative During the period when the
men ITSELF through its agents. undertook the task
providing for captured negroes in Africa the cost head
was very much greater.
There having been outstanding appropriation applica
BILE to this purpose could not advance any money the
agreement. therefore recommend that appropriation
be made OF the amount into effect
Other captures of similar character may, and probably
WILL be made by naval forces; and earnestly
mend that Congress may amend the second section Of the
act of March g 1919 free its construction from The
ambiguity which has long existed and render the duty
of the President plain in executing its provisions.
recommend TO your favorable regard the local interests
of the District of Columbia AS the residence of Congress
and the executive depa tments of the government
not fail to feel deep its welfare. This height
ened by the high character and the peaceful and orderly
conduct of its resident inhabitants
cannot conclude without performing the agreeable duty
of expressing my qualification that Congress kindly
spOnded the accommodation of my st annual message
by aOrdng sufficient time before the close of their la
session, for the examination Of all the bills presented to
for approval This change in the practice OF Congress has
proved to be wholesome reform II eXerteG beneficial
influence the transaction of legislative business, and eli
cited general appreciation OF the country 1t enabled
Congress adjourn with that dignity and deliberaon SC
becoming the representatives Of this great republic with
having crowded into general appropriation bills provi
Ons foreign to their nature, and OF doubtful constitution
atty and eXpedency
. Let warmly and strongly commend this precedent es
ablshed by themselves guide to their proceedings du
ring the present session. JAMES BUCHANAN.
WASHINGTON CITY, Dec. 6, 1858.