Holmes County Republican. [volume] (Millersburg, Holmes County, Ohio) 1856-1865, 1858-12-16

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 provision for them there, until
they should be able to provide for themselves. In
communicating this Interpretation of the act to
Congress, he stated that some doubt had been en-
tertained to It's true intent and meaning, and he
submitted the question to them, so that they
might, "should ii be deemed advisable, amend the
same before further proceedings are had underit."
Nothing was done by Congress to explain the act,
and MIR. Monroe proceeded to carry it into execu-
ton according to his own Interpretation. This,
then, became the practical construction. When
the Africans from on board the Echo were de-
fyered 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 authorities and citizens of Charleston, in Civ
ing comtenance to the execution of the law, was
just what 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 to become a
source of Inconvenience and anxiety to its inhabi
tants- 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 cir
the Colonization Society on the 7th of September
last, copy of which is herewith transmitted, un-
der which the Society engaged, for the consdera
ton of fortyve 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, cloth
ing, provisions, and medical attendance, causing
the children to receive schooling; and all, whether
children adults, to be instructed in the arts of
| f. l.
aggregate of forty-fve thousand dollars wasbased
upon an allowance of one hundred and fifty dol
lars for each individual, and as there has been
considerable mortality among them, and may be
more before they reach Africa, the society have
agreed, in an equitable spirit, to make such de-
ductiOn from the amount, as under the circum-
stances may appear just and reasonable. This
cannot be fixed until we shall ascertain the actual
number which may become a charge to the society.
1t was also distinctly agreed, that, under no
circumstances, shall this government be called
upon for any additional expenses.
The agents of the society manifested laudable
desire to conform to the wishes of the government,
throughout the transaction. They assured me
that, after careful calculation, they would be
required to cxpend the sum of one hundred and
fifty dollars on each individual in complying with
the agreement, and they would have nothing left
to remunerate them for their care, trouble, and
responsibility. At all events, l could make no
better arrangement, and there was no other alter
native. During the period when the government
itself, through its own agents, undertook the task
ofproviding for captured negroes in Africa, the
cost per head was very much greater.
There having been no outstanding appropriation
applicable to this purpose, l could not advance
any money on the agreement. therefore recon-
mend that an appropriation may be made, of the
| effect
Other captures of a similar character may, and
probably will, be made by our naval forces; and |
earnestly recommend, that Congress may amend
! the second section of the act OF March 3, 1919,
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 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 government, we cannot fail to feel a deep
concern in its welfare. This is heightened by the
| high character and the peaceful and orderly con-
duct of its resident inhabitants.
| Icannot conclude without performing the agree,
able duty of expressing my qualification, that Con-
gress so kindly responded to the Recommendation
ofmy last annual message, by affording Inc sui
icient time before the close of their late session.
for the examination of all the bills presented to
me for approval. This change in the practice ol
Congress, has proved to be wholesome REFORM
1t exerted beneficial influence on the transaction
of legislative business and elected the gcneralap
probation of the country. 1t enabled Congress to
adjourn with that dignity and deliberation so be
coming to the representatives of this great rcpub
lie, without having crowded into general appropri
alton bills provisions foreign to their nature, and
of doubtful constitutionality and expediency.-
Let me warmly and strongly commend this prece
dent, established by themselves, as guide to theiI
proceedings during the present session.
JAMES BUCHANAN.
WASHINGTON CRY, Dec. G, ,-ls5e.