The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1858-12-22

of an agent to receive them,
who is required to reside on the coast
was unnecessary. and they might have been
landed by our vessels anywhere in Africa,
and left exposed to the sufferings and
the fate which would certainly await
them.
Mr.. Monroe, in h&s special message of
18th December, 1919, at the first session
after the act was passed, announced to
Congress what, in his opinion, was its
true construction. He believed it to be
his duty under it to follow these unfortu-
mates into Africa, and make provision for
them there, until they should be able to
provide for themselves. In communicat-
ing this Interpretation Of the act to Con-
gress, he stated that some doubt had been
entertained as to its true intent and mean
ing, and he 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 act, and Mr.. Monroe proceeded to
carry it into execution according to his
own Interpretation, This, then. became
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 expe-
dient to remove them from that loclaity
as speedily as possible.
Although the conduct of the authori-
ties 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 prolong-
ed continuance of three hundred Africa s
in the immediate vicinity of that city,
could not have failed to become a source
of inconvenience and anxiety to its inhab-
itants. Where to send them, was the
question. There was no portion of the
coast of Africa to which they could be re-
moved, with any regard to humanity, ex-
cept to Liberia.
Under these circumstances, an agree
ment was entered into with the COLOMBIA
tion Society, on the 7.h of September
last, copy of which is herewith trans
mitted, under which the society engaged,
for the consideration of $4,000, to re-
ceive these Africans in Liberia from the
agent of the United States, and furnish
them, during the period of one year there
after, with comfortable shelter, clothing,
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
suitable to their condition. This aggre.
gats of $45, 1000 was based upon an allow
ance of $3.50 for each individual; and as
there has been considerable mortality a.
mong them, and may be more before they
reach Africa, the society have agreed, in
an equitable spirit, to make such de.
duetion from the amount as, under the cir.
cumstances, may appear just and reasona
BILE. This cannot be fixed until we shall
ascertain the actual number which may
become charge to the society.
1t was also distinctly agreed that un
der no circumstances shall this Govern
ment be called upon for any additional ex
penses
The agents Of the Society manifested
laudable desire to conform to the wish
es Of the Government, throughout tn
transaction. They assured me that, afte
careful calculation, they would be requi
red to expend the sum of $3.50 on eac
individual in complying with the agree
ment. and they would have nothing left t
remunerate them for their care trouble
and responsibility. At all events, coul
make no better arrangement, and ther
was no Other alternative. During the pc
ried when the Government ITSELF throug
it's own agents, undertook the task {
providing for captured negroes, in Africs
the cost per head was very much greater
There having been no outstanding az
preparations applicable to this purpose,
could not advance any money on tn
agreement. l therefore recommend thf
an appropriation may be made, of th
amount necessary to carry it into effect.
Other captures of similar characte
!, may, and probably will, be made by ou
, naval forces; and l earnestly recommen'
that congress may amend the second SCI
tion of the act of March 8, 1919, so as
, free its construction from the ambigui,
which has so long existed, enl render tt
duty of the President plain in executin
its provisions. I recommend to yol
t favorable regard the local interests of Il
t District of Columbia. AS the resident
of Congress and the Executive Depar
ments of the Government, we cannot ia
E to feel deep concern in it's welfare
4 This is heightened by the high charact
! and the peaceful and orderly conduct
its resident inhabitants.
e 1 cannot conclude without performir
: the agreeable duty of expressing my gra
i ifcation that Congress so kindly respo
# ded to the recommendation of my last a
nual message, by affording me sufficie
. time before the close of their late sessi'
e for examination of all the bills presented
n me for approval. This change in t
F. practice of Congress has proved to be
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