Nashville patriot. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1858-1860, 1858-12-11

believed it to be his duty under it TO follow
these unfortunates into Africa, and make pro-
vision tor them there until they should be able
to provide Tor themselves. Ia communicating
| this Interpretation of the act to Congress, he
I stated that some doubt had been entertained as
To its true intent and meaning, and he submit
ted the question to Them so tnat they might,
''should il 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 il
| into execution according to his own interpreta-
| lion. This, then, became the practical
struction. When the Africans from Oh board
the Echo were delivered to the marshal at
| Charleston, il became my duty to consider what
| disposition ought TO be made of them under
| the law. For many reasons it expedient
/ to remove them from that locality as speedily
| possible. Although the conduct OF the
! thOrties and citizens of Charleston, in giving
| countenaBce to the execution OF the law,
| Just what might have been expected from their
! high character, yet prolonged continusDc. of
| three hundred Africans ia the immediate vi
! cinity of that city could not have failed to be-
/ come a source of Inconvenience and anxiety
to it, inhabitants. Where to send them was
the question.
TO which they could be removed with ary re-
| gard TO humanity, except to Liberia Under
! these circumstances agreement wa entered
uto with the Colonization Society in September
/ last a cuDv of which is herewith transmitted,
| under which the society engaged, for the con-
! shcIation OF forty five thousand dollars, to
ceive these Africans in Liberia from the agent
OF the United States, and furnish them, during
the period Of one year thereafter, with COM
Portable shelter, clothing, provisions and medi-
cal attendance, ausing the children TO receive
! schooling; and all, whether children or adults,
10 be instructed III the art of civilized life suit
able 10 their condition. This aggregate of for
| tv five thOus aud dollars was based upon al
lowance OF one hundred aud fifty dollars for
each ndv dual, aud as there has been consider
able mortal among them, and may be more
brfnr- they reach Africa, the society have a.
greed, in an equitable spirit to make such II
dedu tiun from the amount "a, under the cir
cum-ttltces, may appear just AID reasonable.
This cannot be fixed until we shall ascertain
the actual number which may become a charge
10 the society.
IL was also distinctly agreed that, under no
crcun-tances, shall the Government be called
upon tor any additional expenses.
The agents OF the society manifested laud-
able desire 10 conform To the wishes OF the
Government throughout the transaction. They
assured Tue that, alter careful calculation,
they would be required TO expend the sum "f
uai it, complying with the agreement, aud they
would have nothing left To remun"rate them
for their care, trouble, and responsibility. At
all events, | could make no better arrange
ment, and there was no other alternative
Durr = the period when the Government itself,
though its own agents, undertook the task OF
providing for captured negroes Ia Africa, the
cost per head was very much greater.
There having been no outstanding appro-
- 81; | a ar
advance any money on the agreement l
therefore recommend that an appropriation
may be made of the amount necessary TO car
nv IL INTO effect
Other captures of similar character may,
AID probably will, be made by our naval
forces aud 1 earnestly recommend that Con
gre>s NAV amend the secoud lection OF the act
of March 3, 1919, 30 as TO free its construction
from the ambiguity which h ls SO long existed,
and render the duty OF the President PLAIN IN
I -x"cuting it, provisions.
| recommend TO your favorable regard the
the local interests of rhe District OF Columbia
A. the residence OF Congress aud the Execu
1--WE Drpartm-u of the Government, We can
not ai TO ieel deep concern in its welfare
Tus il heightened 10y the high character and
the peaceful and orderly conduct OF It, resi-
dent inhabitants.
{ | ca,nou conclude without performing the
: agreeable duty OF expressing my g athcauo'
: that Congress 80 kindly pouded 70 the re
commentator Of my lat animal message, by
atfordiug me sufficient time before the close o
lheir late session for the examination OF all the
bills presented to me for approval. Thi'
change in the practice OF Congress has proved
10 he a wholesome reform. Ii exerted bene
ficia rfu nee the transaction OF legIsla
tive business, and elected the general approba
ton of the country. IL enabled Congress &c
adiuurn with that dignity and dcliberduon sc
J becnIning To the representatives OF this great
Rrpuu,Ic, without having crowded into gene
raj appropriation bills PROVISIONS foreign &c
their nature, and OF doubtful coustiIutIonatl
: and expedleucy. Let me warmly aud strong
~ commend this precedenf, established 10y
: themselves, as a gui e to their proceeding
1 during The present session.
, JAMES BUCHANAN.
WASHINGTON Dec q 1855