Preble County Democrat. [volume] (Eaton, Ohio) 1857-1859, 1858-12-16

communicating this Interpretation of the act
of Congress, he stated that some doubt had
been entertained as to its true intent and
meaning. and he submitted the question to
them, so that they might, SHOULD it be deem
ed 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 inter
probation. This, then, became the practical
construction. When the Africans from on
board he Echo were delivered 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 ex-
pcdieut to remove from that locality as spec
Oily as possible.
Although the conduct of the authorities
and citizens of Charleston in giving counte-
dance to the execution of the law, was just
what might have been expected from their
high character, yet q prolonged continuance
of three hundred Africans in the immediate
vicinity of that city, could not have failed to
become a source of Inconvenience and ankle
ty to its inhabitants. Where to send them
was the question, and there was no portion
of the coast of Afr:eI to which they could be
removed with any regard to humanity eX-
cept to Liberia.
Under these circumstances, an agreement
was entered into with the Colonization Soci-
ETY., on the 9TH of September last, q copy of
which is herewith tIansmitted, under which
the Society engaged, for the Consideration OF
forty Eve thousand dollars, to receive these
Africans in Liboria from the Agents of the
United States, and furnish them during tho
period of one year thereafter, with comforta-
bic Shelter, clothing, provisions, and medical
attendance, causing the children or adults, to
be instructed, in the arts of civilized life, sui
table to their condition.
This agreement of fUrty-hve thousand dol
lars was based upon an allowance of one hum
dred and fifty dollary for each individual,
and as there has beck considerable mortality
among them, and may be more before they
reach Africa, the society have agrt ed, in an
equitable spirit, to make such n deduction
from the amount, as circumstances may APP
pear just and reasonable, This cannot be hN-
ed until we shall ascertain the actual Number
which NAY bec0rle q charge to the society.
1t was also distinctly agreed, that, under
no circumstances, shall this government be
called upon for aAy additional expenses.
The agents of the society manifested a land
able desire to. conform to the wishes OF the
Government throughout the transaction. They
assured me that, after II careful calculation,
they would be required to cxpend the sum of
one hundred and fifty dollars ON each individ-
ual in complying with the agreement, and
they would have nothing left to remunerate
them for their care, trouble ana responsibility
ty. At all events, l could MAKE No. better ar
SSShS ~ StAo 1ASAS ~ ~ OhAN
During the period when the Government it.
self, through its own agents, undertook the
task of providing for captured negroes in At
RIGA, the cost per head was very much great
err.
There having been no outstanding appro
~priation applicable to this purpose, i could
not ADVANCE any money op the agreement.-
| therefore yGeoumcnd that an appropriation
may be made, Of the amount necessary to
| carry it into effect.
Other captures of & siMilar character may
and probably Will, be made by our naval for
ceS and | earnestly recommend that congress
| may amepd the second section OF the act of
| March 2, 1910, so as to free its construction
| from the ambiguity which has so long exist
ed and render the duty of tle President plain
IL executing its provisions.
recommend to YOUR favorable regard the
local interests of the District of Columbia
AS the residence of Congress and the EXecu-
| tive departments of the Government, we can
| not fail to feel a deep concern in its welfare.
This is hcithcnci by the high ch lracter and
the peaceful and orderly conduct of its resi-
dent inhabitants.
l can not conclude without performing the
| agreeable duty of Observation-Disclosures iOR
that Congress so kindly responded to the re-
cOmmendation of my last annual message, by
| afording me sufficient time before the close OF
their late session, Cor the examination ct all
the bills presented to me for approval. This
change in the practice of Congress has proved
to be a Wholesome reform. 1texerted a bene-
fetal influence on the transaction of legisla-
tive business. aud elected tho general appro-
batiou of the country. 1t eaab!ed Congress to
adjourn wish that dignity and deliberations so
beeoming to tho representatives of this great
Republic, without having crowded into ap-
preparation hills PROVISIONS foreign to their
nature, and Of doubtful ceAstitutionality and
czpediency. let me warmly and strongly
commend this precedent, established by
themselves, as a guide to their proceedings
d4EiAg the present session.
JAMES BUCHANAN.
WASHINGTON Cry, Dec. G, 80.