The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1873-02-06
The American Colonizationists.

IL is fact hardly known by dozen peo-
pie out of Washington city that meeting
of the American Colonization Society has re-
Gently taken place in the city Of Washington.
And how is this? IS the subject Of coloni.
cation less interesting and important than
heretofore? or have the pblanthropists wea-
ried in well-doing? If neither interrogatory
can be answered In the affirmative, then
what is the matter? Well tell you. Colo
nization no longer "pays" politically, and
that sordid people who have employed all
their phanthropies for selfish purposes have
abandoned it.
In the early days few leading men, such
as Mr.. CLAY, Mr.. ADAMS, Chief.Justice MAR
SHALL, CHARLES FENToN MERCER, and more
Of that kind, were very sincerely devoted to
the cause of colonization for pious and
humane objects. But in the list of their fol.
lowers were q host Of men who knew not the
disintereSted and benevolent motives which
controlled them.
What were the objects of the really great
and honest men that espoused the cause Of
colonization? First, to civilize Africa; Sc
cond, to promote the welfare and happiness
Of negroes freed from slavery, who they did
not think would be happy and content living
amongst the whites, with whom they could
not possibly live upon footing of equality.
These were the motives, and they were
wise and just. 1t had been long conceived
that the African, more civilized in this coun-
try than he has ever been anywhere else,
would be the ultimate agent of the ciyiiza-
ton of his native land by sending him back
to teach and elevate his race. The idea was
dear to the true philanthropist, and thrilled
his heart with delight. The wise discerned
the return Of the African to his native land
the best for him, as he would there enjoy
equality and live in climate suited to his
nature, while he would escape the humilia.
tion-if be had pride enough to be humilia'
ted-of being constantly reminded Of his info.
riority by daily contact with race alto
gether superior to him, and with which he
. could never BIO equal.
Here was true wisdom-here was true phi.
'anthropy. But the great and good are dead,
and the selfish, that made show Of favorius
the cause Of colonization for political pur-
poses, have accomplished what they wanted
by the abolition Of slavery and giving the
negro vote; and it is no wonder that colo
nization is as near death rs it can be not to
be dead. ..
What Is the truth of the subjects Why,
that colonization has greater field than ever,
and for the good Of man work i. laid be-
fore it that is vastly greater than ever before
offered 70 1t. The whole negro race is free,
and u force may now be sent to clyilize AZ
RIGA that Is greater than was ever dreamed of
blythe old colonizationists that are now fallen
into the grave. So are immensely enlarged
the opportunities for accomplishing the great
good Of making the negro perfectly free
from humiliation and setting him up as the
master Of his own fate. And yet the zeal in
behalf Of colonization, SO fraught with good,
wanes, andpromises to die out. We are not
surprised. We know the sordld nature of the
agitstors too we'll to suspect them of an earn
est desire for others good. The exposure of
their motives is made in the history Of the
Colonization Society. It Is dishonorable to
mankind and damnable to themselves.