Download or read book Remarks on the Colonization of the Western Coast of Africa written by and published by . This book was released on 2015-07-12 with total page 72 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Excerpt from Remarks on the Colonization of the Western Coast of Africa: By the Free Negroes of the United States, and the Consequent Civilization of Africa and Suppression of the Slave Trade The question, however, is only postponed; and there is no doubt that some other mode of dealing with the slave trade will soon be resorted to by the British Government, and that the present blockade of the African coast will be abandoned, leaving only a small force to protect the colonists from the Slave-traders and the natives. This will lead to the discontinuance of the American squadron likewise; the expense of which being thus saved, can be applied to the colonization of the western coast of Africa, by the free negroes of this country. The proposal recently made to Congress by Judge Bryan and others, for the establishment of a line of steamships between the Atlantic ports and the Republic of Liberia, to convey free colored emigrants from the United States to that Republic, is made at a most opportune period, and deserves the most serious consideration. The proposal is to build four ships, each to be of not less than four thousand tons burthen, and to be so constructed as to be easily converted into vessels of war. The projectors are willing to build the ships at their own expense, but will require an annual appropriation from Congress for carrying the mails, and in consideration of the privilege conceded to the government, to take the ships whenever they may be required for the public service. The following is a copy of the Memorial: To The Honorable The Senate And House Of Representatives Of The United States In Congress Assembled. The undersigned, for himself and others associated, respectfully begs leave to present to the consideration of Congress the following propositions, to which they have given much reflection: First. The suppression of the African Slave Trade. Second. The carrying of the mails between the United States and the Republic of Liberia. Third. To extend and regulate trade between the United States and Liberia. The Independence of the Republic of Liberia has been acknowledged by the greatest powers of Europe. It is an off-shoot from our own country, and is peopled by emigrants from all the States of this Union. It already embraces within the action of its government and laws many of the natives and several of the Kings and Princes of the west coast of Africa, who seek its protection, trust in its beneficence, and offer their allegiance as citizens. When the Republic of Liberia shall have completed the purchase of the Gallinas, for which negotiations are now in progress, the sea-coast will embrace upwards of seven hundred miles. The first settlement from this country was made in 1821; and the infant Colony, under incredible embarrassments, against the combinations and efforts of an inhuman and mercenary spirit, and the earlier and almost indomitable prejudice and hostility of native tribes, has gradually and peacefully extended its borders; received, protected, and educated emigrants from the United States, and many of the natives; has triumphed over all obstacles, and now presents to the world a free, vigorous and permanent commonwealth. Its destiny may be predicted. Its extension on that heretofore desecrated coast; its ultimate influence over all that great division of the globe; the suppression of the slave trade, not only within the present limits of the Republic, but shortly from Sierra Leone to Cape Palmas, and eventually from the entire coast; the great and increasing emigration from this country to the fertile regions of the Republic; the diffusion of knowledge and civilization, of Christianity, of the arts and sciences, and of extended and heretofore unknown commerce, indicate that destiny.
