lonization has effected nothing? What shall we think of the information, the intelligence, of those who gravely refuse to patronize this cause on the plea that colonization is unfriendly to Christian missions? Shall we be told in the face of these facts, as we have been, that "the policy of the colonists towards the natives is just like that of the early settlers of this country towards the Indians," demoralizing and exterminative? and in so short a duration? And does the cause, which in the divine purpose has already achieved all this, and is yet in its mere infancy, just beginning to exert its legitimate influence and promising a thousand-fold more of beneficient results in a short time to come-does this cause deserve nothing better than the culpable supineness and apathy of its professed friends, and the blind and reckless hostility of its ignorant opposers? In view of the contrast here pre- Can Christians and philanthropists, sented and of the undeniable facts of contemplating the contrast here prehistory in the case, may we not con- sent, and with the means of ascerfidently ask when and where in the taining the authenticity of the historiworlds annals have so many, so great cal facts in the case, justify themand permanent interests of civiliza-selves before God or their fellow men tion, liberty, humanity and religion, in continued neglect or indifference been secured by so restricted means to this enterprize? [From the N. Y. Commercial Advertiser.] Who reads the Annual Report of a Benevolent Society THIS question is often asked as though the answer anticipated were 66 Society were greater than those of the year preceding. And although the popular mind has been wrought up well-nigh to frenzy by political agitation, a number of distinguished new patrons have been secured, who have become friends of the cause from a careful and calm examination of its merits during the past year. In this document there is irrefragable proof that the great enterprize of "no one." And yet this an- colonization is in the ascendent. swer is not strictly true. For while Notwithstanding the maddening poit is a lamentable fact that very many litical excitement of the past year, and of the reading community, who can the vast sums of money contributed patiently wade through two or three for electioneering purposes, the rehundred pages of a novel, cannot en-ceipts of the American Colonization dure the insupportable fatigue of thought" necessary to peruse a serious pamphlet of thirty-two pages, still some do read carefully the annual reports of benevolent societies. The writer has just finished the perusal of the twenty-eighth annual report of the American Colonization Society, with an interest and a pleasure not easily described. He has seldom read Various items in the report present thirty-two pages of any work furnish-unequivocal evidence of returning ing more materials for profound thought, making stronger appeals to philanthropy, humanity and benevolence,and awakening loftier hopes for the advancement of a wronged and long-neglected portion of the human race, than this report contains. public confidence, and form the foundation of a rational hope for increased liberality and ampler support to this cause in the future. The best refutation of many of the popular misapprehensions respecting colonization is to be found in the indisputable facts contained in this report. Let those || ed in that part of the report which who think the policy of the colonists gives the history of the various expeof Liberia toward the native Africans ditions fitted out by the Society last is like that of the original settlers of year. this country toward the Indians, read the following extract in this report from Gov. Roberts' last message to the Legislature: "I have to report to you that during the past year I have concluded treaties of alliance, amity and trade with several of the native tribes, both in the interior and on the sea coast. And notwithstanding but little immediate advantage may be expected to result to the citizens of this commonwealth from these treaties, still they will have the effect of bringing the native tribes into a closer connexion with the colony-cause them to identify our interests with their own, and will no doubt ultimately have the happy effect of drawing them from their present condition of paganism and idolatry to the blessings of civilization and Christianity. Tribes far beyond us are now making application for citizenship and to be indentified with us in laws and government." Does this look like a "demoralizing and exterminating" policy on the part of the colonists toward the natives? There is almost a romantic interest attaching to the condition of the emigrants sent to Liberia within the last twelve months. Gen. Lewis, of Monrovia, gives a description of the meeting of some sent out by the "Lime Rock," of New Orleans, with their friends and relatives previously there,which is truly touching. The diminished mortality among them in the process of acclimation is very gratifying to the friends of the enterprize and highly encouraging to the future emigrant. But the object of the writer is not to give an analysis of this report nor even a partial glance at its contents. It embraces too rich a variety of topics, and comprises too much valuable information, to be apprecia ted by a notice of this kind or by any other method except a careful perusal. The correspondence on the concluding pages, presenting the present sentiments and opinions of some of the most distinguished men in dif ferent parts of the nation respecting the enterprize of colonization, is well worthy a careful reading even by those who have not been in the habit of perusing "annual reports." And, it may be added, that the last Another preposterous objection to colonization is that it is unfriendly to Christian Missions! Now a strik-page of the cover contains "twenty ing feature in some of these treaties is, that the natives are bound by them, as one specific condition, "to foster and protect American missions." reasons for the success of Liberia," that ought to be read and "inwardly digested" by all those who justify their indifference or opposition to colonization by the plea of its in The writer was very much interest-efficiency. Report of the Committee on Emigrants and Emigration.' THE following paper was prepared and presented to the Board of Directors, at their late Annual Meeting, by a committee appointed on that part of the Annual Report which relates to the emigration of the past year. It deserves the special consideration of all the friends of coloni zation, and especially of those who | any instance, the unworthy and unfit have been sent, the circumstances were peculiar and seemingly imperative. have the management of persons destined for Liberia. Report of the Committee on Emi grants and Emigration. The committee congratulate the Board and the friends of the cause that, though the number of emigrants sent the last year, as appears by the report, was small, many of them were of an excellent character, promising to make useful members of the colony. Regard is to be had rather to character and fitness than to number in estimating the value of our operations, and in this respect especially do they differ from former plans of colonization, and especially from any plan of colonization conducted by governmental aid. In the latter case, the advantage of the company or State forming the colony is pursued, rather than the benefit of the colonist or of the tribes contiguous to the colony. Hence, numbers, and of all classes, without direct reference to fitness, are sent, without any violation of the purpose or plan originating the scheme. On the contrary, colonization, conducted by a benevolent association, as in the case of the A. C. S., contemplates primarily the advantage of the emigrants; and the true policy is, not to send all who may offer, but only such as will be most orderly, industrious, and moral, thus securing the safety and welfare of the colony, and, at the same time, insuring a healthy and benign influence upon the neighboring communities. This difference of policy is radical, and ought to obviate much of the obloquy which the opponents of the Society have attempted to heap upon it. It is believed that a policy consistent with these views has, from the beginning, been prominent in the councils of this Society, and if, in The question may indeed arise whether a change of terms offered to colonists might not be advantageously made with reference to this policy. If, instead of an entirely gratuitous passage and support indiscriminately offered, the Society were to require of the colonists some return as soon as able, and in money or labor it might relieve us from much expense, and, at the same time, deter none from going whose character for industry might not well be questioned on that very account. In case of free colored people, already possessing some means, this would surely be reasonable and just. In case of emancipated slaves, in the majority of cases, they might, by being hired one year, obtain the means to defray their own passage. In recommending this course, the committee are not only affected by a consideration of the importance of endeavoring this year so to limit expense as to liquidate all outstanding debts of the Society, but also from a belief that, in the present crisis of its affairs, the Society ought to devote a large proportion of its income to the purchase of territory, so as to be prepared, at an early day, to accord to the colony entire independence, with control over three hundred miles of sea coast. The disposition to emigrate will, without doubt, annually augment and spread as the numerous advantages and privileges offered by the colony become better known; and though the process of colonization may be slower than would satisfy the wishes of many, or even than the interests of our own country require, it will probably be fully equal to the welfare and wants and capacities of Liberia. The committee would further recommend, that in all cases where masters offer slaves for emigration, they be urged to prepare them as far as practicable, by some especial training and education, in habits of self-reliance. The examples of the lamented Fitzhugh, who leased land to his people, and thus accustomed them to self-support, and of the philanthropic McDonogh, whose people emigrated in 184, so well prepared for usefulness, may be cited as worthy of commendation and imitation. Finally, as a means of removing unfounded prejudice from the minds of intelligent free people of color, the committee would suggest that some of the pious and trustworthy citizens of Liberia should be encouraged to visit the United States and give their testimony on the subject in various portions of the country-a plan already tried with success, and calculated to promote emigrations of the proper class. Respectfully Submitted, &c. To the Clergy of all Denominations. istrations of truth, and obligatory upon the consciences of his people. Manifestly, as the field is broad, and the work to be accomplished is multiform, it would be unjustifiable to make any one single scheme of operations conspicuous, and expend on it alone all the faith and prayers and energies of the church. A broader and more comprehensive philanthropy is inculcated in Scripture, and demanded by the exigencies of the church and condition of the world. No enterprise of good can be || shall make prominent in his adminsuccessfully prosecuted without the favor and advocacy of the ministers of the Gospel. From the very constitution of society, as well as by the appointment of Heaven, they exercise an immense sway over the opinions, and a powerfully controlling influence over the charities of their respective congregations. It is a fundamental truth, that the vigor and life of all benevolent efforts, lie in "the preaching of the Word." Whatever is good and great in its conception, and noble and benign in its influence, can be substantiated and enforced by arguments and appeals drawn from the Divine trea- | sury. And whatever enterprise is not, or cannot be sustained in this way, must fail of general favor, and languish for the want of support. Every separate denomination of Christians has some particular charities, or private societies, which they have originated and which they support as a matter of course; and all their members are expected to feel in the success of these enterprises a sort of personal pride and an indiHence they are in contribute to their It is a part of their reliThey feel for them some One of the most important ques-vidual interest. tions, therefore, which every clergy-duty bound to man has to decide, relates to the support. schemes of benevolence which he gion. what of that tender affection and kindly care which a parent feels for his own children, in comparison with the children of strangers. 66 great principles of Christianity clearly exhibited, and their bearing upon the general welfare of society, and the amelioration of the condition of the whole human family constantly enforced! But there are other charities which belong to no one denomination of Christians; schemes of benevolence In view of these considerations, it which originated in the broadest will not be thought out of place for us philanthropy, and appeal to the most to present some reasons which will enlarged principles of Christianity justify MINISTERS of all denominafor support. Such is the enterprise tions in bringing the cause of AFRIof African Colonization. It be- CAN COLONIZATION distinctly and longs to no church, to no party. prominently before their respective No sect of Christians, casting a com-churches on or about the approachplacent look upon it, calls it by the ing 4th of July. If it can be shown endearing name my child!" No that the cause is a great and a good denomination feels bound to support one: that it is intimately connected it, at all hazards. It has the same with all the other blessed schemes claims upon one that it has upon an- of benevolence: that it embraces the other. And they all feel at liberty to welfare of the millions of Africa, and support their own benevolent socie- is intimately connected with some of ties first and chiefest, and then, if any the most important destinies of our thing is left, it is appropriated to colo- own country: that it is accomplishnization as to an "orphan in need." ing a train of good results, which no other plan of operations has ever yet been able to achieve: and that no evil follows in its footsteps, and no injury is done to any body or any other cause, then surely it ought to be considered worthy of all confidence and support and if it ought to be sustained and carried vigorously forward, and there is no one denomination, or section of the country, which claims this honor and will perform this duty, then it is incumbent on us to appeal to every friend of humanity and lover of his race, in every section of the country! It is not wonderful, therefore, that the resources of this Society are far more limited than its demands. Though it be not very creditable to the Christians of the present age, yet it is nevertheless true, that the more part of them are less influenced by an appeal resting solely on the broad ground of benevolence, than when it is united with something which is selfishly their own, and tends to build up their party, or denomination. Hence it is all important that objects of pure and strict benevolence, should be kept prominently before the minds of men: their intimate connection with the We would, therefore, entreat the clergy to give the following con |