ment cannot be prevailed on to adopt so rational and philanthropic a design, then should Maryland, alone, strive to rid herself, at least, of the disease and crime of slavery. She is competent to the task.

[FROM THE NEW-YORK SPECTATOR.]

Plea for the American Colonization
Society.

We have perused with no inconsiderable pleasure, a sermon under the above title, preached in St. George's Church in this city on the 9th inst. by the Rev. Dr. Milnor, and published for the benefit of the Society. "Ethiopia shall soon stretch out her hands unto God," (Psalm LXVIII. 31,) is the appropriate text selected for the occasion; and, whatever may be the differences of opinion respecting the Society, as a means of the ultimate emancipation of the great body of slaves whose bondage disgraces our land, all who peruse this discourse will agree, that in the present instance an eloquent pen and a benevolent heart, have been exerted in its behalf. After a suitable exordium, in which the author dwells with peculiar satisfaction upon the cheering promise of the text, "the fulfilment of which is to usher in the latter day glory of the church," he briefly recapitulates the history of the Society, the difficulties encountered in its formation-the discouragements and obstacles which have since been happily surmounted, and the promising state of the Colony at Liberia, at the date of the latest advices, the reasons are presented why the Society deserves "the patronage of every patriot, philanthropist, and christian in our country." Having stated the plan of the Society, the author proceeds to advocate its claims under these three general heads, or divisions, as follows:-1st. "To the patriot, to the man who loves his country, and is ready to give his heart and hand to every effort calculated to advance her prosperity, the Colonization of the free people of colour commends itself to our approbation and support, because it will promote the public good." 2d. The cause of African Colonization is commended to the philanthropist, "because it is an undertaking of undoubted benevolence." Sd. With equal confidence it is commended to the regards of the christian, “because

under the Divine blessing, it will greatly extend the kingdom of Christ." We might make extracts which would be read with interest, from the discussions of each of these heads, but they would necessarily be copious, and perhaps would therefore injure the sale -a result which would be injurious to the funds of the society. Suffice it then to say, that the several considerations are all treated with ability, and in a manner which bespeak feelings of elevated and enlightened benevolence.

[FROM THE RICHMOND FAMILY VISITOR.]

Colonization Society of Mangohick, King William County.

At a meeting of this society, on the 4th of July, Mr. A. Broaddus delivered an address, appropriate to the occasion, considered both as the anniversary of our Independence and the meeting of the society.

The members then convened, when the report of the managers was read and adopted; and contributions were received amounting to between forty and fifty dollars. The unfavourable aspect of the day operated considerably against the meeting, and consequently the amount of the collection was much smaller than was to have been expected.

The society then took into consideration the proposal, from the parent society, to present memorials to the different state legislatures, as well as one to the general government of the U. States, for furthering and promoting the object in view; whereupon it was resolved, that we heartily concur in the expediency of this measure, and adopt, with this view, the form recommended by the pa ́rent society.

John Roane, Esq. Doct. Wm. B. Westmore, and Maj. Thomas Dabney, were appointed a committee to confer with other auxiliary societies of this state, on the most advisable method for carrying the resolution just mentioned into effect.

It was resolved, that the secretary prepare a sketch of the proceedings of this meeting, to be published in some of the public prints, with an abstract of Mr. Broaddus's address, and the report of the managers.

J. Roane, Esq. was appointed President of the society for the ensuing year; R. B. Semple, and Adw. Broaddus, Vice-Presidents; C. W. Taliaferro, Secretary; and Dr. Wm. Gwathmey, Treasurer; the other managers were also appointed; and then the meeting adjourned.

REPORT.

The officers and managers of The King William Union Colonization Society, in resigning the trust committed to them, to those who gave it, feel that it would be doing injustice to their constituents, to the cause in which they are engaged, and to their own feelings, were they to content themselves with simply detailing their own operations as servants to the society. They feel that, at this time, there is a peculiar propriety in recurring to first principles, and considering the motives which originally prompted to the formation, not only of this society, but of every one which has engaged in the same humane, benevolent, and politic enterprise.

They conceive also, that it will be particularly proper to advert to the operations of the parent society, and to dwell, a little in detail, on the interesting facts presented in the reports and other communications from that society, as also to take a view of the prospective operations of that institution.

And first, as to the motives which have prompted us and others to engage in this enterprise; we say, we believe they are founded on those great principles of moral right, which, while they dictate to us to render to all their dues, while they recognize the exercise of humanity and benevolence, as incumbent upon us, do, at the same time, comport with our best interest, considered in its most comprehensive views. What is the object aimed at? That which has been professed by the parent society from the time of its formation till this time-the colonization upon the coast of Africa, of the free people of colour in the United States, with their own consent; and of such as may be emancipated by their owners, or by the laws of the several states, upon condition of their uniting in such a colony. Is there an individual who, acquainted with the situation of that portion of the people of colour among us, called free, will not say, that surely the purpose of giving them a country to themselves, one in which each individual shall enjoy, to its full extent, liberty, both civil and religious, is a humane, a benevolent one? Occupying a station of inferiority and of disability, in regard to most of those things which are calculated to prompt the noble aspirings of the soul, they in most instances, dash from their lips that portion of the cup of blessings which they are permitted to enjoy; they grope out a life of indolence and ignorance, and grovel in the dust of sensuality and vice.

Such has hitherto been their situation, such it now is, and such it is likely to continue while they remain among us; for, our own interest, during this state of things, seems not likely to be promoted by elevating them in the scale of being. The character of this portion of our population being such, the moral and physical state of our country, so far from receiving any im provement from them, is injured in proportion to their number; and there

fore it is urged, nay, it must be apparent to all, that we shall be benefited by being separated from them, as well as that their best interests will thus be promoted.

In fine, upon this part of the subject, we cannot but think, that this plan, if examined with a liberal, candid, and unprejudiced mind, recommends itself to us by every consideration, both of right and of interest.

Secondly, as to the operations, &c. of the parent institution.—Something like ten years have elapsed, since the formation of this society; and since that time, they have prosecuted, with undeviating aim, the grand object proposed; they have purchased a territory on the coast of Africa, proved to be well calculated for the intended purpose, and have succeeded in establishing a colony. The number of colonists amounts, at this time, to about 420, and is every year receiving additions, by the emigration of free people of colour from the United States, many of whom have gone from this our native state.

The plans of the society are no longer problematical. It is found that territory may be obtained, and, indeed, since the original purchase, considerable additions have been made by purchase, to the landed possessions of the colo ny: and, from present appearances, there seems no reasonable prospect that the operations of the society, will be impeded for the want of territory; at least for a long time to come. Actual experiment has likewise proved, that people of colour enjoy remarkably good health in Africa. From the communications received, we are warranted in the belief, that few, if any, colonial establishments have ever succeeded better, or been brought in a shorter time, into something like a prosperous and comfortable state. Enjoying those blessings for the attainment of which they left these their native shores, the colonists are rapidly advancing in those improvements which are calculated to make their "desert blossom as the rose," at the same time that they be. stow an enlightened and liberal attention on improvements, moral, civil, and religious.

A recent communication from Mr. Ashmun, the agent in Liberia, presents, under separate heads, a view of the health, the civil state, and the agriculture of the colony; the means of the colonists to obtain the comforts of life, and acquire property, the buildings and other works of construction, the means of literary and other kinds of mental improvement, the defensive force of the colony, their religious character, their morals, accessions of territory, new establishments connected with the colony, and the relations of the colony with the neighbouring tribes. This able and interesting communication gives to the friends of the institution strong reason to believe, that their most sanguine hopes and expectations will be fully realized.

The consideration that the cost of transporting emigrants to the colony, has diminished from about fifty, to twenty dollars, and the prospect of a farther diminution, are particularly encouraging to the friends of this institution. There have been during the last year, considerable accessions to the number of auxiliary societies:-In Virginia there were 23, Maryland, 8, New-York, 8, Pennsylvania, 1, North Carolina, 7, Georgia, 3, Kentucky, 1, Delaware, 2, Vermont, 1, New-Jersey, 1, New-Hampshire, 1, Maine, 1; making an aggregate

of 57 auxiliary societies, according to the last account furnished by the parent society. Upon the whole, notwithstanding the open, and we may say violent opposition of some, the fears and jealousies of more, and the coldness and indifference of others, we believe that the plans and operations of this institution, are recommending themselves rapidly to the American people, and acquiring to it daily more and more friends. Indeed such has been the success of the society, that they now feel themselves authorized to come out more publicly, and address memorials to the different state governments and to congress, praying them to grant it their countenance and aid, in the manner which to them may seem most expedient. Copies of the memorial to the several state governments have been forwarded to the auxiliary societies, with the view of obtaining their co-operation, and we have this day the honour of submitting one to the consideration of this society. It will appear, by reference to the proceedings of the parent society, that it has from the beginning, looked to the power and resources of the nation for the full accomplishment of the grand object aimed at. To this patronage as well as to the best wishes of all the benevolent, we think the institution has a fair claim, independent of the principal object of its formation. The Colony of Liberia occupies the place of a sentinel and an auxiliary, in the suppression of the slave trade; and already has the general government witnessed the efficacy of exertions from that quarter, in checking the progress of that iniquitous and revolting commerce. We mention this, however, only by the way; and hope that the leading object of this institution will be considered as entitled to the best wishes and best efforts of the nation at large. The utmost of what could be effected by private charity is now nearly attained. Through its instrumentality, it has been shown, that territory may be obtained in Africa, and that a colony may be successfully sustained there: and when we reflect that the plans of this society are in perfect coincidence with the prevailing sentiments of Virginia, expressed through her legislature for a length of time past, and that moreover the legislature has in two successive sessions made appropriations to the society, we are warranted in the conclusion that the application to our legislature will not be unavailing. It is for us now to say, whether we will concur with the parent society in the memorial to the legislature of our state. Are we convinced that the cause in which we are engaged, is one in which the general interests of the several states constituting our union, as also those of humanity, are involved?-surely we shall not be backward in lending our co-operation to the plan of addressing a memorial to the legislature of our state. Let us not be lukewarm in a cause which recommends itself to us by so many interesting considerations; but let us with heart and hand promptly aid the parent institution in its important operations.

On this day which should recal to our minds the noble sacrifices and glori⚫` ous achievements of our ancestors, having, for their object, the moral and political improvement of our country; let us not be content with merely contemplating and celebrating their noble deeds, but let us emulate their bright example; let us show that we have imbibed in their purity, and that we cherish, in our hearts and minds, those glorious moral and political principles,