Thoughts on African ColonizationGarrison, William Lloyd
Philosophy
Thoughts on African Colonization
Garrison, William Lloyd
African Americans -- Colonization -- Africa; American Colonization Society; Slavery -- United States
with the PRINCE REGENT this morning!'
We laugh at the narrow bigotry of the Mahometan, who feels contaminated
if a Christian shares his dinner, and who will not give his vile carcass
burial, for fear of pollution. Is our prejudice against persons of color
more rational or more just? The plain fact is, our prejudice has the
same foundation as that of the Mahometan--both are grounded in pride and
selfishness. A law has lately passed in Turkey, imposing a fine upon
whoever shall call a Christian a dog. _Let us try to keep pace with the
Turks in candor and benevolence._--[Massachusetts Journal and Tribune.]
SECTION X.
THE AMERICAN COLONIZATION SOCIETY DECEIVES AND MISLEADS THE NATION.
It is now about fifteen years since the American Colonization Society
sprang into existence--a space of time amply sufficient to test its
ability. In its behalf the pulpit and the press (two formidable engines)
have been exerted to an extraordinary degree; statesmen, and orators,
and judges, and lawyers, and philanthropists, have eloquently advocated
its claims to public patronage. During this protracted period, and with
such powerful auxiliaries, a careless observer might naturally suppose
that much must have been accomplished towards abolishing slavery. But
what is the fact? Less than one hundred and fifty souls have been
removed annually to Africa--in all, about two thousand souls in fifteen
years!!--a drop from the Atlantic ocean--a grain of earth from the
American continent! In the mean time, the increase of the slaves has
amounted to upwards of _half a million_! and every week more than _one
thousand_ new-born victims are added to their number. Before a vessel,
with one hundred and fifty passengers, can go to and return from Africa,
more than ten thousand slave infants will have been added to our
population: while she is preparing to depart, or waiting for a fair
wind, the increase will freight her many times.
The following eloquent and comprehensive Circular (published last year
in London by Capt. Charles Stuart, in consequence of the visit of
Elliott Cresson, an agent who was sent out to dupe the philanthropists
of England) exhibits the inefficiency and criminality of the Society in
a striking light:
'AMERICAN COLONIZATION SOCIETY. LIBERIA.--This Society was
formed in the United States, in 1817.
Its Thirteenth Annual Report has just reached this country.
Its object, as expressed by itself, (see the Thirteenth Report,
page 41, app. 9, art. 2,) "Is to promote and execute a plan for
colonizing the free people of color, residing in 'the United
States' in Africa, or such other place as Congress shall deem
most expedient."
The facts of the case are these:
1. That the United States have about 2,000,000 enslaved blacks.
2. That they have about 500,000 free blacks.
3. That both these classes are rapidly increasing.
4. That both are exceedingly depressed and degraded.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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