My next allegation against it is, _that it recognises slaves as property_. This recognition is not merely technical, or strictly confined to a statutable interpretation. I presume the advocates of the Society will attempt to evade this point, by saying that it never meant to concede the moral right of the masters to possess human beings; but the evidence against them is full and explicit. The Society, if language mean any thing, does unequivocally acknowledge property in slaves to be as legitimate and sacred as any other property, of which to deprive the owners either by force or by legislation, without making restitution, would be unjust and tyrannical. Here is the proof: 'It interferes in no wise with the _rights of property_.' * * 'It is utterly opposed to any measures which might infringe upon the _rights of property_.' * * 'We hold their slaves _as we hold their other property_, SACRED.'--[African Repository, vol. i. pp. 39, 225, 283.] 'Does this Society wish to meddle with our slaves as our _rightful property_? I answer _no_, I think not.' * * 'The Society cannot be justly charged with aiming to disturb the _rights of property_ or the peace of society.' * * 'It seeks to affect no man's _property_.' * * 'To found in Africa, an empire of _christians and republicans_; to reconduct the blacks to their native land, without disturbing the order of society, the _laws of property_, or the rights of individuals,' &c.--[African Repository, vol. ii. pp. 13, 58, 334, 375.] 'They are also convinced, that the Society have conducted their operations with so much prudence, as to give no cause of alarm to the holders of slaves, for the security of _this property_.'--[African Repository, volume iii. p. 341.] 'The rights of masters are to remain sacred in the eyes of the Society.'--[African Repository, vol. iv. p. 274.] 'The Society has never interfered, and has no disposition to interfere with the rights of private property.' * * 'The alarm for the rights of property appears to have subsided, and the Society is no longer charged with any sinister or insidious design. It has constantly disclaimed any intention of disturbing the rights of others; and its conduct entitles its declaration to credit.' * * 'The American Colonization Society has, at all times, solemnly disavowed any purpose of interference with the institutions or rights of our Southern communities.' * * 'Our friends, who are cursed with this greatest of human evils (slavery) deserve our kindest attention and consideration. Their _property_ and safety are both involved.'--[African Repository, vol. v. pp. 215, 241, 307, 334.]