The American navy-In whose stripes the world allow you all these, and many more good properbeholds the rainbows of its freedom from anotheries and yet I see that you have objections to this dominion of the sea." project. To advocate it, therefore, has fairly be come the duty of its friends. National justice-Our republic we trust is erect, let us wheel neither to the right wor left, nor halt in our integrity, but forward march. Political harmony-Soldiers know no party but their country. The patriots of South-America-May success crown the exertion of all who aim at the emancipation of mankind. Postage on Newspapers. Your remarks, which are at present the subject of examination, seem merely prefatory to the in troduction of certain calculations, copied from the United States' Gazette; and made, as it would ap. pear, to shew the enormous expense which would necessarily attend a completion of the colonization scheme. You will allow me, sir, to say, that if hese remarks and calculations had appeared no where except in the Gazette, I should, as one individual, have felt quite disposed to suffer them to The National Intelligencer says "The abolition of pass unnoticed, as being comparatively harmless; the tax on news papers, in the shape of postage, is to have viewed them merely as a new edition to proposed in Niles' Weekly Register. The duties the mass of errors which characterize that paper. of the post office department would be greatly simBat I assure you I design no compliment when I plified by such an arrangement, and the convenience say, that by copying these estimates into your Reof the people consulted. There must, however, be gister, and by your remarks, countenancing at least, a limit ultimately to the circulation of newspapers; if not absolutely advocating them, as correct, you for already their transmission is frequently delayed, have stampt upon them a character, and given to because the mail would be, with them, to cumbrous them a currency, which they could not otherwise for transportation. It is time to look for a remedy have obtained. for this difficulty." You have made enough of these calculations your The delays spoken of are matters of notoriety.own, to hazard, in terins the mose unequivocal, an But we are unfriendly to any regulation that may opinion, thatthe whole scheme of a foreign colony limit the circulation of newspapers." They must of blacks, isutterly impracticable; and if practicabe left to regulate themselves. And the evils com- ble, you addthat it would be useless. If I have unplained of will be lessened as the country is improv-derstood you correctly, you deem the project imed and the roads made better; whereby the mails practicable on account of its expense-useless, on may be more generally carried in stages than they account of he slowness with which it will operateare at present. Colonization of free blacks. FROM THE DELAWARE WATCHMAN. The subject of the following communication has lately awakened much attention; and the public opinion is divided upon it. In such a case it is proper that both sides should have a fair hearing through the medium of the public papers. TO H. NILES, Editor of the "Weekly Register," Baltimore. SIR-Although we are, personally, unacquainted with each other, yet your "WEEKLY REGISTER" has Jong since introduced you to me, in such a way as to leave upon my mind an impression of the highest respect for your person, and your character. It is no more than simple justice to its editor to say, that a more ably conducted and extensively useful periodical work than the "Register" it has not been my fortune to see published in the United States, or and conclude, that we must "look at home” for the means of lenefiting these people, and ameliorating their condtion. As a wnt of time will compel me to be brief, allow me my dear sir, to be candid; grant me, in this instance, the privilege of an old friend, although not even an acquaintance. Pardon me, if you thin me too basty, when I say, that I believe you to b, upon this subject, mistaken. The ideas of expese and inutility, held up to view by the publication n question, are not-they cannot be true.If the afair of planting, and maintaining, or rather of profcting colonies was at this day totally new, then ineed might a license for speculating in opinion uon this probable expense, and utility, be grantd: and then too might the grossest errors upon his subject be pardoned, as mere mistakes. But is certainly is not the case. Since the earliesteriods, at which we have any knowledge of maniad as living under any regular forms of gc verment, the establishment, or acquisition, of colonie has been a part of their policy: and I believe, I have agreed with you most cordially in senti-eve in common cases, it has been a policy, the ment, upon every general subject which you have sondness of which, in a national point of view, touched with your pen, since I have been a reader hararely, if ever, been questioned. If the contraof your paper; with the single exception of a pub.ryas been the fact-if colonies have been either lication which appeared on the 4th Oct-and I redigerous, or unprofitable to their mother coungret exceedingly that the first difference should tes, the general conduct of nations, upon this subhave arisen upon a subject, than which few indeed, jet must have been grossly inconsistent; for the in my humble estimation, are more important to the sbjugation and security of colonies liave cost mapeople of these United States. 1 allude to the r bloody and expensive wars. black population of our country; and the scheme now in agitation for colonizing them upon the coast of Africa. elsewhere. As a citizen of the United States, I never wish see this government, as a mere matter of nationpolicy, unconnected with views of internal sePerhaps it betrayed great simplicity in me, to curity to ourselves; and as a matter of strict jus suppose that the sentiments of all men could be ice to others, reaching after foreign territory, or united upon any subject, however happy the foreign conquests, either by planting colonies from thought, or perfect the scheme. Yet I was induced home, or by subjugating the people or territory of to think, that the plan for colonizing the free other nations. With us there remains no necessity blacks would hardly meet with opposition from any for pursuing such a policy, as it has generally been candid, humane and rational man in this country pursued by other nations. Of territory we have sufI find, however, that I was mistaken; for I free ficient-of the necessaries of life, and even its lux uries, we are in no danger of wanting-Our local two distinct orders of mankind, which cannot now, situation, and the rapid progress of our white po-I think, by any human effort, be peaceably and pulation forbids the idea of external dangers:―and quietly amalgamated. whites-and, politically, as it regards many of the most essential privileges of citizens, to all in ́en 8 and purposes slaves-they would not, they could not, as their numbers became formidable, and their rights as men better understood, rest thus easy and satisfied: a convulsion must sooner or later follow, views of mere ambition, do not suit the genius, Fourthly If it were possible, sudelenly, or even either of this government or people.-Yet, kowe-gradually, by legislative interference, or by the opever, there are other reasons-powerful and humane ration of reason and the dictates of humanity up n reasons-reasons arising froin circumstances in the minds of the slave holders, to liberate from scrthemselves peculiar-such perhaps as few nations vitude the whole of the negroes, and to soften t'e before us could assign for the establishment of a asperity of their manners by education; if still kept colony in a foreign land. The colony itself, too, amongst us, and yet deprived of the freedom of se would, I trust, in this instance, not only be plant-cial and common unrestrained intercourse with the ed and protected, from motives, differing in their origin and tendency, from those which have generally actuated other nations in such cases: but our after conduct, in relation to the jurisdiction, which we should attempt to exercise over this settlement, would be materially different. If a colony of free blacks should be established upon the coast of dangerous as well to the whites as to themselves. Africa, and under the fostering care of the United Here then seems an instance where necessity" States should flourish and grow strong, even be. does not only "supersede law," but also usurps the yond the most sanguine expectations of its warm. place of right. And where "acts of violence” apest friends-I hope and believe that this govern appear to be "justifiable, in order to prevent a ment never would, for one moment, permit ambi-greater and more permanent evil” tious views of aggrandisement to urge upon the co- Fifthly-According to some of the fundamental lonists the slightest unwished for restraint, either principles upon which the federal compact, constias it regarded their lives, their liberty, or their tuting the magna charta of these states, was found, property. Such a settlement as I hope and believe there should be no order of free men BORN amongst it is the wish of the friends of this measure to us, or naturalized with us according to the laws of make, would in fact not deserve to be considered the land, and yet held back from a full participation as an appendage to the government of the United in all the rights of citizens. Following the spirit States. We would wish now to act as a mother, of these principles, when 'tis clearly seen that ma who, from some circumstances of past error in con- tural and absolutely unconquerable difficulties have duct, making the event disgraceful and unfortu. gotten up between a numerous class of individuals nate, had brought into the world an offspring which and those rights, it becomes imperiously the duty she deemed it dangerous both to herself and her of the government, to provide a place, and the issue to keep about her person; and yet would not means of protection, where they can have extended abandon it to mere chance;~she places it at a se- to them, in their fullest sense, all the rights and cure distance, where she nourishes and protects it privileges, which, as men, belong to them. in infancy-she gives it good example and whole. some precepts in riper years; and when of full age she passes it upon the theatre of life, to take its station amongst mankind, and to rear up a name and fortune for herself. A few premises assumed, and I hope they will be granted, will make the necessity and the propriety of a colony clear. The probable expense of the es tablishment will require some remarks; which with a few general observations upon the whole sub ject, shall end the trouble that I design to give you at this time. Sixty-Those unfortunate people came origina' ly from Africa, where they were placed at a period beyond our knowledge, by the great author of their and our existence. That country possesses an immense population, inmersed in barbarism, and in heathenish darkness. By the establishment of a colony upon their coast, under the direction of the United States, not only a correct knowledge of rational government, but also the arts of civil life, and the principles of christianity, might soon be gene rally diffused amongst them. Who can tell what an imme se and important superstructure might soon rise upon such a foundation? It would seem as if Providence had permitted a part of these people to be separated from their country, and dragg dito bondage, that there might be sent back with them the light of civilization, and the blessings of christianity, to their benighted and unhappy country. Secondly, there are now amongst us (according to men. By similar means are great events often the Gazette estimate) 1,200,000 human beings de- brought about by HIM who, from the greatest apprived of their personal freedom; and 1,500,000 de-parent evil, can at pleasure bring the utmost posbarred from all social and political rights; which sible good. The time seems at hand, and we are number is daily and rapidly augmenting. First, then, I shall take it for granted, that, in a free representative government, such as we have the happiness to enjoy, all should possess alike, per sonal and political liberty; so long as no act is done by the individual, making it lawful to deprive him of those rights. called upon to "let them go to enjoy their rights, Thirdly From long and firmly established habits, and worship their God in the land which he has set and modes of thinking amongst the white popula- apart for them to inherit,"-If we hearken not, but tion of these states, and I might add, of nearly the harden our hearts, the plagues of Egypt, or worse, whole civilized world, 'tis as utterly and obviously may be visited upon us. To keep t ese people impossible, that the negroes should, even whilst much longer amongst us with safety, and jet do amongst us, be admitted to a full, free, and equal them justice, truly "presents a question hedged participation in those rights, and privileges, as it is about by difficulties." It is, sir, utterly impossito change the whole of their skins from black to ble. The God of nature has left us no tre white; for, leaving out of view the question as to the right one, to pursue. We are in th the original sameness of the black and white, or the without an alternative. The "wisest he African and European,-time, with an endless va- bothered," and the most cunning invent riety of circumstances, too easily felt and under- to devise other means and other ways; stood to need a repetition, has, in effect, made them lony it must come at last. The spirit of of humanity has seized forcibly upon the minds of had not at the moment been pressed for money, too many of the people of this country, to permit joined to a perfect understanding upon her part these wretched Africans in our land to remain much that she could not, by force, long hold it in posseslonger in a state of brutal vassalage, without asion, four times the sum would have failed to make door of escape. Such is our situation as a society, the purchase. What are the advantages of the and as a government, that we cannot do them full Portuguese colonies in South America, to that go. justice here; and we dare not be partial in our vernment? This I cannot exactly tell; but think it grants. We can only allow them the power to go fair to presume, from the king and court having where the rights of man can be fully and safely ex-left ancient Portugal, and settled down in those protended to them. vinces, that they were estimated as being more va luable than her possessions in Europe. Is this scheme then practicable?-this seems to be one question: Another is, will it, if adopted and persevered in, answer the purposes designed by its advocates? And Spain-has she not in fact existed upon the wealth of her South American colonies, for at least the last half century? and does it not at this mo ment seem as if she would willingly enlist all Eu rope in her armaments, in order that she may retain these possessions? So immensely important are the Spanish settlements in America to that government, that a prediction might safely be ventured, in the event of her losing them, as she most assuredly will, that with them will the Spanish monarchy ex. pire. I have heard much conversation upon the subject of establishing this colony, since the project was first mentioned in public: but until I read your remarks in the Register of the 4th Oct. I never heard the idea of expense advanced as an objection to the measure. Either the people generally must have had very mistaken impressions upon this subject; or the calculations which you have copied from the Gazette must be extravagantly wild indeed. It is Have we in truth ever heard it said, even where really a frightful picture of expense, which has territory had been wrested by force of arms, and here been presented to the people with a few strokes the natives subjugated or exterminated by tedious of the pen. And if the estimate be true, even after and bloody wars, that the settlement and protec "deducting from it fifty per centum," he would be tion, whilst in infancy, of colonies, has been to naa madman who would attempt to urge the scheme tions an unprofitable business? I repeat it, and I an inch further. I have my doubts, however, if a think, upon the authority of all history, ancient as deduction of ninety and nine per centum from this well as modern, that when the expense of this af calculation would reduce the sum below what actu-fair has exceeded its profits, it has been by the al experience may hereafter shew to be the truth. maintainance of a naval and military force, not for It would be superfluous to advert to ancient the protection of these settlements, but to keep them times, for examples of the expense incurred by in abject subjection. planting and supporting colonies; or rather by pro The editor of the Gazette founds his calculations, tecting them: for if colonies are judiciously settled, with which you have acquiesced, upon a supposition they will very soon be more than able to support that 15,000 negroes will be transported to the coand protect themselves. The chief care which lony the first, and a like number every subsequent mother countries have generally had over colonies, year, and that the expense of this transportation, as has been to cripple them in their resources, by way well as their subsequent maintainance, will come, of keeping them in a condition to be peaceably ad infinitum, from the public purse. Here, I take governed. When large naval and military forces it, is the ground of the error. It cannot be admit have been kept up in colonies for the purpose of Keeping them in servile subjection,then indeed may they have been unprofitable bargains, Colonies have been established or acquired in America, at different times by England, France, Spain, and Portugal. Amongst innumerable other examples, these may be sufficient. ted, I think, as in any degree probable, that 15,000 of these people could be had, willing to venture this experiment at once; and if four times that number should, as they probably would, emigrate annually to the settlement, after it had become completely es tablished, and in a flourishing condition, neither their passage, or maintainance would be demanded England lost nothing by her colonies here, until from the government. Those for whom the coloshe began to make war upon, in order to oppress ny was intended would, as soon as its situation and them. As consumers of her surplus manufactures, the design of its establishment came fully to be untaken upon her own terms, she in fact drew a large derstood by them, make their way to and find their annual revenue from her possessions here. France support in it, as the poor and oppressed people of lost nothing by hers so long as she was allowed to Europe now do to the United States. It does not hold peaceable possession: so valuable on the con- require that mankind should be forced, as to a pritrary did she consider them, that, from the day son, from misery and oppression, to happiness and she lost them to the present hour, she seems never liberty. Let them but feel their wretchedness, and heartily to have forgiven England for having wrest-see the land in which they can find relief, and the ed the most important of them from her hands. passage is made sure. There are no difficulties too And has England ever evinced a wish to yield her great for man to surmount, in pursuit of his happipossessions in Nova-Scotia and the Canadas, as a ness; and the more he is preseed upon, the greater too troublesome or expensive bargain? Have we will be the reaction, when he finds an opportunity of ever heard it officially said that those provinces throwing off the burden. If 1000 negroes can be were not a real and substantial benefit to the crown found disposed to go to this colony the first year, it of England? It is not long since France received will be as many as could either be expected, or wish. from the U. States fifteen millions of dollars in ex-ed for. Taking, then, the Gazette estimate as corchange for her right of sovereignty over the soil rect, and apply it to one thousand, the sum required and people of Louisiana-could this, then, which was nothing more or less than a colony, and one to which the emperor of the French had but a doubt ful title, be considered as a useless, as a troublesome or an expensive appendage to that government? I presume, on the contrary, that if France would be about $250,000-and if a like sum be required for the two succeeding years, amounting in the whole to $750,000-this, loaned to the establish. ment, would, I imagine, be about the extent of the assistance, as it regards money, which it would be necessary for the government to afford. If a few of these people can once be comfortably established, upon a spot in Afica judiciously chosen, and peace ably and securely obtained from the natives, I pre sume it reasonable to believe that the whole affair of trouble and expense to this government will be Tover. The habits of industry, with the arts of civil life, will be taken with them from this country. Agriculture and manufactures, of some description or other, will soon give a surplus, upon which will naturally be bottomed a commerce with this country; and so long as we shall have the expense of protecting them, so long will this government have the right to regulate, and, consequently, to receive a profit from this commerce, as a matter of mutual Finterest to individuals of this country, and to those of such a colony; and from every such example as has heretofore been afforded by the world, I take it for granted, that such a commercial intercourse would commence, coeval with the colony itself, as would not only afford all articles of necessity to the settlers, but also give constant opportunities of removal to those whose inclinations might lead them to join the colonists. Such an establishment, instead of being a dead weight upon the hands of this government, might, in a very few years, indeed, be, in a commercial point of view, an affair of interest, and a matter of real importance to the people of this country. As the number and resources of the colonists increased, they would, as a natural consequence, extend themselves, either by an admixture with the natives, or by s purchase of their possessions, or perhaps by bath. passed to that land where "troubles cease and the In the common course of events, a' few years would doubtless find these people, thus settled, strong enough, in numbers and resources, not only to feed, clothe and defend, but also to govern themselves. As soon as such an event happened, I presume there would be no contest for supremacy between the colony and the mother country.We no doubt would at any time be ready to sever the bond of connection, politically speaking, and leave them as other nations, "enemies in war, in At all events, taking the very peace friends” worst supposition, upon this part of the subject, as matter of fact; and allow that few or none of these people could be persuaded voluntarily to venture this change of situation-we should nevertheless, by affording them the possibility of escape, do all that remains in our power to clear our skirts of an enormous moral evil, in having acted hitherto at least as accessaries, in bringing them forcibly from the land of their forefathers, and retaining them as the worst of slaves: Whilst we should benefit our country, and add much to the safety of her political existence, by opening a door through which the transgressors of her laws could be forcibly thrust; and who, if but punished in the ordinary way, and afterwards left amongst us, having been first oppressed, then goaded on to madness, would serve as fire-brands, ready, as soon as comI feel certain, owing to a variety of causes, that bustible materials sufficient may be collected, to at first few of the free blacks in this country would kindle a flame destructive as well of the oppressor be willing to hazard such a change. Yet it seems as the oppressed. Although, in common I believe equally clear that such a colony, once fairly settled with all the friends of the colonization scheme, I and established, with some of the subordinate sta- hope and believe a very different issue to this protions in the administration of its government com-ject; yet if it would ultimately turn out a mere mitted to the most active and intelligent negroes, penitentiary, a place of safe keeping for criminals, whilst the rights and privileges of men and of citizens and remain perpetually a public charge; still it will was extended to all, without exception--the estab-not be without an example in the world-nor I beI am not to be understood lishment would rapidly acquire a character, which lieve without its uses. could not fail to insure a speedy and certain growth. If such an outlet be afforded to the negroes of this country, I am greatly mistaken if it would cost this government either money, or trouble, and comparatively but a little time, to drain off nearly, if not entirely, these people from amongst us. I am at a loss to tell your precise meaning in pect of such a place of refuge would greatly tend to encourage the liberation of slaves, who now are, this instance. You seem indeed unable, yourself, and (without such an establishment) together with to guess what result might arise from conduct so their posterity, will perhaps remain, in perpetual devoutly and humanely wished for. "Something," bondage. It would moreover afford the opportunity indeed; and no one I believe knows exactly what, to the legislatures of the different states, to change would arise from a general effort to ameliorate the the cruel and unnatural punishments which are condition of these people, if they are still to be kept WHAT that something would probably now inflicted upon this description of people for amongst us. the commission of crimes, to that of transportation be, is however a matter of serious importance, and may become the subject of another letter. This to this colony. one has already grown far beyond the limits I had in my mind at first prescribed to it. I shall thereHOWARD. fore at present transgress no further upon your patience or time. The pros as advocating it upon such grounds. You wish, sir, "the talents and influence, with the wealth, of those who are advocates for foreign colonization, to be domesticated to the relief, the protection and the advancement of this unfortunate ace." State of Delaware, 22d Oct. 1817. Admit, what seems quite probable in this affair, that there are many, very many, of the negroes now amongst us, who have already worn out the best part of their lives in personal and under political slavery, and who yet have formed certain local A REMARK.-The editor of the REGISTER is attachments, in despite of accumulated ill treatment, sufficient to hold them by choice to the land truly sorry to believe that he is able to shew in which they have grown old: and admit also, that that the benevolent writer of the foregoing is there are many now young, and some not yet born, "mistaken;" which he shall attempt to do next who might, from a feeling of respect for the opi- week. The consideration at the close of the nions, and attachment to the persons of their vene rable relations, for a while forego the privileges of essay---to afford to this people the "possibility men, and submit to the conditions of beasts-yet of escape," is, in his opinion, the most weighty the former of these would in a few more years havel of any that is urged. Legislature of Vermont. GOVERNOR'S SPEECH. of all the blessings of civil and religious liberty, unshackled by superstition, uncircumscribed by the edicts of kings. While we anticipate the prospe The governor and council appeared in the house,rity of others, let us critically attend to the proba and his excellency being sworn into office, deliver-ble means of bightening our own. ed the following specch: Gentlemen of the council, and Gentlemen of the house of representatives. Permit me on this occasion, with gratitude to ex press the satisfaction I feel, that the freemen of this state have so far approved my past conduct, as again to honor me with their confidence. Improvement in manufacturing is a subject s closely connected with the interests of this state, that it cannot fail of engaging your attention. It should be the policy of a state so remote from the great marts of the world, and not adjacent to the seaboard, to adopt every prudent measure to supply her wants by her own manufacture; by which means It is a source of peculiar gratification that we are she prevents the emigration of many of her valuable convened under circumstances most propitious.--citizens to other parts of the country to find emThat universal gloom which fearful apprehensions ployment, makes a neat saving of the expense of of extreme want spread over the mind at the last transporting that portion of provisions consumed by session, and the commencement of the present, the manufacturers, and turns the balance of exports has by the extraordinary frugality of the peo-and imports in her own favor. Little need be said ple, succeeded by the blessings of Heaven, been to recommend an object of such apparent import happily dispelled, and the dreaded distress but ance. lightly felt. We have abundant cause of gratitude I would suggest for your consideration, the pro to the author of all our benefits for the luxuriant har-priety of an early and thorough examination of the Just of the present year, the unusual degree of affairs of the state-prison to ascertain whether any heath which has prevailed throughout this state, improvement can be made in the employment of the the general harmony existing among us, and above convicts, or better economy introduced relative to ricond recent spiritual harvest which, the expense of their subsistence. in many pices, has been truly great. If the state of our finances will admit, I am of The Ceniciency of a circulating medium, owing to opinion, that to purchase a stock of materials, prean increased emigration of our inhabitants to the pare the proper machinery, and employ a part of west, who have converted their property into cash the prisoners in manufacturing woolen cloth, would for transportation, and the unfruitfulness of past be more profitable than to employ so large a portion seasons, in addition to the common causes which of the laborers in weaving cotton, especially while uniformly produce a scarcity of money at the close the depressed state of factories, renders that busiof a war, has caused some serious embarrassments; ness so disadvantageous-From the present value of but the industry and economy it has excited has woolen cloth, compared with the price of the raw nearly counterbalanced the evils experienced,materials, it is evident that a handsome saving By the pursuance of this prudent course, if attend.might be made to the state by the manufacture of ed with the ordinary smiles of Providence, we shall that article: I would also recommend the purchassoon possess a suitable portion of circulating meding of a small tract of pasture land in the vicinity um, without resorting to the ruinous system of pa of the prison, for the purpose of keeping cows, per credit. The act of the last session, making it which would be a means of furnishing the prisoners penal to pass any bili or note of a less sum than with a wholesome diet during the warm season of one dollar, in lieu of money, has had its desired the year. effect in preventing further impositions, without introducing any material evil. It will be found necessary, even if the present system of labor be continued, to erect additional No important political changes anong foreign workshops, unless some other mode of punishment, powers, affecting the interests of this, or the Unit-for crimes of small magnitude, should be deemed ed States, have came to my knowledge since our preferable to confinement in the state prison. last session-The nations of Europe remain settled An elegant map of the state of New Hampshire on their lees. Happy would it have been had their has been by that government presented to the state contests terminated more favorably to the rights of Vermont, which, with the laws of several of the and liberties of the people. But notwithstanding sister states, I have caused to be transported to this symptoms which excite sound yet feeble expecta-place, to be disposed of as the general assembly tions of amelioration of condition in that long devot-shall direct. el country, multitudes of the inhabitants, awaken Sundry communications, from different depart el to a sense of their sufferings, and aspiring for ments of the general government, and from indiviliberty, are resorting to the United States, the only dual states, have been made to me during the last present asylum for oppressed and afflicted humani-year. All those designed for your consideration ty. Those emigrants, with many of our own citizens, will be seasonably submitted. ments. are rapidly settling and cultivating the western Permit me, gentlemen, before I close, to express wilds, were they will soon form a strong barrier the entire confidence I feel, not only in your intelagainst savage barbarities, and foreign encroach-ligence and abilities, but also in the purity of your The inhabitants of the southern part of this con- tuents in such a manner as shall tend to ensure their intentions, to manage the concerns of your constitinent are still struggling for freedom and indepenqual rights and promote their highest happiness. dence, the issue of which must decide the happi- The importance of our trust will be realized when ness or misery of millions of the present and suc.we compare our distinguished privileges with ceeding generations. It will essentially effect not those of the people of any other country. only our commercial states, but the world at large. We find ourselves, after the most arduous and Should emancipation be the event, we may reasona-threatening conflicts, by the interposition of Divine bly hope, cre long, to see arts and sciences, agri Goodness, at peace with all nations, tranquil and culture, commerce and manufactures flourishing happy among ourselves, and in the full participation throughout that vast populous and fertile region, of every right, whether moral, civil or religious. and every rank of its inhabitants in the full fruition It is the imperious duty of the legislature, as the |