PROCEEDINGS OF THE AMERICAN COLONIZATION SOCIETY, AT THEIR FOURTEENTH ANNUAL MEETING. THIS Meeting was held in the Hall of the House of Representatives, in Washington City, on Wednesday evening, the 19th of January, 1831. A great number assembled on this occasion, and on motion of Rev. Dr. Laurie, the Hon. C. F. MERCER, one of the Vice-Presidents of the Society, took the Chair a little before seven o'clock. The following gentlemen appeared and took their seats as Delegates: From the State Colonization Society, New Hampshire. From the State Colonization Society, New York. From the State Colonization Society, Pennsylvania. From the Meadville Colonization Society, Pennsylvania. From the State Colonization Society, Vermont. From the State Colonization Society, Ohio. From the Newark Colonization Society, New Jersey. From the Auxiliary Society, Alexandria, D. C. ELLIOTT CRESSON, Esq. of Philadelphia, then rose and said, MR. PRESIDENT: Before offering the resolution which I hold in my hand, let me beg the friends of this noble, this Godlike charity, to persevere in labours which have already been crowned with a success far beyond the most sanguine anticipations of its most devoted friends. Only nine years have elapsed since the little band of Colonists landed on the Cape, and a nation has already, at your bidding, sprang into existence-a nation destined to secure to Ethiopia, the fulfilment of the glorious prophecy made in her behalf: for already have two of her Kings thrown down their crowns at the feet of the infant republic, and formed with her a holy alliance-not such as the despots of the Old World have dignified with that proud name, while forging new chains for their miserable subjects-but for the holy purpose of exchanging the guilty traffic in human flesh and blood for legitimate commerce-equal laws-civilization and religion. Already "From many an ancient river, from many a palmy plain, They now ask for schools-factories-churches. Nearly 2000 freemen have kindled a beacon fire at Monrovia, to cast a broad blaze of light into the dark recesses of that benighted land:—and although much pains has been taken to overrate the cost, and undervalue the results, yet the annals of colonization may be triumphantly challenged for a parallel. Five years of preliminary operations were requisite for surveying the coast-propiti. ating the natives—and selecting the most eligible site;-numerous agents were subsequently employed-ships chartered-the forest cleared;schools-factories-hospitals--churches--government buildings and dwellings erected, and the many expenses requisite here, defrayed--and yet, for every $50 expended by our Society from its commencement, we have not only a settler to show, but an ample and fertile territory in reserve, where our future emigrants may sit under their own vines and fig trees with none to make them afraid. During the last year, an amount nearly equal to the united expenditures, in effecting these objects, has been exported by the colonists; and from Philadelphia alone, 11 vessels have sailed, three of them chartered through the efforts of the Pennsylvania Society, and bearing to the land of their forefathers a large number of slaves manumitted by the benevolence of their late owners.—A single incident will tell the feeling of these happy people—One of them in taking leave of Capt. Sherman at the Cape, begged him to assure their friends and benefactors that if it pleased the Almighty to prolong their existence to old age, they could not be sufficiently grateful to him and to them for the happy asylum provided for them—and declared that he could never before comprehend why the blood and tears of poor Africa had been thus long permitted to be so lavishly poured out-but that the problem was now solved-Liberia had already paid the debt!-Go on, gentlemen, with this noble work— and the patriot-the philanthropist—the christian-even the selfish calculator will support you. Even now do the wants of this young nation demand the establishment of a line of packets to sail every three or four months, and for this purpose, depend upon it, the funds will be liberally granted. Connecticut in 1828 commenced with a contribution of $200-in 1830 she increased it to $1200; and if we become not weary in well doing, New England will arise in the majesty of her strength, and pour into our Treasury a generous portion of her wealth. He then offered the following resolution, which was adopted. Resolved, That the thanks of this Society be presented to its Officers for the faithful manner in which their duties have been performed during the year, and for the Report just read, and that this Report be printed. The Hon. Mr. WILSON, of Maryland, then addressed the Chair, MR. PRESIDENT: I hold in my hand a Resolution, which I beg leave to move. It grows out of a melancholy event of the year just passed by and gone. With that year, has passed from time into eternity, an intimate and much-valued friend of mine. That friend, Sir, was also a friend of this Institution. When it was first suggested that such an Institution as this should be called into existence-his mind, strong by nature, and highly cultivated by education, immediately saw in prospect, a way opening for the ame lioration of the condition of a distressed, degraded, portion of our popu lation. He also saw in distant view, the means in embryo, by which the political, moral, and religious character of afflicted, benighted Africa might possibly be improved. The moment his mind became convinced-such was the moral structure of his heart-he took a prompt and zealous agency in forwarding the great benevolent objects of this Society. You, Sir, cannot, nor can any one, who hears the sound of my voice, be at a loss, as to the individual to whom I allude. It is the late much-lamented WILLIAM H. FITZHUGH, one of the VicePresidents of this Society. He is gone and by that dispensation of divine wisdom, to our limited view, great-great indead-is our loss. I knew him well, and all who knew him, bore cheerful testimony to his worth. Intelligent-active-blessed with a large fortune-with a suavity of manners, equalled by few and surpassed by none-he was useful in his day; and you, Sir, who knew him well, will bear me out, when I say, that if his life had been spared, he bid fair to expand the sphere of his usefulness, and to become one of the ornaments of this favored land. But, Sir, the heart which once animated this excellent man, and which throbbed, at all times, so warmly in the cause of humanity, will now beat no more forever. It has gone!-Oh where has it gone? Gone, I trust, to join its kindred spirits the spirits of just men made perfect. He has left behind, many who bemoan his loss. Alas! Sir, the first upon my affectionate recollection, is the lovely tender partner of his bosom. The next, in order, impressed upon my memory, is the interesting circle of family friends-nor friends more amiable and estimable, man ever had. Let us mingle our sympathies with theirs, for the loss of such a man. As a testimonial thereof, permit me to ask, that the resolution which I now hand to the Secretary may be placed upon our records. I move the same, and can only add, that I anticipate its immediate, unanimous, unhesitating adoption. Resolved, That this Institution is deeply afflicted by the death of William H. Fitzhugh, Esq. one of its Vice-Presidents, and that it will cherish an affectionate remembrance of his eminent private and public virtues, and his distinguished exertions in aid of the African cause. When the Resolution was about to be put to the vote, Mr. CUSTIS, of Arlington, rose and addressed the Chair, as follows: SIR: Before the Resolution you hold in your hand is offered to the unanimous approval of this Meeting, I crave the privilege of uttering a few words in discharge of the solemn duty I owe to the memory of him, |