so far as it may be prosecuted, is not dependent on the conclusions, however various, formed on this subject. Omitting argument to sustain, the Managers would simply avow their opinion, that the moral and economical elements at work to promote it, and the influence to be relied on for augmenting their power, afford solid grounds for hope, if not for confidence, that it will be so extended as to confer invaluable blessings on at least some millions of our race; so extended, as in an age not distant, to be contemplated as among the greatest schemes ever devised for the good of mankind. The opinion here expressed, however, must, by reflection on the reasons for its foundation, become the general opinion of our countrymen, before the practicableness of the scheme to the extent just mentioned, can be realized.

If, to provide for and educate his children, be the duty of a parent, is it less clearly the duty of a nation to provide, as it may be able, for the relief and improvement of any unfortunate portion of its inhabitants, and should uncontrollable circumstances, or the public good, forbid their elevation on the soil of such nation, to assist them in removing to a land (if such can be found) where they may enjoy the means of improvement, without restraint in their use, or limit to their advantage? And could the character of nations, civilized and christian, be more ennobled than by the adoption of measures, separately or in concert, for the instruction and reformation of the uncivilized and unchristian? Glory, will all after ages award to that nation, which, on those virtues only, that exalt individual man, shall build its national character. And such nation, animated by those moral principles that adorn and enrich our nature, must feel itself to be but an individual in the great brotherhood of nations, must recognize and acknowledge in each member of this fraternity, a child of the same Almighty and beneficent Parent, who requires the strong to support the weak; the enlightened to inform the ignorant; the prosperous to relieve the distressed; and each to embrace

the common interests of all, within the wide circuit of its sympathies and charities. The triumphs of such a nation will not be over justice and mercy; over withered hopes and broken hearts; but over the ignorance that darkens, and the vice that degrades our species; they will be sounded forth, not in the trumpet notes of war, but celebrated in processions and songs of peace. Such triumphs are the people of the United States now invited to achieve. To them, especially, are the interests of the African race by Providence entrusted, and a thousand voices plead, that the high and solemn duty resulting therefrom, be faithfully and fully discharged.

In conclusion, the Managers would remind the General Meeting, that Liberia, unlike most other colonies, has been founded, not to extend the power or enrich the commerce of our country, not to bind in vassalage those who resort to it, or reduce to deeper than their present degradation the uncivilized of Africa, but to stand, within the precincts of Barbarism, a citadel of Freedom, Knowledge, and Christianity; to bring a rude deeply injured, and miserable people under the dominion of equal laws and a pure religion, and thus enable them to appreciate the dignity and add to the honours of Humanity.

American Colonization Society in account current with Richard Smith, Treasurer.

DR.

To transportation of emigrants; supplies for them while preparing for embarkation, during the voyage, and after their arrival in the

Colony; and articles purchased for Colony, $36,892 07

salaries of Colonial Agent and Physicians, salaries of minor officers in the Colony,

2,435 13

2,347 03

(A.)

Office of the American Colonization Society,

WASHINGTON, May 18, 1885.

At a special meeting of the Board of Managers of the Ameri can Colonization Society, the digest of the laws and the plan of civil government for Liberia, as adopted by the Agents of this Society, having been read and considered, it was, on motion,

Resolved, That the Board of Managers, considering the satisfactory information afforded by recent accounts from the Colony, of the successful operation of the plan of the civil government thereof, as established by their Agents in August last, and seeing therein reason to reconsider their instructions to the Agent, of the 29th of December, 1824, now approve of the principles in that form of government, and give their sanction to the same.

Resolved, That the digest of the laws be referred to a Committee to examine the same, and compare them with the Constitution and laws of 1820, and report to the next stated meeting.

WASHINGTON, MAY 23, 1896.

At a meeting of the Board of Managers, this day, the Committee appointed at the last meeting, presented the following resolutions, which were adopted:

Resolved, That the Board, having considered the digest of the laws now in force in the Colony of Liberia, dated August 19, 1824, as prepared by the Agent, do approve the same, and declare the same to be, under the Constitution, the law of the Colony, adding thereto the following: In case of failure to find recognizance for good behaviour, when required, the person so failing shall be subjected to such Tabor on the public works, or other penalty as the Agent shall prescribe, until he shall find recognizance, or the object for which it was required of him shall have been answered.

In all cases of banishment, where the banished person has no heir in the Colony, the land held by him shall revert to the Colony.

Resolved, That this declaration of the law of the Colony, shall not be construed to annul or impair any regulations which the Agent, under his constitutional authority, may have seen fit to establish subsequent to the above date of August 19,

1824.

Resolved, That the Resident Agent cause to be printed two thousand copies of the Constitution, government, and laws, of the Colony of Liberia, as established by this Board at Washington, 23rd of May, 1825.

R. R. GURLEY, Resident Agent.

JAMES LAURIE, Acting President.

CONSTITUTION

For the government of the African Colony at Liberia.

ARTICLE I. All persons born within the limits of the Territory held by the American Colonization Society, in Liberia, in Africa, or removing there to reside, shall be free, and entitled to all such rights and privileges as are enjoyed by the citizens of the United States.