Lynchburg Virginian

From the New York Commercial Advertiser

LIBERIA-No. 1.

The operations of the Colonization Society

are very generally viewed in the light of an experiment. This view is partially correct. But

some of the objects of that Society are definite,

and certain of attainment.

1. Slaves are liberated at an expense of $30.

—This is more than the actual average expense

of removing them to Liberia. This is an object

entirely independent of the question, whether

all masters will liberate their slaves on the con-

dition of removal.

Thousands of slaves are

now ready to be liberated on this condition:

and their masters in giving them up, sacrifice

the price which they would bring in a southern

market, amounting to about ten times as much

as the sum actually required to set them at li-

berty. To turn is the difference. To purchase freedom requires about $300. The Colonization Society actually procures it for $30:

and thousands for want of this small amount

must still remain in bondage.

2. Not only are the slaves liberated, but they

and their children are at the same time placed

within reach of good common education, and

of ample religious instruction. This is the tes-

timony of the late Mr. Ashmun. Common and

Sabbath schools in the colony are abundant, and

there are five or six licensed preachers, for

1400 inhabitants; not supported by the Society

but by the colonists themselves, and by a Society in Switzerland. And in addition to all this,

the colonists and their descendants are placed

under those elevating influences of substantial

independence and freedom, which they never

could have in this country.

3. The Society is planting the germ of a civil-

ized nation in Africa —This is no longer to be

called in question. The colony at Liberia has

prospered far more, with much less expense

of life and treasure, than the early colonies of

this country, at Plymouth and at Jamestown.

The advantages of agriculture and of trade.

which it already enjoys, must, with moral cer-

tainty, lead it on to power and greatness. The

hand of Providence may indeed reverse its des-

tiny; but so, and perhaps with equal probability, it may reverse the destinies of this country.

Christian philanthropy—reverse scrupulous

caution in acts of charity—ye who are fearful

of doubtful projects and daring experiments;

here is something substantial and certain for

you to take hold of.

ASHMUN.