Page:An address to the free people of color of the state of Maryland.djvu/11



recognized the existence of this little Republic—foreign ministers reside at its capital. Vessels of war of all maritime nations visit its ports, as also those of trade or commerce, and Liberia has a seat among the nations of the earth. She has all the institutions requisite for the growth and prosperity of a State, which you see around you in this country. They have common schools and higher seminaries of learning, churches of various denominations—a well organized militia for defence, and most of the mechanic arts are pursued, not excepting printing. They have open and unrestrained commerce with many civilized nations, and through their hands pass the great native productions of the interior before referred to, as ivory, camwood and palm oil. All this is done and being done by men of color—every one of whom, once occupied, the same position in this country that you now do—almost every one now there, and many others who have "fought the good fight, and finished their course," have been recipients of the bounty of the Colonization Society, and gone out in its vessels, and been for a time supported and cared for by its Assents.

—I have spoken only of Liberia, in general, as a State or Republic; but it is proper, addressing people of Maryland, that I should refer, specially to what Maryland has done to promote the interest and secure the happiness of her free people of color. In 1831 she appropriated the large sum of two hundred thousand dollars, to be paid in annual instalments, to found a colony for her people in Liberia, and to remove such of them as were willing to go, and to provide for their comfortable settlement. Cape Palmas was purchased for this purpose, and a Maryland colony founded there. This now forms one of the counties of the State. What has been said of Liberia, as a whole, is equally applicable to "Maryland in Liberia," as a part of that whole. As a place for emigrants from Maryland, I would specially recommend it, being peopled, as it is, by Marylanders. It is also considered by all visitors to the coast, as being the most beautiful and eligible settlement in Liberia, and it is certainly as healthy and salubrious as any on the seaboard.

I have alluded to your political or legal disabilities here, from the legislation of the State in which you are, as yet, permitted to reside. Of the character of this legislation, as to right or expediency. I presume not to offer an opinion; but whatever may be thought of it, certain it is, that the State has, in no way, abridged your rights, your privileges, or restrained your pursuit of happiness and worldly good, without tendering you more than an equivalent. During times of great pecuniary distress, the almost utter prostration of her credit, when other States, with greater resources, repudiated and became bankrupt, Maryland continued to appropriate large sums annually, for the benefit of her people of color; to prepare and keep in order for every one of you a good home, where you might be free from every restraint, excepting wholesome laws, every where necessary for the regulation of society and the protection of life and property; laws, too, made by your own brethren, and a Government administered by them.

What the State has done for those, who have seen fit to avail themselves of its bounty, and is now disposed to do for you, I will briefly notice.