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 of Sierra Leone, to redeem the Grumettas, or native slaves, and transplant them to that establishment; but this plan was, after mature deliberation, and apparently upon very solid grounds, rejected. Even though some unexceptionable mode of collecting a mass of native population could be devised, we greatly suspect, that it would, in the end, be found still more difficult, if not impossible, to prevent those evils and abuses, which seem almost inseparable from the management of these distant establishments; and perhaps the friends of Africa would act more wisely, in limiting their views to coast settlements, solely for the purposes of opening and maintaining a ready communication with the natives. For our own parts, we are inclined to think, that if any thing farther ought to be attempted, the growth of civilization in Africa is more likely to be accelerated by calling to our aid the agency of their own chiefs, than by any attempts at extended colonization. We believe it to be conformable to the tenor of history, that some species of compulsion is necessary to the speedy civilization of barbarians; and that it is only in this way that their inveterate habits of sloth and indolence can be overcome. Conquest, therefore, has hitherto been the chief means of spreading civilization. The only kind of compulsion applicable with this view to Africa, is that which might be exercised by her native sovereigns. It was thus that the career of civilization was begun in Russia, and it is in this way that the Sandwich Islands are now civilizing. Our plan then would be, to invite some African chiefs to Europe, not to learn to read and write, but to show them the value of those branches of art, and means of opulence, the transplantation of which would render their own power more extensive, and more brilliant. Were an ambition of this kind once kindled in one or two active chiefs, their authority would soon, it is probable, effect a decisive change among their listless countrymen. But in order to give success to such a plan, all fear of conquest, or interference on our part, must be removed; and the ablest, most powerful, and also the most absolute chiefs, must be courted and employed, as the properest instruments for effecting such a revolution.(.)

AFRICAN ASSOCIATION. See, in the Encyclopædia.  AFRICAN COMPANY. The reader will find, under the head, in the body of the Work, an recount of the formation of this establishment, and the footing on which it at present stands. Though instituted for commercial purposes, it is now prohibited from trading in its corporate capacity; and its functions are limited to maintaining the forts on the Gold Coast; a sum for that purpose being annually allowed by Government. In the Report of the Commissioners appointed to inquire into the state of the African Settlements, in 1812, the following is stated to be the annual expence of each of these forts:

The whole annual expences of the Company in Africa, for forts, salaries of officers, &c. is stated to be L. 25,327, 1s. 5¾d.

It further appears from this Report, that the trade of the coast is chiefly in the hands of the Governors of the forts, to each of whom it affords a perquisite of from L. 800 to L. 1000 a year. Their local knowledge and influence give them an advantage, with which ships coming from a distance cannot compete. Cape Coast forms the only exception, as there are several European agents residing there. The number of forts appeared to the Committee to be much greater than is necessary for maintaining the British influence upon this coast; and in consequence, Winnebah and Whydah were abandoned, which has so far reduced the annual expence.

The Company were recently called upon to explain the reason of their sending out goods, which did not appear necessary for the use of their settlements. To this they answered, that the act 23 Geo. II. ch. 31. by which they were constituted, expressly authorizes them to make their African payments in goods; that the remittance of the salaries of their servants in any other form would be attended with great inconvenience, both to the Company and.to individuals; and that the profit made upon these goods enables the Company, with an annual grant of L. 23,000, to support an expenditure in Africa of L. 25,000, and to defray the expences of management at home.

The Company’s charges at home, consist of L. 100 to each of the nine members of the committee; and L. 300 to the secretary; in all L. 1200. The number of persons in their employ, at Christmas 1813, consisted of 47 Governors and subordinate officers; 450 soldiers and menials; and they had thirty seven Negro chiefs in their pay.(.)  AFRICAN INSTITUTION. This Institution was formed in 1807, for purposes which, to use the words of a celebrated Literary Journal, “certainly render it one of the most interesting, and most creditable to the feelings and character of our country, that ever found support within its bounds.” (Edinb. Review, Vol. XV. p. 485.) Its general objects, and the views which influenced its formation, are clearly stated in the following resolutions adopted, at the constituent meeting, held on the 14th of April 1807.

“1. That this meeting is deeply impressed with a sense of the enormous wrongs which the natives of  Rh