a free intercourse with foreign nations, may raise Africa to the enjoyments of religious and political freedom. In making this appeal to the public, funds are not asked to be spent in purchasing the freedom of slaves; more than 250 thousand are already free, and other thousands will have their freedom gratuitously, as soon as the means of their transportation are provided. It is not unreasonable to suppose that the period may arrive, when our country will be relieved of a portion, even of this expense. There are mines of wealth in Africa, which may one day be embarked in conveying these lost children to her bosom. No mind can follow up the happy consequences which may flow, even from the transportation of those who are now claiming it with tears. Shall their call be unheard? shall we lock up our coffers in cold insensibility? shall we drink our festive toast to liberty and the common rights of man, while thousands are sighing for that liberty which a small charity might bequeath them? In vain do we boast of our free institutions, so long as we are unwilling to raise a hand for an extension of these blessings. Our professions are a hollow pretence, or a cold system of selfishness, unworthy of the age in which we live. We call, therefore, upon our countrymen, as they shall assemble to celebrate our national independence, to remember the miseries of oppressed Africa. Let the cries of this distressed nation come up into your ears, and sink with vital efficacy upon your hearts. We call upon those who minister from the sacred desk, to present the claims of these children of misfortune, and to draw forth that relief from their congregations, which they are bound to grant by every obligation, moral and divine. Let the minister that has made this appeal in years that are passed, repeat the call with deeper emphasis. Let those who have been silent, now come forward with the earnestness and energy of fresh sentiments, and accumulated responsibilities. Let the Sabbath, preceding the celebration of our national independence, witness in every assembly, a liberal offering to this great cause of religion and humanity. This benevolent custom has already obtained in some sections of our country. Let it become universal. Let it prevail in every town and village through our land. It would in a measure remove the charge of selfishness that lies against us as a nation. It would liquidate a portion of that debt which was contracted in guilt, and which insensibility to justice has delayed to cancel. Let the righteous effort be made. Let the press speak in accents that shall be heard. Let the pulpit invest its solemn appeals with the sanctions of holy writ. Let the memorable Fourth, that shall witness our enviable independence, bear to heaven a report that shall tell also of our philanthropy and Christian benevolence. What a spectacle of redeeming virtue would this nation present, were her birthright to be celebrated in a generous effort from her sons, to spread the mantle of freedom and happiness over the thousands within her immense borders; what an exhibition of justice, and magnanimity, and wisdom would she make, were there coming forth annually, from every town, village, and hamlet, a replenished stream to swell the gathering tide, upon whose bosom the children of Africa should be floated to their long lost shores! Such a tide would return, and by its reacting influences, fill this land with the unbroken acclamations of virtuous freedom, and sanctified happiness. Monument to Mr. Ashmun. At the last anniversary of the American Colonization Society, it was Resolved, that a monument, with an appropriate inscription, should be erected over the grave of the late Colonial Agent, Mr. Ashmun; and that another monument should be raised to his memory in Liberia. Our friends are presented in this number, with an outline of the model which has been selected for the monument, upon the grave at New Haven. This model (from an ancient monument still in perfection at Rome) has recently been sent out by an American gentleman now in Italy, to Professor Silliman, of Yale College. "It is the tomb of Scipio." It is described by Dr. Silliman, as "grave, grand, simple, and beautiful," The materials for its construction, he observes, "might be either white marble, grey granite of Chelmsford, like that used in Boston, which very nearly copies the original, or our red sand stone, of the finer variety; the latter material would be the cheapest. The original is 12 feet long, and 5 high; but these dimensions might be reduced. If the monument is built of fine red sand stone, seven feet long, four high, and between three and four wide, raised on a foundation which will make it five feet high in the whole, the cost will be about $200; if of Stockbridge marble, it will cost $400. I think it will look well if built of red sand stone, and the Roman model is much admired here." After no inconsiderable thought on the subject, and with sincere desires to fulfil the just expectations of the friends of Mr. Ashmun, and of Africa, the Managers have adopted the suggestions of Professor Silliman, and directed the tomb to be constructed of the red sand stone, and after the Roman model. They have believed that any deviation from chaste simplicity, in the design, or strict economy in the expense of this monument, would ill comport either with the dignified and disinterested character of the deceased, or the very limited resources of the Institution, which has been so deeply afflicted by his death. If they have avoided the extremes of magnificence and meanness, and the model which they have selected, shall be approved as corresponding well with the grave and modest greatness of their departed friend, may they not hope that many will feel it a privilege to contribute something towards this memorial of one of the best of men? Several individuals attached to those interests of humanity and religion, to which his life was devoted, have expressed their wish, that the public might be invited to prevent, by their special donations for this object, the necessity of making any appropriation towards it, from the funds of the Society. Such spontaneous and united liberality, would most honourably attest the respect and affection with which we believe the memory of Ashmun is cherished in the hearts of all, who have learned to love and admire the sublimity and glory of VIRTUE. The idea has occurred to the Managers, of limiting individual contributions for this monument, to the amount of a single dollar, but upon further reflection, it has been deemed best to invite all to make such donations as their judgment and feelings may dictate. Auxiliary Societies. We stated in our number for March, that numerous Auxiliary Associations had been organized of late in Kentucky, and under the most favourable auspices. Our list of donations will show, that $600 have already been received from the Agent of the Society (the Rev. Mr. Bascom) in that State. At Winchester, Virginia, a Society has just been established. We confess that we have been particularly gratified to observe the efforts of ladies, and also to learn that youthful hearts have been fired with zeal in the cause of Africa. A juvenile association was formed in Middletown, Conn., on the 21st of February last, the annual meeting of which, is to take place yearly, on the 4th of July. A promising Society has also been established, through the agency of the Rev. Isaac Orr, in the city of New York. A full meeting for this purpose was held in the Masonic Hall, and addresses were made by the Rev. Dr. Milnor, T. L. Knapp, Esq. and the Rev. Isaac Orr, general Agent of the Society. Much we think may be expected from this Society. Connecticut Colonization Society. The annual meeting of the Connecticut Colonization Society was held at Hartford on the 21st inst.-Governor Tomlinson, President, in the Chair. The Meeting was addressed by the Rev. Mr. Orr, Agent of the Parent Society, Seth Terry, Esq. and the Rev. Mr. Gallaudet. Seth Terry, Esq. moved the following resolution, accompanied with appropriate remarks. Resolved, That the society view with peculiar interest and approbation the practice which is obtaining among the churches, of contributing to the aid of this Society on the 4th of July, or the next succeeding Sabbath,—a practice which we hope will soon prevail throughout this State. Rev. Mr. Gallaudet moved the following: Resolved, That Rey. J. H. Linsley, Rev. N. S. Wheaton and Seth Terry, Esq. be a committee to devise measures to have an auxiliary Society to the Connecticut State Colonization Society, formed in each county in this State, one of the leading objects of which shall be, to have a public meeting in each town, or in several towns united for this purpose, in the county, on the 4th of July, of each year, at which meeting an address shall be delivered, and a contribution taken, to aid the funds of the American Colonization Society. Mr. Gallaudet urged the importance of adopting resolutions leading to practical results; advocated and defended the objects and designs of the General Society as eminently important, and entirely practicable: and pro posed, as an ultimate resort, if all others should prove insufficient, that the liberated slaves should be bound to pay for their passage, and even for their freedom, if necessary, after their arrival in Africa. Interesting Intelligence. We have been informed by a highly esteemed friend, that such is the disposition to emancipate slaves for the purpose of colonization, in some parts of North Carolina, that the society of Friends in that state, would immediately have placed under their care, about 2000, were they in possession of funds for their transportation to the Colony of Liberia. Abduhl Rahhaman, THE MOORISH PRINCE. "After an absence of forty years from his native country, during which long period he has been a slave in this land, Prince has a desire to see once more the land of his fathers, and to lay his bones among those of his kindred." He embarked in the Harriet for Africa. [Mr. Gallaudet's address on behalf of Abduhl Rahhaman. "Speed, speed, beneath the fresh'ning gale, Fast towards my father-land, Thou gallant ship, whose snowy sail Has waved near every strand. Fast as the coursers of the wind, Fast as the dawning light, Speed, like the thoughts which leave behind, Far, far, thy tempest flight. My limbs upon thy deck indeed, May listlessly remain, Yet now, as oft', by Fancy freed, My soul darts home again; And ship and sail, and rope and spar, And feelings, slavery could not mar, Father and Brothers, kindred all, I see the throng, who joined the dead |