+ All Categories
Home > Documents > Joseph Jenkins Roberts [President of Liberia]--The Republic of Liberia--An Address (1869)

Joseph Jenkins Roberts [President of Liberia]--The Republic of Liberia--An Address (1869)

Date post: 06-Apr-2018
Category:
Upload: chyoung
View: 217 times
Download: 0 times
Share this document with a friend

of 26

Transcript
  • 8/3/2019 Joseph Jenkins Roberts [President of Liberia]--The Republic of Liberia--An Address (1869)

    1/26

  • 8/3/2019 Joseph Jenkins Roberts [President of Liberia]--The Republic of Liberia--An Address (1869)

    2/26

  • 8/3/2019 Joseph Jenkins Roberts [President of Liberia]--The Republic of Liberia--An Address (1869)

    3/26

    ifhfhrfWh-^ Iti Ifii-Srt t^B^Mii rtii^^AArftiftrli i1i r " -^ -- -^ ^ itifM^itti"^ ^^^^.^^^^-.^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^-..,'^m^t The Republic of Liberia. "o-nQs^

    AN ADDRESSDELIVERKU BY

    HON. JOSEPH J. ROBERTS,President of Lil.uria College and the first President of tlie rip;"iljlii

    of Liberia, lS4T-18o.5,

    AT THE

    FIFTY-SECOND ANiNIVERSARY MEETINGOf THE

    m;!;iiaii i0l0Myiti0tt Sfldcii).HELD IN

    Wasiiin(!ton, D. C, Januauy 1!>, lS(i!).

    AVASTIl^rCITOX, D. C.COLONIZATION SOCIETY BUILDIXG',

    eORXER l'F,XNSYLVAXI\ AVKNUK AND FOUR-ANP-.V-Jl AI.F STRSHT.ISGO.

    M'iJILL .^. WIT'IEr.OW, PRINTERS.

    y ^j)jp^ * ly t^s^iyy^yfipa^psy^T^.^T

  • 8/3/2019 Joseph Jenkins Roberts [President of Liberia]--The Republic of Liberia--An Address (1869)

    4/26

  • 8/3/2019 Joseph Jenkins Roberts [President of Liberia]--The Republic of Liberia--An Address (1869)

    5/26

    The Republic of Liberia.A N ,\ I^) i:> li ESS

    DELIViiUKD F.Y

    HON. JOSEPH J. ROBERTS,Prosidi.-nt of Lilifria Coileaie and tho first Presiilfiit i>t tlio Repulili'.'

    of Liiicria. isl7-l>'oO,

    AT THE

    FIFTY-SECOND ANNIYERSxVRY MEETINGOF THE

    liH$?iaii i0!0iit,^Hti0ii ^0:!:i:cl])HELD IX

    Wasiiingto:.', 1). C, Januarv 10, 18(51

    WASHINGTON. D. C.COLONIZATION SoCtETY BUILniNG,

    CORKER PEN-XSVLVAMA .VVENCE AXD lOUR-ANIl-A-IIALF STREET.ISGO.

    M GILL & WITUEKOW, PHIN'TERS.

  • 8/3/2019 Joseph Jenkins Roberts [President of Liberia]--The Republic of Liberia--An Address (1869)

    6/26

    6/1 (^^

    ,^o; V

    Resolution of the Board of DinECTuRS of the AitEEioAN ColonizationSociety, January 20, 1860.

    liesolved, That the (banks of tlic Board bo given to Ex-PresidentRoberts for his very interesting and valualile address last evening, andthat he be requested to furnish a copy for publication.

  • 8/3/2019 Joseph Jenkins Roberts [President of Liberia]--The Republic of Liberia--An Address (1869)

    7/26

    ^ D D R "E S SOF

    HON. JOSEPH J. ROBERTS,EX"P*nESII?EjS'T OF LIBERIA.

    2fr. President : An annnul meeting of the Amei-ieaii Coloni-zation Society can never lail. I iire.^ume, to be an occasion ofdeep interest to tlie friemis of an enterprise so eniinenth' pbi-lantliropie in all its ]iiir]ioscs, and particularly grand in itsdesia'P. to introduce the blessings of civilization and Christi-anity into t!ie waste places of long-neglected and dee2:)ly-degiaded Africa. On these occasions, while the attention ofthe managers of the affairs of the Society is six^ciallv drawn toa review of the labors and results of the }'ear immediatelypreceding^ and to the ado])tion of additional measures deemeddesirable or necessary to the further ]U'Osecution of the under"taking, the minds of its ])atrons instinctively revert to thegreat objects originally contem])lated by the enterprise, and areview of the progress that has been made in their definiteaccomplishment. And in turning their thoughts to these onthe ])resent occasion, I third< there can be no question that,notwithstanding the stern opjxjsition encountered from certainquarters, in consequence of a total misapprehension of the truepolicy and objects of the Christi:ui })romoters of Africaii Colo-nization, and the emban-assments and discouragements whichhave occasionally arisen from other causes during the progressof the enterprise, tlie friends of the cause have great reasonto-day for congratulatioji and thankfulness at the wonderfulsuccess v,ddch has so far atteiuJed their effortsa success, Idare say, far beyond the most sanguine expeetation of thosedistinguished philanthropists who first gave form and inq)ulseto a scheme vrhich, tliough surrounded bj' man^^ dilficulties and

  • 8/3/2019 Joseph Jenkins Roberts [President of Liberia]--The Republic of Liberia--An Address (1869)

    8/26

    4apprehensions, they hoped and believed Avould, under DivineProvidence, eventuate in good and great results to a peoplethey earnestly desired to benefit.The scheme of African Colonization is the ofTspring of agreat Christian idea, which more than half a centur}^ ago fixeditself in the minds of Drs. Finley and Thornton, Gen. CharlesFenton Mercer, Elias B. Caldwell, Francis S. Ks}-, and otherkiudi-ed spirits, who deejily deplored the oppression to whichthe people of color were subjected in this country, and feelingprofoundly impressed with the importance of devising someplan by which the condition of a part of this people might beimmediately and radically changed, and in sucli a way as tocreate a reflex influence which would produce a salutaryeffect uponas then existedthe abominable institution ofAmerican slavery. Hence the organization of the AmericanColonization Society, which you, Mr. President, and the Boardof Directors here present to-day, represent. Those pure anddisinterested men, with a wie forethought which penetratedfar into the future, contemplated with earnest solicitude theaccomplishment of designs in respect to Africa, no less gigan-tic in their proportions than important in their results; and itis not surprising that irresolute minds questioned the ability ofany mere private association to fulfill so great an undertaking.The programme of the founders of the American Coloniza-tion Society, as I have always understood it, and which, as laras 1 know, has not been de])arted from, was; 1st. To establishon the shores of Africa an asylum where such of her scatteredchildren, as n^ight choose to avail tliemselves of it, would finda free and happy home ; and in this connection they wouldfairly test the ca]>acity of the African for self-government andthe maintenance of free political institutions. 2d. That throughthe instrumentalit}' of a colony thus established, composed ofmen who had themselves been the victims of cruel servitude,additional facilities would be afforded for the extirjiation ofthe slave trade, then rampant, with all its attendant horrors,at nearly every prominent point along that Western Coast.3d. By means of Christian settlements, in the midst of thatbarbarous people, to introduce the blessings of civilization andChristianity among the heathen tribes of that degraded land.

  • 8/3/2019 Joseph Jenkins Roberts [President of Liberia]--The Republic of Liberia--An Address (1869)

    9/26

    These were grand conceptions, embracing nothing less tlianthe founding of an empire witli negro nationality, and tlie re-demption of a continent from pagan superstition and idohitry.Of course, a woric of sucli raagniLnde required hirge materialresources and suitable men as emigrants, to conduct it in amanner promising successful results. We can, therefore, readilyimagine the serious misgivings which must have weighedheavily on the minds of those good men, when tliey engagedin an enterprise necessarilj' involving, in all its details, so manyapprehensions as to the future. But they were men of greatfaith and energy, fully iuibued with the spirit of their missionin behalf of humanity and religion, and therefore hesitated notto commit the success of their nudertakiug to the directionand support of an all-wise Providence.But it is not my purpose on tliis occasion to trace the historyof the American Colonization Society, either in regard to theopposition it has encountered, or the sympathy and care bywhich it has been fo3tered and sustained during its long yearsof agency in promoting the civil, social, and religious interestsof Africa. The work of colonizing a people, under the mostfavorable auspices, has always been atteinled with mau}^ diffi-culties and discouragements; and in tlie case of this Society,depentleut entireh^ upon voluntary, in

  • 8/3/2019 Joseph Jenkins Roberts [President of Liberia]--The Republic of Liberia--An Address (1869)

    10/26

    6have been put to me more than onee during my present visitto the United States, I don't know that I can do better thanto avail myself of this occasion to present a brief statement ofthe rise and progress of Liberia under the auspices of this So-ciety, and then I shall be content to allow those, vvho seem tobe in doubt as to the utility of African Colonization, to settlethe question in their own minds as to whether the Colonizationenterprise is entitled to their confidence and support or not.As soon as practicable after the formal organization ofthe American Colonization Society, and the necessar}' prelimi-nary arrangements towards planting a colony in WesternAfrica had been concluded, steps Avere taken for sending forwardthe first company of emigrants to oi'ganize a new civil societyon that distant, barbarous coast. Therefore, early in the year1820, eighty-six persons, from the States of Pcnnsjdvania,Yirginia, Maryland, and IN^ew York, assem'blcd in the city of'New York for the purpose of emliarkiug upon this new andperilous enterprise. It Avas a profoundly anxious lime, no lesswith the patrons of the Societ}' than Avith the emigrants. Thefriends of the Society Avere deeply concerned in regard to thesuitableness of the men about to be employed in so great anundertaking, and AA'here so much depended upon the ada^ita-bility of the materials thus engaged for the foundation of a ncAvcivil and political superstructure. Doubtless their hojtes andtheir feai'S Avere about equally balar.eod. 0;i the part of theemio-rants. as often relatcMi to me bA' Hey. Elijah Johnson, themost prominent individuul of the company, their feelings Avercgreath' excited by conflicting emotions, Avliich sAvaA'cd to andfro betAveen the present and the future. Tliey Avere aboutseA^ering all the ties of early as.-ociations, and many of themleaving comfortable homes for a far-olf land, Avholly unbrokenbA' civilization and presenting but fcAV attractions other thanliberty dwelt there. Thej', therefore, resolved to flee a coun-try- Avhirii rtqtudiated their manhood and closed against iheraever}- avenue to jtolilical preferment, and Avith their lives intheir hands they determined to brave not only the pei'ils ofthe sea, but every other danger and inconvenience consequentupon settling in a ncAv and heathen countrA", Avherc they mightestablish for themselves and theii- children, and peradveuture

  • 8/3/2019 Joseph Jenkins Roberts [President of Liberia]--The Republic of Liberia--An Address (1869)

    11/26

    for future generations, a home, under governmental institu-tions, free from all the trammels of unequal law and unholyprejudices. These were true men, stout of heart and firm ofpurpose, and in the sequel proved themselves equal to the re-sponsibilities they had assumed, and fulfilled the most sanguineexpectations of their patrons and friends.Our Christian jjioneerslike the Pilgi'im Fathers just twohundred years before, when about to embark from Delft Havenin search of a more desirable home in the new worldbysolemn and appropriate religious services, committed them-selves and their cause to the protecting care of Almighty Cod;and, having completed all their arrangements for the voyage,sailed from Xew York on board the good ship "Elizabeth,"on the 6th day of February, 1820, and in due time were landedon the coast of Africa at the British colony of Sierra Leone.For obvious reasons, it Avas not contemplated to incorporatethese emigrants with the inhabitants of this British colony;and, therefore, early measures were taken to remove them to8herbro Island, about one hundred and twenty miles south ofSierra Leone, where it was proposed to purchase lands fromthe native chiefs and organize a settlement, with the view ofcarrying out the original plans of the Society. This location,however, proved to be exceedingly insalubrious, and in a shorttime many of the settlers were prostrated by disease. Havingencountered here man}^ dil^culties and hardships, and findingtheir numbers greatly reduced by death, the place was aban-doned and the survivors removed to Fourah Bay, within theprecincts of Sierra Leone. This first attempt was, of course,discouraging, but the emigrants faltered not in their purpose;and being joined at Fourah Bay, in March, 1822, by anothercompany of pioneers, a second eftbrt was determined upon atCape Mesurado, which had, in the meantime, been selected andpurchased by Captain Stockton and Doctor Ayresa locationmuch more commanding and eligible than the first, and I haveoften thought the very place of all others on that coast de-signed by Providence as the starting point of our settlers.And in Januarj-, 1^22, the colonists landed and occupied a littleisland, comprising about three acres of land, near the entranceof the Mesurado river. This island, during its occupancy by

  • 8/3/2019 Joseph Jenkins Roberts [President of Liberia]--The Republic of Liberia--An Address (1869)

    12/26

    8the colonists, was the scene of many stirring incidents, andseveral, as appeared to the colonists, providential deliverances;wherefore, in commemoration of these, it bears the name of"Providence Island."They had been but a short time on this island, when the

    foi'eign slave dealers, who were then condiicting a large busi-ness in slaves at the Cape, became convinced of the danger towhich their trade was exposed through the influence of thecolonists, incited the natives to hostilities against the newcomers; and, without any previous intimation, they foundthemselves cut off from all communication with the main land,whence they drew their only supply of fresh water. In thisemergency they were providentially relieved by the kindnessof a friendly chief, who conveyed to them stealthily at night asufficient quantity of water to supply their pressing demands;and this he continued for several weeks. At this criticaljuncture their public warehouse, Avith nearly all their stores ofprovisions and merchandise, was consumed by fire, and theirutter ruin seemed now inevitable. But a remarkable incident,occurring a few days after, greatly contributed to their relief,and, possibly, saved the little settlement from total destruc-tion. A Spanish slave schooner, in charge of an English prizecrew, bound to Sierra Leone, was unaccountably stranded inthe harbor but a short distance from the island; and the com-manding officer, having saved a large portion of the ship'sstores, readil}' supplied the colonists with several articles press-ingly needed to replenish their almost exhausted means ofsubsistence.

    After a Avhile, through the intervention of a friendly chief,a partial reconciliation with the natives was eflccted, and thecolonists availed themselves of the opportunit}^, April 25th, togain a lodgment on Cape Mesurado, wliere they placed them-selves as

    spc'jdilj'as

    possiblein the best state of defence that

    their means would allow. The natives, however, urged on bythe slavers, appeared still threatening in their demeanor. TheSociety's agents, under the conflicting aspect of things, becamehopelessly discouraged, and proposed the abandonment of theenterprise, and the return of the emigrants to the United States.But our old hero, Elijah Johnson, was not so moved, and, re-

  • 8/3/2019 Joseph Jenkins Roberts [President of Liberia]--The Republic of Liberia--An Address (1869)

    13/26

    membering something of the history of the difficulties andhai'dsliips of the early

    settlei'S of Plymouth and Jamestown,and feeling that bj^ perseverance and patient endurance theyalso might succeed, answered: "Noj I have been two yearssearching for a home in Africa, and I have found it, and I shallsta}'' here." In this determination the whole company, asthough moved b}^ some divine impulse, heartily concurred.Nevertheless, their situation was extremely perilous, the na-tives had again suspended all intercourse with them; leavingthem in a painful state of apprehension and suspense. Theyknew, however, in whom they trusted, and upon wliose strengththey niight rely. The arrival in the harbor, pending thisuncertainty, of a British man-of-war Avas particularly oppor-tune, and doubtless delayed an attack u])on the settlementwhich, as was afterwards learned, had been coneei'ted. Thecommander had an interview Avith the chiefs, and stronglyremonstrated against their course towards the settleis. Theylistened sullenly, and replied evasively. The commander thentendei-ed to the colonists a small force of marines to aid in theirdefence in case of need, and at the same time suggested thecession of a few feet of ground on which to ei-ect a British flagduring his sojourn; but this, Elijah -Johnson, then in charge ofthe colony, declined for the reason, as he state

  • 8/3/2019 Joseph Jenkins Roberts [President of Liberia]--The Republic of Liberia--An Address (1869)

    14/26

    10Intelligence of this declaration, and of the preparations

    beino- made for carrvino- it into effect, reached the settlersthrough a friendly native, who, at great personal hazard, foundthe means of advising them from time to time of what wasgoing on. Our brave pioneers, with breathless anxiet}^, awaitedthe impending struggle, when, at early dawn, on the morn-ing of the 11th of November, about eight hundred Avarriors,with deafening whoops, fell upon them with great fury. Theywere met, however, with stcad}^ firmness, and repulsed withconsiderable loss. The colonists again breathed freelj- in thehope that their most serious troubles were now fully ended.But not so. King George, with gi*eat secrecy, collected anotherand greatly augmented force, intending to surprise the settle-ment on all sities, and thus make the settlers an easy prey.Happily for them, their good fortune in this extremity failedthem not. Bob Clrey, an influential chief of Grand Bassa,wdiom King George had attempted to enlist in his secondattack, and who knew all his plans, convoyed to Mr. Ashmuntimely information of all George's arrangements, and evennamed the day on which the attack would likely be made.ISTow, another ver}- serious embarrassment presented itself Inthe last fight the settlers had expended a large portion of theirammunition, especially powder; and how and where to obtainan additiuiuil sui)])ly of this needed article were questions ofthe deepest concern. Xo trading vessel had visited the harborfor some time; and despair began to dispel hoi^e. wlien reliefcame in a very remarkable manner. During night, while anEnglish trading vessel was passing the Cape, the attention ofthe master was attracted by frequent reports of musketry onshore, which seemed to him singular at so late an hour, andwishing to learn tlie cause, turned and entered the harbor;and in the morning ascertained that the natives had beeiiindulging through the night a grand war danceusual on occa-sions when pi'eparing fur war. Unobserved by the natives, asufficient supply of jiowder was obtained from this vessel.The tlreailed time, as advised by Bob Grey, having arrived,sure enough, during the night of the 1st of December, 1822,the native troops occupied positions on three sides of the settle-ment, as they sup})Osed, unobserved; and in the gray of morning

  • 8/3/2019 Joseph Jenkins Roberts [President of Liberia]--The Republic of Liberia--An Address (1869)

    15/26

    11rushed, like so many demons, upon the almost defenceless stock-ade. But tlie colonists, with unflinching courage, notwithstand-ing the fearful odds against thenj. defended themselves brave!}*;and after a desperate conflict of several hours, found themselvesagain wonderfully preserved. I say wonderfully, because onthis occasion the colonists seem to liave exerted superhumanstrength and powers of endurance, for tliere were only thirty-five (-'tfoetive men opposed to a host of not less than fifteenhundred native troops. Some of the soul-stirring incidentsand acts of real heroism on that memorable day would, Ipresume, if mentioned hei'e, scarcely be credited.A (lav of thanksii-ivinir Avas proclaimed, which the colonistsstrictl}* observed in prayer and praise to Almighty God for Hiswonderful deliverance.But King Cxcorge and his slave-trading ])roinpters were not

    3'et satisfied. He again eonsidted his gree-grees,'' ami being-reassured of success, he determined on another attempt; andto place success this time beyond perad venture, he wouldempl(y a force suflicientlv larire to overwhelm and destroy thecolony, without the posr^ibility of escape. AVith this view, hesought to engage the services of King Boatswain, of Boporo,the most powerful and dreaded chieltaiu in all that region. Athis invitation. King Boatswain, with a large retinue of warriors,made a visit to iving (ieorge. which Avas protracted severaldays, causing the colonists extreme anxiety. King George,however, could present no just grounds of com})]aint against thecolonists; therefore Boatswain not only condemned his un-provoked enmity towards them, but, in very decided terms,aimounced his determination lo ju'otect them in their newhome. King Boatswain tlien ealled on Mr. Aslunun, intbrmedhim of the result of his interviev; with King George, andassured him of his friendship.

    Neither Mr. Ashman nor King George mistrusted KingBoatswain's sincerity, and very soon a good understanding-was established with all the surrounding tribes. Xow wassettled defiintely tiie question of a j^ernianent asjluin. Liberiawas estalilislied. Emigration increased; intercourse and tradewith the natives also increased; new settlements were tormed;

  • 8/3/2019 Joseph Jenkins Roberts [President of Liberia]--The Republic of Liberia--An Address (1869)

    16/26

    12and in a few 3"cars tbe colon^y assumed an importance whichsecured to it several important immunities.Yet many hardships and serious embarrassments had to beencountered. The uuhealtbiness of the climate was a formid-able enemy; and the slave-traders along the coast ceased nottheir tamperings Avith the native chiefs to incite them to actsof hostilitj^ against the colony.But tlie time arrived when the colonists found themselves ina situation sutliciently advanced; not only to frustrate themachinations of these fiendish plotters, but to put in executionalso their own long-cherished purpose of doing all in theirpower to extirpate a traffic which, aside from the extremecruelties of the middle passage, had, for many, many yearsafflicted Africa with all the attendant consequences of war,rapine, and mui-der. On the execution of this purpose thecolonists entered wiih a hearty good will ; and, besides, efficientservice rendered from linie to time to foreign crusiers then em-ployed in sup{)ressing the slave trade on that coast, the slavebarraco(;ns at Mamma Town, Little Cape Mount, Little Bassa,New Cesters, and Trade Town were demolished, and thousandsof slaves liberated, solely ly the power of the little Common-wealth ; and tliere was no relaxation of this purpose untileveiy slaver had been expelled from the whole line of coastnoAV comprehended within the territorial jririsdiction of Liberia.During these A-ears. all that related to the public Avelfare and

    general progress of the colonj' received proper attention. TheSociety's agents devoted themselves assiduousl}' to the (Jov-ernmenta! interests of the colon}', and the colonists to llieirrespective industrial pursuits, with a zeal and activity trulycommendable.As imnugratioa increased, nev,- points of the coast were se-

    Iecte

  • 8/3/2019 Joseph Jenkins Roberts [President of Liberia]--The Republic of Liberia--An Address (1869)

    17/26

    o

    Libcr'ux is to-day gi-eatlj' indebted to the several jMissionarySocieties of the United States for the time]}- and efficient effoi'tsmade in behalf of colonists and natives to advance these essen-tial interests; and I shall hope that these Societies will continuetheir Christian efforts until Africa, poor degraded Africa, 'shallbe wholly redeemed from her present state of cruel barbarism.Under the fostering care and political guidance of theAmerican Colonization Society, Liberia continued to advancein all her important interests. Her territorial limits increasedby purchases from native chiefs, who were glad to place them-selves and their people under the protection of the ColonialGovernment. A profitable trade, in African products, alongthe Liberian coast, soon attracted the attention of enterprisingmerchants in Europe and in the United States; foreign vesselsmade frequent visits to Liberian ports ; and for many yearsthis commercial intercourse was reciprocally remunerative andharnujnious. But the t'uae came when certain British tradersrepudiated the right of tlie Colonial Government to require ofthem the payment of custom duties on merchandize landed atpoints where, for centuries, they alleged, British merchants hadbeen accustomed to trade: and also claimed to have purchasedfrom the natives, with the perpetual right of free trade, certaintracts of land, for trading purposes, before the territories em-bracing said tj-acts were purchased and brought within the juris-diction of Liberia. The Covernment of course declined to recoir-nize these demands as paramount to its political authority, andtherefore continued to enforce its revenue laws. These tradersinvoked the interference of British naval otficers servinu' onthe coast; these otiicers, after unavailing remonstrances, sub-mitted the question to the British Government; that Govern-ment demanded a full concession of the immunities claimed byBritish subjects. A long and perplexing correspondence en-sued between British naval officers, acting under special in-structions from their Government, and tlie Colonial authorities.Her ]\Iajest3''s Government maintained that, as the AmericanColonization Society, composed of mere private individuals,possessed no political power, and of consequence could delegateno such power to others; and as the levying of imposts is theprerogative of a sovereign power only, and as Liberia had no

  • 8/3/2019 Joseph Jenkins Roberts [President of Liberia]--The Republic of Liberia--An Address (1869)

    18/26

    14recognized national existence, she must, tlierefore, desist fromall interruptions to the free intercourse of British commerce.And the Liberian authorities were given distinctly to under-stand that this decision would be enforced bv the Bi'itish navy.Under this emphatic announcement but one alternative

    remained open to the colonists, and this involved questions ofthe gravest importance, which awakened in Liberia, as well ason the part of its friends in this country, most svrious reflec-tions. For two years or more tlie subject was under constantand earnest consideration; when, in January, 184G. the Amer-ican Colonization Society, by a formal vote, recommended thatthe colonists "take into their own hands the whole work ofself-government, and publish to the world a declaration of tlieirtrue character as a sovereign, independent State." Tlie follow-ing October, the colonists also voted to dissolve their ])oliticalconnection with the Society, and to assume the entire respou-eibility of (Jovernment with independent, sovereign power.A Constitution, adapted to the new order of things, havingbeen adopted by delegates assembled in Convention for thepurpose, July 2(3, 1847, and duly ratified by the peo])le the fol-lowing September, the Government was thus reorganized, andentered, with some misgivings to be sure, upon its new careerand increased responsibilities.

    Its recognition by other Powers now claimed the earliestattention, and without delay measures were taken to this endb}^ soliciting of foreign (lovernments an interchange of friendlynational relations. And, within a year after tiie new organiza-tion, England, France, Prussia, and Belgium had acknowledgedthe independence of the new Kepublic; and shortly afterwardstreaties of friendship, amity, and commerce were concludedwith the two forniei'.

    In the meantime the domestic affairs of the coriutry had ])ro-gressed

    as satisfactorily as might reason aldy be expected. Sev-eral matters of dispute between native chiefs were adjusted andsettled; public improvements were extended; agriculture andcommerce increased ; and the people had steadily advanced inall the essentials of civilized life.

    Nevertheless, in the midst of this evident progress, manydifficulties and embarrassments had to be met and overcome.

  • 8/3/2019 Joseph Jenkins Roberts [President of Liberia]--The Republic of Liberia--An Address (1869)

    19/26

    15Occasional predatory incursions of the natives liad to becheclied and sometimes severely punished by the militar}^power of the Government; and foreign traders also, particu-larly British, caused the Government much trouble and annoy-ance. But, in the order of a beneficent Providence, all weresuccessfully accomplished, and the ma,)est3' of the laws event-ually maintained.From the beginning, the people of Liberia, with a com-mendable zeal and firmness, pursued a steady purpose towardsthe fulfillment of the great objects of their mission to Africa.They have established on her shores an asylum free frompolitical oppression, and from all the disabilities of an un-holy prejudice; they have aided essentially in extirpating theslave-trade from the whole line of her Western Coast; they,have introduced the blessings of civilization and Christianityamong her heathen population ; and I may also assume thatby their entire fi-eedom from all insubordination or disregardof lawful authority, and b}^ their successful dii)lomacy withEngland, France, and Spain, on matters involving very per-plexing international questions, they have indicated someability, at least, for self-government and the management oftheir own public atfairs. And just hereas I find that excep-tions are pretty generally taken in this country to the exclusionof whites from all participation in the Government of Lil)eriaI may remark that this provision in the organic law of theEepublic was not prompted by any feelings of prejudiceagainst white men, but was desirable more especially for thereason that the colonists would retain in their own hands thewhole control of the Government until they should fullj^ demon-strate the problem as to their abihty to conduct the atfairs ofa State. And, Mr. President, this, I suppose, may now beaccounted as settled. The Eepublic of Liberia is now a fixed fact,with all the elements of free institutions and self-government;embracing within her territorial limits, at the present time, aboutsix hundred miles of sea coast, and an interior over Avhich shemay readily acquire an almost unlimited jurisdiction whenevershe shall be prepared to occupy it. Within her political juris-diction is a population of not less than six hundred thousandBouls. Of this number about fifteen thousand emigrated from

  • 8/3/2019 Joseph Jenkins Roberts [President of Liberia]--The Republic of Liberia--An Address (1869)

    20/26

    16the United States and other civilized countries; about fourthousand recaptured Africans, and the remainder aboriginalinhabitants; and of these, hundreds have been hopefully Chris-tianized, and many have become, in their civilized habits, soassimilated to the Americo-Liberians that a stranger wouldnot readily on the streets discriminate between them.In the four counties of the Ecpublic are thirteen flourishingcivilized towns and villages, with their churches, sehoolhouses,and comfortable dwellings; many of these constructed of stoneand brick, and not only imposing in their external structure,but actually possessing all the necessary comforts and manyof the conveniences of modern times; and reflect much creditupon the industry and enterprise of their occupants.The developments of agriculture and commerce are no lessconspicuous. The agricultural settlements, especially alongthe banks of the rivers, present most encouraging prospects.Besides an increased and steadily increasing production of allminor articles, sugar and coffee (to the growth of which theclimate and soil are admiiably adapted) are being extensivelycultivated; and large quantities of both are now annually ex-ported to foreign markets.Commerce has more astonishingly increased. I can remem-ber when not more than thirty or forty tons of palm-oil, andperhaps as many tons of cam-wood, could be collected in a year,for export, along the whole line of coast now embraced inLiberia. The last 3'ear, though I have not at hand the officialstatistics, I may safely sa}^, not less than six hundred tons ofcam-wood, twelve hundred tons of palm-oil, and two hundredtons of palm-kernels were included in the exports of theRepublic. And these articles of commercial enterprise andwealth arc capable of being increased to almost any extent.

    Ship building for the coast-wise trade has become cjuite abusiness in each of the counties. Last year three Liherianvessels, of foreign build, were despatched for Liverpool withfull cargoes of palm-oil, cam-wood, and ivor3^

    I could heartily wish that the cause of civilization and Christi-anity among the aboriginal tribes of that country, had advancedwith equally rapid strides as that of commerce; nevertheless,much real good has been accomplished in that direction also.

  • 8/3/2019 Joseph Jenkins Roberts [President of Liberia]--The Republic of Liberia--An Address (1869)

    21/26

    17Devoted missionaries from the United States have lahoredearnestly, many of thorn even sacrificing their Hves in effortsto promote the Christian welfare of that people. Amongthe Americo-Liberians their Christian civilization has alwaysbeen an object of deep solicitude. And it is a source of peculiarsatisfaction to know xhat the Christian efforts in their behalfhave not been fruitless. It is no uncommon thing even now,and at all times a most pleasing spectacle, to see so many ofthese people, once the blind victims of heathenish superstitionand idolati-y, bowing side by side with their Americo-Liberianbrethren at the same Christian altar, and worshipping the onlytrue God. Xay, even more, there are now native Christian min-isters and teachers in Liberia who are laboring successfully inthe cause of Christ. 3Iost of these native ministers and teachers,members respectively of the several Christian denominations,Eive men of seemingly deep piet}', and veiy respectable accj^uire-ments and talents. If time permitted, I might particularizeseveral of these, tis well as other native converts, who, as citizensof the Eepublic, have distinguished themselves for usefulness,not only in the ordinary walks of life, but also in official positionsunder the Government. I may, however, allude to a single case ;that of a native gentleman, Avho, about twentj'-five years ago,then a heathen lad, was admitted into a Methodist missionschool at Monrovia, where he received the fii'st impressions ofcivilization, and acquired the rudimentsofan English education ;and who is now an acceptable member of the Liberia AnnualConference, and an influential member of the Legislature ofthe Republic. And yet, Mr. President, there are those whoinquire. What has African Colonization accomplished? "\YeIl,my own conviction, confirmed by many years' experience innearl}' all that relates to Colonization and Liberia, is, thatAfrican Colonization has accomplished a Avork unparalleled, asfar as my knOAvledge goes, by anything in the hit^tory of mod-ern times.

    I rejoice to meet here to-night so manj- distinguished Chris-tian philanthropists who, for these many years, have devotedmuch of their time and substance to this noble enterprise; andI may be pardoned, I trust, in expressing the sincere satisfac,tion it affords me in seeing present at this meeting that old-

    2

  • 8/3/2019 Joseph Jenkins Roberts [President of Liberia]--The Republic of Liberia--An Address (1869)

    22/26

    18devoted, and self-sacrificing friend of Africa and of AfricanColonization, the Eev. E. E. Gurley, who, by his burningeloquence, in the days of his early manhood, and at timeswhen this great enterprise seemed to languish under depressingdiscouragements, would stir the hearts of Christians in itsbehalf, and kindle there a flame of generous benevolence whichwould "'ive new life and eners-v to the o-reat undertaking;and, still more, not content to rel}^ wholly on the testimony ofothers in regard to the actual condition of the infant colony,and to satisfy himself more fully as to its future prospects, hevisited Liberia several times, and on two occasions was enabledto render important service to the little Commonwealth. Iam happy to say that the people of Liberia to-day entertaintowards our good friend, Mr. Gurley, sentiments of the highestregai'd and esteem; and, I may also add, towards this Society,feelings of profound gratitude. But, Mr. President, 1 wasabout to say that these long and tried friends of African coloni-zation entertain no doubts as to the immense benefits conferredupon Africa through the instrumentality of this Society, andwho can now look back with profound satisfaction upon thecheering results of their intlividual eftorts in the cause of Godand human itv.

    So much then for the past and the present of Liberia. Sofar God has graciously vouchsafed to her on occasions ofthreatened danger and extreme peril, deliverances whicli nohuman forethought or mere human power could possibly haveaverted or rescued her from, lie has wonderfully sustainedand prospered all her essential interests. "What, then, may wenot hope and reasonabl}' expect as to the future? My ownconvictions are that Heaven has great things in store for Africa,to be conferred doubtless through the instrumentality ofLiberia.

    While Liberia is emphatically the offs])ring of Americanbenevolence and Christian philanthropy', and while the friendsof African colonization have great reason to be proud of itsachievements, it is no less clear in my mind that the Coloniza-tion enterprize was conceived in accordance with a Divinepurpose, looking to the redemption and elevation of a peoplelone; enchained in the shackles of cruel barbarism. And, if

  • 8/3/2019 Joseph Jenkins Roberts [President of Liberia]--The Republic of Liberia--An Address (1869)

    23/26

    19this bo so, Liberia is evidently desio-ned to a glorious future;and that it is so, her past history seems clearly to indicate,for we find there so many evidences of Divine favor wc arcforced to the conclusion that Providence has not done so muchfor nothing. And besides, in the ordinary course of humanaffairs, there seems to me no reason whatever why Liberiamay not continue to prosper, and go on to distinguish hei-selfin all that adorns civil sociel}' and tends to national greatness.The country possesses certainly all the natural advantagescommon to most other countries, and in the means of animalsubsistence, perhaps, superior to an}' other. I am aware thatthis beneficence of nature maybe regarded as a very question-able advantage, as it tends greatly to promote indolent habits.But this, I may safely say, no country in the world betterremunerates labor, and especially the labors of the husband-man, than Liberia.The interior [)resents a country inviting in all its aspects;a fine rolling countr}', abounding in streams and rivulets;forests of timber in great variety, abundance, and usefulness;and 1 have no doubt rpiite salubrious, being free from themiasmatic influences of the mangrove swamps near the coast.The commercial resources of Lil)eria, even at tlie presenttime, though scarcely commenced to be developed, are of sufii-cient importance to induce foreigners, American and European,to locate in the llepublic for the purposes of trade. And Iverily believe the agricultural and commercial sources of wealthin Western and Central Africa are far beyond the most care-fully studied speculations of those even who are best acquaintedwith the nature and capacity of the country. The develop-ment of these will continue to progress, and must, in the verynature of things, secure to Liberia great commercial impor-tance; and this will bring her citizens into such business rela-tions with the peoples of other portions of the world as willinsure to them that consideration which wealth, learning, andmoral worth never fail to inspire.With what rapidity Liberia shall progress in her futurecareer is a question involving several considerations; and,doubtless, the most important among these is a strict adherenceby her people to the principles of true Christianity, and a

  • 8/3/2019 Joseph Jenkins Roberts [President of Liberia]--The Republic of Liberia--An Address (1869)

    24/26

    20firm reliance on Him who disposes all things according toHis own will. Of course, much also depends upon additionallielp from the United States to aid in advancing still morerapidly the civilizing and Christianizing her present aborigi-nal population, and so prepare them for greater usefulnessas citizens of the Eepublicj and this work shall go on pene-trating into the interior until other heathen tribes shall bebrought within the scope of Christian civilization and incor-porated in the Republic, thus forming an African nationalitythat will command the respect of the civilized world. All thisI believe to be entirely practicable. I believe Heaven designsthat Africa shall bo redeemed; that the light of the Gospel ofChrist shall shine tliere; that her great natural resources shallbe developed; that she shall take rank with other States andEmpires; that she shall have a literature and a history. Isthere any reason why all this may not com*; to pass ? I trownot. Liberia has already made rapid stridesnow in treatyrelations with thirteen foreign Powers, including the UnitedStates. Then, surel}', we have every reason to hope and be-lieve that a kind Pi'ovidence will continue to watch overall her interests, and that her future career will be equallyprogressive.

    I know, Mr. President, you believe the Divine decree, that"Ethiopia shall stretch out her hands unto God;" doubtless allChristians believe this. Would, then, that Christians throua'h-out these United States, and, indeed, all Christendom, fullyappreciated the responsibilit}' they are under to aid in thefulfillment of this inspired prophecy; then, surely, this Society,under whose auspices so much is being done towards the fur-therance of that grand event, could not fail to receive thatsympathy and support necessary to the efiicient prosecution ofan enterprise which promises so much real good to Africa.

  • 8/3/2019 Joseph Jenkins Roberts [President of Liberia]--The Republic of Liberia--An Address (1869)

    25/26

  • 8/3/2019 Joseph Jenkins Roberts [President of Liberia]--The Republic of Liberia--An Address (1869)

    26/26


Recommended