proposed service will not be very considerable. "I have to convey to your Lordships my recommendation, that, in the estimates to be laid before the House of Commons, for the services of the year 1840, the sums be included which are necessary to provide for the expenses of the proposed expedition to the Niger, on the scale already mentioned, under the several heads of expenditure." Three steam-vessels, of suitable dimensions, and planned with a special adaptation to this service, are already, we understand, in an advanced state of preparation; and the expedition is expected to sail from this country in the autumn of the present year, so as to reach the Niger at the season most favourable for the prosecution of its important objects. A more momentous undertaking, or one calculated to awaken a deeper interest in the enlightened and philanthropic mind, it is difficult to conceive. Never was an expedition sent to Africa to prepare the way for the execution of such magnificent plans for the advancement of her welfare; and its arrival on her shores will form an epoch in her history, a period to be remembered in all future time. Considering the difficulties which will have to be surmounted, the delicate nature of the negotiations to be conducted, and the mighty interests involved in this expedition,-it is cause of no ordinary satisfaction, that its management is confided to officers whose high professional skill and extensive experience, combined with elevated Christian philanthropy, warrant the expectation, that, under the furthering blessing of Heaven, the expedition will answer the end for which it is designed, and prove the harbinger of incalculable good to Africa. may be deemed proper to adopt. site measure at the period of the This was contemplated as a requimeeting of noblemen and gentleformation of the Society. At the men, held at the Right Honourable Stephen Lushington's, in the month of July, last year, after it had been agreed, on the motion of the Bishop of London, "That an Institution be formed, having for its primary object, the extinction of the slave trade, by adopting means for civilizing Africa, and encouraging soil, and legitimate commerce," it and protecting the cultivation of the was resolved, in the second place,"That it may be of the utmost importance to the suppression of the slave-trade, and the civilization of Africa, that an Institution for agricultural purposes, wholly distinct from the Institution named in the first Resolution, shall be formed; and that a Provisional Committee be appointed for the consideration of the subject." It was then understood, that a number of gentlemen, participating in Mr. Buxton's views and sentiments, were prepared to advance, on their own responsibility and risk, the capital necessary for carrying his measures into effect; being fully persuaded, that those the commercial interests of this measures would indirectly advance country, at the same time that they would confer upon Africa herself the blessings and comforts of civilized life. The specific objects to be accomplished by this second Association are described by Mr. Buxton, in his concluding chapter. He there proposes the formation of an Agricultural Company, "which shall, hereafter, send out persons well acquainted with tropical climates and productions; to form settlements, guided by such arrangements and treaties as the Government may have made; to commence pattern-farms and establish factories, well supplied with European goods; in a word, to use all the means that experience may point out, for a profitable and successful employment of British skill and capital in the African continent. No slavery, no monopoly, forbearance towards the na When the expedition shall have accomplished its task, when the most suitable localities for the commencement of operations shall have been ascertained, and friendly treaties with the Kings and Chiefs have been made, and correct information obtained,-another Association, it appears, will be formed for the purpose of carrying out the agricultural and commercial plans which it tives, and utter enmity towards the slavetrade and slavery in all their forms, must be the fundamental principles of such a company; and an honest adherence to these will, in my full belief, insure its prosperity and profit." It must be distinctly understood, that this plan does not contemplate the colonization of Africa, by emigration from this country. Had the African Society proposed such an object, and sought to attain it, either directly, by the application of its own resources, or indirectly, by means of the 66 Agricultural Company "hereafter to be formed, it would not have had the countenance of many parties who are now pledged to its support. It is not intended that white people shall obtain the proprietorship of the soil; and that the natives shall be employed in its cultivation only as servants, the fruits of whose labours are to be enjoyed by their white masters. To teach the natives to cultivate their own soil, and draw out the natural resources of their country for their own benefit, is the primary object of the Society; and the "profit" which the Agricultural Company is to derive from the undertaking, is dwelt upon by Mr. Buxton for the purpose of showing that an adequate remuneration for the capital employed in promoting this benevolent undertaking, will result from the legitimate trade and commerce that will spring up as the Africans advance in civilization. Mr. Buxton does not seek to secure the aid of commercial and trading capitalists, by telling them that Africa is a fine field for colonization, that the land may be bought cheap, and that native labour may be obtained at a low rate. He sets out upon a very different principle, and assures them, that if they will help him to raise Africa from the dust, and impart to her degraded and afflicted sons the advantages of civilization, they will not only participate in the pure and elevated reward which philanthropy derives from witnessing the happiness of those whom her exertions have blessed, but that they will have an additional recompence for their work of mercy in that advancement of interests, as a nation, which will be our commercial the result of their successful endea vours to benefit others. Let not, then, the apprehension be entertained, that Mr. Buxton and his friends intend the colonization of Africa by whites. Their plan for elevating Africa is not to secure the land for our own redundant population, and then place the natives in subjection to a foreign race. This would have completely defeated their own benevolent object. It would have been, in fact, something like a contradiction in terms, to propose to elevate and civilize Africa, by giving the soil to others, and reducing her sons to a state of servitude; and had they absurdly proposed to accomplish their professedly benevolent object by such a method, it could not possibly have been carried into effect. The climate of Western and Central Africa, so unfriendly to European life, affords a sufficient protection against all schemes of colonization. In the settlements and factories which may be formed, some white agents will undoubtedly be needed to direct and superintend the operations which may be carried on; but the principal agents employed will be of African origin. "Agents to be obtained," is the heading of one of the sections of Mr. Buxton's sixth chapter, under which he expresses himself to the following effect: "We have already seen the desirablehabitants of Africa; and a number of ness of educating and civilizing the infacts have been brought to light, tending readiness on their part to receive into show, that there is at least as great a struction, as on ours to communicate it; the question now remains,-Who are to be the instructers ? The climate is generally viewed as unfavourable to Europeans, and this being the case, I have great satisfaction in finding, that, from among the liberated Africans in our furnished with a number of persons, in West Indian colonies, we are likely to be whom are united the desirable qualifications of fitness for the climate, competency to act as Teachers, and willingness to enter upon the work. "An important feature of the present time is this, that the exertions of the Missionaries in the West Indies are beginning to tell on their converts in the Missionary spirit which they have imparted. There is a feeling in the hearts of our emancipated Negroes towards the land of their origin, which seems to have arisen spontaneously in various congregations." (Pages 491, 492.) Mr. Buxton then states, that in the month of December last, in the hope that openings would, ere long, occur for the employment of native agents, he caused a letter to be addressed to the heads of Missionary Societies, inquiring whether trustworthy persons could be found among the Christian natives at their respective stations in the West Indies, who would be well qualified to instruct the aboriginal population around the settlements which may be formed in Africa, in the cultivation of the soil, and in the various arts and pursuits of civilized life; and he furnishes some of the answers which he received to his inquiries, answers which encourage the hope, that many of the sons of Africa, whom the slave-trade had torn away from her soil,-or, at all events, many of their descendants,will become the instruments in the hand of Providence for enlightening and elevating Africa herself. Doubtless the Mission stations in the West Indies, and also at SierraLeone, and other parts of Western Africa, will eventually furnish a host of native agents, who, from their adaptation to the climate, and their intimate acquaintance with the native character, will be much better qualified for this work of philanthropy than agents sent from this country. Having promoted the expedition to the Niger, and otherwise secured the aid of Government, and having originated and set to work an "Agricultural Company," it appears that the African Society will then employ its energies in collecting and publishing information relative to the slavetrade; in endeavouring to reduce the languages and dialects of Africa into writing, and to introduce the manufacture of paper, and the use of the press; in the promotion of medical science among the natives; in encouraging practical science, in all its branches; in introducing approved methods of drainage; in the formation of roads and canals; and in other works of general utility. Thus, although the African Society Missionary enterprise, or in comwill not directly engage either in mercial undertakings, it will reserve to itself a glorious field for philanthropic exertion, in which it may expend, most beneficially for Africa, all the funds which British liberality may place at its disposal, and indirectly facilitate both the Missionary and the commercial plans which may be formed for the promotion of African civilization. It will obviously be able to furnish great facilities for the prosecution of Missionary plans. It may open the way, to some extent, for the introduction of the Gospel into the heart of Africa. We do not forget that Missionaries have frequently proved the pioneers of trade and commerce. We remember, that Missionaries have often gone with safety, where it would be perilous for the merchant or scientific traveller to venture. But we cannot close our eyes against the fact, that the discoveries of science, and the enterprises of commerce, have, in other cases, prepared the way for the march of the Gospel. Some of the most splendid results of modern Missionary efforts are exhibited in the islands and groups of the South Pacific Ocean; but, is it probable, that those triumphs of the cross would have been realized, had it not been for the discoveries of Captain Cook, or some other navigator? What Missionary Society would have fitted out an expedition, and sent Missionaries in search of islands and groups, of the existence of which there was no intimation? And would the Wesleyan Missionary Society, at this moment, have had its way laid open to the capital of Ashantee, supposing there had been no British settlement at Cape-Coast? Arguing from the past, it may fairly be anticipated, that the expedition to the Niger, which is now fitting out with the philanthropic object of promoting the welfare of Africa, will, by the furthering blessing of Ica ven, become the means of pointing out the path to most interesting fields of Missionary labour. Thus, although we hold, most unwaveringly, the principle, that the Gospel is the only effectual civilizer of barbarous men, we can most consistently cherish the anticipation, that the way for its introduction into the interior of Africa may be, in some sort, prepared by the expedition in question. Nor will the African Society merely open the way for Missionaries: it will prove a powerful auxiliary when they have actually entered the field. So far as it may succeed in reducing the native dialects to writing, and in introducing the use of the press; so far as it may lessen the unhealthiness of the climate, by promoting drainage and the cultivation of the soil; so far as it may furnish superior means of communication by the construction of roads and canals; to the same extent will it facilitate the operations of Missionary Societies. And great must be the impetus which will be given to the cause of Christianity in the interior of Africa by the employment of Christian and well-instructed Negroes, brought from the Mission stations on the coast, or in the West Indies. The formation of settlements, composed of such individuals, in which the ordinances of religion shall be duly administered, will be like the planting of so many churches in the midst of the moral desert of Africa, and bidding them "arise and shine," for the benefit of the surrounding tribes and nations. And there is another mode in which the African Society will facilitate the Missionary work. By its means the Missionaries will be relieved, to a great extent, from the task which now, of necessity, devolves upon them, of instructing their converts from Heathenism in the arts and pursuits of civilized life; an employment which makes inroads upon their time, and not unfrequently exposes them to the calumnies of worldly men, who endeavour to excite suspicion respecting their motives, and would make it appear that they are actuated by a love of lucre. But the African Society will interpose in this respect in behalf of Missionaries. It will take upon itself the task of promoting agriculture, the arts, and healthful commerce; and will leave the Missionaries at liberty to pursue, without interruption, their own proper and spiritual work, and thus protect them from the calumnies by which designing men of the world endeavour to injure their character in public estimation. In the preface to his "Remedy," Mr. Buxton has remarked upon the objection which has been made to those passages in his book, in which he advises that our squadron may, for the present, be rendered more efficient; and that the settlements which may be formed should be protected by the British Government. A certain class of his friends have objected to the employment of an armed force, even for protection, and would have none but moral means resorted to for the suppression of the slave-trade. How fully and satisfactorily Mr. Buxton meets this objection, will be seen from the following extract : "I have no wish to disguise my sentiments about armed force. I deprecate, as much as any man, resorting to violence and war. These are against the whole tenor of my views. It will be admitted, I think, that I have laboured hard in this book to show, that our great error has been, that we have depended far too much upon physical force. It is, however, the duty of our Government to see that the peace of our settlements be preserved. The natives, whom we induce to engage in agriculture, must not be exposed to the irruption of a savage banditti, instigated by some miscreant from Europe, whose vessel waits upon the shore for a human cargo. Nor must our runaway sailors repeat in Africa the atrocities which have been practised in New-Zealand. Again and again the Foulah tribes said to the Missionaries on the river Gambia, Give us security, and we will gladly till the land, and pasture the cattle in your neighbourhood.' There were no means of thus protecting them; and hence an experiment, founded on admirable principles, failed. But when I ask for an effectual police force, I ask for that only. I do not desire the employment of such a military force as might be perverted into the means of war and conquest. I want only, that the man engaged in lawful and innocent employment in Africa, should have the same protection as an agricultural labourer or a mechanic receives in England; and that there, as well as here, the murderer and man-stealer may be arrested and punished." (Preface, pages iii, iv.) Although we have occupied considerable space in sketching a general view of Mr. Buxton's plan and the principles on which it is founded, we cannot close our notice of the momentous subject, without presenting to our readers the concluding arguments by which Mr. Buxton recommends it to general considera tion. He conceives that this country now occupies a peculiarly favourable position in the eyes of the world; and having made such sacrifices for the abolition of slavery in our own colonies, we can now address ourselves in earnest to the task of abolishing the slave-trade, without exciting the suspicion that we are actuated by sinister motives. "England is at peace. Since the abolition of the slave-trade by Great Britain, it is not too much to say, that there has been, both at home and amongst many of the nations of the Continent, an increase of a benevolent and enlightened spirit. Our sincerity, with regard to the slave-trade, has been established, by sacrifices which admit of no misconstruction. The principles involved in that great measure have been carried out by the abolition of slavery, and by the willingness of the nation to pay the price of that most costly act of duty. Thus, then, we are in a condition (our own hands being clean) to ask the cooperation of France, Russia, the United States, and other great powers; and we have a right to demand from Spain, Portugal, and Brazil, that they should no longer delay the execution of their engagements." (Page 523.) The discoveries which have been made in Africa, and the preparation in our West Indian colonies of suitable agents for the work of African civilization, are dwelt upon as encouraging circumstances. "Again: there are certain eircum stances which render Africa far more accessible that at any former period. We now know the course of the Niger; and an entrance into the centre of Africa is opened, by means of this noble river. We have now got, in steam, a power which enables us to traverse it; to pass rapidly through the unhealthy parts of it; to ascend it against the current; in short, to command its navigation. "Beyond and besides all these, there is another circumstance lately brought into existence, which may supply us with the necessary agents, capable of enduring the African climate. I wish not, with too sanguine an eye, to anticipate the course of events; but I cannot help believing, as I have elsewhere stated, that, in the present condition of the Negro race in our West Indian colonies, lies one of the best hopes of Africa. freedom, education, and religion, to a They are rising, under the influence of rank which will fit them to be messengers of peace to the land from which their fathers were torn; and already, though the time has been so short, various distinct and unconcerted symptoms have appeared, proving that it pitieth them to see her in the dust.' "At the moment, then, that a highway is discovered into the heart of Africa, and that a new power is placed in our hands, enabling us to command its navigation, and that agents present themselves, qualified, by physical constitution, to endure the climate, and, by intellectual cultivation, to carry with them the seeds of true improvement; at that moment, we learn the utter fallacy and inutility of the system for the suppression of the slave-trade which we have hitherto been pursuing." (Pages 523-525.) The argument in favour of the civilization of Africa, derived from the beneficial bearing which it would have on our own commercial interests, is next urged. "But there is another consideration, though quite of a different order, which bears strongly upon this point. New markets for the sale of our manufactured articles are urgently required, at a time when we are excluded from some of our accustomed channels of sale. "Nor is the supply of the raw material less important: new fields for its growth ought to be opened, in proportion to the increasing consumption of the world. I firmly believe, that, if commercial countries consulted only their true |