Two of our early and most liberal friends in Vermont have deceased in the past year, Hon. E. A. Higley, of Castleton, and Hon. Samuel Clark, of West Brattleboro', the latter of whom has left us a legacy of one thousand dollars, crowning the liberality of his life with a noble act that survives his death. A colored impostor, under the cloak of zeal for inducing his brethren to go to Liberia, and with a long array of names of good men in Maine and New Hampshire for his commendation, made his appearance in Vermont last March, and induced some clergymen to afford him facilities for lecturing, &c. At the last we heard of him he was in rapid flight, with a sister, to parts unknown. Amid the fires of patriotism and the noise of marshalling forces among the Green Mountains, the voice of Liberia has not been disregard d. The ordinary receipts are little less than those of previous years, and our belief is, that whatever may be the future for our country. our friends in Vermont will neither be weary nor faint in well doing for Africa. It is an encouraging fact that each of the State Societies in my field is a living organization, managed by men of thorough sympathy with our cause, of high repute and influence, and of known energy and ability. The rule adopted by the Directors at their last annual meeting concerning the African Repository meets with universal approbation. It prevents all misunderstandings in regard to accounts, and secures an increase of paying subscribers in an acceptable form. The feeling of the masses of the colored people in these States appears to be that of preference to wait for the "good time" here so long promised by some of their professed friends. Many, however, of the most intelligent and enterprising are convinced that nationality and the highest good for themselves and their children can be found only upon the continent of the tropics, and they are beginning to seek information concerning Liberia, and to consider the question of emigration. The Providence of God is holding up the great enterprise of this Society before the people of this country w th eminent dis inctness and force; and whatever of trial may yet await us, of this we may be confident-" our ends cannot fail us. Yours very truly,. Rev. R. R. GURLEY, Cor. Sec. A. C. S. FRANKLIN BUTLER. Mr. Crozer, as Chairman of the Standing Committee on Auxiliary Societies, presented and read a report, which, on motion, was laid on the table for the present. The Financial Secretary of the Society, presented and read an account current of moneys received and disbursed for the support of Recaptured Africans. Rev. Dr. Pinney, as Chairman of the Standing Committee on Agencies, preseuted and read a report, which, on motion, was accepted, and is as follows: The Committee report that this Society has had in its employment, the past year, but two Agents. The Rev. B. O. Plimpton, in the regions near Lake Erie, and Rev. F. Butler, in Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Their reports from time to time show a commendable diligence with as much success in making collections as could be expected; the latter greatly restricted, however, by the troubled state of the country, and the limited claims for funds incident to a diminished number of emigrants. The question as to the policy of employing Agents, and their proper compensation, has been fully considered in former years, and notwithstanding weighty objections, this Society has never felt that it could wisely dispense, with them. Under the possibilities of the results which may grow out of our great struggle in setting in motion an emigration on a scale which will overtax the powers of this Society, the Committee recommend no changes at the present time, hoping that before another anniversary, the path of duty will be more clearly manifested. J. B. PINNEY, M. G. PRATT, Rev. Dr. Maclean, as Chairman of the Standing Committee on Foreign Relations, presented and read a report; pending the consideration of which, it was on motion of Rev. J. B. Pinney, Resolved, That the Board adjourn, to meet again this evening at 7 o'clock. Adjourned. WEDNESDAY, January 22, 1862. The Board met this evening at 7 o'clock, 'pursuant to adjournment the President in the Chair. The consideration of the Report of the Committee on Foreign Relations was resumed, and after discussion the Report of the Committee was accepted, and the resolutions attached unanimously adopted. The Committee on Foreign Relations have attended to the duty assigned to them, and they beg leave to submit to the Board, for their consideration, the following report: The Committee have carefully considered the report of Dr. James Hall, the Commissioner of the American Colonization Society, to carry to the Government of Liberia the resolutions adopted by the Board, October 25, 1860, in reference to recaptured Africans, and they recommend that the Board approve the "articles of agreement" entered into on the 21st day of December, 1860, by the parties above named. The Committee deem it their duty to suggest the expediency of ascertaining, if it can be done without undue expense, whether there be any territory, south of Liberia, which it may be desirable to acquire in the further prosecution of the aims and views of the American Colonization Society. The Committee, therefore, recommend the adoption of the following resolutions: 1. Resolved, That this Board approve of the articles of agreement entered into on the 21st of December, 1860, by Dr. James Hall, the Commissioner of the American Colonization Society, with the Government of Liberia, and hereby ratify the same. 2. Resolved, That this Board tender to Dr. James Hall their thanks, for the very satisfactory manner in which he discharged his duties as Commissioner to make an arrangement with the government of Liberia, in reference to recaptured Africans. up, The Report of the Committee on Auxiliary Societies was taken and on motion referred back to the Committee for amendment. Mr. Crozer then presented the same Report, as amended, which was read, and on motion accepted and adopted. Your Committee on Auxiliary Societies respectfully report: That in looking into the subject they can do but little more than reiterate the recommendation made by a similar committee at our last anniversary. These organizations, whether as State societies or as of a character more local, have been of much benefit for a long series of years, not only in obtaining donations to the Parent treasury, which we regret have not been to a large amount, but in diffusing far and wide a knowledge of the aims, designs, and practical workings of the Colonization enterprise; and the fruits of their efforts are now being realized in bequests and devises, which from time to time flow into your treasury. Though a number of Auxiliary Societies seem now to be in a measure inoperative your committee are not aware of any of them having formally ceased to exist, and the Colonization Society should, in our opinion, encourage their continuance. They are organizations suited for action under contingencies which may arise demanding strenuous and combined efforts. Your committee would also recommend the formation of district societies in large towns or localities favorable to creating renewed interest in the good cause. In conclusion, your committee ventures to express the hope that in the wide field of usefulness looming up in the distance before the American Colonization Society, this great national enterprise will, by the co-operation of State and District Auxiliary Associations, formed in every part of the country, be consummated in due time by the removal from our borders of a willing people to the Republic of Liberia and the homes of their ancestors. All which is respectfully submitted. JOHN P. CROZER, G. WASHINGTON WARREN, Mr. Pettit, as Chairman of the Standing Committee on Emigration, presented and read the Report of the Committee, which on motion was accepted and adopted, and is as follows: The Committee on Emigration to whom was referred that part of the Annual Report relating to the emigration to Africa, respectfully report that, in examining the subject submitted for their consideration, they have to regret the small number of emigrants sent to Liberia during the last year, amounting altogether to only fifty-four, as exhibited in the following tabular statement, viz : The deplorable strife now existing in our land has so absorbed public attention as to render every other worldly subject of subordinate and minor importance, and has perhaps, especially affected whatever relates to the colored race who are now among us. While, however, it has thus paralyzed ordinary operations, it is not improbable that it will give increased importance to the grand purpose of this Society in providing for the Colonization of the free people of color from the United States, with their own consent, to the land whence their fathers came, and may fairly challenge increased admiration for the benevolence and forecast of the Philanthropists and Statesmen who, fortyfive years ago, brought this Society into being, and laid the foundation of the independent and enlightened organization now known as the Government of Liberia. In this view it becomes the serious duty of the Society to consider how they can most effectively forward the work of emigration and best promote the welfore and prosperity of those who emigrate. And for this purpose, after careful consideration, the Committee see nothing better to recommend than that we shall faithfully pursue the path we have hitherto trod. They would recommend that the Agents, Organs, and Friends of the Society should continue to present to the free people of color the advantages of emigration to the land where alone they are really free from caste and prejudicial legislation, and perfectly equal in the eye of the law, and that every facility shall be extended for their comfortable conveyance to the land of their destination, and the Committ-e would recommend that increased importance be given to this branch of our labors. This object, the Committee believe, would be much aided by the recognition by the government of the United States of the Government of Liberia. Such recognition, they believe, would increase the commercial intercourse between the respective countries, draw increased attention to Liberia and the African continent, and at the same time provide cheap means for intercommunication between us, while it would also have the important effect of increasing the respect with which it would be regarded by the colored people. To this end also the Committee believe that the true policy of the Society is to cultivate the most frank and friendly relations with the people of Liberia, and especially with its constituted authorities. They are persuaded that our best efforts should be made to send an increased number of industrious, and, as far as possible, intelligent emigrants there, and in every way to strengthen and consolidate the power of that Republic, promote its material welfare, and assist in elevating its population in intelligence and virtue. As regards the question of an increase of territory, the Committee would recommend that no action should be taken without consultation with, and the co-operation of, the Government of Liberia, believing that the good sense and judgment of that Government, and their superior knowledge of the subject, should, at least for the present, be our guide in relation to it. In regard to the idea of establishing any other colony or settlement, the Committee consider that it would be highly inexpedient at the present time, being so well satisfied with the progress of that already established that they do not flaster themselves with the hope that it will be improved upon. If in the course of events it should be found that the tide of emigration shall swell to such a magnitude as to demand a new field, it will be time, in their opinion, to seek for an extended area or a new location. Believing, however, that such will not be the case within the year on which we have now entered, they advise that nothing of the kind should be attempted, unless, indeed, upon the express authority of this Board. Respectfully submitted, WM. V. PETTIT, G. WASHINGTON WARREN, The Committee recommend the adoption of the following resolution : Resolved, That the attention of the Executive Committee and the Officers of the Society be called to the views and recommendations of this Report, and they be requested to give them effect as far as may be possible. On motion of Rev. Dr. Maclean, it was Resolved, That this Board acknowledge with great pleasure their indebtedness to the President of the United States, for the friendly feeling manifested by him towards the great objects of the American Colonization Society, and more especially for his recommendation to Congress respecting the recognition of the Independence of Liberia. Resolved, further, That if it suit the convenience of the President, that this Board will pay their respects to him to-morrow, at such hour as he may designate. On motion of Mr. Means, it was Resolved, That the Financial Secretary be directed to pay the Liberian drafts for Recaptured Africans in the same currency that he receives from the United States Government. On motion of Rev. Dr. Maclean, it was Resolved, That this Board adjourn, to meet again at 9 o'clock, A. M., to-morrow. Adjourned. THURSDAY, January 23, 1862. The Board met this morning pursuant to adjournment. The President, Hon. J. H. B. LATROBE, in the Chair, and the Divine Blessing was invoked by the Corresponding Secretary of the Society, The minutes of yesterday's session were read and approved. Communications were read from Hon. Elisha Whittlesey, Washington City, Jan. 23, stating that the President of the United States would see the Board at 12 o'clock to-day: Hon. W. M. Merrick, January 22, resigning his place as a member of the Executive Committee, and from Hon. E. Dickinson, Amherst, Mass., January 20, excusing his non-attendance at the meeting of the Board as a Delegate from the Massachusetts Colonization Society. On motion of Rev. Dr. Maclean, it was Resolved, That the resignation of Hon. Wm. M. Merrick be accepted. The Chair appointed Messrs. Hon. D. S. Gregory, Rev. John B. Pinney, and Hon. James W. Beekman, a Committee to nominate Officers of the Board for the ensuing year. On motion, it was Resolved, That the course of Dr. James Hall, in charge of the ship Mary Caroline Stevens, during the past year, as detailed in his report, just read, be approved by the Board, and that he be requested to consult with the President of the Society in regard to the return of the ship to the United States. |