purchase of certain articles, which must be procured in the United States.

NORTHWESTERN BOUNDARY.

An important point settled by President Benson with the British Government during his visit to London, was that of the northwestern boundary of the Republic, separating it from the adjacent British possessions. The Republic had already, by purchase from the natives, the whole coast to the Shebar or Sherbro river; but for some thirty miles that coast was only the "Turner Peninsula,' a sandy strip, not more than three or four miles wide, between the ocean and the Boom Kittam river, beyond which everything was indefinite, and open to British occupancy and acquisition. A boundary has now been agreed upon, extending sixty miles inland, of which the Jong river is to be a part, and if found long enough, the whole. This gives the site of the well known Mendi mission, and most of its out-stations to Liberia. Of course this agreement binds only the two nations who have made it, and the native title is yet to be acquired; but that can easily be done, whenever the Republic needs the land.

EDUCATION.

One of the most hopeful indications is found in the action of the Government in behalf of education. During the year 1862, the President informs us in his annual message, "The common day schools authorized at the last session to be increased and put into operation in each county, were established as early as the several school committees could engage teachers and procure books. They number in the aggregate sixteen schools, to be increased by the number to be established in Grand Bassa county." The establishment of this system of common schools, to take the place of those sustained and controlled by foreign missionary societies, and open to the children both of native and emigrant parents, is an important moveThe Republic ought to have the control of the education of its own children. There is some difficulty in procuring teachers, as competent persons can obtain higher wages in the service of the Government and of merchants. This want can be supplied only by higher institutions of learning, as it soon will be.

ment.

LIBERIA COLLEGE.

Our last report announced the completion of the buildings of Liberia College, the collection of a library and mineralogical cabinet, the inauguration of the college, January 23, 1862, and the delay in the organization of classes, caused by the appointment of two of the professors as commissioners from the Liberian Government to the colored people of the United States. During this suspension, a number of young men have been receiving instruction from a teacher temporarily employed.

The trustees of the college, at their annual meeting at Monrovia, January 13, 1813, decided that the first regular college term should commence on Monday, February 2. Seven young men, having proper credentials, were examined in Latin, Greek, and Mathematics, and admitted as members of college. Another was added a few days afterwards.

Three of these were supported, during their preparation for college, from the income of the Bloomfield fund, held in trust for promoting education in Africa by the New York Colonization Society. That Society has voted to continue their support while members of college. The other five are not understood to need pecuniary aid.

There are others, in the different counties, who are anxious to enter college, and whose parents would gladly send them, but are unable to meet the expense. For one of these, an orphan, well recommended for talents and character, whose grandfather, an aged Methodist missionary, is willing to pay fifty dollars, which is all he can, towards his support-provision has been made in this city. For the others provision is yet to be made. They will need from fifty to an hundred or an hundred and fifty dollars each, annually. Donations of permanent funds, for scholarships, yielding such amounts, are highly desirable. Till they can be obtained, the want may be met by donations of smaller sums for present use.

Others were desirous to enter, whose preparatory studies were not completed. The trustees of the college, therefore, petitioned the Legislature for aid in establishing a Preparatory Department. The Legislature made an appropriation of five hundred dollars for that purpose for the present year.* The need of this Preparatory Department will, of course, be only temporary, as in our western colleges. The Monrovia Academy has already advertised its readiness to fit a few young men for college. The Alexander High School is to be re-established at Harrisburg, at the rapids of the St. Paul's river, about twenty miles from Monrovia; a most excellent location. These, with the Episcopal High School at Cape Palmas, and other institutions, existing and about to exist, will relieve the college from the task of fitting its own students for admission.

This appropriation shows, in the Legislature and their constitu ents, an enlightened public spirit, which will not fail to crown our labors in this direction with success. The Liberians evidently receive what we are doing for the promotion of good learning among them as assistance in a work of indispensable importance, and not as taking a burdensome and costly duty off from their

* A letter from the President, dated April 30, states that there were then nine students in the college proper, and eight in the Preparatory Department. The library was arranged on its shelves, and the minerals in cases under glass.

while nominally free, he is still in bondage; for freedom must also be the prerogative of the white, as well as of the black man, and the white man must likewise be left free to form his most intimate social relations; and he is not, and never has been disposed, in this country, to unite himself with a caste, marked by so broad a distinction as exists between the two races. The testimony on these two points of those who have had abundant advantages for observation, has been uniform and conclusive. For the colored man himself, then for his children, Liberia is an open city of refuge. He there may become a freeman not only in name, but a freeman in deed and in truth.

"Liberia has strong claims upon Christian aid and sympathy. Its present and prospective commercial advantages to our country, will far counterbalance the amount appropriated by private benevolence in planting and aiding the colony and the Republic. Its independence ought to be acknowledged by the United States. This, according to the opinion of President Roberts, would not imply the necessity of diplomatic correspondence, while the moral and political effects would be beneficial to both parties. England, by early acknowledging the independence of Liberia, and cultivating a good understanding with its Government and people, has greatly subserved her own commercial interest, while responding to the call of British philanthropy."

The volume to which we refer, contains many interesting facts in the cruise of the Perry on the African coast, and exhibits the just and earnest activity of her commander against the slave trade, and his interest in whatever appeared to promote success in the colonization and civilization of the African race. About this time, the Yorktown, Commander Bell, captured the American bark Pons, with 896 slaves on board, which were subsequently landed at Monrovia. The Perry proceeded repeatedly far down the coast, seized and sent home the American slave ship Martha, subsequently condemned; ascertained much in regard to the slave trade; conferred with British naval officers in regard to the best method for its prevention, and vindicated with all Christian courtesy the rights of the American flag, and the determination of our country that it should not cover with impunity the most odious traffic.

We copy here a few sentences from this work, indicating the just views cherished towards Africa by Admiral Foote:

"Strange and frightful maladies have been engendered by the cruelties perpetrated within the hold of a slaver. If any disease affecting the human constitution were brought there, we may be sure that it would be nursed into mortal vigor in these receptacles of filth, corruption, and despair. Crews have been known to die by the fruit of their own crime, and leave ships almost helpless. They have carried the scourge with them. The coast fever of Africa, bad enough where it has its birth, came in these vessels, and

The trustees of the college, at their annual meeting at Monrovia, January 13, 183, decided that the first regular college term should commence on Monday, February 2. Seven young men, having proper credentials, were examined in Latin, Greek, and Mathematics, and admitted as members of college. Another was added a few days afterwards.

Three of these were supported, during their preparation for college, from the income of the Bloomfield fund, held in trust for promoting education in Africa by the New York Colonization Society. That Society has voted to continue their support while members of college. The other five are not understood to need pecuniary aid.

There are others, in the different counties, who are anxious to enter college, and whose parents would gladly send them, but are unable to meet the expense. For one of these, an orphan, well recommended for talents and character, whose grandfather, an aged Methodist missionary, is willing to pay fifty dollars, which is all he can, towards his support-provision has been made in this city. For the others provision is yet to be made. They will need from fifty to an hundred or an hundred and fifty dollars each, annually. Donations of permanent funds, for scholarships, yielding such amounts, are highly desirable. Till they can be obtained, the want may be met by donations of smaller sums for present use.

*

Others were desirous to enter, whose preparatory studies were not completed. The trustees of the college, therefore, petitioned the Legislature for aid in establishing a Preparatory Department. The Legislature made an appropriation of five hundred dollars for that purpose for the present year.* The need of this Preparatory Department will, of course, be only temporary, as in our western colleges. The Monrovia Academy has already advertised its readiness to fit a few young men for college. The Alexander High School is to be re-established at Harrisburg, at the rapids of the St. Paul's river, about twenty miles from Monrovia; a most excellent location. These, with the Episcopal High School at Cape Palmas, and other institutions, existing and about to exist, will relieve the college from the task of fitting its own students for admission.

This appropriation shows, in the Legislature and their constituents, an enlightened public spirit, which will not fail to crown our labors in this direction with success. The Liberians evidently receive what we are doing for the promotion of good learning among them as assistance in a work of indispensable importance, and not as taking a burdensome and costly duty off from their

* A letter from the President, dated April 30, states that there were then nine students in the college proper, and eight in the Preparatory Department. The library was arranged on its shelves, and the minerals in cases under glass.

and its flag. How far its growth in civilization has been dependent on the efforts of America has been illustrated; and how essentially the naval interference of the United States has contributed to this end, has been made evident. It cannot escape notice that this progress must in the future depend on the same means and the same efforts. Our own national interests, being those of a commercial people, require the presence of a squadron. Under its protection commerce is secure, and is daily increasing in extent and value.

"It is impossible to say how lucrative this commerce may ultimately become. That the whole African coast should assume the aspect of Liberia, is, perhaps, not an unreasonable expectation. That Liberia will continue to grow in wealth and influence, is not improbable. There is intelligence among its people, and wisdom and energy in its councils. There is no reason to belive that this will not continue. Its position makes it an agricultural community. Other lands must afford its manufactures and its traders. There will, therefore, ever be on its shores a fair field for American enterprise.

"The reduction or annihilation of the slave trade is opening the whole of these vast regions to science and legal commerce. Let America take her right share in them. It is throwing wide the portals of the continent for the entrance of Christian civilization. Let our country exert its full proportion of this influence; and thus recompence to Africa the wrongs inflicted upon her people, in which hitherto all nations have participated."

On two occasions the American Colonization Society was honored by the presence of Admiral Foote at its anniversary meetings as a delegate and counsellor, in the winter of 1855, and at the last meeting of the Institution. Prompt, and disposed at all times to give his aid to all patriotic and religious institutions, he addressed the Society on both occasions in a very impressive and earnest manner, commending Liberia to the patronage of the nation, and to the favorable thought of all freemen of color who aspired to a position of honor, dignity, and happiness for their race. To him Liberia appeared the land especially chosen by Providence as the home of the descendant of Africa.

DEATH OF THE HON. J. J. CRITTENDEN, OF KENTUCKY.

This eminent Senator has descended to the tomb. He had arrived at an advanced age, and slept peacefully at his home in Frankfort, after a life of high endeavor for the Union and glory of his country. He stood for many years side by side with the illustrious, men Clay, Webster, Benton, and Calhoun, who so long shone in the Senate, contributing his full share to the reputation of their debates. The able statesman, the eloquent orator is silent, and those who may wish his views had been somewhat more enlarged in his last years, cannot doubt his candor, patrioism, or integrity. He was a sincere friend, a Vice President, and eloquent advocate of this Society.