clothe these people of the South. At this moment they are maintaining some 10,000 persons in the city of Richmond, 200,000 in Virginia alone, and large numbers in eight or ten other States. The Government of America was' however, restricted by the terms of the constitution from making a poor-law or any other law, providing for the maintenance of the destitute. Such laws were left to be enacted by each state and the constitution could not do anything in the matter except in an extra-official manner. If they did so it would be unconstitutional. The necessity of maintaining inviolate and rigid the constitution of a country like America was very important, and what had been already done had been already accomplished as a war measure, arising as the emancipation had from the successful prosecution of the war. The constitution of America differed materially from that of England and when Andrew Johnson came to the presidental chair he was asked if he would not remove the old sign, “Andrew Johnson, Tailor," he replied, "Never; as long as I live shall that sign remain where it is." It was considered a high honour and a great dignity for any of the industrial community to raise himself to that position, to attain for himself the highest honours of the state and to secure immortal fame in the annals of his country. Hence the people of America desired to maintain their constitution; they did not wish the Government to provide them with a poorlaw. They were anxious to aid the sufferers all they could, and contributed in a diversity of ways to that end. The war was now over, the president had unsealed the ports, they were anxious that cotton should again begin to cross the Atlantic, they longed for the re-opening of a large traffic with England, and rejoiced that slavery had been at length crushed out. What was being done in America for the liberated slaves was this, that instead of hoes and spades and ploughs being put into their possession, and their being put to work at once, efforts were being made which promoted that end, and steps taken to elevate the people by instruction in mechanics and the industrial arts, social laws, habits and morals. The persons engaged in this work belonged to a good class. From one congregation at Cincinnati had been sent out a number of young ladies, and many had given up lucrative posts to go and teach the negro, and while doing so they not only gave them all their time and labours, but spent the bare pittance which was granted them for the benefit of the poor. The work was a great and mighty one, and could not but succeed. Much was required from the industrial populations on this and the other side of the Atlantic, and the Americans expected still to receive thousands of the industrial classes of England, and provide houses for them in that distant country. It might be asked, how had the work just undertaken succeeded! Had the negroes exhibited a willingness to work? It had been said that they were lazy, or, as Mr. Carlyle put it, that the negro was satisfied to be up to the It was knees in pumpkins for a time, and then to rest all day in the sunshine. however found that the men who were industrious, working in the fields and in the towns, were the negroes, and the idle and profligate men were the whites. That is the fact. Then what is to be feared from the negro? He will work, has been trained to work, and is anxious to work. Some of the freed negroes have already evinced their disposition in that respect, and last New Year's Day a colony of them sent a new-year's gift to President Lincoln, their liberator. That colony had been supplied with tools on "tick," and three weeks afterwards had paid for them, besides maintaining themselves. Many had since planted cotton, and had realized large profits. The government had since leased to those lately degraded negroes plantations in the Sea Islands, where they were now growing cotton, and supplying it to the civilized world. Are such people deserving of sympathy and support? The idea of the negroes was not so much to buy land, to be owners of their plantations, as it was to rent plantations and sell cotton with their names on the bales. Labour on this and the other side of the Atlantic is reciprocal. Though the little dark boys and girls had been taken from the free schools of Richmond to save a riot, they should yet be taught there. The great result should be carried out in its broadest philanthropy. The President of America was on the right side in this question, and the cause would succeed. It is now left to the charitable of this country to do what they please in the matter, with the assurance that the subscriptions raised will be properly distributed for the object for which they are given. IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE NATIONAL COMMITTEE OF BRITISH FREED-MEN'S AID ASSOCIATIONS. We are requested to present to the friends of the Freed-man the following address about to be issued to the Secretaries of the various Freed-men's Aid Associations in Great Britain and Ireland : DEAR SIR, - August 22nd, 1865. We have to remind you that the next Meeting of the National Committee will be held at Bristol, on the 14th of September, when it is exceedingly desirable that you should be represented by the gentleman or gentlemen who attended on behalf of your Association, and were placed on the Committee at the time of its constitution at Birmingham. In the event of these gentlemen being prevented from coming to Bristol, you may appoint others, who will be regarded as members of the Committee for the time being. We trust you will be able to advise us of your appointment at an early date, and kindly furnish us with information of the progress made since June 13th, either in the way of further action, or additional contributions. Prior to the organization of the Committee, about forty parties were supplied with blank forms for returns. Thirty-six of these have responded, nearly all of whom filled up the returns as desired. These have been examined with great care; much pains being taken to prevent contributions of money or goods being placed to the credit of both the Local Associations and those through whom they were remitted to America. It is only by means of these Returns in detail that we have been able to ascertain that the conjectural estimate formed at Birmingham is a fair approximation to the fact. Allowing, with the figures thus furnished, for every ascertainable contribution of either kind, from all sources, both public and private, from 1862 to June 13, 1865, the total amount does not much exceed £40,000. To attain as much accuracy as possible in the Returns for the next Meeting, a Form similar to that previously furnished to you, is herewith enclosed. This is not intended to supercede the replies to the circular of enquiries recently issued by this Committee. To bring the whole of the operations on behalf of the Freedmen into a general, periodical summary, was, it may be remarked, one of the chief functions of the National Committee. Since its last Meeting, the Dissolution of Parliament, the Elections, and the period of the year have been unfavourable to great progress. To these drawbacks may be added the absence for some weeks of part of the American Deputation (two of whom are on the Conti. nent), all of whom, however, are expected at Bristol on the 14th of September. In the meanwhile it is well not to lose sight of encouraging circumstances. The first of these was the promise of fresh contributions, upwards of £1,000 having been obtained at Birmingham within a week after the public breakfast at which the proposal to raise that sum was started by John Cropper, Esq., of Liverpool. The General Baptist Association, and the Methodist Conference, which have met at Bir mingham, have both responded in the fullest and most cordial manner to the memorials presented by the Association there; and the large meeting in the Town Hall, where Bishop Janes, and Mr. Leigh, with the most eminent men of the Conference, were the chief speakers, cannot fail to have introduced the case and claims of the Freed-men to the favour. able notice of the Wesleyan body generally. The large deputations from our Committee, which were well received by the Premier and the Foreign Minister, will, we believe, prove not to have been without result. The reply of Earl Russell, through Mr. Layard, to our memorial, stating "that sympathy for those engaged in abolishing slavery, and joy at the prospect, have been already expressed in Parliament, and in despatches," is such as to encourage this hope, and to justify both private and public action in reference to our legislators, and others of rank and influence, on behalf of the Freed-men's cause. In the expression of hearty approval from the two representative religious assemblies just named, in similar resolutions passed by the Congregational and the Baptist Unions, and in the kind appreciation, and pecuniary aid of our efforts by the Primate of England, we think we may recognize a preparedness on the part of the Christian public to respond to any well-directed, practical appeal for co-operation and assistance. It seems to the National Committee that it should be the chief business of the Association to avail themselves of these favourable openings, so as to increase the number of the Freed-men's friends, and, with their aid, to make an effort that shall be worthy of our nation. The present seems to us a critical moment, when larger, and systematic efforts must if ever, be made, such as shall be commensurate with Britain's duty and America's need. To confer on and devise the best methods of public action, seems to us the pressing duty of the National Committee; and we trust, though your Association may feel the work to be momentous, and your contributions towards it not so large as you desire, that you will not withhold the help which the presence and counsel of your representative are calculated to afford, both to ourselves and the Association at Bristol, who inform us that they hope to provide suitable hospitality to all members of the Committee whose visit shall be announced conveniently beforehand; and the earlier the better. Will you, therefore, as soon as possible, acquaint us with the names and addresses of those gentlemen who will attend on your behalf. The Associations which were not represented at the last Committee, are earnestly requested to appoint a Delegate on this occasion. Signed, on behalf of the Executive of the National Committee, ARTHUR ALBRIGHT, Edgbaston, Birmingham. FRED. TOMKINS, M.A., D.C.L., Inner Temple, London. CLOGHER ANTI-SLAVERY ASSOCIATION. A MEETING of the above-mentioned association was held in Clogher Court-house, at ten o'clock on Thursday, the 6th July-Charles Eccles, Esq., J. P. and D. L., in the chair. There was present a large number of influential friends of the society, under the auspices of Mrs. R. W. Maxwell, Treasurer, and M. R. Scraggs, Esq., M.D., Secretary. cause, in the destruction of slavery on the Continent of America, it is hereby resolved 1st-That we will continue our exertions as a Society, and pledge our efforts in future to aid the freed-men in their education for that liberty that God in his providence has called them to. Resolved, 2nd-That we will co-operate with the National Freed-Men's Relief Association in the work they have on hand, and will send them the funds raised by this Society. Resolved, 3rd-That the funds now in the hands of the Treasurer be paid to Baring Brothers & Co., 8, Bishopsgate Street, London, The meeting having been opened with prayer by the Rev. W. Hurst, Chas. Eccles, Esq. was called to the chair, who, in an eloquent and forcible address, introduced the Hon. Mr. Leigh, of New York (who, with J. W. Smith, Esq., attended as a deputation from the Na-Treasurer of the National Freed-Men's Relief tional Freed-Men's Relief Association). Association. Mr. Leigh, in a long, able, and earnest appeal, brought before the meeting the suf ferings and destitution of the American negroes. He stated that he did not come before them as a politician, religionist, or nationalist, but simply as a philanthropist-to bring before them the great and deplorable destitution of a portion of their fellow men. He asked the audience to accompany him in an imaginary tour through a large portion of the American Continent, and visit with him the numerous camps and other stations aided by means of the association with which he had the honour to be connected, for the mental culture, bodily support and industrial training of the now free negro. He described their great simplicity of character and want of experience, now that they were thrown upon their own resources, as well as the fearful destitution of every kind by which they were surrounded, not only causing the most harrowing sufferings, but deaths by thousands from actual starvation, in spite of all the exertions of the government and people of the States. Mr. Leigh's address was throughout characterised by a calm and persuasive feeling and eloquence, which stamped him as the right man in the right place, and carried conviction most forcibly to the hearts of all present. The following resolutions were passed, after which a vote of thanks to Mr. Leigh was proposed by J. J. O'F. Carmichael Ferrall, Esq., and carried with acclamation: Whereas, this Association having heard of the triumphant success of the anti-slavery A CIRCULAR has been issued by General Fisk Assistant Commissioner of the Freed-men's Bureau for Kentucky, Tennessee and Northern Alabama, containing full information for the benefit of the freed-men and their former masters in relation to the policy of the Government in its treatment of employed and employe. The circular states that the work of the Bureau will be the protection of productive industry; the settlement of the late slaves in homes of their own, with the guarantee of their absolute freedom, the dissemination of virtuous intelligence, and to aid in permanently establishing peace, and securing prosperity. Every effort will be made to render the freed-men self-supporting, and the cultivation of lands for an interest in the crop will be encouraged. All difficulties arising between the freed-men and their employers, or among themselves in places where the testimony of a negro is not admitted, will be adjudicated by officers appointed by the Bureau. Freed men's camps and refugee homes will be discontinued as rapidly as practicable, and every effort made to obtain selfsustenance for all. The compulsory removal of aged and infirm people is, by the provisions of the circular prohibited. Every encourage. ment will be given to religious and benevolent institutions, and the interests of both white and black will be promoted in every way practicable. THE "FREED-MAN" may be obtained of the principal booksellers throughout the United Kingdom. Poetry. THE following Ode was written by William Oh, slow to smite and swift to spare Amid the awe that hushes all, Hath placed thee with the sons of light, Who perished in the cause of right. HYMN OF TRIUMPH. BY JOHN G. WHITTIER. Nor unto us, who did but seek The word that burned within to speak, Not unto us this day belong Nor skill nor strength nor zeal of ours A redder sea than Egypt's wave The praise, O Lord! be thine alone, WE are happy to be able to announce that through the exertions of Dr. H. M. Storrs, some friends in Manchester have transmitted through Robert Longdon, Esq., the sum of £300 to the Friends' Central Committee in London. As it is in contemplation to form a Northern Freed-men's Aid Society, we believe that this sum is but as the drops before the fertilizing shower. FOREST GATE, ESSEX.-Mrs. John Curwen, of this place, has been actively engaged dur ing the past month in making and obtaining a large quantity of suitable and valuable articles for the poor freed people. We were kindly permitted to see these comfortable garments, for which many will bless this benevolent lady. Who will go and do like. wise? The Freed-men's Aid Society will make a grant of £5 to any lady who will guarantee a similar amount to commence a sewing circle. "FOUR years of struggle for our nation's life have been crowned with success; armed treason is swept from the land, our ports are reopened; our relations with other nations are of the most satisfactory character; our internal commerce has revived; our soldiers and sailors resume the peaceful pursuits of civil life; our flag floats in every breeze; and We prayed and hoped; but still with awe, the only barrier to our national progress— The coming of the sword we saw; Let HUMAN SLAVERY-is for ever at an end. |