to collect such information in relation to the
condition of the colored emigrants in Canada, West
Indies, Guiana and Liberia, as can be obtained
by him from all available sources, which information
shall be brought to these monthly meetings above
alluded to, and read before them for the instruction
of all, in order that when they are resolved, if they
should so resolve, to remove from this country
to any other, they may know what will be their
wants, opportunities, prospects, &c., in order
to provide beforehand for any emergencies that may
meet them on their arrival in their new homes.
Resolved, That as this subject is one of the greatest importance to us, and the consideration of which whatever may be the result, cannot be put aside, we recommend to our people in this State to establish and maintain an organization in regard to it, the great object of which shall be enquiry and discussion, which, without committing any, may lead to accurate information; and that a convention like the present, composed of delegates from the respective counties of the State and from Baltimore city, be held annually at such times and places as may be hereafter designated.
Resolved, That in thus expressing our opinions, it is not our purpose to counsel emigration as either necessary or proper in every case. The transfer of an entire people from one country to another, must necessarily be the work of generations. Each individual now and hereafter must be governed by the circumstances of his own condition, of which he alone can be the judge, as well in regard to the time of removal as to the place to which he shall remove; but deeply impressed ourselves with the conviction that sooner or later removal must take place, we would counsel our people to accustom themselves to that idea.
Resolved, That this Convention recommend to the ministers of the gospel among the free colored population of Maryland to endeavor, by contributions from their congregations and by other means, to raise funds for the purpose of forwarding the benevolent object of educating the children of the destitute colored persons in this State; and that they also impress upon the minds of their hearers the benefits which would necessarily result from development of their intellects, and the bringing into fullest use those mental powers and reasoning faculties which distinguish mankind from the brute creation; and that this be requested of them as a part of their duty as ministers of the religion of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
E. Harris entered his protest against
the adoption of the fourth
resolution.
A motion made to adjourn sine die
at 2 o’clock P.M., was lost; and a
resolution restricting each speaker
to five minute speeches was adopted.