PROPOSAL TO COLONIZE EX-SLAVES IN TEXAS.


New-York Spectator, vol XXXVI. New York: Francis Hall & Co., June 6, 1833. Folio (630 x 430 mm). 4 pp. Creased and thumbsoiled, small separation at spine.THE TEXAS PROJECT. On page 4, column one, the editors give their opinion of a proposal to establish a colony of ex-slaves in Texas, rather than Liberia: "It is with pleasure that we give place below ... on the expediency of establishing a colored colony in the province of Texas. Although we remain firm in the conviction, that it is a less eligible position for the African race than Liberia, yet we are perfectly willing that other plans for their benefit should be examined, and their merits discussed ... We should indeed regret any course that should divert any part of the funds that might otherwise be appropriated to the Liberian enterprize...." Though they claim impartiality, it is clear the editors prefer the Liberia solution: Land is cheap in Texas, the writer opines, but cheaper in Africa. Also, "the expense of conveyance to the Mexican province would be greater than to Monrovia, and none of the collateral benefits from suppressing the slave-trade, and dispelling the moral gloom that hangs over a vast continent, can come within the scope of the projected undertaking."