combined and concentrated power,
always operating to the support and exclusive favor of the
slave-holding interest.'

Here was a mighty engine in the cause of oppression. It was a wicked
misrepresentation to say that the slaves were benefited by such an
arrangement. Instead of being a lever in their hands to aid them in
the overthrow of the system which was crushing them, it was a vast
addition of strength to the ranks of their tyrants, who went to
Congress to cry down discussion, to cry up Lynch law, and shout Hail
Columbia. Mr. Thompson then proceeded to give some account of the
Maryland Colonization scheme.

The first movement on the subject was in March, 1831, when Mr. Brawner
submitted the following resolutions to the Maryland Legislature, which
were by that assembly adopted. He begged particular attention both to
the letter and spirit of this document, exhibiting as it did, the
feelings of 'the good people of the state' towards the colored
population:--

Resolved, That the increased proportion of the free people of
color in this state, to the white population, the evils
growing out of their connection and unrestrained association
with the slaves their habits and manner of obtaining a
subsistence, and their withdrawing a large portion of
employment from the laboring class of the white population,
are subjects of momentous and grave consideration to the good
people of this state.

Resolved, That as philanthropists and lovers of freedom, we
deplore the existence of slavery amongst us, and would use
our utmost exertions to ameliorate its condition, yet we
consider the unrestrained power of manumission as fraught
with ultimate evils of a more dangerous tendency than the
circumstance of slavery alone, and that any act, having for
its object the mitigation of these joint evils, not
inconsistent with other paramount considerations, would be
worthy the attention and deliberation of the representatives
of a free, liberal-minded, and enlightened people.

Resolved, That we consider the colonization of free people of
color in Africa as the commencement of a system, by which if
judicious encouragement be afforded, these evils may be
measurably diminished, so that in process of time, the
relative proportion of the black to the white population,
will hardly be matter for serious and unpleasant
consideration.