120 MARYLAND

It is not unlikely that the progress of eman-
cipation in the state of Maryland has been
as rapid for some time past as was advisable
for the welfare of either the whites or blacks—
Slaves have evidently become more intelligent
and thereby somewhat better prepared for
emancipation, in proportion ns they have had
freemen of their own class and color to associ-
ate with.—Would that we could add with
truth that their moral condition and habits had
also improved in the same proportion—and
from the same cause. Unfortunately the con-
trary is the fact. No state in the union ought
to be more interested in the success of the
themes for colonizing the free people of
color than Maryland, because she experiences
more than any other state, that condition of
society requiring the beneficial influence which
that scheme proposes—In Maryland there is
not only a greater proportion, but actually a
greater number of tree people of color than
in any other state in the Union.

Owing to the regulations of neighboring
states, forbiding emancipated negroes from
continuing in their borders, the laws of
Maryland as a measure of self defence pro-
hibit the introduction of free nrgrocs into the
state. But every facility is allowed for the
emancipation of her own slaves. When over
a certain age however, their owners are not
permitted to make them a burthen to society
by manumission.