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Laws in favor of Emigration. 
other side of the water, and we conceived that a great duty was 
imposed upon our country. To the full extent which our laws 
allowed, we expressed, under different forms, our wishes and 
sentiments to the children of the African race. We have re¬ 
ceived proofs of their sympathy, and we know that in spite of 
offers and numerous efforts made to induce them to settle else¬ 
where, it is still towards Hayti that they turn their eyes. 
But, gentlemen, we must not shut our eyes to the fact that, 
whatever advantage, whatever satisfaction emigration may 
secure, in the case of a family leaving their country for a dis¬ 
tant one, there is always a certain fear of swallowing up their 
limited capital, and of remaining without resources in the 
face of an unknown future. Amongst the persons who wish to 
come, there is a large majority who, from their pecuniary posi¬ 
tion, are unable to run risks or trust to chance. Being possessed 
but of small means, they fear, on their arrival amongst us, 
being obliged to use their money in the purchase of an estate 
which they would be unable, from want of capital, to turn to 
good advantage. 
Gentlemen, these considerations are important. Government 
has seriously reflected on the subject. It has, on the one side, 
consulted the duties of our exceptional nationality, and has 
asked whether, in the position which we occupy in the world, 
we are not called upon to fulfil great obligations towards our 
brethren, whose misfortunes are one of the calamities of the 
age. On the other side, in presence of our financial embarrass¬ 
ment, it has sought the best practical means to be made use of 
in order to destroy the material obstacle which separates us 
from men whose hearts yearn towards Hayti. 
Thus put, the question, matured by more than a year’s study, 
was destined to arrive at a solution worthy of the great men 
who have founded a country for the children of the African 
race. It is this solution, gentlemen, that I have the honor to 
submit to you. 
