For Frederick Douglass' Paper.

EMIGRANTS AND LIBERIA

PHILADELPHIA, MAY 17th, 1855.

MR. FREDERICK DOUGLASS: DEAR SIR: — I read in your paper to day, the remaks of our worthy friend, George T. Downing, of Providence, touching affairs in Liberia, as represented by persons, who have been eye-witnesses of what they relate, which shows very plainly, that matters and things are not in that flourishing condition there, as represented by the Colonization Society, and some of its advocates. And to add still further to the facts set forth, I send you an article which appeared in the Pennsylvania Inquirer of Philadelphia, on the 15th, inst., over the signature of J. M. P., (Rev. J. Morris Pease, I judge, one of its strongest advocates, and until lately, an Agent of the Pennsylvania Colonization Society, I believe,) in which the situation of most of the emigrants in Liberia is shown up in rather an unfavorable and unpleasant condition, and should be a sufficient warning to our people not to listen nor be led away by the subterfuge of the agents and friends of that Society; but once and for all make up their minds to remain in the United States (where we belong, and were we have as much right as any other men,) and put forth our best energies for our elevation here, which we shall accomplish, if we use the proper means.
I also send to you an article from the Public Ledger of this city* of the same date, giving a notice of an invention of an apparatus for the extinguishing of Fires, by Mr. Aaron Roberts, a colored gentleman of Philadelphia, who, previously, has invented a machine for replacing rail road cars that have run off the track; so that notwithstanding all the obstacles we encounter, with "all our ignorance," with almost every avenue for improvement closed against us, still we are bound to "come up higher; our cause is upward and onward, and if we are but true to ourselves, will used determined efforts, all our desires will be realized in the United States. I remain yours respectfully,
JOHN C. BOWERS.