Edwardsville spectator. [volume] (Edwardsville, Ill.) 1819-1826, 1822-09-14

that has been manifested by the comman-
ders of the ships Of war OF the United
States OF America, employed on tho
coast of Africa, and the disposition they
have shown to cooperate with the off,
GERS of his majesty's navy for their COM
mon object; but that we are concerned
to have perceived in the American 60
vernment no disposition to give up the
objections it formerly urged against the
establishment of a mutual right Of ex-
aiming each others ships on the coast
ofAfrica. That we had hoped that the
powerful argument used by committee
Of the House of Representatives in ia
vor OF this arrangement, would have their
just weight, more especially that which
points out the difference, or rather con-
trariety, between this conventional and
qualified system and the right of search
ing neutral vessels, without any previous
treaty, as claimed and practised 10 war.
Above all, that the consideration, So
sfr''''Siy- -..1~--ss. al,4s "a only byJthe
establishment OF some such system, that
the Trade can ever be eifeciualy abo.
lished, would have induced tie Ameri-
can government to consent to it when
the object in question involves tie rights
and happiness of so large pbrtion Of
our fellow creatures. y
That with the deepest concern we
find, as in the last year, vessels under the
French flag trading for slaves Nlong the
whole extent of the coast of Africa, at
home and abroad. Proposals al e circu-
lated for slave trading voyages, inviting
the smallest capitals, and tempting adj
venturers by the hopes of enormous pro-
fits, and the few ships of war of that coun-
try stationed in Africa offer no material
obstruction to the trade, nor do the CO.
yernors of her colonies, appear to be
more active. And all this, while The
French government reprobates the traf-
&c in the strongest terms, and declares
that it is using its utmost efforts for
the prevention of so great an evil. That
it is deeply to be regretted that 60
vernment which has been generally re-
garded as eminent for its efficiency,
should here alone find its efforts so en-
tirely paralysed. That meanwhile, we
can only continue to lament, that great
and gallant nation, eninently tavored~by
Providence with natural advantages, and
among the very foremost in all the dis
tinctions and enJoyments Of civilized life
should thus, on its restoration to the
blessings of Peace and to the Govern
ment of its Legitimate Sovereign, APP
pear, in fact, to be chief agent in blast
ing the opening prospect Of civilization,
which Africa had begun to present, and
i'll prolonging the misery and barbarism
of that vast continent.
That on the whole we conlure his Ma.
jesty, to renew his remonstrances and to
render it manifestthat his interference has
not been a matter Of form, but of serious
and urgent duty. That this country will
at least have the satisfaction Of knowing
that we have been active and unwearied
in making PREPARATION TO Africa for the
wrongs with which we ourselves were
so long chargeable, and we cannot doubt
that we shall ultimately be able to con-
graduate his Majesty on the success Of
his endeavors; aud on his having had a
principal share in wiping away the
foulesl blot on the character of christen-
dom.