Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1849-1856, 1851-01-30

T, leii To perish on the inhOspitablc coast
oil Africa for want ol means to return
To their own country, and often comPeli-
ed To engage in the navigation OF the
slave vessel, as The only means TO get
back to their own country.
Mr.. President il has been suggested
by some Of those who have had great
experience in The operation Of this el-
fort at a suppression OF the slave trade,
that certain regulations Of commerce
should be- made /; and that among other
reasons, will induce me when conclude
the few remarks that have 10 make 10
make Il proposition TO refer the whole
suhjecl to the Committee on Commerce.
They propose that the grants OF sea let
trrs oivcsseis clearing from the ports ol
Brazil to the African coast shall be
withheld. They declare that there is
no trade whatever there other than that
connected with the slave trade, and
there could be no motive otherwise ~
prompt American vessels to go to the
African coast. They therefore recon-
mend-our ConsuIs and other gentle
men recommendation there should be
n refusal hencriorward 10 grant any
sca-lriters or other document enabling
ship to sail under the American flag
from those ports TO the coast Of Africa.
There are also other measures suggest
ed, in order TO carry into effect the pur-
pose of freeing our commerce and pro-
tecling our navigation from any parlici-
patton in this oIious traffic. But ! will
not take up the time Of the Senate by
noticing them.
Mr.. President, believe it is the judg-
mcnt of the British public, as ! believe,
too it is the Judgment of the American
public. that the keeping up Of squadrons
upon the coast of Africa, with view
TO the suppression of the slave trade, is
Il failure. or. at all events, it is attended
with an enormous amount Of expen.e. a
vast and inhunan sacrifice OF health and
life, not justified and not compensated
bv any value which these squadron-
have rendered TO the object which the
parties have in view in the suppression
OF the African slave trade. So strong
do Ihink the conviction upon the Brit
iSh mind in relation to this subject TO be,
lhai | understand that it was with the
utmost difficulty that the British Premier,
Lord Palnersipn, prevailed upon the
British Parliament TO continue the KEEP
ing up oi these squadrons year or two
longer We now keep up, under the
eighth article OF the treaty OF Wash
ington. one squadron, amounting to so
guns at least upon the coast of Africa;
and we also keep up, in reference TO the
same object large and expensive
squadron upon the coast Of Brazil. !
suppose though have not referred 10
the proper sources for information but
| am quite sure am sale in saying that
we expend upon the Two coasts OF Bra
I'll and Africa not less than half n mil
lion Of dollars, independent OF that sac
riiice of life which lakes place in consc-
qucnrc OF the employment Of our yes
Ses there. ! will no, say, as has been
said in this petition, that there has been
IL total failure. believe there have
been occasional captures, but there has
been also great doubt very much
whether there would hot be less loss Of
African life il there were AN attempt
whatever TO suppress the slave trade by
means OF these squadrons, the result OF
which is merely 10 employ and send
out more ships-to induce the owners to
run more chances and take more risks,
IN order 10 transport slaves TO Brazil
or to Cubt from the coast of Africa.
! believe there is no eiirctual remedy
Tor he suppression Of the slave trade,
nut The occupation of the coas, OF Africa
,,scli and to stop the trade at the very
threshold where it begins BY the S,h
article Of the treaty Of Washington, TO
which | lave before referred, we were
bound to continue these squadrons on
ly for period Of five years. The five
years have long since elapsed they e1-
pired III 'l7-and yet we continue the
squadron down to this time. Now.
without reference TO any of the objects
which have thought proper to present
to the Senate, without regard TO the
suppression Of the slave trade, without
reference to the advancement OF the
great interests Of colonization, | think,
as Il mere measure offnancal economy.
ii is worth considering whether We shall
expose the lives OF our gallant seamcn
upon that inhospIiablc coast-expose
them 10 the danger Of that inhospi,able
climate, at such II vast expense 10 our
shipping, and with so little benefit from
the operation.
But own that the subject Of eoloni.
zntion, important as | think it is, IN
view of the great object of the sup
preston of the slave trade, eommends
itself to my mind by other and addit-
iouuI considerations | declare In you