New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1854-11-11
THE sLAyE-TRADE.

The trial for slave-trsde piracy, ending IN the
conviction of the accused party Captain James
Smith, of the brig Julia Moulton, which has just
taken place in the United States Circuit Court
of this City, suggests the most mournfa rsfec-
tions. 1t is here established beyond denial that
the slaye-trade with Africa is branch Of the
mercantile profits of this City, and that the cru
elites of the darkest crimes of the dark
est ages are pharssaically enacted BY par
ties claiming to be gentlemen. 1t is. Of
course, certain that the captain and crew Of
the ship are not the only pirates engaged in that
particular tran saction; there are ship builders
and mercantile spectators involved with them,
though not with them brought to justice. 1t is
equally clear that the case of the Julia Moulton
is one of many, with the single difference that
this one is found out. On this head we presently
shall have word to say, but let us Look into the
facts of this particular trial.
1t was proved that the ship was built in Maine;
purchased in Boston by Capt. Smith, in January
last; cleared in ballast for Newport on the I'd
February, and brought to this port, whence she
was cleared en- the 18th February with crew Of
about fifteen persons. She was regular Starer,
holding GOA human beings stolen from Africa,
packed like herring-and how many happily died
and were thrown overheard we cannot learn, as
the counsel for the defense objected to an answer
to question designed to shed light on that branch
of the peculiar institution. 1t was given in evil
dence that the captain told the mate that the real
owner was a parsonage named Lemos, and that
the Secretary of the Portuguese Consul went with
him to Boston to purchase the vessel The de-
Tense made for the prisoner was that he was not
an American-end especially that Custom-house
oath should not be regarded. But Capt. Smith
had been naturalized, and was considered an
American citizen--though g. German by birth
and was convicted accordingly. IL is not neces-
sary for us to recaptulate the details of the trial.
as they have already been repor.edin our columns,
but the following extracts from it are too preg-
nant with meaning not to bear repetition:
Mr.. McKeon, Distrct-Attorney, addressed the
Jury. He contended that the transaction q most
fsgrant violation Of the Laws. He little thought, be
said, when he assumed the Office he now held that he
should so soon discover that Nsc York IS the rery
dept of thus nefarious traffic. The testimony in the
case showed that the Julia Noulton fitted out at
this port expressly for the slaversde and that James
Smith, the prisoner, was the master. The provisions
They finally took board, on the coast OF Africa,
what they designated cargo There were Goa human
beings crowded on board a small vessel, seated, in
day time, on the deck, one within the extended legs
of the other close possible and laid at night
their right Sides slowed also closely possible
the object Of placing them the right side being that
the action OF the heart would be more free. She
made the coast Of Cuba at point directed by the in
suuctons, and il is singular that man-of-war has
not been directed to cruise at such point to prevent
such landings. As 10 the
oahs at the Custom House it has been said that they
are lightly administered. 1t might have been said
that they are lightly taken. Here is this man, who
has solemnly that he is citizen of t1e United
Staiee and has signed TO that effect and he must be
holden TO IL The indictment says that the vessel
owned by said Smith, citizen of the United States
OF by some other citizen to the Jurors unknown Is
has been shown by witness that the Secretary Of the
Portuguese Consul said 10 have been interested
in the vessel Mr.. Fganiere the Consul 10 order TO
do away with that, IL called by counsel for Defense
and be swears that he had secretary. Who is this
man. He declined to answer questions put to him in
relation 10 the vessel and is 10 be regretted from
the appearance, that there slave r,ickers among
Us, bearing the seals Of foreign power. The Dis
OConor in his argument, that the Distrct-Attorney
cropping about in the dark for dagger with which
to make his threats. There are real daggers the
Distrct-Attorney said an the hands Of tie persons
engaged IN ~" traffic IN tAis GUY, and any mans
life IS IN danger rho attempts 10 expose them.
But for myself, If should lose my life will
feariessly GO my duty
An examination Of ships papers at the Custom
House, for years past, proves that the oath Of the
owner or master of vessel that he is citizen Of
the United States, which by law he is required to
be, is Omitted-apparently with the design of
shielding the wretches who, as captains and own
ers, are engaged in the slave trade and who al.
most weekly send out from this port vessels fitted
out for that traffic. The law makes the punish
nent death, provided the master or owner is an
American citizen. The Custom House authorities
in Philadelphia and Boston. where like e1amina.
ton of ships papers has taken place. were found
always to have particularly followed the pro-
visions Of the law, and it is doubtful If slavers are
fitted out at those ports, at least to any such ex
tent as is known to be the case here.
The water for ships leaving New-York is sup
piled by persons who purchase the privilege from
the Croton Water Department. These persons
know that vessels built to sail with extraordinary
rapidity, of from two to four hundred tuns for
which any legitimate trade should carry crew
Of ten to sixteen men, are continually and openly
supplied with from fifteen to forty thousand gal.