Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1858-04-26


LIE MISUNDERSTANDING the papers transmit
ted to the Senate on Saturday from the Pres
ident, on the subject of African slavery, and
African and Cooe laoorers, is Que from Mr..
Mason, our Minister to France, dated Feb.
10, in which he relates a conversation with
Count Walewski. Mr.. Mason inquired wheth-
er there was any truth in the statement in
the English newspapers, that French vessels
freighted with African emigrants would be
regarded by British cruisers as engaged in the
African slave trade Count Walewski replied
No; that there had been some communication
between the two governments, and that the
British would not object to the French scheme
while the wants of the British Colonies we're
being supplied by the Coolie trade. Count
Walewsk urged that by the pan adopt
ed to secure African labor, which is indspen-
sable to their colonies, the immigrants were
free, and were rescued generally from inpeud-
ing inmolatloh; that, relieved from ignorance
and heathenism of the most degrading char.
acter, they would be humanized, they would
be Christlanzed, by being placed in contact
with the French colonists. 1t does not ap-
pear whether consideration is to be paid to
the chiefs Of tribes for their captlves, or the
people, but Mr.. Mason infers there is Nor
is the duration Of their service explained, and
it remains to be seen whether any of the en-
igrants will serve their term or return to their
country.
Judging from the tone of the public press,
and reasoning priors Mr.. Masontees couti-
dent that in future we shall see fanatical de-
nunciation Of American Slavery greatly mod
Grated. if not silenced, in France, = perhaps
IN England He adds that it is quite evident
that the conviction is gaining strength, both
ia, Et.o nd ~
emancipation of the slaves in their tropical
colonies by authority of their governments
was grave political error, an error unjust to
the colonists whose rights Of property were
destroyed, and to the colonies by the annihi-
latlon Of the labor which made them produc-
tive, without securing any compromising ben
ehts.
There is also letter from Secretary Cass to
Lord Napier, dated April 10, in which the
former says that the joint blockade of the
coast OF Africa has been pursued some years,
and the benefit il has produced. bears no rea E
sonable proportion, he regrets to observe, to
the expenditures of life and treasure 1t has
cost. But there is another way of proceed
ing, without the dangers and difficulties which
beset blockade, and which is sure to succeed
If adopted and persevered in, and that is, to
close the slave mart of the world, or rather
the island of Cuba, which is now almost the
only region where the slave dealer can find
market 1t these unfortunate victims could
not be sold, they would not be bought.
10 shut the ports Of Cuba to their entrance
is to shut the ports of Africa to their depart
ute and to effect this, nothing would seem
to be wanting but the cordial cooperation of
the Spanish government. The introduction
Of slave into this country is a fact which
Gen. Cass believes the present generation has
not witnessed.
1t is understood that Spain has entered into
engagements with Great Britain, if not with
France, also, that she will use her best exer-
tons TO prevent the importation of slaves into
her dominions. This pledge. if granted, Ids
not certainly been redeemed. although 1t ia
difficult to believe that the Spanish govern
ment would resist or neglect the firm remon-
strances OF these two great powers, or even of
Great Britain alone.
In reply to Lord Napiers remark about the
habit OF vessels on the coast of Africa to hoist
the American flag as protection against the
British cruisers, and that this precaution does
not protect the SLAYER from visit, but exon
crates her from search, Gen. Cass saws the
United States deny the right of the cruisers
of any other power Whatever to enter their
vessels by force, in time Of peace. and to de-
eide the broad inquiry whether the vessel is
navigating according to law. as claimed by
England, and to send her in, at pleasure, for
trial. cannot be submitted TO by any indie
pendent nation without iujnry or dishonor.
In conclusion, Mr.. Cass is instructed by
the President to inform Lord Napier that,
while he (the Presidency is determined to ex-
ecute the treaty Of 1912, with fidelity and eff.
fcency. be is not prepared, under existing
circumstances, to enter into any stipulations
on the subject Of the African slave trade.