The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1858-04-27
THE AFRICAN SLAVE TRADE.
Interesting Correspondence between The Eng
Hsh. French and American Governments.
Re-opening of the slave Trade in a
New Form.
PLARE.UP WITH ENGLAND.
Sharp Letter from General Cas- to Lord
Napier,
&c. &c. &c
THE HON. JOHN Y. MASON TO SECRETARY

THE ION. JOHN \. MASON To SECRETARY
CASS.
PARIS, Feb 10, 1855
In ga interview which had the honor to have
with Count Walewsk, Minister of Foreign Affairs,
IN the hast week of January, | asked him if there
were any objections 10 my being informed of the
precise Character of the measures adopted by his
Majesty he Emperors government in regard 20 the
importation into the French colonies of negroes
from Africa. He replied that there not, and pro
ceeded to state very frankly that the French colonies
particularly IN The Hest indies iangushng for
HdRt Of labor; that negro labor alone adlptedto
SUpicdl productions; that the French govern
nlent had devised a system for the Introduction
nom Africa of aborers under guards which were in
tended TO protect them as free emgranis that 10
supply these laborers they looked mainly 10 prison
er taken by the tribes in their intestine wars VINO
would If not so disposed Of, according TO the bar
baruus customs Of the country, be put 80 death;
that the arrangements IN Africa prior to the EN-
laIkston, and for he disposition OF the emgrants
during the voyage, and after their arrival IN the
colonies were entirely under the management of
commissioners of the French government; that obi
cations were taken by them from the planters wno
received the emgrants into service to bind taem to
provide for the negroes during their term OF service
and secure 10 them the means OF returning u Asri
Ca if they shall choose TO do after its expiration
asked II there was any truth In some statements
which / had seen in the English newspapers that
French vessels freighted with African emigrants
would be regarded by British cruisers a. engaged in
the African slave trade. His Excellency SAID no:
that there had been communication betreen the
sot object 10 the French scheme rhtie the ,rdits Of
the British colonies rert beng supplied on the
ooiie trade The Minister urged that the plan adopt
I'd secured African labor, which was ndis pensabe to
their colonies that the emgrants were free and were
rescued generally from impending immoation;
that relieved from ignorance and heathenism OF the
most degrading character, they would be humanHed
and Christianzed by being placed IN contact with
the French cOlOnists. The conversation ended by
the Ministers assurance that he would send me
written memorandum in reply to my inquiry. This
promise he rede med by sending me the papers
which herewith transmit. There are some points
which neither the conversation nor the written
memorandum give information which ] desired. "
docs not appear whether consideration j, paid TO
tbe chiefs OF tribes for their captlves or people
| infer that there j.. II does not explain the dura
on Of the term Of service, and remains 90 be seen
whether any Of the emigrants VIII survive the term
or return to their country.
Judging from the tone Of the public press and
reasoning T1OTi feel quite confident that ia future
teW s6c The fanatic0i denuRcia'ions Of ia,cTean
sis-ery greatly moderated II not sdenccd IN France,
perhaps IA England.
The French system is the subject of much discus
sisn in the English and French journals. In the Re
dts Dtur hOadCs, which is the organ Of the
sbohtionists, or Les A,ns des Nois, II l. severely
attacked and also in the R,rue COntSnp0raire, Of
which send copy herewith ~ IS quie trifeh
faf connection is gaining strength bot, IN England
and ~ Gnce. that ia The compulsory emancipation OF
The sidr,s in their tropical colonies bp authority Of
sorernmst gTare political erro- has been commit
kd-an unjust 10 the colonists whose rights OF
property were destroyed and to the colonies by the
humiliation Of the labor which made thom produc-
tive. without securing any compromising benefit. "
tribute 10 abstract idea, and nov, 10 repair
the in Is pOlitico economical sense, measures
are rCs0rtod t. which amount eSsenta:y aud nece+
sry 20 the restoration Of slavery, whether OF the
Coolies the free emigrants, or the rebel
hous sepoys Of British India, far more OBJ
rctionahle than the regulated system OF slave Ia
Dor which the present generation found established
and destroyed. IL Is a subject Of so much interest
a. the United States that have ;houghtit not amiss
~ make this communication. IL aprear~ % me that
when the condition Of the native born slave OF the
United States. intelligent well cared for, Christian
lied and happy is cOuirasied with that Of the cpole
or the African emigani, or the transported indian
a-epoy the most fastdious philanthropy viii not
hesitate TO declare the advantage % be on our de;
and when enlightened governments at the head OF
European civilization are seen. ~ moment OF 70
pstCi-m, % interfere with the rights Of property
aid o. destroy the labor OF whole communities on
81 abstract notion, and are - soon compelled by
political necessities 10 resort 20 such measures u
repair the wrong which they have done. all right
minded men with us viii conclude that Ill i better
o. bear The evils that have Kan by 10 Others that
We know not ",