Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1858-04-30
The Slave Trade---African and
Coolie Observation-Disclosures
Correspondence.


in which he relates a conversation with
Count Walewski. Mr.. Mason inquired
whether there was any truth in the state
ments 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 be-
tween the two governments, and that the
British would not object to the French
scheme while the wants of the British
colonies were being supplied by the
coolie trade. Count Walewski urged
that by the plan adopted to secure Afri-
can labor, which is indispensable to their
colonies, the emigrants were free, and
wcro rescued generally from impending
immolation that, relieved from ignor-
ance and heathenism of the most de-
grading character, they would be human
lied, they would be Christianized, by be-
ing placed in contact with the French
colonists.
1t does not appear whether consider
alton is to be paid in the Chiefs of tribes
for their captives, or the people, but Mr..
Mason infers there is. Nor is the dura-
ton of their service explained, and it re-
mains to be seen whether any of the
emigrants will serve their term or return
to their country. Judging from the tone
Of the public press, and reasons a pri-
orr" Mr.. Mason feels confident that in
future we will see fanatical denunciation
of American slavery greatly moderated,
if not silenced, in France-perhaps in
England. He adds that it is quite evident
that the conviction is gaining strength,
both in England and France, that the
compulsory emancipation of the slaves
Of 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 humiliation of
the labor which made them productive,
without securing any compromising be-
neft.
There is also a 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 it
has produced bears no reasonable proper
ton, hr regrets 10 observe, to the ex-
prnditure of life and treasure it has cost
But there IS another way of proceeding
without the dangers and difficulties and
ineficiency 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 car
find market.
i If these unfortunate victims could no
be sold, they would not be bought. Tt
i, shut the ports of Cuba to their entrance
, is to shut the ports of Africa to their de
parture and to effect this, nothing would
seem to be wanting but the cordial co
f operation Of the Spanish government
The introduction of the slave into thi
country is fact which Gen. Cass be
| lieves the present generation has no
, witnessed.
D 1t is understood that Spain has entere
into engagements with Great Britain,
not with France, also, that she will us
E her best exertions to prevent the impor
: tation of slaves into her dominions. Thi
e pledge, if granted, has not certainl
t been redeemed, althoug ii it is difficult t
: believe that the Spanish governmer
# would resist or neglect the firm remon
strances Of these two great powers, Q
n even of Great Britain alone.
In reply to Lord Napier's remar
+ about the habit of vessels on the coast
u Africa to hoist the American flag as
is protection against the British cruiser
: and that this precaution does not prote,
q the SLAYER from a visit, but exoneratt
e her from search, Gen. Cass says IL
} United States deny the right of the crui
d ers of any other power whatever to ent,
N their vessels by force, in time of peace
IS and to decide the broad inquiry whetht
le the vessel is navigating according to la,
l. as claimed by England, and to send h,
5e in at pleasure for trial, cannot be submit
a. ted to by any independent nation witho
a. injury and dishonor.
of In conclusion, Mr.. Cass is instruct,
as by the President to inform Lord Napi
lie that, while he (the PRESIDENCY is dete
I mined to execute the treaty of 184
If NTH HJaI;t,