Red Wing sentinel., 1860-01-07


more than half century there has been no
perceptible addition to the number Of our do
,nestic slaves. During this period their ad-
vauccment in civilization has far surpassed
that Of any other portion of the African race.
The light and the blessings Of Christianity
have been extended to them, and both their
moral and physical condition has been greatly
improved.
Reopen the trade, and it would be difficult
to determine whether the effort would he more
deleterious to the interests of the master or on
those of the native born slave. Of the evils
to the master, the one most to be dreaded
would be the introduction of wild, heather
and ignorant bar.arians among the sober,
orderly and quiet slaves, whose ancestors have
been on the soil for several generations. This
might tend to barbarize, demoralize and exas-
pcrate the whole mass, and produce the most
deplorable consequences
The effect upon the existing slave would, il
possible, he still more deplorable. Atprescnt
he is treated with kindness and humanity. He
is well fed, we'll clothed, and not overworked
His condition is incomparably better than that
of the coolies which modern nations of high
|civiiization have employed as substitute 10,
African slaves. Both the philanthropy and
selfiEterest of the master have combined tu
produce this human result. But let this trade
be re-opened and what will be the effect? The
same, to considerable extent, as on neigh.
boring island d-the only spot now on eartl,
where the African slave trade is openly tole.
rated; and this in defiance of solemn treaties
with Power abundantly able ut any momen,
to enforce their execution. There the master
intent upon the present gain, EFFORTS from the
slave as much labor as bis physical powers
are capable Of enduring-kn owing that when
death comes to his relief, his place can be
supplied ut price reduced to the lowest poin,
by the competition Of rival African slave
traders Should this ever be the case in Out
country-which do not deem possible-the
present useful character of the domestic in.
Istitution, wherein those too old and too
young to work are provided for with care
and humanity, and those capable of labor ore
not overtasked. would undergo an unfortunate
change. The feeling of reciprocal dependence
and attachment which now exists betweci,
master and slave would be converted into
mutual distrust aEd hostility. 2' aEs
But we are obliged as Christian and
effect upon unhappy Africa itselfifrwe should
tC-OITClb IAV SOSC uOuCs us WOuIU give GuC
trade an impulse aud extension which it has
never had even in its palmiest days. The nu-
merous victims required to supply it would
convert the whole slave coast into perfect
Pandemonium, for which this country w":.!!;;::
be held responsible in the eyes both Of God
and man. Its petty tribes would then be con-
stantly engaged in predatory wars against
each other for the purpose Of scizing slaves to
supply the American market. Ali hopes cl
African civilization would thus be ended.
On the other hand, when. q market for Afri.
eau slaves shall no longer be furnished in
Cuba, and thus all the world will be closed
against this trade, we may then indulge in .
reasonable hope for the gradual improvement
Of Africa. The chief motive of war among
the tribes will cease whenever there is no
longer any demand for slaves. The resources
Of that fertile but miserable country, might
then, be developed by the hand of industry
aud afford subjects for legitimate foreign and
domestic commerce. In this manner Christi.
anity and civilization may gradually penetrate
the existing gloom.
The wisdom Of the course pursued by this
government towards China has been vi,,dicated
by the event. Whilst we sustained q neutral
position in the war waged by Great Britain
aud France against the Chinese Empire, our
late Minister, in obedience to his instructions
ljudiciously co.operated With the Ministers ol
these Powers in all peaceful measures to secure
Dy treaty the just concessions demanded by the
interests Of foreign commerce. The result is
that satisfactory treaties have been concluded
with China by the respective Ministers Of the
United States, Great Britain, France and Rus
sia. Our atseaty. Of general convention d
peace, amity and commerce" with that Empire
was concluded at 'Miehtsh on the 18th june
1885,, and was ratified by the President, by
and with the advice and consent of tue Senate,
on the 2lst December following.
On the 18th DECEMBER. 1858, John T.
Ward u distinguished citizen Of Georgia, was
duly commissioned as envoy extraordinary and
munster plenipotentiary to China. He left the
lU6ied States for the place. Of bis des,inatior
|6n tie 5th Of February, 1859: bearing with
him the ratified copy Of this treaty, and arrived
1T Shanghae on the 28eh May. Brom thence
he proceeded to Pekin on the 10th June, but
did not arrive at that city until the 9th July
According to the terms of the treaty the rati
ications were to be!exchanged on or before
the 18th Of June, 1859. This was rendered
impossible by reasons aud events beyond hi.
control not necessary to detail; but Still it j.
due to the Chinese authorities at Shanghae tt
state that they always assured him no advan
tage should be taken Of. the delay, and tlli!
|pledge has been faithfully redeemed. =
On the arrival of Mr.. Ward ut Pekin lie re
quested anaudience Of the Emperor to presen,
his iletter Of credence This be did not obtair
in consequence oflhis very proper refusal t.
submit to the humiliating ceremonies required