The Hawaiian gazette. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1865-1918, 1873-04-23
The United states and the AboIishment of
Slavery In Porto Rico.

The question of slavery in the Spanish Colonies In
the West Indies has for several years beena matter Of
diplomatic correspondence between the Government
at Washington and Madrid. The fattering result in
the of the emancipation in Cuba was desired
for Porto Rico. Through the usual means of COM
munication the Spanish Government was apprised
Of the views of the United States on the subject last
November. The first steps in the premises were
taken when the Spanish Minister placed in the hands
OF Minister Sickles memorandum of the Colonial
policy which the Cabinet had agreed upon. The
substance OF these propositions were the replace
ment of military government in Porto Rico by the
civil authority with civil Government, and the con-
fniug ofthe Captain General to functions purely mil
itary. decree was to be issued OF the establish
meut ofthe municipal Government of Spain in Porto
Rico, with such notifications as might be indispen-
sable. In conformity with this free trade Consuls
and officers were to be chosen. The law establish
ing Provisional Assembly was to be put into full
and exact execution The Act previously had re-
manned in operation for lack of town officials. Slave
~ was to be abolished in Porto Rico. These re-
forms were but the fulhlment of pledges made by
the Radical party to public opinion in Spain. The
question Of slavery at that time decided as to
the principle, but the dispute arose whether eman.
cpation should be immediate gradual To settle
this it necessary to submit bill to the Spanish
Cortes and await their action. The dispatch of Min
lister Sickles therefore, Indicates favorable DISPOSE
ton ofthe Spanish republic to carry out the promises
of the Kingdom, and decision has been given In
favor Of. immediate emancipation. In July, 1872
the number of slaves in Porto Rico was as follows
Males under twelve years, s, 4S9; from twelve to
sixty years, L, 655; females, under twelve years.
344s; from twelve to sixty years, IL, 455; making
OF slaves, males and females aggregate of 81 042
while the population of the island for 1869 and 1870
was SAG 49, and the number OF free eolored for the
same year was e07, s22.
The Spanish Government, at the instance of the
United States, passed law in July 1870, providing
gradual emancipation of slaves in the West In-
dian colonies. The law, however, remained some
time unexeeuted. In dispatch dated October 29th,
1s7 from the Secretary of State Mr.. sickles the
diatory action of the Spanish Government was com
mented upon severely, the Spanish Government was
reminded that the nsurrection in Cuba had then last
ed four years. and that all attempts suppress ii so
far had been futile that up to that time 1t had cost
more than 10000 lives, and IN ncalculabIe amount
OF property, that ourcommercial and other connect
ions with that island had compelled US to take warm
interest in its peaceful and orderly condition, with
which there could not be prosperity. The deter
mined policy of the United States judciousIy press
ed, at length eondueed to more favorable applica-
ton ofthe Law f1sTo. Extending the same humane
wishes to Porto Rico has effected an more fat
tering prospect there This action in the Spanish
Congress 1t is considered will lead to sti more IT,
bersl administration OF the government of the Span
ISL colonies, SO near our own southern borders, and
with whom we have such close commercial aud
mercantile relafions--4MeTioan paper.