, 1874-03-29

N%d0k
Cape Coast Castle A white line Of surf beats
necessarily upon the granite rock Which forms
the foundation OF the fortress, aud rolls in upon
ths sandy beach with rhythmic monotonv that
never ceases. Originally co1onized by the Por-
tu9uese in 1910, and afterwards by the Dutch, it
passed into the possession Of the British in 1861.
At first station for facilitating the slave-trade
it has become the depot OF commercial inter
course with the interior. 4 hundred years there
are but as day change there is none it Is an
eddy Of the current Of the worlds progress, and
well-n1gh forgotten and unnoticed by all but the
school-boy in his routine task Of geographical
studies- 4 deadly climate, noxious beasts, and q
death-rateof $50 to 1000 in European occupants
lend funereal atmosphere to the place. The
romance OF Letitia Elizabeth Landon has woven,
among the "reminiscences OF slave-t1alers and
dolefulmenories OF garrison officers, the mystery
Of loneliness rarely disturbed Beyond is an
impenetrable jungle, through which few narrow
paths lead to the fertile country Of Ashantee,
rich in growth Of grains, vegetables, and fruits.
The trade is in palm oil, gold dust. and ivory,
and the gains tempt handful OF merchants to
1iak their lives in traffic.
The Ashantees, a rather vigorous race, became
involved in difficulties with the British in the
early part of the century, and. after the destrnc
ton Of the British army under Sir Charles Mc-
Carthy, u naomentary advantage gained by the
Ashantees WAS overcome; they we're obliged to
sue for peace, and, By treaty IL 1926, the River
Prah VAS fixed as the boundary Of Ashantee on
the south, leaving the coast tribes under the
protection Of the British. Since then various
differences have occurred, but they have hither-
to been settled by negotiation.
A recent transfer Of possession Of part Of
the coast from the Dutch to tue English has re-
suited in war. Whether the grievance na that
OF non-payment OF tribute, or tha denial ot ac-
The defeat Of Sir Charles Mccarthy fifty years
ago Was not forgotten, and long list Of
troubles with the Warlike AshRntees led
to the sending OF an expedition similar to
TINT dispatched to Abyssinia few yeare ago.
It wM peedful that the campaign should be-
short and speedy, as military operations were
Of necessity limited to the coolest months. The
resources Of the dock-Jarda and arsenals were
gathered together; breech-loaders and rockets
md all the improved appliances Of modern war
fare we're brought into requisition- The aid of
the native tribes was invoked, and for six
months the British public has awaited, in ILL.,
concealed suspense, the result. Special CORE
sponeents hocked thither from all points Of the
compass varied and conflicting rumors found
their way home from time 10 time, and we1a re-
inforced by sage predictions OF disaster. Dis-
cussions as to the future policy Of the Govern
ment, whether OF occupancy Or abandonment,
we're grayely discussed; but behind all was the
invincible determination to make the Ashantees
feel and thoroughly comprehend the power Of
the British arms.
Meanwhile the Wat progressed Allies failed,
liable but pluck carried Sir Garnet Wolseley
through all difficulties, and on tho LIST of Febru-
airy he entered the Ashantee Capital Coomassie.
Once in possession Of the Capital the object Of
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the coast and to England waB eAeedlly accom-
pliahed We may predict the rsas- The natives,
duly impressed With an ides Of the power Of
England, and possibly somowhat fatigued with
over -exertion in 10 hot climate, will for the
present remain quiet. Some additional trophies
will adorn the ROOMS in the Tower OF London,
name or twowin be worked upon the flags of the
victorious regiments. For the victories in Abys-
sinia Sir Robert Napier was received in state.
granted q pension and the freedom Of the City
OF London, and created Lord Napier Of Magdala.
Less cannot be granted to si9 Garnet wolseley
than to descend to history as tbs conqueror OF
Aehantee, and Lord Wolss.ey If Coomassie.
It is, after al, but an episode, paragraph OF
history. The old castle will still decay, the sun
throw its seething heat upon the surf As OF yore
and the naked savages play UPON the beach and
steal through the jungle, forgetful OF the past-
But for the lives that woro lost. and the treas
ure that was used, has compensation been re-
eeived7 It il fine thing to be the policeman
ot the world but perhaps in the future sozns
hishsr tnottvs tnst khinats Ind ditses Tho Applt4