The Washington times., 1903-07-19
MODERN FILIBUSTERS.
Strange French Mut-Monae Lebudy and
Similar Enterprises

the British government in the matter,
readily consented to the insertion OF a
clause in the treaty dealing with the
subject, constituting an undertaking by
the Moorish crown not to cede the ter
ritory thus surrendered 20 anyone what
soever.
A few years later an expedition SINH
liar to that of NJ. Lebaudy, made a des-
cent upon the same strip of coast lire
It was organized and financed by the
Globe Venture Company. OF which Sir
Edward Thornton, formerly British min
lister at Washington. was one Of the di-
rectors, and was under the command of
n Major Spillsbury. AS soon as ever
the English authorities heard of the
matter they proceeded to cooperate
with the Moorish government, crushing
the enterprise. and an English warship
with Moorish officials on board pro-
ceeded to Cape JUDY, where II placed
Major Spillsbury and his principal Of
officers under arrest and carried them
of, first of all, to the Jail of the English
consulate and afterward to that of Gil
braltar. whence they were finally
released after nearly two years OF cap
tivity.
It remains to be seen whether NJ. Le-
baudy will be able to secure the con-
sent of the Moorish Sultan and of the
French, English. and Spanish govern
ments, to his retention of the territory
which has been seized by his armed ex-
petition. While 1t is possible that Eng
land, as well as Spain. might be in
duced to abandon all opposition. IL is
very doubtful II the Sultan would be
willing to yield In the affair. For the
establishment of such a settlement as
that projected by Lebaudy would entail
the importation OF both arms and am
munition for sale to the tribes in that
region OF Morocco. who. being in an al
most constant state of revolt against the
Sultan, would thus have their hands
strengthened. Indeed. one Of the princi-
pal causes OF the Sultan's anxiety to pre-
vent the creation of any trading stations
on his western coast line is precisely his
desire to make It impossible for these
disafected tribes to obtain arms and
ammunition from foreign sources for use
against his troops
And II the Sultan appeals TO the
French government for assistance In
dealing with NJ. Lebaudy, It is probable
1t will feel itself obliged to assume an
attitude analogous to that OF the British
authorities In the case of Major Spills
bury As have stated above. the infor-
nation concerning this portion of Afri-
ca is extremely limited. What is known
however. is that the possibilities of
trade, especially with the Hinterland
are considerable, and that within twenty
miles OF the coast there Is an abundance
of mineral wealth awaiting development
and exploitation. Moreover, IT would be
OF inestimable advantage to have this
dangerous coast under the control of civ
ilized people. For at present. whenever
vessel is wrecked there, those who
manage to reach land are certain of
either being murdered or else of being
carried of into the interior as slaves.
Civilization. in one word. would derive
benefit from the success OF the Lebaudy
venture. and trade also. providing the
powers can secure from France an as
surance of the open door" and Of equal
trading rights for all corners.
The Paris government has denied in
the most positive fashion all knowledge
and responsibility with regard to the
Lebaudy expedition. and will be doubt
less guided IN its dealings with him by
the success or failure OF his negotia-
tions with the Sultan. and by the posi-