'The Slave Trade of East Africa.' [‎92] (101/108)

We we would urge that, in their location, the precedent
of Sierra Leone be followed, due regard being had to the
future well-being and prosperity of the settlement.
We have said that we fear the action of the Government
with regard to the liberation of the slaves is likely to be
hampered by political considerations; and as in place of the
simple and straightforward course of undertaking the main
tenance of the liberated slaves, economy, or, rather, parsimony,
proposed to substitute the plan of free labourers at Zanzibar;
so we fear that political feeling will recommend a quasi free
settlement under the Sultan's flag and rule, instead of a real
one in British territory for the reception of the free slaves.
If this is to avoid wounding the susceptibilities of the Sultan,
we should fear they are likely to receive many a shock under a
system which, while it recognizes his flag and rule, must inter
vene for the protection of the young settlement against its
nominal ruler. We must say we cannot see the necessity for
all this. Surely there can be no difficulty in purchasing a
sufficient tract of land for a British settlement. None of the
Powers who with us are interested in the abolition of the trade,
and have expressed their sympathy and readiness to support
the mission of Sir B. Frere u with all the moral and diplomatic
means at their disposal," can raise any objection to such a
purchase. The success and future well-being of such a settle
ment seems to turn upon not only civilized but Christian rule.
Dr. Kirk, writing on the 20th March, 1871, says :—
" I am certain, however, that it will be found expedient, if not
necessary, so long as Zanzibar remains a free Arab Government, for us
to have a free settlement somewhere on the coast, possibly not an
English possession, but certainly under our administration. On such
a station only could a mass of freed slaves be properly and advantage
ously dealt with for the first five years of their freedom, and a
settlement of this nature on the coast would be a break in the land
route that will at once be opened when the sea transport is prohibited
and blockaded."
And again, on the 5th September, 1871, he says :—
" To locate freed slaves in numbers anywhere in the island of
Zanzibar, not directly under British or other European authority, would