"تجارة الرقيق في شرق أفريقيا" [‎٧‎٨] (١٠٨/٨٧)

78
CHAPTER VI.
Disposal of the Liberated Slaves.
The mission of Sir Bartle Frere to Zanzibar was a substantial
pledge to the nation for the fulfilment of the gracious promise
contained in the Speech from the Throne which closed the
Session of Parliament of 1873. The reference made in that
Speech to the East African slave trade, and the promise held out
as to measures for its suppression, might have conveyed to
different minds different impressions. To those informed as to
its atrocities and general features, but unacquainted with all the
ramifications of the trade, and therefore with the character of
the measures needed for its suppression, it might have seemed
enough to have simply insisted on an entire abrogation of
existing treaties and conventions, with an intimation that
England would^ no^ longer permit the trade to be carried on.
But the responsibility which rested upon our country assumed a
wider field when accurately surveyed ; careful searching re
solved the nebula into separate questions, each self-contained
and distinct, and yet involving in their adjustment and solu
tion important political and economical considerations.
Sir Bartle I rere's career as an Indian statesman, and his high
position, were guarantees that not only would a difficult question
be handled with all the tact and skill ot a finished diplomatist,
but his recommendation would be respected and followed by the
Grovernment that had entrusted to him the mission.
While, therefore, his selection for this mission satisfied those
chiefly impressed by the political difficulties which beset the
question, those who were more immediately interested in seeing
the curse removed, and a blessing bestowed on Eastern as on
estern Africa in the abolition of the slave trade, gathered
from his appointment confidence and hope, for from his
acquaintance with the good work done at Nasik and Bombay,
there was reason to hope that among the measures Sir
Bartle Erere would recommend for the abolition of the trade
provision would be found for the future welfare of the captured