Dhow Chasing in Zanzibar Waters - The Search For Mecca

PORTUGUESE POSSESSIONS. 283
tliat they are satisfied to be left alone, contented
if tliey can only supply their bodily wants, and run
and hide themselves at the sound of every rustling
leaf, lest it should be caused by a man-stealer.
I now propose to consider how such a
bulwark is to be estabhshed.
I take it for granted that the issue of Sir
Bartle Frere's mission to Zanzibar will be the total
abolition of the slave-trade ;
so far as treaties are
concerned they have been violated in every respect
;
and in order that any future negotiation
may be effective, the absolute prohibition of the
slave-trade and the declaring it Piracy is the only
basis possible ; and in this all nations worthy of
consideration will join us. The petty Eastern
chiefs will then see that their game is played
out, and will be glad to come to any arrangement
we may propose. As their subjects,
conducting this trade and conveying the
negroes over the seas, on finding that nothing
can save their vessel and its cargo from
capture, instead of continuing their course run
her into the boiling surf with the bare chance
of saving a few of the slaves, though they risk
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