Dhow Chasing in Zanzibar Waters - The Search For Mecca

APPENDIX. 351
them running with a fresh breeze. I assure
their lordships it is a matter of sneer and jeer
by the Arabs, our impotent efforts
to stop that
horrible abomination ;
yes, my lords, even the
Sultan says the English will talk and bully, but
can't or won't stop the trade. It is positively
evident that a new system must be adopted.
propose that
the money we annually expend in
this course be employed in a more profitable and
useful manner; I suggest that a stationary
ship to act as a depot and guard-ship, with a
steam launch, be sent here under a captain who
has had some experience in this duty ; that a
certain sum per annum be paid to the Sultan,
on condition that he gives up the slave-trade,
importing only a few to fill up vacancies in his
dominions. Your Lordships are aware that
the Sultan receives about 10,000Z. per annum,
by a tax upon the entry as well as the exit of
slaves. The sum given to the Sultan would be
recovered by the saving in bounties for captured
negroes; and the stationary guard-ship
would be cheaper than a cruiser ;
a large frigate
without steam would be the best vessel, juryrigged,
and kept Hke a man-of-war, with a
commander's complement of officers and men.
This ship would be a military support to the
Sultan, if he agreed to our own terms.
I
I would
add the advantage of a stationary officer at this