ZANGA; OR, THE FUGITIVE SLAVE.

Globe, Volume V, Issue 543, 15 March 1876, Page 3

ZANG A; OR, THE FUGITIVE SLAVE.

A Modern Nautical Drama. (From Punch.') Scene I—Off the coasb of . Zanzibar— British ship discovered lying at anchor — Fierce shouts heard on shore, accompanied by the cracking of whips—Zanga, the Fugitive Slave, seen flying for his life; he reaches the edge of tbe cliff, his pursuers are gaining on him; he catches sight of the British flag, and, raising his hands to Heaven in gratitude for his delivery, plunges into the sea. Scene 2.—Same coast—the British ship lying at anchor—Zanga, Fugitive .Slave, nearly exhausted, baa reached the side of the vessel, and is imploring to be takeu on board—Cautious British captaiD, officers, and British sailors appear above, With telescopes and a book of the Admiralty orders. Fugitive Slave (nearly sinking)—For the love of Heaven —throw —me—a rope 11 [Shouts of pursuers heard on the Bhore. . Cautious British Captain (to officers)— Gentlemen, we must be careful. Where's the Admiralty Circular Catechism 1 (First Mate bringing it forward) Good ! Now —let's see Where is he ? Fugitive Slave (scarcely able to keep himself from sinking) For —the—love—of Heaven—for—the honour of your flag Cauutious Britsh Captain (after examining the book, looks over the side, and addresses the sinking slave) —You " profess to be a Fugitive Slave 1" Fugitive Slave (desparingly)—l am ! I am 1 ! Cautious British Captain—Tbe first question is, Are you " beyond the limit of territorial waters ?" Now, as with every wish to help you, it is my duty to ascertain thin

exactly, perhaps the best way would be for the First Officer to go .on shore, and make the necessary inquiries. Pipe all hands to man the Captain's gig ! Fugitive Slave (his voice becoming more and more feeble)—For pity's sake—a rope—a— Cautious British Captain (from above, addressing him) —You must, my good creature, bear in mind, that, while the Government under which I serve "desires to mitigate the horrors of slavery," yet " Her Majesty's ships are not intended for the reception of persons other than their officers and crew," and here we are. Her Majesty's ships, in fact, resemble omnibuses or cabs, or any other public conveyance, being licensed to carry so many, and no more. Therefore, you will, I am sure, see the necessity of my satisfying mjself that there is sufficient ground for taking you on board before I can accommodate you with you with a rope. Fugitive Slave—For mercy's sake—ah ! ah !—help me !—help? Cautious Brilish Captain (a little annoyed) —My dear friend, you are unreasonable. I would help you if I could ; but you must see that you have not yet satisfied me as to whether, even if you are what you profess to be,, i.e., a Fugitive Slave, you have been "detained in a state of slavery contrary to existing treaties." You should recollect, as representing the British Government, I am " bound by the Comity of Nations" to— Fugitive Slave—Ah ! [Disappears under the waves, Cautious British Captain (after a pause)— The gig will not be be required. If the person could only have waited, or have answered my questions satisfactorily, we might have taken him on board until we had communicated with the Consular authority. Gentlemen, England expects that every man shall do his duty. All—Hurrah ! Cautious British Captain—Remember, our motto is, " Britons never, never, never, shall be slaves 1" and from what you've seen of slaves, and the way they're treated, I am sure you will join with me in hearty approval of the sentiment. Gentlemen and messmates. Belay! Avast,! | Bo'sen's whißtle. Grog served out all rouud. Exit Captain to his cabin to study the Admiralty Orders.