ABOLITION OF SLAVERY ON THE GOLD COAST.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 4350, 27 February 1875, Page 2

ABOLITION OF SLAVERY ON THE GOLD COAST.

The results of the Ashantee war are gradually transforming the relations of the native tribes. Governor Strahan recently assembled all the kings and chiefs of the western and central districts of the Gold Coast to a grand palaver at Cape Coast Castle. He pointed out to them what the Queen had done, and asked them in return to show their gratitude by setting free their slaves. “ The Queen’s general and army fought your battles for you. . . . In this way you were relieved from defeat and misery. . . . Her Majesty sent out these men in ships from England at a cost ten times greater than all the gold there is in Ashantee, Akim, and W.ossau. Some of these officers and men died in battle, and others from disease.” So pleaded the Governor, and he asked' them, in return for the benefits they had received, to lend their aid in putting an end to a state of things which the Queen and her people abhor. “ I have pointed out to some of you that the English people buy sheep, fowls, and other live stock, but not men, women, and children. The Queen is determined to put a stop at once to the buying and selling of slaves, either within or without the Protectorate, in any shape, degree, or form ; and she will allow no pex-son

to, be taken as a pawn for debt. The Queen desires to make you as happy as her own people. This buying, selling, and pawning of men and women and children is wrong, and no country where it exists can be happy." But the kings ask time for consultation, and while agreeing to cease from buying or selling slaves, objected to the slaves being permitted to go free without cause being shown, and likewise to pawns not being allowed. According to the intelligence received from the Gold Coast, it was finally settled that no slave should leave his master unless there was proof of cruelty or maltreatment. But Lord Carnarvon at once made known that this was a mistake, and that in the view of the home Government no such arrangement could be accepted even as a temporary measure, and that no slave could be retained in service if he desired to leave. A movement is on foot for the consolidation of the South African colonies. Mr. Froude is travelling through them, making inquiries. Griqualand has been annexed, and it is urged that one strong confederated government should be established from the Cape to Natal.