THE NIGER EXPEDITION IMPROVED.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE SPECTATOR.
Blackheath, 27th January 1842.
SIR—On the 18th December last, you did me the favour to insert a commu- nication on the "Niger Expedition," in which I endeavoured to alleviate in some degree the anxiety of those who had friends engaged in it, and took the opportunity of stating my expectation that Sir FowELL BUXTON'S ,plans would "be abandoned by the Government as visionary and impracticable.' I deeply regret that my hopes have not been altogether realized; the Wilber- force and Albert having both returned to the coast with their crews disabled by fever, and the mortality having increased to thirty-eight Europeans, in- cluding one of the best and most rising officers in the service, Commander BIRD ALLEN: the mortality, therefore, now amounts to one-fourth of the Europeans that entered the Niger in these vessels. However much this mor- tality is to be deplored, it has always occurred in a much greater ratio in for- mer explorations on that or other African rivers : it cannot therefore have taken either the projectors of the expedition, or the officers appointed to carry It into effect, by surprise ; they must have expected it in a greater or less de- gree, and as far as human foresight could go, doubtless carefully guarded against it. Provided the object sought after was a practicable and worthy one, the mortality that has occurred, however much to be regretted, can be no rea- son why the expedition should be given up. And yet it is to be given up ; in- deed it Is openly stated that the Government have issued orders to that diet.
I conclude, therefore, that her Majesty's present advisers consider Sir .FowELL Buvrores.plans "visionary and impracticable," and have taken the 'opportunity offered by the return of Captain TROTTER and the vessels under his command, to withdraw at the earliest moment possible their countenance and support from them.
If this be the case, I most heartily rejoice in their decision; believing as I do that the repudiation of the worthy Baronet's plans is the first and most neces- sary step towards a full, fair, and open examination of the whole African ques- tion: for this question is becoming daily more and more important—in fact, meat to the "Condition-of-England question" the most important. In one view it threatens the trade of our West India Colonies with annihilation ; in the other, it affords the simple and natural means, by free emigration, of re- storing them to a height of prosperity unknown in Colonial history. It is in- volving us in a dispute with the united States upon the only question (the right of search) that the City diplomacy of our Special Ambassador cannot in- duce them to turn into dollars. It is a question that we have been trying to settle these thirty 'four years, at an immense expenditure of money and life; and our endeavours have eventuated in the increase of the slave-trade, slavery, and misery, according to Sir FOWELL BUXTON, and in the announcement by Lord JOHN RUSSELL "that it is indispensable to enter upon some new pre- ventive system." It is a question that cannot longer be left in the hands of joint-stock benevolent societies : it is sapping the foundation of England's Colonial greatness, and requires and demands the attention of statesmen. I know of no fairer tribunal to elicit the opinions of those connected and acquainted with or interested in Africa, than a Parliamentary Committee : there are many naval officers and civilians in the employ of Government whose ,evidence can only be got in this way ; and in the early part of 1838, I pressed the necessity of such an inquiry, before taking any new measures, upon Sir POWELL BUXTON, Lord BROUGHAM, and others who did me the honour to ask my opinion on the subject. As, notwithstanding my opinion was not fol- lowed, I still 'continued to hold it, I pressed it upon the public, in June 1840, in the pages of the Westminster Review; concluding the article OR "Remedies for the Slave-trade" in these words- " In conclusion, we again implore the public to judge of this African ques- tion themselves. If they are sceptical of the remedies proposed, while the motives of their authors are above suspicion, does it not prove the necessity for further inquiry before hurrying to the adoption of any one of them? "To philanthropists we say, look at the evil that has been done ht,..the name of philanthropy, and inquire before you enter upon a new course ? "To economists, look at the expense you have incurred for thirtv.years, and compare it with the result. _ "To statesmen we submit the facts and arguments now adduced; and in the name of humanity, policy, and justice, we ask for a public inquiry, before the nation is pledged to the adoption of any new system. I sin still of opinion that such an inquiry is necessary ; and as Captain TROTTER and other officers of the Expedition are now in this country, their opinions and experience could be made available in the ensuing session of Par- liament. Sir F. BUXTON and his party must be both eager and anxious for an opportunity of justifying their plans before a Committee of the House of Com- mons, and throwing the odium of their rejection upon the Government. The West India planter, who, sinking under the want of labour, importunately cries out for a free emigration from Africa to enable him to compete with the slave- holder ; the African merchant, who has the dread of a Benevolent African Exclusive-Privileged Mercantile Association hanging over him ; the economist, who sees hundreds of thousands annually expended, and in return is periodi- cally informed that the slave-trade is flourishing,—all are interested in having this question sifted to the bottom. If there are any who think such an inquiry uncalled-for, or who flatter them- selves that our present preventive system is effectual in suppressing the slave- trade, I would entreat them to look at the Reports from the members of the Mixed Commission Courts, (Pan. Papers, A and B,) for the last :three years ; where they will find abundant reasons for demanding it. if, Sir, you are of opinion such an inquiry is extrdient, may I beg tlie in- sertion of this letter, and your powerful aid in bringing it about.
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