360 
TRAVELS IN AFRICA. 
them that the benefits of commerce should be 
mutual, and that a present, unrefused as such, 
should not be converted into a right, to be en- 
forced for the future by prohibitions or by arms. 
Another remedy at once presents itself to the 
mind, but, unfortunately, that is a remedy which 
cannot, I fear, be speedily administered, much 
less easily obtained ; I allude to the general con- 
currence of Europe in the abolition of slavery, 
England, however, does not come in for any 
share of blame on this eventful subject : every 
thing has been done by her which eloquence, 
treasure, influence, humanity, or religion could 
unite in favour of so desirable a consummation. 
It is to be hoped that her example will, sooner 
or later, induce the other powers of Europe to 
imitate it, in which event the most incalculable 
advantages would result to the suffering negroes 
of Africa, It would be, perhaps, unbecoming 
in me to press this important topic to an ex- 
tremity ; the wisest men as statesmen, and the 
minutest calculators as political economists, all 
concur in stating the general abolition of slavery 
(placing all humanity and religion out of the 
question) to be a general good. After the ex- 
pression of such a very extensive and honourable 
feeling, it is matter of regret that some of the 
powers of Europe cannot be induced to aid in 
the great work which England had the honour 
