220 
THE CONFERENCE. 
instead of trusting to a '^dash” or present, which depends 
on the willingness of the traders. 
Obi . — I will agree to discontinue the slave-trade, but 
I expect the English to bring goods for traffic. 
Commissioners .' — ^The Queen’s subjects cannot come 
here to trade, unless they are certain of a proper supply 
of your produce. 
Ohi . — I have plenty of palm-oil. 
Commissioners. — Mr. Schon, a missionary, will ex- 
plain to you in the Ibu language what the Queen 
wishes ; and if you do not understand, it shall be re- 
peated. 
Mr. Schon began to read the address drawn up for 
the purpose of shewing the different tribes what the 
views of the Expedition were ; but Obi soon appeared 
to be tired of a palaver which lasted so much longer 
than those to which he was accustomed. He manifested 
some impatience, and at last said : — “ I have made you 
a promise to drop this slave-trade, and do not wish to 
hear anything more about it.” 
Commissioners . — Our Queen will be much pleased if 
you do, and you will receive the presents which she 
sent for you. When people in the white man’s country 
sign a treaty or agreement, they always abide by it. 
The Queen cannot come to speak to you, Obi Osai, 
but she sends us to make the treaty for her. 
Obi . — I can only engage my word for my own 
country. 
Co7n7nissioners . — You cannot sell your slaves if you 
