THE SLAVE QUESTION. 
407 
Russell’s assertion, that “ to repress the foreign Slave 
Trade by a marine guard, would scarcely be possible if 
the whole British Navy could be employed for that 
purpose * and also that of the late Sir T. F. Bux- 
ton, that “aggravated suffering reaches multiplied 
numbers f.” Again, the conclusive fact that, “ unless 
the Government of the slave-dealing states, will give 
their cordial aid in the suppression, the supply 
of slaves will be according to the demand J;” 
irrespective of the vigilance of the preventive force. In fact, the great 
falling off was the consequence of the market having been glutted in 
anticipation of the increased exertions meditated for the suppression ; 
while the renewed activity of 1346 was caused by the alteration of 
circumstances which caused a greater demand. Further, the yearly 
average from 1807 to 1846, has beeu 77,000 and when the immense 
difference in the extent of the countries requiring the importation of 
slaves at these two periods is considered, we cannot but come to the 
conclusion that the trade is very much greater at the present time ; 
and therefore that the abandonment by England of her paramount 
share has not diminished the traffic ; for the Brazils, which at that 
time imported 25,000, now I’equires the greater proportion of that 
whole number. 
The average tonnage of vessels employed in the trade is about 
170 to 200 tons ; and they are mostly inferior built American vessels ; 
three months is the time computed for the passage to the West African 
coast and the return to Brazils. But by Lord Howden’s letter to Vis- 
count Palmerston, dated Rio de Janeho, 9th February, 1848, and given 
in Mr. Bandiners evidence before a Committee of the House of Com- 
mons, 18ih April, 1848, one vessel had made five successful voyages 
within the year 1847. Any person at all acquainted with the slave 
* Letter to the Lords of the Treasury ^ December 26, 1839. 
t Buxton, on the 8lme Trade, p. 268. 
+ Mr. Bandinel’s Evidence (Parliamentary Report) on the Siam 
Trade, p. 257. 
