THE SLAVE QUESTION. 
435 
such a colony would be to counteract the horrible Slave 
Trade, which still rears its hydra head, assuming a more 
atrocious aspect from every endeavour to put it down. 
The same local advantages which have facilitated the 
transit of slaves from all parts of the interior will 
afford the most effectual means of putting a stop to it, 
viz. : the two noble rivers which traversing so large a 
portion of Soudan, give ready means of communication 
with the coast, to all the nations on their borders. 
The idea of the colony which has here been 
laid before our readers was conceived on the spot 
which is recommended for its location — surrounded by 
the beautiful scenery of the Confluence of the Ohadda 
and Niger — during the first Niger Expedition, and 
laid before the Admiralty, by Captain Allen, on his 
return""' to England, though it is here more fully 
developed; and it differs from the original in the pro- 
position to employ the African race only, if any can be 
found qualified for undertaking so great a task. It may 
by some be considered a hopeless experiment, but unless 
the friends of Africa are much deceived, it will give an 
opportunity for the expansion of native intellect, which 
must be productive of benefit on the race generally. 
But whether capable or incapable, the agency of the 
native African has never yet been fairly tried. 
Hitherto benevolent legislators for Africa have sketched 
* Report to the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, October 1, 
1834. 
2 F 2 
