other European nation, to go and fix ourselves in Africa, conquer and
controul the native powers, levy taxes, and make them our subjects? The
answer is plain; we have no such right, nor is any such right here
claimed or advocated. In every thing that has been stated, or that may
yet be stated, in the prosecution of this subject, I have viewed matters
prospectively, and considered our connection with Africa and our empire
there, as extensively and permanently formed. But there is not the
smallest idea of wishing to recommend that we should, or hope expressed
that we would, enter Africa with the sword drawn to accomplish these
objects. Quite the contrary. Fernando Po we may take possession of with
the permission of the Portuguese, (should that be deemed necessary to
ask,) without invading or violating, in the slightest degree, any right
of the natives, or those of any native power in Africa. For the
settlement inland, let us purchase the right and title to the space of
country we may judge necessary for that purpose, from any of the native
Princes or powers to whom it may belong. This was done at Sierra Leone,
and may be done in any other part of Africa very readily, and at a
trifling expence.
This done, there fixed and fortified, we have an unquestionable right to
extend our connections in Africa by trade, and by treaties. We can form
alliances, take nations under our protection who may solicit the same,
(many certainly would,) and thus situated, we should have the clearest
right to resist, repel, and conquer every power which might dare to
attack ourselves, or any of our allies. In this manner, as in India, but
at much less trouble and expence, our influence, power, and empire,
would be felt, would be consolidated, extended, and securely fixed in
Africa; and, ere long, it would comprehend all the countries which have
been pointed out, either as friends, or immediately under our sway. It
is in this manner I would recommend, and wish to see, and hope to see,
our power and commerce extended in Africa; and, in this manner, it can
and would extend, not only without infringing upon any legitimate
rights, but extending inestimable blessings and benefits to all.
We have attempted to do much for Africa, but hitherto without effect. We
have expended millions in endeavouring to arrest the career of the slave
trade, and upon Sierra Leone; but, in regard to the former, it may be
stated altogether without effect. Let it not be supposed that I mean any
reflections upon any one on account of the measures which have been
pursued, but the expence has hitherto been such as to be a serious item
in our national expenditure, and all without any good resulting to
either to ourselves or Africa, at least such as offers any prospect of
permanent advantage. It was only the other day that, for one year,
L.150,000 was voted to pay Portugal for illegal captures of her slave
ships, and L.18,000 more as the expences for commissions to watch over
and investigate these matters. Large as these sums are, still they are
comparatively trifling to what has at different times previously been
paid to Spain and Portugal, and in rewards to our naval officers for
seizing those very vessels which this nation is thus obliged to repay. A
portion, however, of the sums mentioned, and not a very large portion,
would be sufficient to commence an establishment such as that
recommended, and which, from the trade it would draw to it and protect,
would not only be soon able to support itself, but to repay whatever
advances government may, in the first instance, have made. On this
principle also ought colonies only to be formed in Africa, to draw
wealth to Britain, not to take it from her. We have done much for
Africa. We are the best entitled of any European nation to secure to
ourselves whatever advantages she may possess. To extend and to increase
these advantages, a liberal policy in all things is absolutely
necessary, and it may be equally advantageous to Africa and to Great
Britain that foreign ships should be admitted into such a colony or
colonies with the produce of their respective countries which Africa may
require, and be permitted in return to take away cargoes of African
produce to their own countries, but to these countries alone. This, so
far from injuring our commerce in that quarter, would tend rather to
increase it, or, where it might militate against our interests, a
trifling duty imposed upon foreigners, might, without materially
injuring them, make up the difference.
In an undertaking of this kind, we are not to be led away by too
sanguine hopes of immediate success; because, if we are so, we shall be
completely and unnecessarily discouraged at any untoward circumstance
which may, in the course of events, come in our way. Neither are we to
imagine that the population of Africa, or indeed any other population
within the Torrid Zone, can be brought to exert themselves in the same
manner as the hardier natives of temperate climates. But were the
exertions of the former only brought to equal one half the labours of
the latter, the gain would be immense to Africa and to the world. It
would give a new turn, and a different tone, to the feelings and
pursuits of the population of that unhappy country. But nothing can be
done—nothing ever will be done, to alter their present indolent and
inactive mode of life, till justice and general security are spread
throughout these extensive regions. It would be vain to expect industry
or exertion on their parts, in order to procure the comforts and the
luxuries of life, when no one can call any thing he may possess his own,
or where the superior wealth which he does possess serves only to mark
him out as the prey of the unfeeling robber or sovereign despot.
Formidable as these two scourges are in Africa, still they are only so
to the feeble and imbecile population, whom superstition and ignorance
have, from time immemorial, taught to bend under the yoke. Before the
power, energy, and intelligence—before the firmness, prudence, and
justice of Great Britain, these would vanish. Those fearful butcheries,
under the name of “_customs_,” at the death of any person of note, so
prevalent in Southern Africa, would disappear. Industry and commerce
would rear their heads. Christianity would enter, with Liberty in her
train; and the unprincipled despot, and the sanguinary freebooter, would
shrink back into the deserts, and be heard of no more.
The exertion on the part of Great Britain to accomplish all this would
be small. The power of the Arab is declining; it is easy to contend with
a power in that condition. The climate opposes some obstacles, the
population of Africa none. The smallest gun-brig in our navy would lay
the nations dwelling on both banks of the Niger, from Bammakoo to its
mouth, from Bornou to Benin, prostrate before us, with awe, obedience,
and respect. Coming as their friend—overthrowing what is evil— rearing
up, encouraging and protecting what is just, we should teach the nations
in these extensive regions to assume their rank amongst the sons of men.
To accomplish this, we have, by means of the Niger, a safe and an easy
road. Let no other nation pre-occupy it.
* * * * *
TRADE AND COMMERCE
OF
NORTHERN CENTRAL AFRICA.
* * * * *
TRADE AND COMMERCE
OF
NORTHERN CENTRAL AFRICA.
* * * * *
CHAP. I.
_Colonies necessary to Great Britain — France anxious to colonize Africa
— New markets can alone relieve our trade — Old overstocked — Africa,
the best field — Superior productions — Country near the Niger —
Powerful, populous, cultivated and commercial states — Large cities —
Numerous valuable productions — Africa long neglected — Formerly
enriched other countries — Articles of export and import — Particular
enumeration and value of those most in demand — Salt — Ostrich feathers
— Spices — Precious stones — Gums — Drugs — Dye stuffs — Gold dust —
Ivory — Gunpowder, Fire arms, &c. — Value of articles — Great profits on
trade — Immense advantages of a water conveyance — Hardships attending
the trade at present — Value of articles at the Gold coast and the
interior — Extent and value of the trade at present — Would supply our
West India Colonies with provisions — Obtain plenty of fine cotton —
Would open up a trade to the Cape of Good Hope and India — Abolition of
the slave trade would relieve and cultivate Africa — If not checked our
West India colonies must be ruined — Infringe the rights of no civilized
nation in colonizing Africa — Three modes of establishing the trade — A
chartered company the best — Regulations under which to be formed —
Government must countenance and support such an undertaking — Plans to
be adopted and pursued — General reflections on the climate of Africa,
and the importance of the contemplated undertaking._
The high rank and preponderance of Great Britain in the scale of
nations, can only be maintained by extensive commerce. This alone can
give us naval superiority, and that can be secured to us only by
colonial establishments. In the present depressed state of our
manufactures and commerce, no permanent relief can be hoped for, if new
markets for our trade be not discovered and established. The old, of
which we had the monopoly, have, from the industry, the skill, and
exertions of the population of other countries, become less beneficial
to us than formerly; and for the reasons stated, as well as from the
poverty of other countries, the demand from us is greatly reduced.
Besides this, we must look forward to new colonies to replace such as in
the course of time we must lose. Amongst this number are our North
American possessions, and the East Indies, all of which will, sooner or
later, throw off our yoke. Our West India colonies are also on the
decline. The system that made them is destroyed; and it is quite
certain, that a revolution in their internal establishments, violent or
gradual, is not far distant, either of which will work such a change as
will render these possessions of little value as commercial colonies.
They are also daily getting more and more into contact with dangerous
and ambitious neighbours, which must render the tenure of these
possessions more insecure, and perhaps force us into future contests,
the expences attending which, the parent state may, from their altered
economy, grudge to bear. All these considerations render it imperious
upon us to turn our thoughts to commence establishments in some other
parts of the world, that by gradual improvement these may render the
decay and ultimate loss of some of our present colonial establishments
as light and little felt as possible. In establishing such colonies,
care should be taken to keep them free from the inconveniences, dangers,
and changes to which several of our present colonial establishments are
so much exposed. There is, perhaps, no part of the globe where new
commercial establishments could be set down more easily, or where these
could be more effectually protected than in Africa. It is at present a
noble, and at present an undisputed, but not long to remain an
undisputed field.
The French nation is most anxious and most earnest to extend their
settlements and influence in Africa. Deprived by the Revolution and by
wars, of, I may say, all their valuable colonial possessions, France
looks to Africa with a longing eye. To cultivate colonial produce in
Africa by means of her population was the idea of Talleyrand, and the
plan of her late Imperial Despot; and nothing but the constant wars in
which his restless and unprincipled ambition involved him, and his
ultimate downfall, prevented him from putting this plan into execution,
with an energy and means which would have altered the whole face of
European colonial policy in tropical regions. The same advice which
suggested this plan has yet the ear of the French government, and every
proceeding on the part of France shews clearly, that she has the object
in view as soon as circumstances will permit. America has also turned
her attention to Africa; and an expedition for a settlement, and another
for discovery, was lately sent out to the west coast of Africa for
similar purposes and similar views. The spot that we ought to choose for
our exertions, may—nay, must soon be pitched upon by one or other of
these powers.
The object which this country ought at present to attend to, is, as has
been shortly noticed, to look out for and obtain new markets for the
productions of her industry. Laying open the trade to India and to
China, taking off all the restrictions with which our commerce is at
present unavoidably fettered, will merely afford a temporary relief to
the mercantile interest of the country. Other nations may adhere to
restrictive systems, and, at all events, we will be met on equal terms
on that point. In and with the countries particularly mentioned, and
many others not enumerated, we have and will continue more and more to
have the unencumbered efforts of the mental skill and physical exertions
of their whole population to contend with. To no civilized country can
we at present send manufactures in which we do not find native
manufactures springing up to oppose, and to be encouraged, in preference
to ours. This is what we had reason to expect, and of which we have no
just reason to complain. In France, Germany, the kingdom of the
Netherlands, Russia, and Prussia, this is remarkably the case. The
renovated governments of several nations of Europe, the moment they are
got clear of political storms, will turn their attention to similar
objects. In India our manufactures are met by cheapness and superiority.
The British manufacturer and merchant may there gain the superiority;
but, in effecting their object, both may be forced into sacrifices which
no future compensation will be able to repay; while any partiality shewn
in that trade may very readily raise a tempest, which will tear up to
its foundations the fabric of our power in India. In China we may say
they exchange no manufactures with us. South America is convulsed with
civil war, and, end as that contest may, still the greater part of the
real property of the country, namely, the slaves, by whom alone the land
was cultivated and produce raised, is, by their emancipation, destroyed;
and it is evident that a long time must elapse before the loss is
replaced or injury repaired under another system. The United States are
stripped of all their neutral carrying trade, and all that valuable
trade to our West India colonies so long their great gain and support;
and thus situated, these States cannot, if they were inclined, take from
us any thing like the quantity of manufactures which they formerly did.
Besides, they are endeavouring to rear up manufactures amongst
themselves, while the independence of South America will lay open to all
the world a trade of which Great Britain, from particular circumstances,
has long enjoyed almost the complete monopoly. It is a fact that they
prefer the linens of Silesia and other manufactures of Germany to many
articles of our manufacture.
New markets, therefore, can only afford this country a great and a
permanent relief;—new markets in countries where no competition from
manufactures produced by native skill and industry can for ages lessen
the value of, the demand for, or come in competition with ours;—new
markets which can supply us, in return for the productions of our skill,
with the precious metals, and with the raw materials for many branches
of our trade, and other articles which we at present must take from
rival commercial states. Africa is that country, and the natives in the
interior of the northern central parts thereof the people we have to
look to as consumers of our manufactures, and from whom we can fear no
competition at all. The introduction of gold dust alone would tend to
lessen the value of money raised by the resumption of cash payments, and
consequently tend greatly to lighten the load of our national debt.
On the United States of America, we may say, we chiefly depend for the
superior cottons for our finer manufactures. War betwixt those States
and this country is by no means an improbable event. Their interests
would no doubt, notwithstanding, lead them to get their cotton to a
British market; but, during war, it is evident that it could only find
its way at an enhanced rate. This additional price might be such as
would raise the value of our manufactures to a price beyond what
Continental nations could afford, or are inclined to give, and therefore
lead them more and more to encourage manufactures of their own growth,
and to manufacture for themselves. It must therefore be of the first
importance to our cotton manufacturers to be independent of America for
a supply of fine cottons. Africa, as we shall presently see more at
large, can furnish that supply. The tea trade to China is a continued
drain upon this country for specie. From good authority, it seems that
this valuable plant may be cultivated to advantage on the rich plains
which extend between the Rio Volta and the Niger. Also the old Arabian
traveller, Batouta, who had visited China, states, that in the interior
parts of Africa, along the Niger, which he visited, the tea plant grew
abundantly. Here is another and a mighty inducement to secure as ours
the produce of these regions. In comparison with China, these parts are
at the door; and the difference in freight and insurance alone, would
give the tea there produced a decided superiority in the European
market, and in the markets of every part of the western world. It could
also be obtained from Africa in exchange for our manufactures, and not
as from China, in exchange for specie only.
It is to the Niger and his tributary streams that our attention ought to
be turned. The magnitude and importance of these, have elsewhere been
sufficiently dwelt on. The wide extent of Africa through which these
rivers run, is susceptible of great improvement, and is every way
adapted for trade. Here is not a barren wilderness inhabited by a few
savage individuals, who possess not one idea of useful knowledge or
civilized life. We should not, in Africa, wander as the first European
settlers did on the banks of the Maranon and the La Plata, for hundreds
of miles, without seeing a habitation where a half civilized human being
would be content to shelter his head. No! numerous, powerful, and
populous cities, rise around us on every side. The inhabitants of these
are indeed unlettered barbarians, compared to Europeans, but the
materials for a better state of society are most abundant, and want only
a power to direct, to excite, and to controul them.
Bornou is a very extensive and powerful monarchy. The capital thereof is
so large, that travellers, in describing its magnitude, state, that
Cairo, which contains half a million of people, “_is a trifle to it_.”
Kashna, which is subject to Bornou, is said to contain 1000 towns and
villages. The country is represented as being very pleasant, beautifully
diversified with hill and dale, very fertile, well cultivated, abounding
in docks and herds, and very populous. In this kingdom, they dye goat
skins red and yellow in a very superior manner. These form a very
considerable branch of trade with the Barbary States, particularly with
Morocco, from whence they are carried into most of the countries in
Europe. The kingdom of Asben, of which Agadez is the capital, is a
beautiful and a very rich country, populous and well cultivated. From
Assouda to Agadez, and also southward to Tegomah, it is particularly so.
Silver is said to be so plentiful in this country, that the natives
construct their defensive armour and the corslets of their horses with
that metal. Houssa is also a very populous country, and throughout all
the territories included under this name, the population are represented
as being a very superior race of people to any other in the interior of
Africa. The environs of Timbuctoo, and for many days journey north-east
of it, is all a cultivated and populous country. On the Niger, above it
for several hundred miles, we know from undoubted authority, that the
population is very considerable, and that both agriculture and commerce
are successfully and extensively carried on. About the beginning of last
century, the sovereigns of Morocco carried on a great and lucrative
trade with Timbuctoo, by means of regular caravans, properly guarded,
and assisted by regular establishments in the Great Desert. This trade,
once the chief source of the wealth of Morocco, has been for many years
nearly lost, owing to political revolutions in that country. It is now,
however, about being re-organised by the Emperor of Morocco, under the
direction of an Englishman, and upon a better and a securer footing than
before.
Descending the Niger, we find at Wassanah every mark of cultivation and
commerce. Betwixt this place and Timbuctoo, there are, no doubt, many
fine districts, particularly where Kuku is situated, so “famous for
magnitude” in the early ages of Arabian power. From Wassanah to the sea,
and westward to Ashantee, we hear of considerable attention to
agriculture and unremitting attention to commerce. All ranks are traders
in Africa. No one thinks mercantile matters and pursuits beneath his
notice, or that he is degraded by following trade. On the contrary, the
merchants amongst them are accounted the chief ones of the earth; and it
is remarkable, that in many places traders pass free and unmolested
between nations at war with each other. In every part of the Delta of
Benin commerce is eagerly followed. Westward from the Rio Volta the
population is numerous, most of them very industrious, and all actively
engaged in business of some description or other. The country from the
Rio Volta to the Rio de Formosa, is represented as being uncommonly
beautiful; and the agriculture in many places such as would not disgrace
many parts of Europe. Inland, the country known under the name of
Wangara, or those parts of Africa supposed to go under this name, is in
all probability a country considerably advanced in civilization. “It is
the country of gold and aromatics,” says Bakui. Gold dust is amazingly
plentiful all along the Niger, from the sources downwards. The quality
is particularly fine about Bourrè above Tangarari. It is found also in
Houssa, and about the sources of the Bahr Kulla. Silver, copper, and
iron, abound in various parts of Africa, particularly in those countries
situated upon the Niger, in the early part of his course, and towards
the sources of the Senegal and the Gambia. The latter is of a very fine
quality. Many other rich stores would undoubtedly be added to our
knowledge were these countries explored, as doubtless they would be, if
subjected to Great Britain.
The cities in these places are numerous and large. Sego, we know from
good authority, contains 30,000 inhabitants; yet it is but a trifling
place to Walet, Timbuctoo, Houssa, Wassanah, and Kashna, on the north-
east side of the Niger. Coomassie, Yahndi, Abomey, Benin, Ardrah, Lagos,
and many other places, are all great towns. Moors and Negroes no doubt
amplify in their descriptions of places, but still, allowing largely for
that, sufficient remains to shew the importance of all these places. The
country throughout is covered with smaller towns, villages, hamlets; and
to most of these places navigable branches of the Niger extend. There
cannot be a doubt, but, that these places would prove prodigious outlets
for all the manufactures of this country. Even at the commencement the
demand would be considerable, and every succeeding voyage would increase
it.