EAST COAST OF AFRICA

Gorrespondenoe respeoting Slavery in the Zanzibar Dominions.

The Earl of Kimberley to Mr. A. Hardinge.

Foreign Office, February 16, 1895.

(Extract.)

It must be remembered that the radical change which is impending with regard to slavery will only be postponed by a continuance of the existing System. Slavery is dying out. Whatever may be the facts as to the length of life of a slave, it is évident that now that importalion bas practically ceased and children bom since the Ist January, 1890, are free, the rapidly diminishing supply of slave labour will compel maslers to face the inévitable advent of total abolition.

On the other hand, public opinion in this country is increasingly strong on the subject, and complaints are made that, since the virtual repeal of Seyyid Ali*s Proclamation, no législative advance has been made. The repeal, you will remember, was justified on the ground that its maintenance would endanger the peace of the Sultanate and possibly the Sultan's life. I am not aware whether thèse reasons can still be urged against its revival, which, otherwise, it is difficult to resist. I should wish you to consider the question carefully in concert with His Highness and Sir L. Mathews, bearing in mind that British opinion is in favour of immédiate émancipation.

In forming a judgment on this important matter, you will doubtless receive valuable assistance from the investigations of Her Majesty's Vice-Consul in Pemba.