Page:Thorpe (1819) A commentary on the treaties.pdf/54

50 carry slaves for government use, or the planters may send for slaves for private employment : in short, (to my comprehension) there is no restriction of the trade, even after abolition, but for traffic, that is, slaves are not to be purchased to be sold again, and the proof of that is thrown on the captor.

The impossibility of establishing, by the officers and papers of a slave ship, the destination of the slaves is obvious; therefore, should a vessel be detained, the mixed Commission Court will probably discharge her, with an award of the liberal indemniﬁcation directed by treaty, and this reward of perfidy, the British Treasury must ultimately bestow!

Thus Portugal, by professions and promises, may continue amassing riches from the misery of Africa, and from the credulity of England, without termination. As she is the only nation that can purchase slaves after May 1820, she may obtain them at her own price; and from being the only nation allowed to sell them, any price may be procured she pleases to demand : such is the result of faithlessness and cruel pertinacity. Portugal possesses about 2500 miles of coast in Brazil, and she claims 2500 miles of coast in similar latitudes in Africa; shall Great Britain after all her professions and expenditure, now suﬁ‘er her