Xxxii.
In the early part of 1862, after a conference between
Mr. Seward and
Senator Sumner, negotiations were opened, and finally a Treaty concluded with
Great Britain, for a mutual and restricted right of search, and mixed courts, with a view to the suppression of the Slave-trade.
It was signed by
Mr. Seward and Lord Lyons on the 7th of April.
On the 24th of that month
Mr. Sumner introduced a Resolution of ratification, accompanied by so convincing a speech, that the ayes and noes were dispensed with, and the resolution agreed to, without a dissenting vote.
He had opened his speech by alluding to the fact that
Nathaniel Gordon,—a Slave-trader, commanding the Slave-ship
Erie,—had been executed in New York on the 21st of the preceding February, ‘being the first in our history to suffer for this immeasurable crime.
English lawyers,’ he continued, ‘dwell much upon treason to the
King, which they denounce in a term borrowed from the ancient
Romans——lese-majesty; but the Slavetrade is treason to
man, being nothing else than
lese-humanity.
Much as I incline against capital punishment, little as I am disposed to continue this barbarous penalty unworthy of a civilized age, I see so much good in this example, at the present moment, that I can reconcile myself to it without a pang.
Clearly, it will be a warning to Slave-traders, and also notice to the civilized world
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that at last we are in earnest.
While it helps make the Slave-trade detestable, crime is seen in the punishment; and the gallows sheds upon it that infamy which nothing short of martyrdom in a good cause can overcome.’
He went on to show that our flag had been desecrated by this hateful commerce—that ships equipped in New York were tempted by its cruel gains.
But to stop this, had been found impossible while Slavery prevailed in the
National Government.
Here was another milestone set up, that the future traveler will discern.
