to the American people. It is the only spot in the civilized world where the African slave trade is tolerated; and we are bound by treaty with Great Britain to maintain a naval force on the coast of Africa, at much expense both of life and treasure, solely for the purpose of arresting slavers bound to that island. The late serious difficulties between the United States and Great Britain respecting the right of search, now so happily terminated, could never have arisen if Cuba had not afforded a market for slaves. As long as this market shall remain open, there can be no hope for the civilization of benighted Africa....

"It has been made known to the world by my predecessors that the United States have, on several occasions, endeavored to acquire Cuba from Spain by honorable negotiation. If this were accomplished, the last relic of the African slave trade would instantly disappear. We would not, if we could, acquire Cuba in any other manner. This is due to our national character.... This course we shall ever pursue, unless circumstances should occur, which we do not now anticipate, rendering a departure from it clearly justifiable, under the imperative and overruling law of self-preservation." House Exec. Doc., 35 Cong. 2 sess. II. No. 2, pp. 14–5. See also Ibid., pp. 31–3.

1858, Dec. 23. Congress (House): Resolution on Slave-Trade.

On motion of Mr. Farnsworth,

"Resolved, That the Committee on Naval Affairs be requested to inquire and report to this House if any, and what, further legislation is necessary on the part of the United States to fully carry out and perform the stipulations contained in the eighth article of the treaty with Great Britain (known as the 'Ashburton treaty') for the suppression of the slave trade." House Journal, 35 Cong. 2 sess. pp. 115–6.

293

1859, Jan. 5. Congress (Senate): Resolution on Slave-Trade.

On motion of Mr. Seward, Dec. 21, 1858,

"Resolved, That the Committee on the Judiciary inquire whether any amendments to existing laws ought to be made for the suppression of the African slave trade." Senate Journal, 35 Cong. 2 sess. pp. 80, 108, 115.

1859, Jan. 13. Congress (Senate): Bill on Slave-Trade.