2)
the Southern Province of Nigeria was repealed some years
ago, and in 1918 the status of slavery was abolished through-
out Nigeria with no economical or political disturbance. What
has been done elsewhere can be done in Sierra Leone and will
in time lead to an increase in the number of workers and
an increase in the production of wealth. Mr. Wilkinson, I
am aware, advocated that the change should be begun by the
registration of all slaves. With the utmost deference, I do
not agree with his view. Registration would require a Furo-
pean staff ; it would take several years to do it, and it would
postpone further action and perpetuate the existing circum-
stances for a generation. It would be out of place here to
consider what action should be taken. It is only necessary
to point out that this would increase the productive power of
the people and as a consequence increase their taxable
capacity.”
Tn his reply dated 24th November, 1921, Mr. Winston Churchill
gave a guarded assent to these views, observing that the law on
the subject of slavery in Sierra Leone was far from satisfactory,
and that more vigorous measures for the abolition of the institu-
tion than those contemplated by the late Governor might be prac-
ticable. He concluded :—
““ The abolition of slavery could not, however, have any
immediate beneficial effect on the finances of the Colony; and
I would therefore suggest that you should deal with the ques-
tion in separate despatches, or perhaps leave it to be dealt
with by the new Governor on his appointment.’
To conclude the historical retrospect I may quote the following
passage from my despatch of the 12th October, 1922 :—
“ As to slavery, I instituted certain enquiries as soon as I
assumed the government and have discussed the problem with
Captain Stanley and with political officers on tour : they would
all, I think, like to see the system abolished if it can be done
equitably, but my own experience at meetings with chiefs
makes it clear that there is likely to be opposition on their
part to such a proposal, and if you will be so good as to read
the leading article in the Sierra. Leone Weekly News for 30th
September, 1922,* you will see that éven the Colony Editor of
that journal is greatly concerned to defend domestic slavery
against the criticism of a district commissioner. As at pre-
sent advised, I am disposed to think that the only practicable
course will be to declare that from and after a certain date
every child born in the Sierra Leone Protectorate will be free.
But the subject requires the most patient consideration and T
confess that I have not yet got to grips with it.”
Further experience leads me to hope that I over-rated the
probable opposition of the chiefs.
* See page 36.