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the Southern Province of Nigeria was repealed some years 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.