Note 27 — Chapter I

It must, however, be owned that, beyond the expulsion order, the Spanish authorities have shown great toleration; in fact, if their rule has a fault, it is over lenity. A French commandant would certainly have billeted his men upon the negro townspeople when they refused to let lodgings and they ‘cut chop.’ The negro Baptists tried hard to enjoy a little persecution: during their private prayer meetings, or when ‘sitting under’ an occasional missionary from the mainland—churches are not permitted—they pretended great fear, closing doors and shutters whenever they inflicted injury upon the sweet songs of Zion. The Spanish wisely ignored all these little fooleries. The people are of some 30 to 40 nations, originally from Sierra Leone, with a few emancipados from the Oil Rivers. They are justly described by Capt. Allen as ‘a lazy population of liberated Africans,’ who neglect the advantages of one of the richest soils in the world. They are now perfectly contented; many boast of being Spaniards, and they will probably all come over to the old Church, where, however, they will be no acquisition. There is probably not a soul amongst them that can distinguish a Protestant from a Catholic sermon. The a’mighty dollar is slowly but surely working its way. The salaries being defrayed by Cuba are liberal at Fernando Po, and considerable sums are spent in the island. The governor, who reports directly home to the President of Council (Minister of War and of Colonies), besides pay and allowances of 8000 dollars per annum, may dispose yearly of 25,000 dollars for local improvements. If we had sanctioned even this much in the Gold Coast and other outlying provinces, they would not now be in ruins. One million of reals was assigned for the immigration of colonists during the first year, and the Jesuit Mission has been allowed 6000 dollars per annum. Whilst the British consulship is worth 500l., the Spanish Secretary to the Civil Judge receives 3000 dollars, and the interpreter 2000 dollars. Besides which there is the expenditure of the naval and military establishments; two hulks, one steam gun-vessel, and a picked company of 150 infantry, each paid 10 dollars per mens., with two captains and a similar number of lieutenants, sub-lieutenants, and surgeons.

Prices of course became exorbitant; three shillings were paid for a lean chicken smaller than an English pigeon; the negroes, however, made merry and lived in a congenial idleness, which has more than compensated for the loss of their ‘morning (and evening) privilege.’