0 of whom were sent to Africa. The Spanish claimants of the
remaining thirty-nine sold them to a certain Mr. Wilde, who gave bond to
transport them out of the country. Finally, in December, 1827, there
came an innocent petition to Congress to _cancel this bond_.[149] A bill
to that effect passed and was approved, May 2, 1828,[150] and in
consequence these Africans remained as slaves in Georgia.

On the whole, it is plain that, although in the period from 1807 to 1820
Congress laid down broad lines of legislation sufficient, save in some
details, to suppress the African slave trade to America, yet the
execution of these laws was criminally lax. Moreover, by the facility
with which slavers could disguise their identity, it was possible for
them to escape even a vigorous enforcement of our laws. This situation
could properly be met only by energetic and sincere international
co-operation. The next chapter will review efforts directed toward this
end.[151]

FOOTNOTES:

[1] _House Journal_ (repr. 1826), 9 Cong. 2 sess. V. 468.

[2] Cf. below, Sec. 59.

[3] _Annals of Cong._, 9 Cong. 2 sess. p. 238.

[4] There were at least twelve distinct propositions as to the
disposal of the Africans imported:--

1. That they be forfeited and sold by the United States at
auction (Early's bill, reported Dec. 15: _Annals of Cong._, 9
Cong. 2 sess. pp. 167-8).

2. That they be forfeited and left to the disposal of the
States (proposed by Bidwell and Early: _Ibid._, pp. 181, 221,
477. This was the final settlement.)

3. That they be forfeited and sold, and that the proceeds go
to charities, education, or internal improvements (Early,
Holland, and Masters: _Ibid._, p. 273).

4. That they be forfeited and indentured for life (Alston and
Bidwell: _Ibid._, pp. 170-1).

5. That they be forfeited and indentured for 7, 8, or 10
years (Pitkin: _Ibid._, p. 186).

6. That they be forfeited and given into the custody of the
President, and by him indentured in free States for a term of
years (bill reported from the Senate Jan. 28: _House Journal_
(repr. 1826), 9 Cong. 2 sess. V. 575; _Annals of Cong._, 9
Cong. 2 sess. p. 477. Cf. also _Ibid._, p. 272).

7. That the Secretary of the Treasury dispose of them, at his
discretion, in service (Quincy: _Ibid._, p. 183).

8. That those imported into slave