Partly-printed DS as president, signed “Benj. Harrison,” one page, 8 x 10, January 19, 1892. President Harrison authorizes and directs "the Secretary of State to cause the Seal of the United States to be affixed to the General Act signed at Brussels July 2, 1890, for the repression of the Slave-trade and the restriction of the importation into and sale in a certain zone of Africa, of fire-arms, ammunition, and spirituous liquors.” Signed neatly at the conclusion by Benjamin Harrison. The upper left corner is marked “Special.” In very fine condition.
This document relates to the Brussels Conference Act of 1890, which was a collection of anti-slavery measures signed in Brussels on July 2, 1890, designed to ‘put an end to Negro Slave Trade by land as well as by sea, and to improve the moral and material conditions of existence of the native races.’ While the act did address humanitarian concerns, including the issue of slavery and forced labor in Africa, its primary focus was the issue of African colonization and the scramble for Africa by European powers during the late 19th century. Given the lack of enforcement mechanisms, many of the act’s goals and provisions were ultimately ignored.
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