In considering this evidence, it is to be borne in mind that for more than three hundred years the western coast of Africa has been scourged by the atrocities of the slave trade, and that this inhuman traffic, although at length proscribed and pursued with severe penalties by nearly all Christian nations, has continued, with almost unabated activity and ferocity, even to our times. Fears of forfeiture of property, and even of life, have been easily overcome by hopes of enormous gains, and so long as markets for slaves remain open, and imperfect execution of the laws permits the expectation of profit from crime, the most conspicuous results of penal legislation will be, more cunning in the contrivance and more adroitness in the use of means for evading or defeating its intent and operation. The difficulty of penetrating the disguises of crime is enhanced in the case of the slave trade by the circumstance that a very considerable traffic [in lawful commerce] .
In considering this evidence, it is essential to remember that for over three centuries the western coast of Africa has been plagued by the atrocities of the slave trade, and although this inhumane practice was eventually banned and punished severely by most Christian nations, it persisted with almost unrelenting vigor even up to our times. Fears of losing property or even life were easily outweighed by the allure of substantial profits, and as long as there are markets for slaves and laws are not fully enforced, criminals will continue to exploit loopholes and evade punishment. The challenge in uncovering the deceitful nature of crime is compounded by the fact that a significant portion of this illegal trade [coexists with legitimate commerce].