their attendance. They had no fear, again, when they thus commanded, of a
refusal on the ground of interest; because these were promoting their
interest by obliging those who employed them. Viewing these and other
circumstances, which might be thrown into this comparative statement, it
was some consolation to us to know, amidst the disappointment which this
new measure occasioned, and our apparent defeat in the eyes of the public,
that we had really beaten our opponents at their own weapons, and that, as
this was a victory in our own private feelings, so it was the presage to us
of a future triumph.

On the twenty-ninth of May, Mr. Tierney made a motion to divide the
consideration of the Slave-trade into two heads, by separating the African
from the West Indian part of the question. This he did for the more clear
discussion of the propositions, as well as to save time. This motion,
however, was overruled by Mr. Pitt.

At length, on the ninth of June, by which time it was supposed that new
light, and this in sufficient quantity, would have been thrown upon the
propositions, it appeared that only two witnesses had been fully heard. The
examinations, therefore, were continued, and they went on till the
twenty-third. On this day, the order for the call of the house, which had
been prolonged, standing unrepealed, there was a large attendance of
members. A motion was then made to get rid of the business altogether, but
it failed. It was now seen, however, that it was impossible to bring the
question to a final decision in this session, for they, who were interested
in it, affirmed that they had yet many important witnesses to introduce.
Alderman Newnham, therefore, by the consent of Mr. Wilberforce, moved, that
"the further consideration of the subject be deferred to the next session."
On this occasion, Mr. William Smith remarked, that though the decision on
the great question was thus to be adjourned, he hoped the examinations, at
least, would be permitted to go on. He had not heard any good reason, why
they might not be carried on for some weeks longer. It was known that the
hearing of evidence was at all times thinly attended. If therefore the few
members, who did attend, were willing to give up their time a little
longer, why should other members complain of an inconvenience in the
suffering of which they took no share? He thought that by this proceeding
the examination of witnesses on the part of the merchants might be
f