t in the result the
Slave-trade would be no longer necessary.

A sudden abolition, also, would occasion dissatisfaction there. Supplies
were necessary for some time to come. The Negros did not yet generally
increase by birth. The gradation of ages was not yet duly filled. These and
many defects might be remedied, but not suddenly.

It would cause also distress there. The planters, not having their expected
supplies, could not discharge their debts. Hence their slaves would be
seized and sold. Nor was there any provision in this case against the
separation of families, except as to the mother and infant child. These
separations were one of the chief outrages complained of in Africa. Why
then should we promote them in the West Indies? The confinement on board a
slave-ship had been also bitterly complained of; but, under distraint for
the debt of a master, the poor slave might linger in a gaol twice or thrice
the time of the Middle Passage.

He again stated his abhorrence of the Slave-trade; but as a resource,
though he hoped but a temporary one, it was of such consequence to the
existence of the country, that it could not suddenly be withdrawn. The
value of the imports and exports between Great Britain and the West Indies,
including the excise and customs, was between seven and eight millions
annually; and the tonnage of the ships employed, about an eighth of the
whole tonnage of these kingdoms.

He complained that in the evidence the West India planters had been by no
means spared. Cruel stories had been hastily and lightly told against them.
Invidious comparisons had been made to their detriment. But it was well
known, that one of our best comic writers, when he wished to show
benevolence in its fairest colours, had personified it in the character of
the West Indian. He wished the slave might become as secure as the
apprentice in this country: but it was necessary that the alarms concerning
the abolition of the Slave-trade should, in the mean time, be quieted; and
he trusted that the good sense and true benevolence of the House would
reject the present motion.

Mr. Matthew Montagu rose, and said a few words in support of the motion;
and after condemning the trade in the strongest manner, he declared, that
as long as he had life, he would use every faculty of his body and mind in
endeavouring to promote its abolition.

Lord John Russell succeeded Mr. Montagu. He said, that although slavery was
repugnant to his feel