inquiry then before the privy council prove a loss of time?  So far from it, that, upon the whole, time had been gained by it.  He had moved the resolution, therefore, to pledge the house to bring on the discussion early in the next session, when they would have a full opportunity of considering every part of the subject:  first, Whether the whole of the trade ought be abolished; and, if so, how and when.  If it should be thought that the trade should only be put under certain regulations, what those regulations ought to be, and when they should take place.  These were questions which must be considered; and therefore he had made his resolution as wide as possible, that there might be room for all necessary considerations to be taken in.  He repeated his declaration, that he would reserve his sentiments till the day of discussion should arrive; and again declared, that he earnestly wished to avoid an anticipation of the debate upon the subject.  But if such debate was likely to take place, he would withdraw his motion, and offer it another day.

A few words then passed between Mr. Pitt and Mr. Fox in reply to each other; after which Lord Penrhyn rose.  He said there were two classes of men, the African merchants, and the planters, both whose characters had been grossly calumniated.  These wished that an inquiry might be instituted, and this immediately, conscious that the more their conduct was examined the less they would be found to merit the opprobrium with which they had been loaded.  The charges against the Slave-trade were either true or false.  If they were true, it ought to be abolished; but if upon inquiry they were found to be without foundation, justice ought to be done to the reputation of those who were concerned in it.  He then said a few words, by which he signified, that, after all, it might not be an improper measure to make regulations in the trade.

Mr. Burke said, the noble lord, who was a man of honour himself, had reasoned from his own conduct, and, being conscious of his own integrity, was naturally led to imagine that other men were equally just and honourable.  Undoubtedly the merchants and planters had a right to call for an investigation of their conduct, and their doing so did them great credit.  The Slave-trade also ought equally to be inquired into.  Neither did he deny that it was right His Majesty’s ministers should inquire into its merits for themselves.  They had done their duty; but that house, who had the petitions of the people on their table, had neglected it, by having so long deferred an inquiry of their own.  If that house wished to preserve their functions, their understandings, their honour, and their dignity, he advised them to beware of commitees of privy council.  If they suffered their business to be done by such means, they were abdicating their trust and character, and making way for an entire abolition of their functions, which they were parting with one after another.  Thus,