And he had no doubt, when the importations were stopped, that the planters would introduce a change of system among their slaves, which would increase their population, so as to render any further supplies from Africa unnecessary.  It had been proved indeed, that the Negro-population in some of the islands was already in this desirable state.  Many other happy effects would follow.  As to the losses which would arise from the abolition of the Slave-trade, they, who were interested in the continuance of it, had greatly over-rated, them.  When pleading formerly in his professional capacity for the merchants of Liverpool at their lordships’ bar, he had often delivered statements, which he had received from them; and which he afterward discovered to be grossly incorrect.  He could say from his own knowledge, that the assertion of the noble earl (Westmoreland), that property to the amount of a hundred millions would be endangered, was wild and fanciful.  He would not however deny, that some loss might accompany the abolition; but there could be no difficulty in providing for it.  Such a consideration ought not to be allowed to impede their progress in getting rid of an horrible injustice.

But it had been said, that we should do but little in the cause of humanity by abolishing the Slave-trade; because other nations would continue it.  He did not believe they would.  He knew that America was about to give it up.  He believed the states of Europe would give it up.  But, supposing that they were all to continue it, would not our honour be the greater?  Would not our virtue be the more signal? for then,

                  ——­“faithful we
  Among the faithless found”——­

to which he would add, that undoubtedly we should diminish the evil, as far as the number of miserable beings was concerned, which was accustomed to be transported to our own colonies.

Earl Spencer agreed with the noble viscount (Sidmouth) that the amelioration of the condition of the slaves was an object, which might be effected in the West Indies; but he was certain, that the most effectual way of improving it would be by the total and immediate abolition of the Slave-trade; and for that reason he would support the resolution.  Had the resolution held out emancipation to them, it would not have had his assent; for it would have ill become the character of this country, if it had been once promised, to have withheld it from them.  It was to such deception that the horrors of St. Domingo were to be attributed.  He would not enter into the discussion of the general subject at present.  He was convinced that the trade was what the resolution stated it to be, inhuman, unjust, and impolitic.  He wished therefore, most earnestly indeed, for its abolition.  As to the mode of effecting it, it should be such, as would be attended with the least inconvenience to all parties.  At the same time he would not allow small inconveniences to stand in the way of the great claims of humanity, justice, and religion.