On every occasion, which offered any hope, they have sought the repeal of the tax, but have uniformly been defeated.

When they saw that the abolition question was coming to a crisis, they resolved to make a last effort for the repeal of the four and a half percent duty.

They therefore adopted immediate emancipation, and then, covered as they were, with the laurels of so magnanimous an act, they presented to parliament their cherished object.
The defeat was a humiliating one, and it produced such a reaction in the island, as well nigh led to the rescinding of the abolition bill.] The verbal and written statements of numerous planters also confirm the declaration that emancipation was a measure solely of selfish policy.
Said Mr.Bernard, of Green Castle estate "Emancipation was preferred to apprenticeship, because it was attended with less trouble, and left the planters independent, instead of being saddled with a legion of stipendiary magistrates." Said Dr.Daniell, member of the council, and proprietor--"The apprenticeship was rejected by us solely from motives of policy.

We did not wish to be annoyed with stipendiary magistrates." Said Hon.

N.Nugent--"We wished to let ourselves down in the easiest manner possible; _therefore_ we chose immediate freedom in preference to the apprenticeship." "Emancipation was preferred to apprenticeship, because of the inevitable and endless perplexities connected with the latter system."-- _David Cranstoun, Esq., colonial magistrate and planter_.
"It is not pretended that emancipation was produced by the influence of religious considerations.