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, "Star after star goes out, and all is night." If they neglected the petitions of their constituents, they must fall, and the privy council be instituted in their stead.

What would be the consequence?
His Majesty's ministers, instead of consulting them, and giving them the opportunity of exercising their functions of deliberation and legislation, would modify the measures of government elsewhere, and bring down the edicts of the privy council to them to register.

Mr.Burke said, he was one of those who wished for the abolition of the Slave-trade.
He thought it ought to be abolished, on principles of humanity and justice.
If, however, opposition of interests should render its total abolition impossible, it ought to be regulated, and that immediately.

They need not send to the West Indies to know the opinions of the planters on the subject.