On the twentieth, counsel were heard against it; after which, by agreement, the second reading of it took place.

On the twenty-third the question being put for the commitment of it, Lord Viscount Howick (now Earl Grey) began an eloquent speech.

After he had proceeded in it some way, he begged leave to enter his protest against certain principles of relative justice, which had been laid down.

"The merchants and planters," said he, "have an undoubted right, in common with other subjects of the realm, to demand justice at our hands.

But that, which they denominate justice, does not correspond with the legitimate character of that virtue; for they call upon us to violate the rights of others, and to transgress our own moral duties.