An opinion had gone forth that the abolition of the trade would be the ruin of the West India Islands.

He trusted he should prove that the direct contrary was the truth; though, had he been unable to do this, it would have made no difference as to his own vote.

In examining, however, this opinion, he should exclude the subject of the cultivation of new lands by fresh importations of slaves.
The impolicy of this measure, apart from its inhumanity, was indisputably clear.

Let the committee consider the dreadful mortality, which attended it.

Let them look to the evidence of Mr.Woolrich, and there see a contrast drawn between the slow, but sure progress of cultivation, carried on in the natural way, and the attempt to force improvements, which, however flattering the prospect at first, soon produced a load of debt, and inextricable embarrassments.