He was strenuously supported by Mr.Burke, Mr.Martin, and other respectable members.

At length, the debate ended in favour of the original motion, and a committee was appointed accordingly.
The examinations began again on February the seventh, and continued till April the fifth, when they were finally closed.

In this, as in the former session, Mr.Wilberforce and Mr.William Smith principally conducted them; and indeed it was necessary that they should have been present at these times; for it is perhaps difficult to conceive the illiberal manner, in which our witnesses were treated by those on the other side of the question.

Men, who had left the trade upon principle, and who had come forward, against their apparent interest, to serve the cause of humanity and justice, were looked upon as mercenaries and culprits, or as men of doubtful and suspicious character.

They were brow-beaten.