The first was the indecision of the National Assembly, who wished to compromise between that which was right and that which was wrong on this subject.

And the second was the oppression of the People of Colour, and of the Slaves.
In the first of the causes we saw something like the moderation of Mr.
Dundas and Mr.Addington.One day this Assembly talked of liberty, and favoured the Blacks.

Another day they suspended their measures, and favoured the Whites.

They wished to steer a middle course; but decision had been mercy.

Decision even against the Planters would have been a thousand times better than indecision and half measures.