[The History of the Rise, Progress and Accomplishment of the Abolition of the African Slave Trade by the British Parliament (1808) by Thomas Clarkson]@TWC D-Link book
The History of the Rise, Progress and Accomplishment of the Abolition of the African Slave Trade by the British Parliament (1808)

CHAPTER IV
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He therefore congratulated the House, the country, and the world, that this great point had been gained; that we might now consider this trade as having received its condemnation; that this curse of mankind was seen in its true light; and that the greatest stigma on our national character, which ever yet existed, was about to be removed! Mankind, he trusted, were now likely to be delivered from the greatest practical evil that ever afflicted the human race--from the most severe and extensive calamity recorded in the history of the world.
His honourable friend (Mr.Jenkinson) had insinuated, that any act for the abolition would be evaded.

But if we were to enforce this act with all the powers of the country, how could it fail to be effectual?
But his honourable friend had himself satisfied him upon this point.

He had acknowledged, that the trade would drop of itself, on account of the increasing dearness of the commodity imported.

He would ask then, if we were to leave to the importer no means of importation but by smuggling; and if, besides all the present disadvantages, we were to load him with all the charges and hazards of the smuggler, would there be any danger of any considerable supply of fresh slaves being poured into the islands through this channel?
The question under these circumstances, he pronounced, would not bear a dispute.
His honourable friend had also maintained, that it would be inexpedient to stop the importations immediately, because the deaths and births in the islands were as yet not equal.

But he (Mr.Pitt) had proved last year, from the most authentic documents, that an increase of the births above the deaths had already taken place.


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