The Sun.
London, England, 1807-01-03 00:00:00

SLAVE TRADE.

Lord WiENVILLE, pursuant to the notice that
had been given in his name, brought in a Bill for the
Abolition of the Slave Trade. The Bill recited that
that traffic should be abolished, as contrary to justice
and humanity : and that henceforward, or upon the
passing of this Bill, it would be unlawful to fit out
any vessel for the purpose of carrying on such 'a
Trade, &c. &c.--His Lordship did not think him-
self called upon ,at the.present moment to make any
observation upon this business, except- that, as it
wasone-of great importance, it would naturally ex-
cite .the Attention of their Lordships ; and as due
.time ought to be given for • its full consideration; it
was not his, intention to move the second reading
of the Bill after the lapse,of at least a fortnight. Hea
should not now even name a day for that discussion,
but wonld.content himself with moving that.the Bill
be read .a first time, and that it be printed.•
Laqi.HAIFKESBURY supposed that the mea-
sure Which the Noble Lord intended to bring for-
ward would be similar to that proposed last Session.
He-should not .now enter into any discussion of its
merits, the more so as a disCussion of at least equal
importance was expected to occupy their Lordships'
attention this day. He -thought it however, desir-
able, as early as possible, to .know what was the re-
sult, if any,. of the communication which, upon this
-topic, was' to be opened with Foreign Powers, in
conformity to a recommendation from his Majesty
to that effect. knowledge.ot what has pssed in
consequence of that recommendation, he was of
pion, tlie.House should be in possession of oaore
they entered upon the consideration of the Bill now
brought in. by .!lie Noble Lor& Perhaps Ile should
feel it hip duty to submit a Motion upon •that head
to their Lordships, but ne s,iould not press it at pre=
sent, for the reasons he had already stated.
Lord ELDON. was anxious to know to what ex-
tent it was intended
,the operation of-the Bill should
go. Was it to have for object the Abolition of the
Trade in general, or only the Abolition Of the Afri-
can Slaw Trade F If it was meant that the Trade
in, general was to be abolished, that •was an ob-
jea which we could not attempt to accomplish,
unless in concurrence .and with the acquiescence-of
other Powers., If the African. Trade only was to be
discontinued, his opinions upon that subject were al-
ready known.
. J.-9rd WIENVILLE.wouId only say„ that the re-
sult of ail the discussions that had, already taken
place upon this subjea, was to be found in the one
universal opinion, that this trade should- cease ; an
opinion which rested on uncontrovertible grounds;
an opinion which could not be resisted, and which
must soon prevail. Every time would be given for
duly deliberating and Acting upon that opinion, but
no tine should be given to prevent its operation by
delay. He should only pledge himself-at present
that a fortnight or three weeks should elapse before
the second reading of the Bill was proposed all he
should move now was, that.the Bill be printed. Ho
was sorry the Noble and Learned. Lord (Eldon)
should have already • made up his mind upon the
subject, because the Abolition in general was not to
be proposed. If other Powers would not concur in
the measure, let their's be the shame and disgrace
of protracting the existence of that odious traffic:
We should lose no time in washing our hands out of
it.
Lord ELDON, in explanation, exculpated himself
from any intention of throwing delay or any objec-
tion in the way or the measure.
Lord GROSVENOR assured the. House, thßt his
opinions had undergone no change respecting the
,Slave Trade...

His Royal Highness the Duke of QLAXENCE
would adhere to the sentiments he had already. ,so
often expressed upon this subjed ; and the more he'
considered thtm, the more was he convinced they
were.perfectly right.
The Bill was.then read a first time, and ordered
to be printed.