Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, Wayne County, Ind.) 1831-1837, 1833-09-21
WILLIAM WlLBEREpRCE-
WaiHiam Wilberforce.w whose dealt


ceived from London, was a truly great
and good man. He was born in 1859
and entered Parliament in 1850. He
was ola good family, and possessed OF
an ample fortune, but never yielded
to any Of the temptations peculiar to
rank and wealth. He was 4 truly
religions man, and his conduct did hon.
or to his faith. He is principally
known by his successful e1ertions in
the abolition Of the slave-trade. His
frs, motion upon that subject was
brought before Parliament in 1887.
The opposition which it excited both
i'll and out Of the House, seems almost
incredible. Petitions poured in against
it from all quarters. and 1t was rejected
though it was supported by Mr.. Pitt,
by a large majority. Mr.. Wilberforce
and his friends continued their efforts
ia behalf Of oppressed humanity. un-
discouraged by repeated repulses.
Notwithstanding, however, the mani
fest Justice of the measures they advo-
Gated, and the horrors OF the traffic
itself, and althoush they had the power
full support Of both Pitt aud Fox, it was
not until 1906, that motion introduce
ed by Mr.. Fox, that the House of
Commons should declare the slave
trade inconsistent with justice, human
ity and sound policy, and should,
Immediately take measures for its
abolition, prevailed. Twenty years
we're occupied in convincing the legis-
lators Of Great Britain, that it was
unlawful TO deal in human flesh. In
bringing aDs ut this happy and glorious
result, Mr.. Wilbcrforce was mainly
influential, and has associated his name
imperlshably with the triumphs of
humanity and benevolence.
Mr.. Nilberforce's whole life has
been consistent with this portion Of
it. The religious and charitable
institutions ofhis country, have found
in him an efficient supporter and a
liberal friend. His public and private
life has beenspotless-eveD bis enemies
never inpugned the purity Of his mo-
tivcs, or doubted his disintercsted and
elevated views. His writings have
been full Of christian spirit and the
most sublime morality. The fame
that he has acquired is truly enviablc
one, arising from exertions of the
highest benevolence, the most com
prehcnsive charity, a fervor Of moral
feeling, a steadiness Of moral principle,
and an energy Of purpose in behalf Of
the truth, that nothing could amp.
,ow infinitely superior It is, not only
to the warriors laure!s. but even TO the
statesman's worthier ionors. With
these last are associated recoliections
Of party strife, OF bitter contentious, a
stceling of the heart against emotions,
and they are too often gained by al
sacrifice ofthat high principle ~wiich
''feels stain like wound" But inI
the glory of such man as Wilberforce,
there is no alloy. No one can look
upon it with any thing but unmlxed al
1t is a triumph of virtue,
Of religion and ofmoral courage. His
lif:, Is no less encouraging than beauti-
full. The influence Of such a man,
never dies. He communicates an
electric impulse to his age. Thous-
ands have been kindled from the fires
that burned in his breast. The good
man lives in his works, IN his example,
and in bis iDhuences-when his own
bright orb is sunk to rest, the world is
still Illuminated with the "bright track
Of his fiery car"
CrDrar-c Mon .rvoN ov ErvS .,