§ Earl Stanhopein presenting; Petitions against Slavery, from Woburn, Marlborough, and East Wickham, observed, that, in common with every one of their Lordships, he entertained a strong abhorrence of slavery. At the same time; that he made this declaration, he frankly admitted, that he thought there were considerations connected with the question which seemed extremely difficult, and which required the utmost caution in dealing with them. With respect to the condition of the negroes, he was ready to concur in any measures calculated to ensure their good treatment, and wished above all things, that they should be exempted from corporal punishments. But he was surprised to see persons in England, who affected to pity the sufferings of the slaves, offering no remonstrance at the still greater cruelty inflicted at home on their countrymen. One of the petitions attributed the severe agricultural distress that; existed in this country to the vengeance of the Almighty it) consequence of our tolerance of slavery: perhaps it would have: been as wise to ascribe the distress to our having followed the recommendations of bad political advisers. The noble Earl, then proceeded to allude to the remarks made upon him by the Lord Chancellor on a former evening. He was prepared, to speak with perfect indifference, if not with contempt, of any idle and unfounded censure of his conduct or opinions, from: whatever quarter it might come. He denied altogether the pretensions of any; noble Lord, even of the noble and learned Lord on the Woolsack, to dictate to him, or any Peer, how often he should speak, in what manner, or upon what subjects; he should speak, or even to offer any animadversions upon his conduct. He should have noticed the matter before, but that he was prevented from attending in his place by indisposition. If the noble 1340 and learned Lord did not intend as animadversion, but by way of friendly admonition, many of the remarks which he had made, he should only say, that the noble and learned Lord had taken a great deal of unnecessary trouble, and that the admonitions would receive no attention whatsoever. He considered the noble and learned Lord's remarks as being wholly uncalled for by the occasion. With the indulgence of the House, he should, whenever public duty seemed to require it of him, venture to deliver his sentiments freely, without asking permission of the noble and learned Lord, or of any other individual.