Mr. Wilberforce, in adverting to this sub- 564 ject, stated, that the house would remember the Resolution that had been voted by that house in the last session of the last parliament, pledging the house to take measures for the speedy Abolition of the Slave Trade. This resolution, it would be recollected, bound that house to take such steps for the early abolition of a traffic which it declared to be contrary to justice and humanity, as the house in its wisdom should deem proper. It might be thought that those interested in this question ought to have brought forward the measure in the early part of this session; but as a proceeding had been instituted in the other house of parliament for that purpose, he had been induced to abstain hitherto from bringing the subject under the consideration of the house. If that proceeding, however, should be extended to too great a length, so as to preclude the probability of its passing this session, he should, if no more competent person undertook the task, bring the matter forward in that house.
Lord Howickwas happy that the hon. member had mentioned the subject, thinking that the attention of the new parliament could not be too soon directed to it. He thought the hon. gent. acted right in not having brought forward any proposition on the subject, as the proceeding in the other house would tend to the same end. Their own honour, and the honour of the house, was concerned in instituting some proceeding that would lead to an abolition of a trade, which parliament had declared to be contrary to justice, humanity, and sound policy.