§ 1. [Recital and repeal of all the laws for improving the condition of slaves, made in the crown colonies since the Trinidad order in council of the 10th of March, 1824, including that order. The repeal not to bar prosecutions for past offences, nor to destroy any vested rights.] WHEREAS, on the 10th of March, 1824, an order was made by his majesty, with the advice of his Privy Council, making provision for the religious instruction of the Slaves in his majesty's Island of Trinidad, and for the improvement of their condition: And whereas, on the 7th day of September, 1825, an ordinance for the religious instruction of Slaves in his majesty's united colonies of Demerara and Essequibo, was enacted by the lieutenant-governor and court of policy of the said colonies: And whereas, on the 25th day of September, 1826, an ordinance for promoting the religious instruction, and bettering the state and condition of the Slave-population in his majesty's colony of Berbice, was enacted by the lieutenant-governor, and the council of government of that colony: And whereas, on the 8th February, 1826, an ordinance was enacted by the governor of his majesty's Island of St. Lucia, with the advice of the council of government of the said Island, for the better government of Slaves in St. Lucia, and for improving their condition: And whereas, on the 19th day of June, 1826, an ordinance was enacted by the lieutenant-governor of the colony of the Cape of Good Hope, in council, for improving the condition of the Slaves at the Cape of Good Hope: and whereas, on the 7th day of February, 1829, an ordinance was passed and enacted by the governor of his majesty's Island of Mauritius in council, for improving the condition of Slaves in that Island, and its dependencies: And whereas, in the said colonies, or some of them, laws and ordinances, or proclamations, have been enacted for the explanation or amendment of the order of his majesty in council, and the several ordinances hereinbefore mentioned, or some of them: And whereas, on the 5th day of February, 1827, there were laid before his majesty in council, four petitions from various proprietors and mortgagees of estates in the colonies of Demerara and Berbice, praying that no
180§ and such a system of Government as is consistent with the wishes of the people, and calculated to be secured against the control of foreign Governments."