Sitting of 25 July 1828

SLAVERY IN THE WEST INDIES.
Sir J. Mackintoshpresented a petition from the Protestant Dissenters of Charlton, Glocestershire, praying for the Abolition of Slavery. He would take that opportunity of giving notice, that unless government should, without delay, take means for carrying into effect the resolutions which the House had passed in 1823, the friends of this cause would themselves propose specific measures of colonial reformation, early next session. It was much to be desired, that the colonial legislatures might have the wisdom to render such interference unnecessary; as their own free acquiescence was infinitely the most convenient mode of adjusting the question. He was happy to say that his hon. and learned friend the member for Winchelsea had undertaken to bring this subject again under the consideration of parliament.
Sir G. Murraysaid, that he could not suffer the opportunity to pass, without stating explicitly that it was not the intention of the present government to depart from the principle of the resolutions passed in 1823—resolutions which did equal credit to the feelings of the House, and the liberality of the administration. It was the desire of government to introduce a system which would be beneficial to the slaves, without infringing on the rights of private property.
Mr. F. Buxtonsaid, he had heard with great satisfaction the declaration of the right hon. gentleman; and the more especially as words of a different import had been attributed to a noble member of his majesty's government in the other House. He was glad that the pledge given in 1823 was not to dwindle down to a mere recommendation to the colonial legislatures.
Mr. W. Hortonsaid, that under the circumstances, he did not deem it necessary to submit the resolutions of which he had given notice. He could not but express his pleasure at the gratifying intimation of the right hon. Secretary.
Ordered to lie on the table.