376 REMARKS ON 



and to any one who wishes to turn pirate it 

 gives a choice of desperate men, ready for any 

 mischief and capable of any enormity. 



The point I wish, and hope I have in some 

 measure established, is, that all legislative inter- 

 ference short of declaring the slave-trade piracy 

 must of necessity increase the inhumanity of the 

 trade, without in the least degree diminishing it ; 

 that it is a case where a half-measure becomes 

 a positive evil ; and that it is the duty of all who 

 take an interest in the welfare of the African 

 race to oppose the ratification of all treaties 

 with foreign powers that do not declare the 

 trading in slaves upon the high seas under any 

 pretence piracy. 



That the interest and duty of nations, as well 

 as of individuals, are inseparably connected, will 

 be readily admitted ; and that Great Britain is 

 deeply indebted to Africa for wrongs inflicted on 

 her, may perhaps be as readily granted ; but 

 although the assent is easily obtained to the 

 general principle, yet it may be necessary more 

 particularly to state why I consider we are called 

 upon, more perhaps than any other nation, to 

 endeavour to repair the injury we have inflicted 

 on that country. 



