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- I 



298 



IMPOLICY OF TllK SLAVE-TRADE. 



It is clear that those who hold out that upon 

 such principle^ as these the abolition was effect- 

 ed in England, know nothing of its history ; — 

 for if they did, they would soon see from what 

 pure motives the zeal for the prohibition of the 

 slave-trade proceeded ; they would read of the 

 exertions and perseverance of Clarkson, the 

 great apostle in this cause, and they would be 

 convinced that the eloquence of Wilberforce 

 could only emanate from the most disinterested 

 sources. It would be perceived that these two 

 individuals, whose names will for ever be con- 

 nected with the famous law to the passing of 

 which they contributed so materially, were fol- 

 lowed by a train of advocates in this glorious 

 struggle, whose aid was afforded under circum- 

 stances which were as little liable to suspicion as 

 the conduct of their great leaders. The proofs 

 of the unstained principles upon which this act 

 was carried through parliament are so decisive, 

 that a plain statement of facts would convince 

 all those who were not previously determined to 

 believe the contrary. 



The government of Brazil has a difficult part 

 to act j it rules a numerous body of slave- 

 owners, who are scattered over a very extensive 

 country, in which the authority of the sovereign 

 will only of necessity be loosely recognised ; the 

 possibility of resisting his commands does exist, 

 and though his mandates are issued in the style 



