416 
THE SLAVE QUESTION. 
ing, to tlie real prejudice of friendly intercourse, mutual 
interests, and of the question at issue. 
In the present circumstances of the case, there are 
three discordant and antagonistic principles. A 
powerful nation — recently repentant — is determined 
at any sacrifice, violently to root out in others the 
guilt of the Slave Trade, and — signally fails. Certain 
weaker nations have promised, through fear, and 
against their present convictions, to co-opei'ate, but 
are secretly resolved to continue the practice at all 
costs, and — do it successfully. Moreover, the strong 
nation having relinquished the compulsory ministra- 
tion to its wants, will still have them supplied; and 
with the manifest sacrifice of consistency — her selfish 
ends are gained. 
Since all these anomalous points cannot be re- 
conciled, let us boldly confront the wrong and reject it; 
while we honestly seek a better course. Every moment 
that we hesitate prolongs the sufferings of thou- 
sands ; if therefore it is proved we do infinitely worse 
than nothing in endeavouring by force to stop the 
evil, the safest alternative seems to be, that we should 
turn all our attention towards softening the horrors 
which have been increased by our ineffectual though 
well-intended efforts. For this purpose we would 
humbly suggest, that other nations be exhoHed to 
tread in our early path of amendment, in the hope 
that it may lead them to similar result. That trea- 
ties he made with those nations based on the Bill of 
