Irving, as contained in the evidence. Waving
then the consideration of this part of the subject, the opinion in question
must have arisen from a notion, that the stock of slaves, now in the
islands, could not be kept up by propagation; but that it was necessary,
from time to time, to recruit them with imported Africans. In direct
refutation of this position he should prove, First, that in the condition
and treatment of the Negros, there were causes, sufficient to afford us
reason to expect a considerable decrease, but particularly that their
increase had not been a serious object of attention; Secondly, that this
decrease was in fact, notwithstanding, very trifling; or rather, he
believed, he might declare it had now actually ceased; and, Thirdly, he
should urge many direct and collateral facts and arguments, constituting on
the whole an irresistible proof, that even a rapid increase might
henceforth be expected.
He wished to treat the West Indians with all possible candour; but he was
obliged to confess, in arguing upon these points, that whatever splendid
instances there might be of kindness towards their slaves, there were some
evils of almost universal operation, were necessarily connected with the
system of slavery.
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