It was therefore such a trade as it was impossible for him to
support, unless it could be first proved to him, that there were no laws of
morality binding upon nations; and that it was not the duty of a
legislature to restrain its subjects from invading the happiness of other
countries, and from violating the fundamental principles of justice.
Several had stated the impracticability of the measure before them. They
wished to see the trade abolished; but there was some necessity for
continuing it, which they conceived to exist. Nay, almost every one, he
believed, appeared to wish, that the further importation of slaves might
cease; provided it could be made out, that the population of the West
Indies could be maintained without it. He proposed therefore to consider
the latter point; for, as the impracticability of keeping up the population
there appeared to operate as the chief objection, he trusted that, by
showing it to be ill founded, he should clear away all other obstacles
whatever; so that, having no ground either of justice or necessity to stand
upon, there could be no excuse left to the committee for resisting the
present motion.
He might reasonably, however, hope that they would not reckon any small or
temporary disadvantage, which might arise from the abolition, to be a
sufficient reason against it.
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