But independently of the inconsistency of doing this on the part of the ministry, while the privy council were in the midst of their inquiries, and of the improbability that the other branches of the legislature would have concurred in so hasty a measure; what good would have accrued to the cause, if the abolition had been then carried?
Those concerned in the cruel system would never have rested quietly under the stigma under which they then laboured.

They would have urged, that they had been condemned unheard.

The merchants would have said, that they had had no notice of such an event, that they might prepare, a way for their vessels in other trades.

The planters would have said, that they had had no time allowed them to provide such supplies from Africa as might enable them to keep up their respective stocks.

They would, both of them, have called aloud for immediate indemnification.