He denied that there existed any necessity to disturb the working of the system, it would have _gradually_ slided into _absolute freedom if they were permitted to regulate their own affairs_, but the government, or rather, _the people of England, had forced on the predicament in which they were placed_.

The ministry could not help themselves--They were driven to violate the national compact, not in express words, it is true, but in fact.

It was, however, the _force of public opinion that operated_ in producing the change.

They were placed in a situation from which they could hardly extricate themselves .-- _They had no alternative, he was afraid, but to go along with the stream_." Mr.Hamilton Brown, who at the commencement of the apprenticeship came into a Special Magistrate's court and publicly told him that unless he and his colleagues "_did their duty by having recourse to a frequent and vigorous application of the lash, there would he rebellion in the Parish (of St.Ann's!) in less than a month, and all the responsibility of such a calamity would rest on their shoulders_"! discoursed in the following manner.

"It was always understood, for the apprenticeship _had become marketable_.