By doing this, and this only, they would not incur the objection, that they were meddling with the property of the planters, and letting loose an irritated race of beings, who, in consequence of all the vices and infirmities, which a state of slavery entails upon those who undergo it, were unfit for their freedom.

By asking the government of the country to do this, and this only, they were asking for that, which it had an indisputable right to do; namely, to regulate or abolish any of its branches of commerce; whereas it was doubtful, whether it could interfere with the management of the internal affairs of the colonies, or whether this was not wholly the province of the legislatures established there.

By asking the government, again, to do this and this only, they were asking what it could really enforce.

It could station its ships of war, and command its custom-houses, so as to carry any act of this kind into effect.

But it could not ensure that an act to be observed in the heart of the islands should be enforced[A].