ulations would have
the effect of decreasing the rate of mortality; yet as blind to their
own interest as they were hardened in cruelty, petitions were presented
against the proposed measure by the merchants of Liverpool, Bristol, and
London, who stated that it would inflict upon themselves great injuries.
They prayed to be heard at the bar of the house, which prayer was
granted; but the facts reluctantly drawn from those who were brought
forward in support of the present system, were so decisive against it,
that the friends of the bill declined calling any counter-evidence.
Indignant at the disclosures which were made, indeed. Pitt proposed
a clause, rendering every slave-ship which had already sailed from
England, subject to the regulations of the bill; and stated that he
should think it proper to despatch a quick-sailing vessel, with copies
of the act, to the coast of Africa, that they might not have a plea of
ignorance to offer for the infringement of its rules. At the same time
Pitt said, he trusted the house would make compensation to the merchants
who might receive any pecuniary loss by the bill; an object which he
thought was of no consideration when the interests of humanity were
so intimately concerned. Pitt also proposed another clause, granting
certain bounties to owners and surgeons of ships in which the mortality
should not exceed two or three during the voyage; a clause which was
intended to excite greater attention to the preservation of the slaves.
With these additions the bill was carried through the commons in all its
stages by considerable majorities. It also passed the lords; but it
was there strenuously opposed by Admiral Lord Rodney, Lord Chancellor
Thurlow, Lord Sidney, and the Duke of Chandos. The bill, which was
to continue in force till August, 1783, by which time it was hoped
something more would be done in favour of the slaves, received the royal
assent on the 11th of July. The triumph served as an encouragement to
the philanthropists to persevere in the cause of humanity; and from this
time the number of their converts and their means daily increased.

{GEORGE III. 1787-1789}

CHARGE AGAINST SIR ELIJAH IMPEY.

Early in this session it was determined to impeach Sir Elijah Impey,
chief-justice of the supreme court established at Calcutta, by the
Regulating Act of 1773, Six articles of impeachment were accordingly
exhibited to the house by Sir Gilbert Elliot, who supported them by a
l