on of
commodities produced by slave labour unnecessary. George Thompson, Esq.,
who had been returned for the Tower Hamlets, one of the largest and
most influential constituencies in the kingdom, a man of surpassing
eloquence, took a very active part in this movement. A correct
insight as to its object and spirit may be imparted to the reader by
a resolution passed at a great meeting of the inhabitants of the Tower
Hamlets on the 26th of October:--"After an eloquent address, expository
of the subject, G.Thompson, Esq., M.P., moved a resolution to the
general effect that it had been demonstrated that India had the capacity
of producing every tropical raw commodity required by England for the
constant and profitable employment of her population. That England,
although mistress of India, was rendered year by year more dependent
upon the United States for her supply of raw cotton and tobacco; both
being the produce of slave labour. That, consequently, the prosperity
of this country, and the stability of a large portion of the public
revenue, were made dependent upon the vicissitudes of the seasons,
upon the maintenance of peace between England and America, and upon
the continuance of internal peace among the Slave States. That such
dependence, besides perpetuating slavery, was to a great extent, the
source of existing calamities, and pregnant with future evils to the
interests of England. That the free agricultural population of British
India would become the natural customers of this country in the
exact measure that they would if permitted to become the producers
of commodities for the wants of England, but that they were rendered
incapable of competing with the United States, by reason of the burdens
imposed upon their soil and industry. Therefore, resolved--That it is
the duty of the people of England, for the sake alike of England, of
India, and of the enslaved throughout the world, to require of the
legislature the immediate removal of all imposts which depress the
agricultural energies of the native population; and the institution of
a strict and impartial inquiry, in India, into the condition of the
natives, and into the conduct and the acts arising out of the peculiar
government ruling over them, which affect their wellbeing, and retard
their prosperity. Mr. W. Howitt seconded the resolutions, which were
carried unanimously, and the meeting separated."

THE COURT.

There were few incidents of interest connec