At the close of Mr. Buxton's speech, Mr. Canning, as the organ of his majesty's government, expressed his concurrence in the desire to mitigate, and ultimately to annihilate, slavery, but made some objections to the form of expression of Mr. Buxton's motion, and proposed instead—
- That it is expedient to adopt effectual and decisive measures for meliorating the condition of the slave-population in his majesty's colonies.
- That through a determined and persevering, but judicious and temperate enforcement of such measures, this house looks forward to a progressive improvement in the character of the slave population; such as may prepare them for a participation in those civil rights and privileges which are enjoyed by other classes of his majesty's subjects.
- That this house is anxious for the accomplishment of this purpose at the earliest period that may be compatible with the well being of the slaves, with the safety of the colonies, and with a fair and equitable consideration of the interests of all parties concerned therein.
- That these resolutions be laid before his majesty.
In the discussion that ensued, some attempts were made, on the old system, to prove the happiness, satisfaction, and contentment of the negroes, except when they were excited by the injudicious and unnecessary interference of their enthusiastic friends in England. These assertions, however, were clearly disproved and the cause ably supported by Mr. Wilberforce, Mr. Wm. Smith, Sir G. Rose, Mr. Brougham, Lord Althorp, and Mr. Buxton, in reply to the objections made against his speech. As the motion of Mr. Canning
