Page:Abstract of the evidence for the abolition of the slave-trade 1791.djvu/121

( 87 ) where he resided, never performed the duty the act imposed on them, and he never heard of any complaints against them for the non-performance of it.

Mr. Dalrymple states he was in Grenada, in 1788, when the act was passed. The principal objection, and which he repeatedly heard, to its passing was, that it might make the slaves believe, that the authority of their masters was lessened: but otherwise, many thought it would be of little use, as it was a law made by themselves against themselves, and to be executed by themselves: they observed besides, that such laws were unnecessary for the protection of negroes who were treated well; and that others had so many opportunities of evading the law (the evidence of negroes not being admitted) that it would be of no use. At the time of passing the said act, the proposal in the British Parliament for the abolition of the slave-trade was a matter of general discussion in the island: and he believes was a principal reason for passing it. Mr. Dalrymple believes it will prove ineffectual: because, as no negro evidence is admitted, those who abuse them ''will still do it with. impunity: and people, who live on terms of intimacy, would dislike the idea of becoming spies and informers against each other''.

All the facts having been now cited, and the observations made, which it was intended to introduce into this chapter, it may be concluded in the words of the Rev. Mr. Stuart, and General Tottenham.

The former says, he his warranted in declaring the negroes an oppressed and much injured race, and in no better estimation than labouring cattle, and every description of their treatment he has met with falls short of their real state. He read Mr. Ramsay's Essay in manuscript at. St. Kitt's, and comparing it on the spot with the treatment of the slaves, he thought it too favourable.

The latter stated to the Committee, that he thought the slaves in Barbadoes were treated with the greatest barbarity, and that he was very positive that the impression