Page:On the motion of Sir George Strickland; for the abolition of the negro apprenticeship.djvu/63



justification of what was said in the speech, I subjoin larger extracts from Mr. Buxton's letter, dated Northrepps Hall, Nov. 3, 1837, most earnestly recommending the perusal of the whole document.

"I am not convinced of the propriety of making a grand effort for procuring the abolition of the apprenticeship in 1838. It seems to me an improbability of the highest order that we should succeed in such an attempt. What is our present situation? A contract sanctioned by the legislature exists—loe maintain that its conditions have been violated, and that therefore it ought to cease.

"Upon this matter of fact we are at issue with the West Indians, and it can hardly be expected that Parliament will pronounce its verdict until our evidence has been stated in detail, and the apprentice-holders have been heard in reply. I observe that some of our excellent and zealous friends have expressed an invincible aversion to parliamentary committees. But I cannot suppose that Parliament will decide so grave a question, and dissolve an existing contract of its own making, without inquiry; and an inquiry in this case implies a parliamentary committee. I take it then for granted that to an investigation before Parliament we must go.