Page:Substance of the speech of His Royal Highness the Duke of Clarence, in the House of Lords.djvu/11

 of York, was at the head of it. In 1665, the Company's factors settled at Jamaica. In 1672 another African Company was formed, the King himself, the Duke of York, Prince Rupert, with others, appeared as the patrons, and many of high rank, amongst whom was the celebrated Mr. Locke.

In 1688, the Revolution put an end to the Company, because all monopolies were contrary to its spirit and principles. In 1698, the first Assiento Contract was entered into with the Spaniards, and encouraged by King William. In the same year the famous Act was passed by King William, entitled, "An Act for the Protection of that Trade, and for the Advantage of England, and the Preservation of its Colonies." This Act is considered by the West Indians as their birth-right. Now, my Lords, who were the men that passed this famous Act? They were those great and illustrious characters, who, under the blessings of Divine