Page:Substance of the speech of His Royal Highness the Duke of Clarence, in the House of Lords.djvu/16

 and in 1765, upon the change of Administration, the Right Honourable Gentleman brought in his first Free-Port Act, and which has continued to be adopted by the Government down to the present moment. It may, my Lords, be thought singular, that in the latter part of Mr. Burke's life, he should have voted for an Abolition of the Slave Trade; but in his character, like that of many other great men, there are several shades irreconcilable with the prominent features. I perfectly well remember, my Lords, that when I thought it my duty as a Member of Parliament to take a decided part in this important business, I had occasion to mention to the Right Honourable Gentleman his change of sentiments. He acknowledged that my observation was just, as referring to his former conduct; and emphatically concluded—"My own words must rise up in judgment against me." It recur to this great and enlightened authority for the rectitude of my position; and if in the vale of life he chose