Page:Substance of the speech of His Royal Highness the Duke of Clarence, in the House of Lords.djvu/44

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vessels, though I was possessed of his sentiments, that the height between decks, by his experience, was a matter of no moment to the health of men on board of the ship. Being myself an advocate for height between decks, I had at all times, where the vessel would admit, wished it as high as possible. But, my Lords, I always shall oppose any proposition brought forward for the mere purpose of harassing and distressing the British Slave Trader, after every wise and good regulation has been established for the health and comfort of the Negroes by the Bill of 1788. In short, my Lords, the Carrying Bill just passed, is merely for the purpose of harassing and distressing the British Merchant; and it is not more conducive to the health or comfort of the Negro. Even the Bounty Clause, as an inducement for the Master and Surgeon to take care of the health of the Negro, is omitted. We are, my Lords, and it is with pleasure I affirm it, the ablest sea-faring nation on the globe;