284
BARBADOS.
rhetoric than information hold these things cheap; but every seaman, merchant, and practical statesman knows their inestimable importance. We must therefore act with deliberation; we must be firm, but cautious, conciliatory, long-suffering; seeing that we also ourselves have waded to our middle in the system which now we seek to destroy. I trust the tenor of this book will protect me from the imputation of wishing to justify the excesses or defend the obstinacy, of some of the colonial legislatures. Indeed I am so deeply convinced of the inexpediency of their existence at all, that if I had the right and the power to-morrow, I would expunge the whole system and establish a vice-regal government with a council of advice in its stead. If the colonies, through pique or madness, will not amend those parts of the system which are plainly indefensible, they must abide by the consequences of having the thing done in spite of them. But my object is to suggest to the well meaning but inconsiderate enthusiasts of this country that there really are solid difficulties in this matter, and to induce them, if possible, to adopt a calmer and more equitable tone in their conversation on a subject with which they are but imperfectly acquainted, and which involves principles and consequences of the extent of which they have no conception.