Mr. Whitbread (M.P. for Bedford), whose influence in the Liberal
party is quite that of a leader, has given notice for Tues- day week (22nd February) for a motion on the Fugitive-Slave Circulars, which will test the discipline of the Conservative party. He is to move " that, in the opinion of this House, a slave once admitted to the protection of a British ship-of-war should be treated on board the ship as if he were free, and should not be removed or ordered to leave the ship on account of slavery ; and that a humble address be presented to her Majesty, humbly pray- ing her Majesty that all circulars, instructions, or orders hereto- fore issued contravening the foregoing resolution, or limiting the discretion of commanding officers with respect to the reception of slaves on board her Majesty's ships, shall be withdrawn." Of course, the Royal Commission will be pleaded as the excuse for getting rid of this motion, probably by the machinery of moving "the previous question." But will Liberal-Conservatives wish— nay, when representing popular constituences, will they dare—to -avail themselves of this excuse?
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