A DAILY MESSAGE

Hokitika Guardian, 12 January 1929, Page 1

A DAILY MESSAGE

TO AN UNGENEROUS CRITIC lx a previous passage I referred to William Wilberforee as “the man who liberated British slaves.” A correspondent contested this claim, basing his contention upon the fact that “ Wilberforee was dead before the Emancipation Act became effective.” As iny correspondent lias covered himself with the dark mantle of anonymity it is impossible lo reply to him personally—hence this message to an ungenerous critic. William Wilberforee, author and champion of 'the Emancipation Act, died, it is true, thrity-one days before the passage of the measure by which slavery was abolished throughout the British Dominions; but it is also true that, but for the fifty years during which lie waged one qf the most glorious campaigns in all history, there would have been no Emancipation Act, perhaps, for a century. The fifty years’ emancipation campaign covered two sections of one great movement.

The earlier struggle, inaugurated, conducted, and led by \\ ilbeuiorce, lasted nearly a quarter of a century, when, after incredible difficulties, it ■ s ••"'’cted that tho exportation of slaves from Africa should cease, hut no relief was proposed to those already in bondage.

The later struggle, also inaugurated and led by Wilberforee. lasted another quarter of a century, during which period he tirelessly pursued his great ideal, but .... Wilberforee was dying when they came to tell him that the bill for which he had spent his life had passed the Commons, and British slaves were almost free.

Like Nelson at Trafalgar—like Franklin away in Hie North-west Pas. sago—like Wolfe in Canada—and others—lie died in the flush of triumph —tho crown of glory being placed upon his brow by other than human hands. Oh I Ungenerous Critic, who because Wilberforee was called hence thirty-one days before the legislative completion of his life-work-would rob him of his incontestable claim to be regarged as the mail who put an end to British slavery! But there arc others who know better, and in the quiet shades of Westminster Abbey there is proof of that, for there it is recorded of him that “he had removed I nun England the guilt of the Slave Trade, and prepared the way for the abolition of slavery m eveiy colony in the Empire.” Wilberforee, the hunchback, has raised to himself a greater monument than any which the hands of moil can tear down, and one which will withstand tho calumnies of all the ungenerous critics in the uoild. M. PRESTON STANLEY.