The Life of William Wilberforce #233617

Death of Fox — Passage of Bill for Abolition of Slave Trade — Contest for Yorkshire. The death of Mr. Pitt dissolved the existing govern ment, and the inheritance of his power was divided amongst the followers of Mr. Fox, Lord Grenville, Mr. Windham, and Lord Sidmouth. It was Mr. Wilber force's general practice to support the King's govern ment whenever he was able; and on this ground he now disclaimed at once all intentions of systematic Opposition. He wished too, as far as possible, to conciliate their sup port in the approaching Abolition struggle; and greatly to the annoyance of many of his friends supported Lord Henry Petty in the contest tor the representation of the University of Cambridge, which followed the death of Mr. Pitt.