The Sun.
London, England, 1863-07-16 00:00:00

his statement) has received 70,000 or 80000 per-
sons in one year without the rate of wages being

elected. We readily grant the great amount of
labour that can be absorbed into the vast colonies of
our Southern continent, but several drawbacks re-
main to be considered, and this is a question
on which hasty legislation is especially to be depre-
cated. Mr. VILLIERS stated that he had that very
morning heard from the Emigration Board the
rules and restrictions under which they
acted on behalf of the colonies. He
had inquired whether there was a likeli-
hood of the cotton operatives being selected
:'or assistance to the colonies. He was avureu
hat the rules of the Board would prevent their
-ending them. The emigrants must not be above
40 ; they must not have more than two children ;
And they must have been employed as either
mechanics or agriculturists. These ruhs are espe-
cially enforced with regard to the colony of Victoria.
The colonists have, of course, a perfect right to
stipulate what kinds of persons are to be sent out
partly at their expense, and their restrictions must
be seriously considered, as it is evident that per-
sons who do not approach the description given are
not suitable to send, as the colonists must naturally
be the best aware of what class is likely to succeed
and thrive in the new land, and be a source of pro-
fit to themselves and the colony. Ttte most serious
difficulty in the case is the one that has often been
pointed out, and v-as especially dwelt upon on Tues.
lsy evening by two gentlemen who ought to know
something of the matter—:Mr. VILLIERS and Mr.
COBDEN. They both insistel on the impropriety,
' and even the cruelty, of despatching a large num-
' her of families to great distances unless some secu-
rity is provided for their obtaining employment at
the end of their journey. Mr. CHILDERS had spoken
of the eagerness of the peop'e to emigrate, and had
' cited, in support of his assertions, some letters
written by Mr. KNIGHT, who visited Manchester

es an acting emigration agent this spring. This
gentieman described his office as perfectly besieged
with applicants, and expressed his belief that he
could have booked 1,000 per day for a considerable
time. The hon. member for Rochdale, however,
replied by saying that Manchester was a metropolis
.n its way, and that there was by no means the
same anxiety felt in the purely factory towns. He
also pointed out that the proposed resolution
would not come into full effect until the terrors of
TOE winter were half over. We have good grounds
for hoping now that the face of affairs is changing.
The aspects of the American war encourage us to
hope ; and it should never be forgotten in discus.
sions of this nature that we are legislating for a
temporary and exceptional state of things. It is
wise, no doubt, to lighten the ship in times of
danger; but let us not throw overboard our most
valuable cargo just as the harbour is in sight.
There was no surplus of labour before, as the high
rate of wages testified very plainly. It is, there-
fore, a doubtful kindness to transport families to
a new life and a new world, when, in a few
months, their old source of profitable occupation
may be again open to them and needing their aid.
l'he truth was fairly stated by Mr. VILLIERS whe❑
he said that some temporary provision is necessary ;
and people should be left free to emigrate if tht y
wish ; but for the House to encourage, direct, or
compel them to do so is contrary to ancient prac-
ice and good policy. Partial schemes to assist
hose anxious to emigrate have long been on foct,
and are at this tame especially deserving of assist-
ance, provided they arrange for the reception of
heir members, but the wisdcm of wholesale men-
-lures of Ote kind is always doubtful. Mr. CHIL•
DERs, becoming Fensiblo of this, withdrew hi,
motion, and the Uuicn Relief Aid Bill was allowed
to pass fivally through committee, and will, we
hope, prove a substantial amelioration of some
part of the still existing distress.