The Sun.
London, England, 1847-01-09 00:00:00

FLANDERS MAIL.

BRUSSELS, JAN. 6.—The av:,.rage price of wheat in
the work ending on Saturday, Jan. 2, was 27f. 27c .and
that of rye 21f. 71c. per hectolitre, being an increase of
0! centimes on wheat, and a decrease of 03 centimes on
rye since last week.

We have just learned that the establishment at Se-
raing, which for several years worked with two large
furnaces, an,' Las created two new ones since 1844, is
goimr to erect a fifth and a sixth, to enable it to supply
th.Liqcreased demand for its manufactures.

The Moniteur promulgates a law, dated Jan. 2,
enacting, that by an extensi,,n of Art. 3, of the Law of
the 17th of July, 1846, raw beetroot sugar shall be ad-
mitted for exportation, with a reduction equal to the
amount of the Excise. The Moniteur publishes also the
law which fixes the budget of dotations for
1847, at the sum 0f:3,338,672 francs 75 cents. The
law ahieh ext,mpts from Excise duties—the salt
employed in feeding cattle or for manuring land.
The law AA MA grants to the department of public
works provisional rate of credit for 2,215,962 f.
And the law which modifies the duties of custom on
14pather and hides.

By a royal decree of the 3d of December, the sum of
18,550 f., to be assigned on the 9th chapter act of the
budget of the Department of Justice, is placed
at the dispwal of the Minister of Justice, to
be distribute;] by him, according to their merits,
among the charitable institutions which are engaged
in assisting criminals released from prison, and which
endeavours to train persons for the service of the prisons
of the depot of mendicity.
A royal decree of the same (late, grants to the Mi-
nister of Justice, a sum of 64,848 francs, to be distributed
in like manner among other charitable institutions ; and
another royal decree, of the 31st December, grants the
sum of 3,500 francs to the Minister of Justice, to be paid,
if there is occasion, in the name of the English congre-
gation at (Mend, and of the Consistory of the Protestant
Evangelical Church at Antwerp.
CRACOW, DEC. 23.—The Breslau Gazette of the 20th
of this month reported, in a letter from Cracow of the
12th, that several of the inhabitants of Cracow, who
had been arrested in the course of the year, had been
set at liberty ; yet not accomplices in the late con-
spiracy, but only persons who, since the de-
parture of the Russian troops, had; been arrested
for using improper language. To this, the Cracow
Gazette answered :—" As we considered it to be
our duty to make strict inquiries into the statement
given by the Breslau Gazette, we are now able,
after having received authentic information, after
the departure of the Russian troops, to assure
our readers, that the magistrates of Cracow
have not once had any occasion to arrest
any person for improper language, that, therefore, in-
dividuals of this description cannot have been discharged
from the prisons. A considerable number of persons
have, it is true, been set at liberty during this period,
but they were persons who were accused of participation
in the conspiracy this spring, and were arrested on that
account.

BRESLAU, DEC, 24.—My communication respecting
the alarming state of the manufacturing districts in the
mountains, has the same melancholy confirmation, in
consequence of a petition from Langenbielan, a detach.
ment of troops bas been sent to protect the inhabitants,
and we must unfortunately fear that the discharges
of workmen will continue to increase, and that many
extensive and wealthy manufacturers, who are amply
provided with commissions and orders, will be obliged to
give up, solely on account of the existing difficulty and
restrictions of the bakers, which disables them from
obtaining the ready money which they require.

AUSTRIAN FUNDS.—VIENNA, DEC. 30.
5 per Cent. Meta Moues
4 per Cent. ditto • • • • • • • ......... 981,i
3 per Cent. ditto •• •• •• •• •• •• •••••• •• •• 7214
Loan, 1834 .157
Ditto, 1839 .. •• ••• • •
Bank Shares .. • • .. • • . • • • • • .•• • • • 1580
Eiterhazy's Loan • • • • •• • • . ...........
RAILWAYS.
The Northern, or Ferdinand
Gloggnitz • • • • • ••.• • • .. 127%
Vienna—Milan ..................... 1087•9
Penh . ..... ...... ..................
Sienna .• •••••• • • .• • • .... •••. • • ..
l'osth Bridge .. • • ......................
Apenninen
—Allgemelne Zeltung, Jan. 2.

PROPOSED EMPLOYMENT OF
CONVICTS IN THE SUGAR-GROWING
COLONIES.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE SUN.
Craig's .court, Charing-cross, London, Dec. 27, 1846.
Sin,—The evils und, r which the colonists of Van
Diemen's Land sutler, through convicts being sent there,
and the hopeless state of debasement of the convicts
thernsdvos, are by far too serious to be allowed to remain
without considerable exertion being made to remedy
them. It is an accepted opinion that the chief preven-
tion of criine is regular occupation ; and although it is
reported that Government are about to adopt some
measures to create a demand for the labour of the con-
victs, it also appears to me that such is not absolutely
required.
During the last Parliament my attention was drawn
to several suljccts then under discussion ; and it oc-
currxl to me much good might be accomplished if
convict labour was, in future, transferred to our sugar-
growing colonies in the West Indies. After having
maturely considered this question, in its different bear-
ings, I ventured to address Earl Grey thereon ; and I
now beg to fi,rward you a copy of my letter to his Lord•
ship, as also the reply with which I have been honoured.
You will perceive my proposal embraces five objects,

viz. :-
Ist. To supply labour to our sugar-growing colonies
in the West Indies.
2d. To extend education' n those colonies, not only to
the convicts, but generally.
3d. That whilst the convict is undergoing his sen-
tence, and made to labour hard, he shall be encouraged
by kind treatment—such as diminished labour, improved
food, and classification—to conduct himself well, and
thereby become a changed man ; and also, at the expi-
ration of his period of servitude (which, by exemplary
conduct might be considerably reduced), he would be-
come entitled to a share in the accumulated fund, set
aside out of his own earnings, which would be of suffi-
cient amount to enable him, for the future, to gain an
honest livelihood.
4th. To relieve the colonists of Van Diemen's Land
from the burden of the convicts.
sth. To diminish very considerably the expenditure of
the country, by saving the cost of transport to, and the
support of the convicts in, the colony of Van Diemen's
Land, which now amounts to from 200,000/. to 300,0001.
per annum.
The Government are pledged to assist the planters in
finding labourers, to extend education, and to improve
the condition of those who may have fallen under the
penalties of the law.
For the purpose of more fully developing my pro-
position, I have, at considerable labour, compiled tables,
and other statements, which, if called for, 1 intended to
have laid berore the Government. These I am now
about to submit to the West India Committee ; and I
also intend to make an appeal on the subject to various
noblemen and others, eminent for their unwearied ex.
ertions for the moral improvement of the condition of
their less fortunate fellow-creatures.
It relay be proper for me to add, that whilst the
planters would be saved the immense expense of the
transit of Coolies to anti from the several colonies (301.
each for from two to three years' service, in addition to
their wages, &c.), my plan would not interfere with the
current rate of wages in the colonies, as I propose that
of the convicts shall be the same as the free labourer ;
the only difference being, that the wages of the former
shall be appropriated by the Government, and that, too,
ahnost wholly for their benefit.
I also have good reason to believe, that unless the
planters signify it to be their desire, no steps will
be taken by the Government on this important question.
You are at full liberty to make what use you please of
these papero ; and should 3ou desire it, I shall have
much pleasure in placing in your hands the details of
my proposition.
I am, Sir, your mast obedient servant,
JAMES WINDOW.

Craig's-court, London, 13th October, 1846.
My trust that the great importance of the
subject of the supply of labour to the West Indian
Colonies may justify me in submitting to your Lord-
ship's attention the following propositions, which, if
carried out, would, I conceive, not only most materially
benefit the West India interest, but would facilitate
the prosecution of other objects which her Majesty's
Government are believed to have in contemplation.
It has been admitted by Lord Stanley, and confirmed
by other high authorities, that although the greatest care
must be taken in the procurement of labourers from the
coast of Africa, the Colonist must be afforded increased
facilities in this respect without delay.
It appears to me, that by the application of convict
labour, under well considered regulations, the object in
view might most effectually and promptly be aided ; and
the sole question I humbly conceive the Government will
have to decide is, whether such great numbers of disso-
lute persons (whilst undergoing punishment) may be
safely allowed to go comparatively free.
That the whites are qualified to labour under a tro-
pical sun has already been proved by the employment,
by Government, of convicts at the Bermudas. The
security of the persons and the property of residents,
as also the safe custody of the convicts, would be
amply guaranteed by the present existing local police
(aided by the military), which I understand was much
increased and improved at the time of the emancipation
of the slaves.
In the first instance, the number of convicts in each
colony would be inconsiderable—ouly increasing gra •
dually; and care would have to be taken that the num-
ber of convicts supplied should be in proportion to the
number of troops and police employed in each colony.
Were it necessary to prove further the efficacy of white
labour, reference could be had to a communication from
the late Sir Herbert Taylor, addressed to the Colonial
Office :during the reign of his Majesty George the
Fourth, by which it will be found that a planter of some
importance, resident in the island of St. Christopher's,
employed white labour there three years prior to the
Emancipation Act.
In this instance, whilst the work by those free labour-
ers was found to be far more effective than that of the
black population, by a wise precaution pursued in appor •
tioning the hours of labour, the casualties by sickness
and death were by no means great.
I may also acquaint your Lordship that, in the yeae
1835, a company was projected for the employment of
white labour in Jamaica; and although, from some
cause, it was not carried out, the inclosed advertisement,
which appeared in the newspapers of that period, will
show you the names of influential persons, being large
proprietors of West India estates, who had agreed to
lend their sanction, and advance their capital, by taking
411 aCtiTo put in it 3 4ffoira. Among other benefits and

profits calelat:-_-(1 upon by jr.- IVLita
r°'
lab Air o:er blacks was; considered as 35 to 48 in fa
of the fern ems.
I would beg to suggest the appointment of varil
officers (perhaps half-pay officers) to the several cola' p
to superintend the arri,val of the convicts, their all)
ment to proprietors of estates, &C.
These officers should, I humbly conceive, be thi,
medium of adjusting all differences between the el
ployers and the convict:. To guarantee a fair r.clinireii
'ration of their duties, rewards, and punishments, 001,1
shoul I be perfectly free from all other local COnto!
except that of the Governor (~.f the colony ; and erdi
thria, except in cases of emergency, they should
solely under instructions from. the Colonial-office.
receiving their appointment, they should declare wo:
they had no interest in the colony to which they Were
proceed.
The planters who hire the convicts should enter_.,ietg
written engagements to pay the current rate of Or,
to house, feed, and clothe the convicts, and be rel.;
sible, under some fixed penalty, for their safe cast'4o.
Your Lordship will thus perceive that I do not Pry
pose to interfere with free labour.
With regard to the appropriation of the wag i#
convicts, I would suggest as follows :—That the eo,
year's produce should go in repayment to Governo
for the expense of passage, &c., to the colony.
That the salari, s of the officers should be paia.,4
the earnings of future years, and the balance-be WY'
into three equal parts, viz.:—

Ist. To form sick and disabled funds.
2d. To form a general education fund for the co*
in which the labour is given.
3d. The balance, not less than one-third, to be P°l,lo_
over to an officer of Government, to be invested
Savings' Bank, at compound interest, for the bene #
the convict, on the termination of his sentence, Off
case of his death, to his legal representative. Oi
There would have to be a variety of arrangemeozooti
the safe custody of the convicts, their treatment, ',el
of labour; and also for the nature and amount iNok
wards and punishments for good or bad conduct" #1
their education—which latter must be enforced °
convicts.
To act as a stimulant to industry and good coedu".di
would be advisable to adopt a generous mode of 101
went of the convict; and where the Government
lands, in addition to the share of earnings of the,
victs, it might be further desirable to give 603
allotments at the term of their punishment. AD,
,0
might also be curtailed, and, during their servitudes
good conduct, the hours of labour might be reuifi;
and they might be supplied with a better quality o,'
Besides the very large, immediate, gradual, not
tinual supply of labour to the colonies, the proriyl
improvement of the convicts, through the educatio,oolo
would receive, and means that would be affordea.osi
of obtaining an honest livelihood at the expirstio#
their sentence (which, being residents, would beAjoi
counterpoise to the black population), and the pr°:;,-00
a general fund for educational purposes in those P.:000
her Majesty's dominions, there would accrue an iio
saving, equal I believe, to upwards of 200,0007
annum, in the transmission of convicts and theird
sistence in Van Diemen's Land; and the GovelnY
would have it in their p.,wer to relieve, hereafteroltY
colonists there, who have been loudly complainir
miseries attendant upon its being generally used
penal settlement.
Should = be, d I nel

it be determined to carry the plan -
re'?
to offer into full operation, the funds derivable tiled
would, in a few years, amount to 100,0004 per wibed
to prove which I have made some calculations. foi
and other details, I shall be happy to lay before
Lordship.— I have
(the honour to
JAMES be, &c.,
WINO
Signed)
To the Right Hon. E trl Grey, &c., &e.

14this
Lonuoti, October 21, 1 if,
My Lord,—Referring to the letter I did IllYseiot
honour of addressing to your Lordship on the 13th A!„
suggesting the expediency of convict labour pyro" ,f
future supplied to the sugar-growing colonies 104
West Indies, a fact pregnant with importance rer,
thereto has since come to my knowledge fully cy,
rating the statement relative to the employment or-
labour in St. Kitt's. I refer to the fact of a vast °fore,
of English labourers having been employed in the dr
tion of the Jamaica railways, amongst whom le"'
casualties have arisen. yolji
This can be easily verified, and might its!isVl`
Lordship's judgment when deliberating on t'iliff;
question. lam quite aware many pliilanthropis"ok'.
object to convicts being sent out to a tropical 'cli,.°3o,
the plea of injury to their constitutions; which. 0
is found to be futile, from the communication °o,or
'the liberty of making to your Lordship.
I have the honour to t,e, no
„*
(Signed) JAMES WIL‘""
To the Right Honourable Earl Grey, &c., ,
Colonial.office, 29th Odl 1840 e
Sir,—l am directed by Earl Grey to acknowk"
receipt of your communications of the 13th it°loo'
inst.,. recommending the employment of convict
in the West Indies.

I am, Sir, your obedient servant, 0.
(Signed) B. lIA "4
To Jamas Window, Lq.

•
TO THELEDITOR OF .THE SUIVIOI°,IA
SIR,—I am very anxious to correct a mistake je,
report from the Croydon Petty Sessions of ter
last, which appeared in your paper of Monday, w.gel
The mistake I complain of is the following polf,'
,
"It may be necessary to explain that Mr. Oldfield 0"-A
of the executors of the late Mr. Cobbett." I befit, td
that Jesse Oldfield was my father's shopman, but.
,9
an executor of his will.—l am, Sir, your most 002
servant, W. COBBP'
Queen's Prieon, 7th Jan., 1847. r
[We have omitted the latter portion of Mr. .dett
letter, and likewise the postscript. If Mr. Cobbeehi
re-peruse what he has written, he will, as 0, laws
once perceive our reason.—ED. Sun.]
THE CONFLICT BETWEEN
COURTS OF ALDERMEN AND I,'
COUNCIL. etf
The sub-committee of the Common Council maned
the subject of the refusal of the Lord Mayor to
question for the third reading of the Bill to C s'o soy
qualification of the candidates for the Common
—Mr. Peacock in the chair. Old
The resolution passed at former meetings, 041,4
rights and liberties of the citizens were endatiridra
the proceedings of the Court of Aldermen, an d1)(01,14'
the Members to adopt and enforce all such le/v.eier"
and reasonable measures as shall preserve to 084
of London the right to alter their municipal inlite
Ito
to meet the increasing commerce of the City, an,
formity with the intelligence and wants of the "
read.
Mr. ANDERTON said that unless Mr. Ashuesrt ist9
to address the committee he would read a efs,
which he had submitted to several of the me
Mayor'
which he had intended to present to the Lord ":"cleP",e
Mr. ASHURST was obliged to his friend Mr. "„ ;te)
who had left the requisition in his hands tint" forroi
sent meeting took place. He requested that the
resolution might be read that the meeting ntrofot
conscientiously, by redeeming their pledge 10 t'tosroli
stituents. The difficulty with a popular and 010(
body was to pursue unity of action. Though if
well knew the reasons which induced the 't°be
Aldermen to engage in the present struggleie
question before the Court of Common Council IPit
present moment was the refusal of the 01,p
Mayor to put a question regularly naos'en,.,t ttrA,
right of the Court of Common Council to lnel'Co!,4
his putting it, or having it put, by an officer of the cowl,
The Lord Mayor was merely the minister of thew);
to preserve order and regulate the spealteM
license or suppress discussion, but if he would
Pic roevier. 0
put a question to the Court, he possessed the eO4O
suppress any law, improvement, or even all eiseb.",‘
make one, and the Court must assemble to doe IP
such duties as it should please him to permit- dletoP
sent question was a lawful question. The IA" ft
had submitted it twice to the Court, on the fill Vol
second reading of the Bill, and would, they 8 but
have put it upon the occasion in question, .ch tbeo
the Aldermen wished to raise the streggbeir Sdh
leal knew must come upon that Bill freeT4
upon others which were to give the
reSiD"
without fine to all the rated inhabitants 11,
in the city, and to controul their irresponsibility.
..00;
had an instinct which told them that, if the CornO,
wouldw e r were t hcreoawsn
e. open,,rhe They
electionsdre adedforr
alrifleinamnednti,rrebsupto7oolo/1#
could not allow reform to come from within, ithije,
come from without. The committee were under 001/
tion to his friend for suspending the requisition. barbel
needed not to do more now than to insist upon 611,44
the question put. If they did not insist upon th,rdir
would surrender the primary right upon which an -
depended.—(Cheers.) i 0
Mr. R. L. JONES argued earnestly and 11.°1411)°
favour of insisting upon putting the question.to
question arose upon a report from the Congeiti4„l,
pointed by the Court, who had received the reP"n,
proceeded with the Bill the committee had 105;
and it was impossible that the Lord Mayor. rci ssji'
speaker of any legally constituted assembly, COtio'rtro.
"you shall not proceed with the business of a rep f40
have received." If such was the case, the Mr"ibas ;I;
might practically suppress the Court, and safe- isb/
question should be put for receiving a report o'
his Lordship did not approve.—(llear, hear.) 4010-1/7
Mr. ANDERTON said he was desirous of union'.
above all things, and would not press the requier',
The committee then proceeded to fix a day lrofOce,ef
ing up the information required, from the severs.' tffl
and appointed Wednesday, the 13th inst., to call too.e
the general committee of members.
,fBf.
SEAMEN'S HOSIJItAt —SOCI of
The quarterly general court of the governors
.4re"
society was held at the offices, 74, King Williain
yesterday, John Wild, Esq., in the chair. ape be
From the statement of the secretary, it„ :Pto thjg
that the bequest of Mr. Wright, of 5961. 12s. 10`• ' 'a
funds of the society, which had been contested
r, ao
executors, was paid on the C.ll of last Decelobechiee
that a donatlon of 100/., as well as remittances from for tP
had been received that morning. The receint,s,, ef%
past quarter amounted to 1,8761. 2s. Id., whicii in tht;
deducting the necessary expenses, left a balance
treasurer's hands of 3801. Os. ld. The number or P voos'
received during the past quarter was 8139 0f
several had been discharged.
Thaelcs having been voted to the Chairman, tu
emeo
ing separated.

,LASGOW.—Rumours have lately—been irui;eo
Alta it is the intention of one or both of our P,riq
Members to retire from Parliament. We have 13,1301—'0,01'
to state that in the event of a dissolution, Mr' cad
and Mr. Deunistoun will again come forwarclail t/
didates for the representation of Glasgow.--
Chronicle.