The Sun.
London, England, 1847-01-08 00:00:00

UNITED SERVICE MAGAZINE.

The article of the greatest permanent value in the
present number of the United Service is the conti-
nuation of the " History of the Seikhs and the Pun-
jaub." We hope that when the publication of this
history in the magazine shall be concluded, the pro-
prietors will re-publish it in a separate form. It is
by far the best work on the Punjaub that has yet
appeared. We have also in this number a well
written history of Texas up to the period of the
battle of San Jacinto in 1836, which is likewise an
article of permanent value. In the way of fiction
we have the commencement of the " Confessions of a
Pirate," which reads like one of Eugene Sue's earlier
novels, and the continuation of " Guard-room Sto-
ries." There is also an admirable review of
" Thiers' Consulate and Empire," and several other
excellent articles. This is tin admirable number of
the United Service.

PROPOSED EM PLOYMENT OF
CONVICTS IN THE SUGAR-GROWING
COLONIES.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE SUN.
Craig's-court, Charing-cross, London, Dec. 27, 1846.
SlR,—The evils under which the colonists of Van
Diemen's Land suffer, through convicts being sent there,
and the hopeless state of debasement of the convicts
themselves, 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 crime 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 subjects then under discussion ; and it oc-
curred 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 forward 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 in those colonies, not only to
s 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 (whieh, 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, or 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 froth 200,0001. 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, I intended to
have laid before 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 may be proper for me to add, that whilst the
planters would be saved the immense expense of the
transit of Coolies to and from the several colonies (30/.
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,
almost 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 papers ; and should )ou desire it, I shall have
much pleasure in placing in your hands the details of
my proposition.
I am, Sir, your most obedient servant,
JAMES WINDOW.

Craig's-court, London, 13th October, 1846.
My Lord,—l 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 convictsi in each
colony would be inconsiderable—only ncreasinggra.
.
dually; and care would have to be taken that the num-
ber u
m
ber of convicts supplied should be inproportion
number of troops and police employed each to the
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.
.1 may also acquaint your Lordship that, in the yeae
1835, a companywas 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
an active part in its affairs. Among other benefits and
profits calculated upon by them, I am assured that white
labour over blacks was considered as 35 to 48 in favour
$ of the former.

--- V N
I would beg to suggest the appoi ,1),. .
...'' 4 ,'-;(..c.::• i 4
officers (perhaps lialf-pay officers) to th r. ;ea ' - V...".:4 .
4
to superintend the arrival of the con • • - ' ' iitii, ...)..:4,r,
• - .
merit to proprietors of estates, Sec.ri
These officers should, I humbly e c t• C '' '.t 0
medium of adjusting all differences Lre ee."%t ' --'-' - ---_,
ployers and the convicts. To guarantee a AiRAVA N
tration of their duties, rewards, and punist. , tlity
should be ,perfectly free from all other local control,
except that of the Governor of the colony ; and even
then, except in cases of emergency, they should act
solely under instructions from the Colonial-office. On
receiving their appointment, they should declare that
they had no interest in the colony to which they were to
proceed.
The planters who hire the convicts should enter into
written engagements to pay the current rate of wages--
to house, feed, and clothe the convicts, and be respon-
sible, under some fixed penalty, for their safe custody.
Your Lordship will thus perceive that I do not pro-
pose to interfere with free labour.
With regard to the appropriation of the wages of
convicts, I would suggest as folheys :—That the first
yi ae'.,, produce should go in repayment to Government,
ter the expense of passage, S,:c., to the colony.
That the sal;iris of the officers should i.,,, paid from
the earnings of future years, and the balance be divided
into three equal parts, viz.:-
-LA. To form sick and disabled furdi.
2:1. To form a. general education fund for the colony
in wl.ich the labour is given.
3d. The balance, not less than one-third, to be paid
over to an officer of Government, to be invested in the
Savings' Bank, at compound interest, for the benefit of
the convict, on the termination of his sentence, or, in
case of his death, to his legal representative.
There would have to be a variety of arrangements for
the safe custody of the convicts, their treatment, hours
of labour; and also for the nature and amount of re-
wards and punishments for good or bad conduct, and
their education—which latter must be enforced on all
convicts.

To act as a stimulant to industry and good conduct, it
would be advisable to adopt a generous mode of treat-
ment of the convict; and where the Government have
lands, in addition to the share of earnings of the con-
victs, it might be further desirable to give them small
allotments at the term of their punishment. This
might also be curtailed, and, during their servitude, for
good conduct, the hours of labour might be reduced,
and they might be supplied with a better quality of food.
Besides the very large, immediate, gradual, and con-
tinual supply of labour to the colonies, the progressive
improvement of the convicts, through the education they
would receive, and means that would be afforded them
of obtaining an honest livelihood at the expiration of
their sentence (which, being residents, would be some
counterpoise to the black population), and the providing
a general fund for educational purposes in those parts of
her Majesty's dominions, there would accrue an immense
saving, equal I believe, to upwards of 200,0001. per
annum, in the transmission of convicts and their sub-
sistence in Van Diemen's Land; and the Government
would have it in their p Aver to relieve, hereafter, the
colonists there, who have been loudly complaining of the
miseries attendant upon its being generally used as a
penal settlement.
Should it be determined to carry the plan I now beg
to offer into full operation, the funds derivable therefrom
would, in a few years, amount to 100,0001. per annum:
to prove which I have made some calculations. These,
and other details, I shall be happy to lay before your
Lordship.—l have the bonour to be, &c.,
(Signed) JAMES WINDOW.
To the Right Hon. Earl Grey, &c., &c.

Craig's-court, London, October 21, 184 G.

My Lord,—Referring to the letter I did myself the
honour of addressing to your Lordship on the 13th inst.,
suggesting the expediency of convict labour being in
future supplied -to the sugar-growing colonies in the
%Vest Indies, a fact pregnant with importance relating
thereto has since come to my knowledge fully corrobo-
rating the statement relative to the employment of white
labour in St. Mitt's. I refer to the fact of a vast number
of English labourers having been employed in the forma-
tion of the Jamaica railways, amongst whom very few
casualties have arisen.

This can be easily verified, and might assist your
Lordship's judgment when deliberating on the whole
question. lam quite aware many philanthropists would
object to convicts being sent out to a tropical climate, on
the plea of injury to their constitutions; which, however,
is found to be futile, from the communication I now take
the liberty of making to your Lordship,
I have the honour to he, &c.,
(Signed) JAMES WINDOW.
To the Right Honourable Earl Grey, &c., &c.

Colonial-office, 29th Oct., 1846.
Sir,—l am directed by Earl Grey to acknowledge the
receipt of your communications of the 13th and 21st
inst., recommending the employment of convict labour
in the West Indies.

I am, Sir, your obedient servant,
(Signed) B. HAWES.
To James Window, Esq.

TO THELEDITOR OF THE SUN.

Sin,—l am very anxious to correct a mistake in your
report from the Croydon Petty Sessions of Saturday
last, which appeared in your paper of Monday, the 4th.
The mistake I complain of is the following passage:—
"/t may be necessary to explain that Mr. Oldfield was one
of the executors of the late Mr. Cobbett." I beg to say
that Jesse Oldfield was my father's shopman, but is not
an executor of his will.—l am, Sir, your most obedient

W. COBBE1"1.

servant,
queen's Pri.on, 7th Jan., 1847.
[We have omittrd the latter portion of Mr. Cobbett's
letter, and likewise the postscript. If Mr. Cobbett will
re-peruse what he has written, he will, as a lawyer, at
once perceive our reason.—En. Sun.]