Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1837-04-18
bates upon them, will have a similar eonclu
sion7 HIsrontcus.
March 20, 1890.
ENGLISH WEST INDIES

!
| The APPRENTICE SYsTEM.--A select COM
miliee OF the British House of Commons, have
made report relating to the apprenticeship
system in Ja'naica. The following is an ex.
tract:-
Upon general view Of the evidence which
they have received, the committee conceive
that they are warranted 10 expressing belief
that the system of apprenticeship in Jamaica
IS working in manner moi ublavorahlo 10 the
momentous change from slavery 10 freedom
which is now going on there. They perceive
undoubledly many traces orthose evils which
are scarcely scparable from a state of society
confessedly detective and anomalous, & which
cap only be defined as one Of preparation and
transition. But, on the other hand, they see
much reason 10 look forward with confident
hope TO the result of this great experiment.
In the evidence they find abundant proof octbc
general good conduct Of the apprc ticcs, and
Of their willingness to work for wager whenev.
er they are fairly and considerably treated by
their employers. 1t is, indeed fully proved.
that the labor, thus voluntarily performed by
the negro, is more effective than that which
was obiaiacd from him while in state of sla-
very, or which is row given to his employer
during the period for which he is compelled TO
work as an apprentice. The mutual suspicion
and irritation of the different classes of the
community appear 10 be gradually subsdng
and on the part of the negro population, indus
trious habits and the desire OF moral and phys
cal mprov ement, seem 10 be gaining ground.
Under these circumstances the committee feel
bound TO express their conviction, that nothing
could be more unfortunate than any occur
renee which had a tendency to unsettlo the
minds Of either class with regard to the fixed
determination OF the Imperial Parliament to
preserve inviolate both parts Of the solemn en-
/. t..t.s ~.
tccd laborer were secured 10 his employer for
a definite period, and under specified resric-
lions, at the expiration Of which he is 10 be
raised TO state of unqualified freedom, and
be governed by laws framed in all respects on
the same principle as those TO which his white
fellow subjects are amenablc."
The following is an extract from letter Of
Joseph Surge, published in the English pa
pers. Mr.. Surge is now visiting the West
Indies for the purpose of personally inspecting
the operation Of the apprenticeship sysiem.-
In this letter, the writer gives the result OF his
observation at Antigua, where slavery was un-
condiionally abolished in preference to the d.
dop:ion Of the apprenticeship systcm;-
"We think We may safely say, that the
great experiment Of comforting at once immedi-
ate freedom on $4,000 slaves, has, after two
years trial, succeeded beyond the expectations
bic 10 the measure, the universal testimony
both of the employer and Of the negro is, that
the state of things is UNNECESSARILY improved.
IL is tine that all the sanguiae hopes of those
are not fully realized who did not take suffi-.
cicntly into consideration that, in the immcdi.
ate change from slavery 10 freedom, tho new
state of things would long have TO contend
with The prejudicos of the planter on the one
hand and Of The laborer OH the other, against
the introduction Of those changes which are
ncedful to ensure its complete success. The
evils (Which do moi exist when the
Of freedom have been more fully I'M
derstood, and have been more completely ac-
ted upon for long period,) might we believe,
be remedied by temperate, firm, and judicous
exercise of authority Of the government at
home. One of the most pressing evils is the
want Of proper provision for the aged and in
firm, especially those who have become SO
since the LIST of August, 1884, for whom there
is no legal provision. We hope 10 speak more
particularly upon the principal points embraced
in cur inquiry, when we have leisure to do So"