, 1875-06-30

Nh6o OAh
part is paid in cash, and the major part in
bonds. The consequence OF this must be
that a great number of planters get into diff
cuIties as soon as the crop does not turn out
favourable to enable them to meet the cur
rent expenses OF cultivation. Planters have
at the same time other difficulties to struggle
with, namely the imposSibility of obtaining
capital except on very exhOrbitant terms. lis
would mention this fact, because it is of gener-
al Importance to counterfeit any impression,
which otherwise might be formed, as if the
island, taken asa whole, and comparing the
results of one year with another, we're not able
to sustain itself. Fortunately, however, the
position this year is different; if it were not 50,
it would be impossible to say how things would
have been this year. This crop is SO far pref
ty fair, but although it is so, no body aoquaint-
ed with the circumstances of the Island could
expect that at the low e6b to which We had
been reduced by previous years bad returns,
matters could be altogether remedjed by one
years crop, particularly with the existing low
prices. Still, there is no longer that exception
al state which We had last year, aud we all
know, that the only way in which it was then
possible to obtain means to meet the
disbursements was also of an exceptional ma
ture. We had not sufficient means Of our own
II GuO 1LCdouly no WueE6 CDulu We R51. w
borrow, unless it should be from the State
Treasury but that Treasury came to our
assistance with a Iiberafity or generosity which
saved the Island. But it IS necessary now to
be prepared that such extraordinary measures
can not be depended upon for the future; We
can not expect every time we are in difficulty
to be able to draw on the State Treasury and
the political state of the Mothercountry at this
moment increases the difficulty. There are
further reasons why we should not expect it.
The hOaOurable Memb ers are we'll aware that
the Home Government and people generally
In DaRfnark ~aO take an interest in the Island
: as well as many competent jud res in the
WeStindies too, are fully impressed with the
view that the way in which our staple produce
has hitherto been cultivated and manufactured
is no. longer tenable, and that our antigua
ted system, under the altered position of the
supply of sugar all over the world, must make
room for a better and a more rational system.
Now, whatever different opinions may be enter,
tanned on this subject, what we here have to
look to, is that that view is dominant in the quar-
ter from which we might have toobtain help. At
the same time they and every body else are
fully aware that it is altogether out of our
power to raise the large amount required for
the proposed reforms in that direction. The
Home Government and private men of capital
are, as we all know, disposed to come to our
assistance by enabling the Island to establish
a new system. This is the best and the only
durable way in which Government can improve
the future of the island, so as to avoid apply
ing to the Statetreasury for help it is the on
ly manner in which We can hope that the
MothercOuntry will secure a prosperous future
to this community. instead of the temporary
and unsafe state of things, on which We so long
have had to rely But this assistance is con-
ditional on the cooperation of the parties i'm
mediately interested. 1t is not necessary to
examine whether the Home Governments view
is just or not they say, if we here go on as
hitherto, they cannot lend money for protracting
a ruin which must ultimately come, but we will
advance means for a radical cure, and they have
gone out from the view that by joint co-Opera-
tfon the canes may be turned into better
sugar and the production increased, whereby
things would become more safe. If the offer
of the Home Government be rejected or spurn-
ed, 1t would be unreasonable to expect that
they would be willing to keep US up by taking
Of the means of the State Treasury to assist
. Treasury which we Of our own accord have
offered to make separate and independent.
After this Statement honorable Members would
be convinced of the little chance we have IN
future to depend on circumstances, although
be was sure that the local Government and the
general Government will do all in their power
to obtain a better result, if possible. At pres
ent, however, and until the desired change be
obtained, we cannot leave things to take their