, 1875-03-03

the establishment of a line between
the two towns,
His Excellency replied that he had no
knowledge of the Governments intention in
that respect, but would submit the en-
quiry to the government. The cost of
such a line and the necessary staff would
be disproportionate to the benefit unless
some other public object or saving could
be effected.
Sarauw mentioned that Governor Garde
had on a previous occasion spoken of the
possibility of such a line in connection with
military matters. A discussion ensued be-
tween several members and the President
on the military question, which however
the Chairman stopped, as it was going too
far. Ultimately the Council gave its con-
sent to the measures proposed in the Pre-
sldency's letter, but with the remark that
the privileges concerning taxes and import
dutysbouldhave been granted by ordinance,
especially the former, for which. however,
there would be no immediate necessity
before an income tax had been introduced.
Number 3 on the Order of the Day was
discussion on a letter from the Presidency
concerning the renewal of the contract
with two public physicians, which mat
ter was discussed within closed doors.
The meeting closed at 8 O'Clock.
In previous numbers of the Avis we
have published so much of Mr.. Burton's
Report on the working of the Central
Factories in Martinique as had come to hand
through our Colonial exchanges. We are
now put in possession of the whole report
in the columns of that most valuable peri,
odical, the "Sugar Cane" We find in it
several statistical data of great value, to
which we intend to return at another time,
and, in order not to fatigue our readers
with too much at a time, we only extract
the following general remarks for to-day's
issue, in perusing which tue reader will
remember that Mr.. Burton wrote more
especially for Puertorico, whence he was
commissioned to visit the Usines, but
most 0 fhis remarks are applicable to any
other sugar-growing couHtry as we'll.
Entering upoD'general observations, he
says:
"Of course the effects produced to the island
Martinique generally have been very beneficial.
Since the establishment of these Factories the
exports Of sugar have exactly doubled, and
being ola superior quality, giving no loss by
drainage to shippers or purchasers, its proper
tional market value is greater. The shipping
owns have proited by this increase Of com
merce, the vessels have brought prosperity to
many with them. Merchants who first feared
the Central Factories becoming great dep6ts
for sugar would interfere with their business,
have found it has not been 50 ; for when by
chance they may have lost the c~onsignments Of
sugar, or agency of some petty estate, other
currents of have resulted, which
more than Unidentified them.
The general prosperity of all classes has aug
mented, intelligent labour is appreciated and
we'll paid, capital is put in circulation, a class
of Young men of education, who formerly with
difficulty found employment, find now in the
IJsines q wide and lucrative field. Any youth
who takes a subordinate situation knows that
by intelligence and industry he may aspire to
the responsible and we'll paid position of direct
or; that even should he fai! in this, there are
still intermediate employments which are we'll
paid. Those who most benefit proportionately
are the ~artizanS, smiths, masons, carpenters,
go. They find constant employment in or
about the factories moreover when any indus
try is introduced which causes money to circu-
late freely, it is a recognised fact there pros
perity follows to all classes.
With the increase of produce and general
mercantile movement the Revenue of the ISL
and has greatly augmented, and all classes
pay less unwillingly their quota of taxation A
HE - GIsl- 1s-lA