Page:History of Australia, Rusden 1897.djvu/514

 endeavoured to persuade Lord Batliiirst that anarchy was in the minds of the free. He admifcted " that the only measure of mine" opposed is the reception of convicts same despatch that his policy had encountered opposition, addiog — occaBioiied »n miicli iniachief and anarchy in this country (previous to my arrival) have left it, yet the seeds of it were ao deeply sown that a con- siderahle part of that factious spirit still exists. . », I inust also infor-m ymr Lord&hip that free settlers in general (not excepting the Messrs, BlaxlaiMl) who are eont out from England, are l>y far the most discontented ])erson8 in this conntiy, . ., The best deacHption of settlers are emancipated convicts, or "persons become free by servitude who have been convicts.'' The Secretary of State ought to have foreseen the pro- hahle conseffiiences of the new •*poh'cy'* propounded Avith so much ostentation. B}^ not arresting it on the threshold he made hinivself in part an accomplice. Wlien in after times he administered rehuke, evils had grown so gi^eat tliat censure of Macquarie eifectcd little until the necessity of appointing a Commission of Inquiry brought about a total change. Macquarie was at least disingenuous in his despatches. He had, indeed, in explaining his general intentions, said enough to rouse Lord Bathurst's suspicions, but it was unjust to recommend for high office ex-convicts, to whose condition he called no attention, On two occasions he thus sinned. An assigned servant was employed by Surveyor- General Grimes in a trusty capacity; and, though he had no scientilic knowdedge except in practical mensuration, he was, during the absence of Grimes in England, allowed to manage the department. When Grimes resigned office Macquarie. who had admitted the assistant *' to his table," appointed him Acting- Surveyor- General, and was discon- certed when the Earl of Liverpool appointed Oxley, an old companion of Fiinders, as the new Surveyor-General. Macquarie at once appointed his protegf Deputy Surveyor- General and Inspector of Roads and Bridges, and subse- quently devised a sclieme for promoting him to the coveted oSjce Jield liy Oxley, who was on tlje point of starting to explore the interior, Osley miijlt be Lost. Macquarie
 * intoiiy society;'' hut inconsequentiallj declared in the
 * ' Although the priiici|ml leaders who heinloil the faction which