Page:History of New South Wales from the records, Volume 1.djvu/553

 PROPOSAL FOR A SETTLEMENT. 429 released from servitude, and some ground was to be given them to 1788 cultivate, in proportion as a reformation was observed in their conduct. Neither of those plans can I approve. Give them a few acres of ground as soon as they arrive in New Another South Wales, in absolute property, with what assistance they may S^^^ want to till them. Let it be here remarked that they cannot fly uuid. from the country ; that they have no temptation to theft ; and they must work or starva I likewise suppose that they are not by any means to be reproached for their former conduct. If these premises be granted me, I may reasonably conclude that it is highly probable they will be useful ; that it is very possible they will be moi-al subjects of society. Do you wish either by private prudence or civil policy to re- RefOTmation claim offenders 1 Show by your treatment of them that you think ^' ® *** "^ their reformation extremely practicable, and do not hold out every moment before their eyes the hideous mortifying deformity of their own vices and crimes. A man's intimate and hourly acquaintance with his guilt, of the frowns and severity of the world, tend more Treat them powerfully, even than the immediate effects of his bad habits, to make him a determined and incorrigible villain. By the plan which I have now proposed, a necessity to continue Eoonomy in the place of his destination, and to be industrious, in imposed on humanity, the criminal. The expense to the nation is absolutely impercep- tible comparatively with what criminals have hitherto cost Govern- ment,; and thus two objects of most desireable and beautiful union will be permanently blended; economy to the public, and humanity to the individual. James M. Matra. SIR GEORGE YOUNG'S PROPOSAL. The following is a rough outline of the many advantages that 1795 may result to this nation from a settlement made on the coast of New South Wales : — Its great extent and relative situation with respect to the eastern Gec^nphi- and southern parts of the globe is a material consideration. Botany ^ P<«»on- Bay, or its vicinity, the part that is proposed to be first settled, is not more than one thousand six hundred leagues from Lima or Baldivia, with a fair open navigation, and there is no doubt but that Trade with a lucrative trade would soon be opened with the Creole Spaniards ^SSSca. for English manufactures. Or suppose we were again involved with a war with Spain ; here are ports of shelter and refreshment for ^avai our ships, should it be necessary to send any into the South Sea. B<*tlon. Digitized by Google