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say, that is a question of a very serious nature, and shall be very carefully considered. I am not sure that I go along with those who say that this is a sacrifice of the majority for the minority. I do not think that in these cases you can altogether separate so closely one interest in the community from another, but that, after all, that which really benefits largely one and an important interest, will generally be found to benefit indirectly and in other ways other interests. Now I do not want to argue the point, but it strikes me that this is an illustration which is worth at all event considering as very applicable. Take the case of a Crown Colony and of a responsible Government. In the case of the Crown Colony of Ceylon, railroads are being made at this moment which cost a great deal of money, and which, no doubt, benefit only one particular locality and one particular set of classes, and yet these railroads are paid for no doubt by the whole community, and as far as I know, and as far as human nature permits,. are paid for cheerfully by the whole of them.

Take another case which is perhaps stronger: if you take one of the large responsible Government Colonies of Australia, where they have all universal suffrage and vote by ballot. There you find, of course, all the objections to the import of emigrants on the part of the existing artisans and labourers in the Colony which you find mutatis mutandis in Jamaica. In Australia you find every year a certain sum, and - a very large sum for the purpose is devoted mainly and without any objection, and paid for by the whole of the State. In the same way railroads are made there, which are to benefit perhaps only one section of the community, either the agricultural section, or whatever it may be; but the expense of it is defrayed out of the general funds. Therefore I do not think we must lay down too rigid or strict principles in these matters. I do not think you can separate so accurately the interests of one class from those of another. You must really try to look at the community as a whole, and if by benefiting one class you maintain a great industry, and commercially you improve the position of that class, you probably indirectly do confer very great benefit on the whole. In all these questions of politics and administration it is only fair to remember that there must be a good deal of giving and taking in some Colonics. Well, then, having said that, I really think I have said all that is necessary up to the present moment. I will add, if it is any satisfaction to you, that I do not feel satisfied with the present state of things in Jamaica. (Hear, hear). How far my dissatisfaction goes that is a different matter, and I do not want my words strained beyond their fair and proper meaning, nor, of course, will they convey the least imputation upon those two very able Governors, Sir John Grant and Sir William Gray, who have governed Jamaica. They have discharged their duties with the highest ability, and with success. My words apply to the system and not to the individual. But the amount of dissatis- faction is sufficient to induce me, at all events, to look into the matter, and to decide as honestly and fairly as I can. I am sure I shall have the asssistance--the valuable assistance-of so experienced an Administrator as Sir Anthony Musgrave when he reaches the spot. I am sure I shall have his assistance and all the experience that he has gained in other Colonies which will be brought to bear upon this question.

I look upon the position of the debt, to which allusion has been made, as a very serious one. I think it must be grappled with somehow or other (hear, hear); and I am not without great hopes that the expenditure in many administrative works, which is large, may be susceptible of material curtailment. I do not think the deputation expect me to say anything more; I do not think it would be desirable that I should say anything more. I wish to keep my own mind unprejudiced, until I have had further information on the subject, but I quite look to dealing with it as far as I can, and I hope to arrive at some conclusion which will be fair and reasonable to all parties, and not by one in particular.

Mr. Blake, M.P.-My Lord, allow me to thank your Lordship for the manner in which you have received the deputation. I am sure they will all appreciate the manner in which you have entered into the subject with them, and also for promising them to speak to and in the presence of the newly-appointed Governor, Sir Anthony Musgrave.

(The deputation then retired.)

PRINTED AT THE VORRIGN OFFICE BY T. HARRISON.—7/5/77.

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