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Show 250 APPENDIX. Lately emerged as they arc from a state of slavery~ the laborers of Jamaica may at present be unduly prone to fcelmgs of suspicion. This want of confidence, arising so naturally out of their circumstances, may greatly undermine the influence of wages, as a stimulus to labor, when paid irregularly, or at long intervals. It is of primary importance, for the correction of this want of confidence, and for a corresponding certainty in obtaining continuous work, that as soon as his silver bits can be legally demanded by the laborer, so soon they should be willingly and regularly placed in his hands. Secondly- task or piece work. I have enjoyed the satisfac-tion of observing tlJC admirable efiCct of this arrangement of labor in other islands, especially in Antigua and Dominica; and I am heartily glad to find, that it is increasingly prevalent in Jamaica. It is most desirable for the master-enabling him to obtain his work, at the same ultimate expense as by day wages, and with greater ease, from fewer hands, and in a shorter period of time. It is equally desirable for the laborer, who doubles his wages by it. It is, in fact, a point of settlement and rest for both parties. Thirdly-leasehold and freehold settlements for the laborers. Nothing has yielded me more satisfaction, in this and other islands, than visiting the newly settled free villages, which are now becoming increasingly common. I have found industrious families, inhabiting creditable houses, built by their own hands, and surrounded by small plots of land well cultivated with provisions; the whole occupation being their own purchased freehold. I have uniformly enquired whether they still work for wages on the neighboring estates, and with a single exception, arising out of a peculiar circumstance, I have received a clear affirmative answer. Here the laborers are perfectly independent; and they work for wages on the estates, for the obvious and sufficient reason, that it is their interest to do so. RECONCILIA'l'JON. 251 Now I venture to suggest that the same system might be most bencfically applied within the compass of particular estates. I hold that it would be wise and prudent, on the part of planters, to give to their laborers an independent settlement, within the bounds of their own properties. Thia object might be effected in two ways-either by leasing to them their houses nnd provisiongrounds on a moderate rental for a suitable term-say, not less than three years; or, what would be still better, by selling them freeholds, large enough for their convenience, but not so large as to divert their attention from daily labor on the estate. I have rejoiced to hear that this plan has been adopted by several proprietors, who have ordered a number of comfortable cottages to be built on their estates, and then to be let or sold, with one or two-acre plots of ground, to the laborers. There can be little doubt of their securing, by this means, a population at home which will at all times afford them a sufficiency of labor. I am aware that this arrangement requires a decided confidence in the laborer, on the part of the master. But this confidence will not fail to excite a corresponding feeling in the mind of the former; it will be sure to meet with its abundant reward. Fourtl1ly and lastly, Cltristian education. I am not ignorant of the cry which was once raised, and which is still sometimes heard, in this country, dgainst many serious and devoted ministers of religion, of various denominations. But I am persuaded that a better feeling towards them is gradually diffusing itself. Certain it is, that in those districts of the country where Christian education is going forward, and a decided religious influence is extended over the people, we find the greatest degree of intelligence, order, comfort, and industry. The principles of our holy religion are in £1ct, the only radical cure for the vices, follies, and consequent miseries of mankind. Fervently is it to be desired, that men of all parties in Jamaica may cordially embrace those principles themselves, and as cordially endeavor to diffuse them among others. This is the soundest wisdom, temporally and |