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TO THE EDITOR OF THE LAUNCESTON
EXAMINER.
THE LEAGUE.
Sir,—I subjoin a copy of a prospectus for the
formation of an anti-transportation league in this
town. It originated with the mechanics them-
selves, and had they acted with spirit in the matter
it would ere this have assumed a formidable appear-
ance. But I understand that nearly six weeks have
been allowed to elapse since the prospectus was
drawn up without anything of importance being
attempted. This is much to be lamented, as prompt
measures are always the most efficacious.
The document I allude to, though concise, em-
braces a variety of subjects, all of which prove that
any advantage which may be supposed to result
from the presence of convicts is only ideal, and
that the tendency of transportation is to corrupt
morality and destroy virtue. Assuming thus
much—for none will question its truth—the pro-
spectus proposes as a remedy that the government
shall be compelled to maintain at its own cost its
own criminals. What can be more equitable? If
the labor of the convict can be made a profitable
commodity, let society receive the benefit and not
an individual. Society has suffered by the com-
mission of crime: let reparation be made to it if
possible.
The prospectus intimates that no prisoners will
be employed after a certain date. I hope the origi-
nators of this movement will pardon the liberty I
take, but I submit to them whether a refusal to
engage any prisoners would not be better than to
risk the complicated and confused details which
must attend upon a course of selection? I am
aware that the proposition was made with a view
to suit the convenience of farmers and others
requiring a large number of men, but half-measures
will not succeed, and the promoters of the league
must endeavor to avoid that over-anxiety which
seeks to please all but which satisfies none. The
agriculturist is provided for, domestic servants may
be obtained, and nothing now remains but to pre-
pare a document to which all who agree with the
prospectus may attach their names. Numerous
rules and regulations are not required, and of those
submitted the more simple and comprehensive their
form the better. As a public meeting is about to
be called the prospectus will doubtless be laid before
it, and it would be premature and ill-advised to
publish the proposed rules now, I shall therefore
suppress them; but I may add that I consider them
too complex, and that before they are adopted they
must be rendered more brief and perspicuous.
The real nature of the projected league is simple
in the extreme: its true spirit is already being
embodied in common advertisements which appear
in the semi-weekly papers; employing tradesmen
have uttered the watchword; consumers must catch
up the strain; and laborers must respond to the
call, till all Tasmania shall reverberate with the
sound—an echo of which must be wafted to the
shores of Britain:—be this the theme—"No pro-
bationers employed!"
Let not the bulk of the people wait for the patron-
age and support of a few. They are equal to the
task of carrying out this object. From different
motives (but let no scrutineer be appointed to
examine them) all will coalesce in this great work,
the honor of which, when accomplished, will not
be tarnished nor its value be less appreciated from
the fact of its commencement and completion
having originated with and being attained by the
WORKING CLASSES!
PUBLICOLA.
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