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Page:The A. B. C. of Colonization.djvu/34

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of Colonization, although it might remove vast numbers of this class^ would also make the colonies a desirable home for a more intelligent and better educated body. If, Gentlemen, we have a system of convict or pauper emigration, we in a great measure exclude the class whose residence is as essential for the good of society as it would be advantageous to themselves.

To the benevolent mind there must be something peculiarly pleasing in viewing the subject of Colonization in all its bearings. If we only contemplate the good that a few individuals may do in this way with a loan of even £600.—say, that it is lent to respectable single females; this would arouse the charity of numbers. There are few families that do not know at least one young and innocent girl whom they wish to preserve from the miseries that seem to threaten her; how eagerly would numbers work, who, when they found, that if about £6. were raised, a girl would be eligible to join a family group, and to be received on the list of the Society, while others again would be examining the poor girls scanty store of clothing, and collecting for her outfit. Such a system would call forth the kindliest feelings of all classes, for they would see it was a national work, and that each, if so disposed, could help. To you. Gentlemen, who know so well the temptations and trials of the poor, I shall not even hint at, much less dwell upon the probable fate of a hundred friendless girls left in England; but rather follow the pleasing circumstances attending their emigration, under the protection and guardianship of Family Groups, and the auspices of a benevolent Society, whose agents would see to their getting situations. In all probability, these one hundred girls would shortly get well married, so that the original lenders of