opulation from those established in the eastern parts of this continent
and in Van Diemen's Land, a corresponding change in the intercourse
existing between the natives and the white population might naturally be
looked for.

In modern times, with the exception of the new settlement of South
Australia, no colony has been established upon principles apparently so
favourable for the development of the better qualities of the Aborigines,
and with so fair a chance of their ultimate civilization.

The apparent advantages are that no convicts have been brought to Western
Australia to corrupt the manners of either sex, or to lead them astray by
their vicious example; and that a great want of labour has been always
felt, so that any assistance that could have been procured from the
natives would have been a material benefit to the settlers. With these
advantages we might have hoped to see some important results.

I wish not to assert that the natives have been often treated with wanton
cruelty, but I do not hesitate to say that no real amelioration of their
condition has been effected, and that much of negative evil and indirect
injury has been inflicted on them.

The first great fault committed was that no distinct rules and
regulations were drawn up for the protection of the Aborigines. Their
land is taken from them, and the only benefit given in return is that
they are made British subjects, that is, having a right to the protection
of British Laws, and at the same time becoming amenable to them.

WRETCHED STATE OF THE NATIVE POPULATION.

All past experience has shown that the existence of two different races
in a country, one of which, from any local circumstances, is considered
inferior to the other, is one of the greatest evils under which a nation
can labour; a more striking instance of which could not be adduced than
is shown in the present state of the free coloured population in America.

In contemplating, then, the future destiny of the Australian races, at
the same time laying aside all thought of their amalgamation with
Europeans, the prospect is most melancholy. Only two cases can arise;
either they must disappear before advancing civilization, successively
dying off ere the truths of christianity or the benefits of civilization
have produced any effect on them, or they must exist in the midst of a
superior numerical population, a despised and inferior race; and none but
those who have visited a country in w