d the advancement of
science, fostered liberal education, increased the facilities of
commerce, abated the practical evils of the convict department,
advocated the principles of legislative freedom, and, by a respectable
private character, sustained the moral dignity of government. But even
then it will not be forgotten, that in perpetuating the convict curse,
he adopted any argument, however false, and tolerated any ally, however
abject.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 261: If this question had _been_ brought forward in a large
and comprehensive view before the Federal Assembly of the Australian
colonies, which is soon to be called into being, I admit that the
decision arrived at might have had some effect on the home government; I
think, even now, the wisest and safest course would be to postpone its
further discussion, and remit the whole matter to that body. Then, if
they were all as sincerely opposed as I am to transportation in any
shape, they might come to a conclusion, that convicts should come to
none of these colonies; and to such a decision the minister might
succumb. It is to such an assembly as this that a question of this
magnitude ought to be remitted, as it is a question on which all the
colonies are alike concerned. If South Australia, Van Diemen's Land, and
Port Phillip, all agreed with New South Wales, in one common
determination not to receive convicts in any shape, there would be some
hope that they might accomplish their end.]

[Footnote 262:

THE AUSTRALASIAN LEAGUE.

_The League and Solemn Engagement of the Australian Colonies,
declared by the Delegate_ in _the Conference held at Melbourne,
February_, 1851.

WHEREAS, in 1840, by an Order in Council, the practice of
transporting convicts to New South Wales was abandoned by the
Crown, and, whereas, by divers promises the government of Great
Britain engaged not to send convicts from the United Kingdom to New
South Wales, New Zealand, Victoria, or King George's Sound. And,
whereas, by an Act of the British Parliament, transportation to
South Australia was positively prohibited. And, whereas,
Lieutenant-Governor Denison, in 1847, declared to the colonists of
Van Diemen's Land her Majesty's most gracious purpose, that
transportation to that island should be discontinued. And, whereas,
the colony of Van Diemen's Land has been deeply injured by the
pouring in of enormous mass