money, we are met by the
cool assertion, that they have none to give us. Can you imagine anything
more unjust than this; after the application of our own funds to
purposes foreign to our interests, when we demand the expenditure of a
small sum upon our own districts, to be informed that the money has been
expended? We do not desire separation for the mere pleasure of being our
own masters; but for the purpose of having, more effectually, a voice in
the distribution of our revenue. If we had received more attention and
justice from the government in past years, we should never have
agitated separation; but now we feel it essentially indispensable, and
separation we must have. You are no doubt aware the Queen in council has
reserved to herself the right of dismemberment of these districts,
whenever the wishes of the inhabitants should render it necessary; and
now we do not intend letting the question rest, until we have attained
our object. We have already forwarded many prayers to the throne; and at
this moment petitions are travelling the length and breadth of the
country to obtain signatures. The opposition we shall receive from New
South Wales, I believe, will be strenuous; but the present size of that
colony, nearly half that of Europe, is perfectly preposterous, and
renders the equitable administration of the laws, in so vast a territory
and with the seat of government so isolated, perfectly impossible. I am
aware, that the revenue of the parent colony will be very much crippled
by the separate erection of her offshoot; and her burdens will be
consequently heavier on her inhabitants. But because her legislators
have, through a reckless system of extravagance, impoverished and run
their country into debt, that is no reason why we should also be bound
down to her in her depression. I know many condemn the desire of the
Moreton Bay people to relieve themselves from the embarrassment of New
South Wales; and state it is selfish and derogatory in us attempting to
repudiate our share of the debt, and after being benefited by her
prosperity in past years, to desire separation now, when her resources
are more circumscribed. But I believe the obligation is the other way:
Sydney has been drawing her prosperity in a great measure from these
districts; for the trade that has existed between us has been of greater
benefit and more advantageous to her people than to us; and as for their
debt, we are in no way liable for any portion