It is also recommended that none of the inmates of the probationary establishment should be assigned as servants directly therefrom; but as their advancement to reformation is proved, and they become distinguished for good conduct, they should meet with encouragement. This may be shown by removing them to the Factory at Parramatta, which ought to be made a depôt for the well behaved only, whence the settler might have servants supplied them on making proper application. These arrangements being in perfect accordance with the sentiments of persons best acquainted with the true state of affairs, and the wants of society in the colony, are respectfully submitted for consideration. The measures are few and simple; but if they be adopted in time, and duly enforced, little doubt is entertained of their producing a change beneficial to the whole community.
From the foregoing arguments, grounded on facts, which I am satisfied are irrefutable, the following inferences may be deduced:
_First._—If the object of transportation to New South Wales be only the _punishment_ of the criminal, it is seldom effected in the proportion contemplated by the law; as many of those deserving the most rigorous treatment live there much more comfortably than they could have done at home, and realize large fortunes: while others, with not a tenth of their turpitude, are consigned to misery and ruin.
_Secondly._—In the case of Females, the _merited quantum_ of punishment is equally uncertain in its infliction, though always excessively severe, owing to their abandoned mode of life.
_Lastly._—But if the scope of transportation be, what it _ought to be_,—the _reformation_ of the offender; it has, with the greater number of males, been unsuccessful; and with regard to females, it has very rarely indeed been attained.
Seduction, in the various baneful consequences hence arising to society and its moral disposition, is so intimately connected with the scope of my present general inquiries, that I cannot forbear to give a brief sketch of some of its most obvious evils, though a full description of the character would far exceed the limits of my present purpose; and to describe the pernicious consequences of that crime in all its baseness of effect would, I candidly confess, require abilities far superior to mine.