544 
present condition our future prospects of the D E 
Colonies in the t Indies, and to suggest such m res as 
appear to you best fedir to restore and maintain the propor 
of those Colonies, and their inhabitants, I have thought it desirable 
to state more fully than is expressed in the terms of the Commis- 
sion some of the points to which Her Many s Government 
would p the inquiry to be directed. 
2. In view of the representations referred to in the preamble of 
and 
necessary to dboortefh hir are the causes of the present — 
of that industry whether they are temporary.or perm nent ; 
whether they include matters independent of the oxitmetiuton of 
sugar produced under the e Bounty system, such as extravagance in 
management, imperfection in the processes of manufacture, in- 
adequate supervision consequent on absentee ownership, and, if 
so, whether the removal of these causes would enable it to be 
carried on profitably notwithstanding such competition 
3. A further subject of the — would be whether in the 
event of the production of sugar in these Colonies being dis- 
8 
branch of the inquiry you will, no doubt, derive valuable assist- 
ance from Dr. Morris. 
4. It is also of great importance to ascertain what effect the 
total or partial extinetion of the sugar industry would be likely 
to have upon the condition of the labouring classes and upon the 
revenue of the Colonies concerned, and whether any loss of 
revenue could be to any material extent met by reduction of 
public expenditure, and whether those Colonies would be able to 
provide the necessary cost of administration, including the relief 
of unemployed and Anae E n persons — subvention from 
the mother country. If it appears that such subventions will 
be necessary, Her Majesty 
furnished with your opinions as to their probable amount. 
5. I trust that the Commissioners will find it possible to com- 
plete their i inquiry in the Colonies within a period not exceeding 
four months, and in order to facilitate their movements from the 
different Colonies I have obtained the consent of the Lords Com- 
missioners of the ee to place a gunboat at their service. 
i ave, &c. 
J; CHAMBERLAIN. 
