IMPORTANCE Or THE WEST INDIAN COLONIES. 



61 



the comparative quantity of sugar it contains, being only 

 half of that afforded by the cane, the complex nature of its 

 juices, and the expensive methods necessary for obtaining 

 its sugar, it is evident that on equal terms, the production 

 of sugar from the beet stands no chance of successful com- 

 petition with the sugar cane. 



The competition of the Eastern hemisphere need never 

 be dreaded, because the rude and imperfect process of 

 manufacture, the greater difficulty and expense of inland 

 transit, and of ocean freight, will always be obstacles to 

 successful competition with the West Indies ; not to men- 

 tion, that the dense population of Asia is sufficient to con- 

 sume all the sugar producedthere. 



The importance of a wise legislation with regard to our 

 West Indian Colonies, is therefore an object of primary 

 importance. 



