298 STEAM NAVIGATION, &C. 



The islands of the west, forming a chain 

 of groups extending almost to the shores of 

 China, where nature has lavished all her boun- 

 ties, will feel the invigorating influence of being 

 brought within the reach of civilization, and 

 receiving the fostering protection they so much 

 required. It is only the bringing of these 

 islands within the influence of a more healthy 

 moral atmosphere that can check the growing 

 evils under which the unfortunate islanders are 

 suffering, and secure to them the sanctity of 

 their homes and the privileges which nature 

 has bestowed on them. In thus exercising 

 that benevolence which has ever characterized 

 the British nation, the advancement of trade 

 and commerce may also be promoted, and 

 these widely-extended islands, containing mil- 

 lions of our fellow-creatures, be brought within 

 the sphere of civilization. 



If it should be supposed that the importance 

 of the objects here contemplated may have 

 been magnified by an irrepressible anxiety to 

 promote its establishment, an impartial ex- 

 amination of all the statements is earnestly 

 solicited. The subject is fully submitted to 

 the ordeal of public scrutiny. 



London. July 31, 1837. 



