The West indies in 1837

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ST. LUCIA.

other colony ; and its black population is therefore more degraded and ignorant* It was observed to us by an enlightened and influential resident, that " not a ray of light has yet reached the island, from any of the re­ ligious or benevolent Societies of the mother country. Another gentleman assured us, that it has not received twenty pounds a year, for educational purposes from Government, out of the large sums which have been' granted; nor any assistance fromany of the Societies. The numbers at present under instruction, out of a laboring population of fourteen thousand, does not pro­ bably exceed one hundred children ; yet there is a field open to teachers and missionaries, which appears to possess peculiar advantages to compensate for its pecu­ liar difficulties. Many of the proprietors, we are as­ sured, are ready to assist in furnishing suitable build­ ings for schools. The Council are anxious to speed the work, and have more than once brought the sub­ ject under the consideration of Government, but with­ out effect. Several gentlemen have given us their opi­ nion, that the obstacles to the education of the negros created by the French language and Roman Catholic religion, would be obviated by sending out natives of Guernsey, or others possessing a familiar acquaintance with French, and by the use of the books and scripture lessons prepared by the Irish Education Board.* It is generally agreed that the English language only should be taught in the schools, and that its diffusion is essen­ tial to the permanent improvement of the colony. • These sentiments are recorded, as shewing the anxiety of some of the principal colonists to second any efforts that may be made to promote education. W e would not be understood as expressing any opinion of our own on the propriety of establishing a particular sys-. tem.


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