JAMAICA.

Southland Times, Issue 746, 6 November 1867, Page 3

JAMAICA.

Prom GalVs West India News Letter, of the 9th August, we take the following :— Emigration from the Southern States of America, and the subsidising a line of steamers between Jamaica and New Orleans, is the all-absorbing topic of interest. A deputation waited upon Sir John Peter Grant, at King's House, on the 31st of July, to press the matter upon his attention, and after a lengthened interview they left his Excellency, satisfied that the subject would be favorably entertained by him and the Government. The present depressed condition of the country's finances seemed to be the chief obstacle in the way of the Governor, but he promised to consider the matter, and report to the deputation by letter. A memorial is in course of signature all over the island, to be presented to Sir John Peter Grant in a few days. Colonel Graham is now on a tour through the country, visiting the different parishes and preparing a report thereon, for the people in America anxious to emigrate to the "West Indies. So far, we understand, the report is most favorable, and the gallant Colonel looks pleased, with everything he sees here but the intolerable apathy and indolence of our people : that distresses him. The Commercial Association of Kingston suggests a subsidy of 4,000 dollars, for a New Orleans steamer to run between Kingsston and New Orleans. A committee has been appointed to prepare tables, showing where land is open for purchase, or lease, or gift j and what are the terms attached to the transfer of such land to Southern emigrants who engage to occupy and cultivate it. Colonel Graham asks seven points of concession for the Southern emigrants whosettle in Jamaica. These are noted by hi a thus : — First — Exemption of duties on imports and exports of actual settlers for first twelve months. Second. — Exemption from military duty for five yeart, except in case of rebellion or invasion. Third. — Exempt from fees of naturalization, aid make the rights of citizenship as easy and as accessible as possible. Fourth. — Sell to actual settlers Crown lands at nominal rates for first five years. Fifth. — Appoint an agent to receive immigrants, and give all information in regard to laws, lands, &c. Sixth. — Appropriate a sufficient money bonus to a steamer for carrying the mails for twelve months between the ports of New Orleans and Kingston. Seventh. — Eemit to said steamers all port charges, <fee, <&c. From the Government surveyor we learn that in January next there will be over a million of acres of land forfeited to the Crown under a recent law (No. 7)j which makes all land, ten years in arrear for land tax, the property of the Govern, ment. This will be in addition to some £oj6oo acres of undented land, whmk %% B(pj»fß,ti W $9P9!$ el ft! Yftft, t \ - ••