CONVICTS.
[TO THE EDITOR OP THE "SPECTATOR."]
01E,—I observe in the Spectator this morning a remark (with regard to the intrusion of French recidivistes in Australia) that 4' it is difficult to expect that the colonies of New South Wales and Tasmania should be so grimly in earnest as Victoria, New Zealand, and Queensland evidently are."
Long experience in Australia justifies me in assuring you that ito colony will be found more grimly in earnest on the question -of repelling convicts than the powerful colony of New South Wales ; and weak though she may be, and remote from the points where invasion is imminent, I doubt not that Tasmania will do her part also. How can the Imperial Government ex- pect it to be otherwise? Did not the public men of Australia -dare the displeasure of some English statesmen, by rejecting oonvicts from the mother-country ? Shall they welcome the crime of France P It is proverbial that men are in peril when a neighbour's tonse is on fire. Would not he be mad who, after once putting out the flames in his home, would tamely see a stranger lay a train by means of which his house is to be again set on fire ? —I am, Sir, &c.,
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