It has become the interest of the planter to make it for the _interest of the people_ to remain on his estate.

This _mutual interest_ is the only sure basis of prosperity on the one hand and of industry on the other.
The whole company heartily joined in assuring us that a knowledge of the actual working of abolition in Antigua, would be altogether favorable to the cause of freedom, _and that the more thorough our knowledge of the facts in the case, the more perfect would be our confidence in the safety of_ IMMEDIATE _emancipation_.
Mr.A.said that the spirit of enterprise, before dormant, had been roused since emancipation, and planters were now beginning to inquire as to the best modes of cultivation, and to propose measures of general improvement.

One of these measures was the establishing of _free villages_, in which the laborers might dwell by paying a small rent.
When the adjacent planters needed help they could here find a supply for the occasion.

This plan would relieve the laborers from some of that dependence which they must feel so long as they live on the estate and in the houses of the planters.

Many advantages of such a system were specified.