The Express.
London, England, 1866-01-08 00:00:00

THE ExPirw, MONDAY EVENING, JANUARY 8, 1866.

THE JAMAICA COMMISSION.

The Tines pumpkins that some et its contemporaries
have not followed its example in withdrawing the subject
of the events in Jamaica as much as possible from discussion
until the commission has returned its report ; and describes
Mr. Bright's description of the proceedings of the govern-
ment in the matter es altogether incorrect. As to the re-
moval and execution of Mr. Gordon, upon which the hon.
gentleman spoke so positively, the technical leg►lity of this
and other acts has been questioned ; but what lawyer would
volunteer a dogmatic opinion on the subject? With
regard to Gordon's widow, the Jamaica committee are,
of course, at liberty to give her what advice they please ;
but the Times would seriously advise them to refrain
from any such theatrical proceedings as Mr. Bright indi-
cates. The compassion which may be felt for this lady will
be by no means increased by her lending herself to such
questionable means of influeooing public opinion. The
more temperate of Mr. Eyre's opponents should induce their
friends, if possible, to show some regard for fairness and
decency in this matter. There are many who have been
shocked by the killing of so many names, and by the levity
with which one or two excited officers described the work,
but who are yet not prepared to sacrifice the Jamaica autho-
rities to men whose partisan spirit appears in every word
they utter.
The Daily Trews is unable to accept that view of the
obligations of the public which would oblige it to cut
itself off from an intelligent consideration of a series of
transactions which have compromised the character
of our country before the world, because the subject has
been referred to a royal commission, No evidence more
authentic can be brought to light than the despatches
of Governor Eyre, and the letters of Colonel Hobbs,
Captain Ford, Lieutenant Adcock, and Brigadier
Nelson. A thousand tongues In Jamaica have now
been loosed, and are we to forego the advantages
of discussion when the facts promise to be more abundant
than ever, especially when we find men like Captain Pim,
the antbropologista, the Earl of Wilton, and officials like the
magistrates at Huddersfield, declare so justification of
I General Eyre is required, and Mr. Cardwell can state that
no one disputes the credit deserved by the authorities for
the great promptitude and skill by which comparative safety
wee speedily restored ? If this be true, what higher prase
was to be given to the authorities ! Why has a royal
commission bees sent to inquire into their condact, sad
why has not the governor received the distinction of
K.C.8., which until a month ago he confidently expected!
Evidently, perhaps from a love of moderation betraying
us into feebleness, we have not made ourselves under-
stood, and dissuasion, therefore, instead of being abandoned,
ought to be renewed with greater distinctness and energy of
expreasioo. The final decision, however, must be rendered
in another sphere—the courts of criminal law, when satin-
faction will be demanded by British subjects for the lives
of husbands, sous, wives, and daughters slaughtered la

add blood end without lawfuVriel. It la this consideration
which, more than any other. ID calculated I. lastrain the
anorbitance and solemnise the tone of public discussion.
TRADE AND FINANCE.

The Deity Pena thinks there is no strong probability that
the fresh rise in the rate of dismount will prove effectual is
preventing a steady drain upon the resources of the Bank.
As Ins; as trade continues upon its present extensive goals,
the demand for discount must be proportionately
heavy. To meet the demand for our manufac-
tured goods which has arisen in America since
the restoration of peace, we have had to make
large purchases In India of cotton, the remittances involv-
ing a drain of bullion from the Bank. When we receive
payment from the United States the money previously
employed will be replaced. In the meantime this monetary
deliciessey disorganises the whole cowrie of commerce.
The late action of the Bank, it is clear, bas been exclusively
directed against the present expansion of our foreign trade,
and not against unproductive extraneous investments like
foreign loans. The stringency arises less, in short, from
the real absence of capital than from the operation of an
obsolete law. The discount brokers have plenty of means
on hand, but prefer to keep them idle for the prospective
chance of 9or 10 per cent. The present semi•crisis arises
from causes waily preventible, and in the general interest
not to be endured mach longer.