The Sun.
London, England, 1866-02-09 00:00:00

period of the evening" was not of long duration,
still the result of the strong discussion proved that
the good sense of the House was triumphant over
every other consideration. Had the Government
displayed the same tact and decision in other matters
of importance that they have done in this affair of
Fenianism they would not now find themselves in
such an awkward position.

The Legislature in Kingston has been summoned
at an earlier period than previously intended, in
order to empower the Royal Commission to enforce
the attendance of witnesses, and to administer oaths.
This will be very desirable in all respects, and pre-
vent much of that exaggeration and prevarication
in certain quarters which has already done so much
mischief to the cause of truth both here and in the
colony itself respecting the late lamentable trans-
actions in Jamaica. More, all obstacles are re-
moved, and the sooner the real work of
the Commission begins in earnest the better
for all parties concerned. The condition of
the island is at present tranquil, and all parties
are comparatively quiet until the Commissioners
have given their opinion ; but, of course, in such a
state of things people will talk, and it is earnestly
to be trusted that much heed will not be given to
the reports and statements that abound in all
directions, and which, while professing not to mean
anything, in reality cause only too deep an im-
pression. If one thing in this whole affair is more
to be condemned than another it is the publication
in the papers of Kingston of the proceedings at the
trial of GORDON. In a case of such importance
it was essential to the cause of justice
and the maintenance of order that the first publi-
cation of such an affair should come before the
English public and the Colonists in an authentic
form, and substantiated by official authority. It
is certainly strange that while some people persist
in stating that the evidence could hardly be weaker
against GORDON than it was, we find that GORDON
himself at his trial declares—" I admit that circum-
stances are in appearance suspicious against me,
but I cannot help that." This is a contradiction in
terms at any rate, and the apologists for rebellion
find their protegee's own words condemn their
assertions.

If anything can prove more effectually than
another the great injuries which Earl RUSSELL has
inflicted upon Jamaica and all colonies in general,
it is the reports met with concerning the manner in
which , the blacks have received the news of the
suspension of General EYRE. In the accouut given
by the Special Correspondent of the Times, we meet
with the following significant declaration :—" The
negroes in the interior are quiet, but exult openly
in what they regard as the disgrace of Mr. EYRE.
Mi.SSiS QUEEN send Governor home to hang him,'
is a common saying among them." Nothing can
possibly show the inconsistency of our Government
more than this, and it fully verifies the justice of
Lord DERBY'S observation, that not only was Earl
RUSSELL'S decision neither just nor generous, but it
established a bad precedent, and would prove inju-
rious to the future good government of our colonies.
Taking all things into account, it cannot be too
much regretted that, for one reason and another,
such exaggerated accounts should have been sent
to this country and obtained credence in the colony.
Still more is it to be lamented that, through political
motives and sectarian prejudices, these ridiculous
stories should have met with so much attention in
England. In whatever way the Commission decide
ultimately concerning the transactions in Jamaica,
it will always remain a lasting disgrace to a
certain portion of politicians here that they
have so treated a question that concerns the
honour of our public servants and the welfare of
our colonial empire in general. The only good that
can come out of the evil will be that the public may
learn not to put so much faith in future upon the
professions of those who advocate with their lips
what their acts deny, and pretend to be votaries of
civil and religious liberty, while they show them-
selves pretty plainly to be worthy of the darkest
days of benighted bigotry, and as perverse as if
they were the agents of the greatest desiot.