The Sun.
London, England, 1844-03-25 00:00:00

JAMAICA.

We have received a file of the Jamaica Times down to the
date of the sailing of the Severn, but they contain little news
of interest.

The drought continued at Jamaica, and fears are enter-
tained that there will be a considerable deficiency in the
sugar crop this season.
In the House of Assembly a Bill to amend the import
duties had been read a third time and passed. A Bill had
been also introduced, and read a second time, to incorporate
the Royal Agricultural Society of the island. Capt. Duling
moved for a grant of 500/. for the use of the Society. After
considerable discussion the sum was ultimately reduced to
2001., and carried. Another Bill had been presented to make
tenders in silver coin legal to a certain amount. It was read
a second time and committed The amount fixed upon was 40s.
Great efforts have been made to establish on a fair footing
the General Agricultural Society, which is henceforth to
have the title of " Royal" affixed to it, her Majesty the Queen
having signified through his Excellency the Governor her most
gracious wish to honour it with her patronage. Lord Stanley
and others of the English nobility have also joined the Society
and put down their names as life. subscribers. Lord Elgin
has also followed the example. In consequence of the patron-
age of her Majesty many ladies of the island have contributed
to the funds of the Society. The Jamaica Times speaks in the
highest terms of the exertions of Lord Elgin in the matter, and
says the island owes a lasting debt of gratitude to his Lord-
ship, to whom exclusively belongs the honour of having
directed the attention of the planters to what alone can save
them—agricultural improvement.
His Excellency the Governor had given a donation of 2004
to be bestowed in prizes of 1001. each, for the best essays on
" The Manufacture of Sugar." and " On the best mode of
establishing and conducting Industrial Schools adapted to the
wants and circumstances of our agricultural population."
Sir Charles Adam was still at Port Royal with the squadron.
The brig Helena arrived at Port Royal on Feb. 16, with Mr.
Bankhead, the Mexican Plenipotentiary from England on
board, who proceeded on to Mexico in the Inconstant frigate
on the 21st. As the Severn was leaving Port Royal on the
23d, she discovered the ship Abel Gower making for that port
totally dismasted, and in a very disabled state.
Her Majesty's ship Apollo, Commander M'Lean, arrived
at Port Royal on the day previous to the Severn leaving,
from Gibraltar in 30 days, with the 48th Regiment on board.
The barque Conservative, Cousens, from Portsmouth in 39
daj's, also arrived on the 22d with a general cargo.
Her Majesty's brig_Ringdove, Commander Sir W. Daniel,
sailed on the 22d for Nassau, N. P.

ST. TITOMAS'S.—The small-pox had ceased at St. Thomas's,
and clean bills of health were issued. The Severn was, how-
ever, placed in quarantine, notwithstanding she had not been
to any infected port, and all were well on board. This is
certainly the best method of preventing contagion, although
it is somewhat inconvenient.

TRINIDAD.—At Trinidad the Council was engaged in re-
modelling the old Spanish laws of the island, and adapting
them to the exigencies of the country, according to the spirit
of the British Constitution.