The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1853-01-13

Ckristssds-zNe Observation-Disclosures
tralian Emigration-Co Commerce.
Ere the noble Georgia has left our waters many
hours, Old Christmas, with his steady step will
have peeped upon the world. How unlike
former days does he appear in Jamaica. Fes-
tivities belong to the has beens," and scarcely
q feature, in public or in private, indicates that
we are celebrating, or about to celebrate, an
important epoch in religious history. Well
another-another- yet another-nay. many
other years, will come. Let us hope they will
bring back to Jamaica, at least a ray or two Of
her former sunshine, that hearts may yet glad
den, and that this dropping garden Of the West
may yet revive with its wonted animation. In
the hands Of England's statesmen are the reins
of our political destiny. What will be our fate
o little time will show.
The Legislature adjourned on the 18th inst
until the 25th January. Their proceedings
have not been marked. I am happy to say. by
any Of those displays Of party feeling which
characterized the proceedings Of former SEES
sions. There has been a good deal OF talk
about retrenchment in the public expenditure,
but nothing has been done. 1t seems however,
judging from the present feeling Of the Assem-
bly,, that there is now real desire. on the part
of honorable members. to effect reduction in
the public expenditure; but there is likely to be
disagreement as to the terms upon which it
shall be effected. Some parties are in favor Of
awarding compensation" to such holders Of
Offices as will be reduced in their pay. am
opposed to it, would award compensation to
parties whose Offices must be abolished. but
those that are still kept up must be supported
at reduced rate. without compensation for
the reduction. If this be done. such offices
as will have the salaries reduced will only
in mild degree be suffering with the
general depression of the times ; besides,
the comforts procured in former days. at high rates.
now be obtained at about half the former prices
Why then, should not those who hitherto, and up to
now, have received princely stipends, be made to
submit to large reduction? The fact is, there
must now be retrenchment of necessity for there
are not the means within the island Of keeping up
former extravaganza.
The public health is not as satisfactory as could be
desired, although am happy in being able to state
that we have no disease now in the shape OF cpl
demic. Fevers and agues are very prevalent. In
our public hospital there are several seamen be-
longing to English ships suffering from fever, of
rather malignant type. | do not think, however,
that it is the confirmed yellow fever.
The weather is unusually hot for the time OF year;
indeed we have had now very long spell OF hot
weather. January and February are generally plea
SAINT months, so we look forward to favorable
change soon.
The fine steamer Uncle Sam, which left here yes
terday took as passengers several parties intending
to proceed to Australia by the new Pioneer line. Dr.
Lyon was also passenger in the Uncle Sam.
During his sojourn here DR.. L.. made many friends;
indeed it was only to know him to esteem him.
little retail trade is doing, but generally business
is very dull. The Assembly think of abolishing, or
considerably reducing, the imposts shipping II
this be done, there may be partial revival Of COM
merce, and little more export business