The New York herald., 1869-06-18
JAMAICA.
Arrival Of the Iron-Ciad Defence-The Immi-
grafton Law-Ritualism I'm the Island-Re-
ligious Eccentricities-Death Of n Dutch Ma
val Captain.

Arrival Of the IrOn-Ciad Defence-The Immi.
grafton Law-Ritualism In the Islnnd-Re.
ligiOus Eccentricities-Death Of Dutch Ma
val Captain.
KINGSTON, June 2, 1869.
The large iron-clad war steamer Defence arrived
here on Sunday last from England and will sail for
Havana direct two hours after the arrival OF the
packet due tomorrow which, as we hear will bring
important dispatches from the government. The
Commodore has hoisted his broad pennant on the
Defence. and will proceed on her to Havana. She
is screw, armor plated, Of 3,720 tons, 600 horse
power and carries eighteen guns.
Her Majesty's ship Eclipse was Unexpectedly de-
spatched on the 2sth to Grand Caymans On her
return she Will proceed to Santiago de Cuba and
Ragged Island carrying important dispatches for
Captain McCrae. Of her Majesty's ship Favorlte.
The Legislative Council held sitting on the 9th
ult. The amendment OF the Immigration law was
under consideration 1t proposes, In so far as may
be, to ameliorate the condition of coolies to provide
for the settlement OF differences which may arise be-
tween them and the planters and to prevent in fu-
ture the possibility OF cooie being unable to pro.
cure by his earnings suflicency Of wholesome and
suitable food to MAINTAIN himself in health and
strength. Another session was held yesterday. The
only point OF interest, however, was the presenta
ton OF q petition from the parish OF Westm0reand
against disestablishment of the Church.
The question OF subsidizlng. or granting what was
lOTMeTly kuOWu as Cnt 'COlOQ.al dllOWaDCe' 10
white troops serving in Jamaica. is moOted. The
Guardian protests strongly against II, owing to the
bad condition of the colonial finances and the imper
atlve necessity for certain internal improvements.
The newspapers are taken up with discussions on
rualism, and the city OF Kingston is greatly divided
between the two parties in the Church, namely,
those who pace no Importance on the ceremonias
OF the English service and those who consider as
sentlals altars, crosses, cOlored vestments, &C.
Some Of the discussions on the subject have been
very Incorporate but as they are carried mostly
by beardess youths, with more impudence than
brains. they have excited only amusement.
An old mIser, named Peter Henry, native Of Aber-
deenshire Scotland lately died here, aged nlnetytwo
years. and worth 100000, ali of which he had accu-
muated in and through the most sordd economy.
Many anecdotes are told Of him, which would do
credit to Dancer Hopkins ana others OF the avarl-
cious fraternity His wealth, by the terms OF his
will goes in the main, to person who has been for
many years In needy circumstances, and mad re-
Gently kept Peter Henry's accounts ana attended to
his affairs.
Ten cases of swords were landed here last week
from the schooner Electric, from Nassau. This mas
created considerable talk in the ciy, particularly
among the creoles. Some say they are sent here be-
cause Sir James Walker the Governor Of Bahamas
Will not allow the islands under his control to be
depots for military stores while others argue that
they are for the use OF the Cuban patriots In Kings
ton, who are momentarily looking for the American
blockade runner the Salvador, from Cuba.
revival OF religion has again broken out among
himself prophet with horses tail; Others see
visions and predict coming judgments upon the
earth In general, and Jamaica in particular.
The Royal Mail Steam Packet Company and the
English government have at length come TO their
regad ding the advantages Of Jamaica over ST.
Thomas as coaling station for the West India mail
steamers.
The transatlantic ships will now run from South.
ampton to Kingston to coal up then proceed 10
Asplnwa, whence they will return here route for
England. The coaling population are overjoyed at
the prospect Of increased labor. as some 900 are
annually expended in the coaiing Of steamers,
which service Is chiefly performed by women at the
rate OF seventy tons per hour. There Will also be q
In the n 81 owg 70 the
While the gig Of the Dutch war steamer Soembing
was proceeding TO Port Royal yesterday evening,
with the captain and four OF the crew. she oapsized
at point known as the Devils Backbone"
boat with four puncheons OF biscuit In her saw the
accident as II occurred, but could not render any
assistance The fact was Afterwards reported TO
ply freight canoe which was coming TO Kingston.
ana IL proceeded at TO the spot and succeeded
In resculng Captain Phan and two Of the men In an
exhausted and almost dying state. The others were
drowned. " hen the accident was reported at Port
Royal the steam launch was Immediately sent out
10 render assistance. She returned with the cap
tam and men who were saved. Digent search was
made for the bodies OF those lost but without
cess Soon after his arrival the captain died OF ex-
laustiOn.