, 1874-06-17
COLONIAL.

will be found interesting:
JAMAICA.-On the occasion of the banquet which
was given for the 2nd West Indian Regiment at
this island, at its reception after returning from
the Ashantee War, many toasts were proposed
and compliments exchanged, among which was q
toast to the q Press of Jamaica" at was a power
in the land,' said Mr.. Mclean who proposed the
toast, land he was glad to see it so we'll repre-
sented - and after making some illusions to the
"new feature of interest-telegraphic news
which had been developed in the island by the
talent and e%xertions of one of it's most prominent
members, Mr.. James Gall, the toast was drank
with enthusiasm. Mr.. Gall, on whom the res
ponse deyolved, answered with peculiar taste and
originality, evidencing that he was fully at home
with his subject" The Press" said he, mo
doubt was powerful for a great deal of good, as it
was at the same time powerful for an immensely OF
evil, and he very much regretted that it had not u
better standing Oaughter) In fact, he had to ad-
nit that the Press of Jamaica had never been
strong it lacked that amount of nourishment
which was essential for vitality in hard times.
and consequently, it suffered very much from
poverty of blood (renewed laughter). Poverty
of blood, he said, required stimulants and medi-
cal comforts, and the absence Of these very much
induced q disease which displayed itself in irrita-
biIity of temperament-besides sourness of sto-
mach (laughter), general discomfort, and even
yellow iaundice (gront laughter) But he hoped
the climate might yet establish its reputation for
improving the constitution of an invaded Press,
that it had deserYedIy merited for sending back
invalided Americans perfectly restored in health
and appetito-but he was bound to admit that
while every other business and institution in the
Colony seemed to prosper, the newspapers were the
only enterprises that failed to succeed, and about
the only family that could not agree among them
selves. There, was no doubt a reason for this
want Of success, and it was perhaps that want of
unity which is essential for success (hear, hear
and applause). He very much feared if the Press
of Jamaica had been called on to go to Coomas-
sic to do business, they would not have gone far
without having a skirmish among themselves, and
like Kilkenny cats nothing would have been found
but their tales" (oheers and laughter). He con-
cluded with the hope that tho time might not be
far distant when the jamaica Press would be bet
ter supported by the public, and that unity
would yet grow out of discord (applause)."
The idea of improving and extending railway
conveyance throughout the island was rifo, and
u report had been presented to the Legislative
Council by q Committee to whom was referred a
public memorial for tho Intervention of the Gov
ernment.
Business was not brisk in the island during the
fortnight ending the 10th June. The market was
we'll supplied with American provisions, but there
was q great scarcity of Fishstutfs. The weather
continued very favourable for the growing crops.
The Nav rains, which had been general through
out the island, had fallen in considerable quantity,
but at no time so plentiful as to cause destruc-
tive floods, as has frequently been the case at this
season and altogether the seasons have been
most favourable for the planters. Some Estates
have already finished reaping their sugar crop,
and efforts were being made to bring all reaping
TO a close. The bulk of the crop may be said to
be now shipped, or on the wharves awaiting ship
ment. The result of this crop has been found to
be favourable, it being about the average of for
mer wears. The coffee crop has also been ship
ned. and thorc is now but little of the article offer
for sale in the island. There is not much dc.
mand for tonnage at present, although a few
handy-sized seeking vessels would find charters
for sugar and other produce at remunoratiYo
rates.
BARBApos.-"We drew attention to the fact,'
saws The West Indian, in a leading article, " that at
the end of three years Of drought, the revenue of
1873 was the largest on record; that it was in excess
of the expenditure; and that there was good reason
to expect tho revenue of the present year would
fail short of the amount collected in 1873, and
that it would leave even a larger balance at the end
of the year, than there was at the end OF 1878"
From this fourishing state OF the islands finances,
Inference could be drawn " that there was no ab5o-
Lutte necessity for increasing the revenue by addition
al taxation in the present year; and seeing the pres
sure occasioned by the drought, it was not desirable at
the present moment to seek to increase the revenue
to meet increased expenditure, to avoid increasing
the pressure on the taxpayers" After some COM
mept on the nature and working of their taxation
system, The West Indian adds " In England
Injuries are taxed, not necessaries and the tax falls
on the rich not on the poor. The land In England
is made to bear its fair share of taxation, and proper