, 1874-07-29

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AS our little island has, in the course Of
time, undergone several changes, not always
for the better, so likewise has this been the
case with regard to the Military. In former
times there was always a considerable force
present, consisting of Infantry and Artillery,
as we'll as a ell-organized Militia. The per-
manent force was however already considera.
bly, reduced in 1846-47 and in Frederiksfort
especially there was, in 1S48, but a verv
small force, which undoubtedly was a great
mistake, as it must have been known that in
that part OF the country, where many large
estates are situated, there must have been some
di satisfaction. Whether, however, this small
force in unison with the Militia could have
quelled the instruction in its outbreak it is not
our place here to consider. The time for
emancipation had come, but, as it had already
been prepared, so ought it not to have been
forced on. but the time perhaps shortened.
If this revolt had been depressed by armed
force, and had the Military been used for
that purpose, they would have gained in the
estimation of the public. 1t must, however,
be acknowledged that they were eager enough
to be allowed to show what they could have
done. That at a later period, they greatly con-
tributed to restore order, and that without
them and the Militia, st. Croix would proba.
bly, have been ruined, there may be those now
who have forgotten, but I shall abstain from
saying more on this unpleasant subject.
A riot in the streets of Christiansted at
Christmas time 1852, which might have been
diSagreeable enough, was put a stop to by the
energetic conduct of the Military, though their
thanks for it was little indeed. AS a con-
sequence of this disturbance the remainder of the
Militia was done away with as an armed
force, although the Militia Law is still in force.
The Military have also often done excellent
service in cases Of fire, and might have done
much more, if they had been used in the i'm
mediate vicinity of the stations.
Proposals have often been made, and parti-
cularly when bad years have produced an
ebb in the chest, to abolish the Military,
organize a strong police force, reorganize the
Militia, or the like plans, which, however, have
all failed on account of the positive express
siOns of planters not to have the Militia
Reconstructed, but to keep the Military.
A proposal by Major Holstein to garrison the
principal force at Kingshill, etc., might certain
ly have been suitable to the purpose, but was
not further discussed on account Of the expen-
ses connected with it.
Recently a proposal has again been made in
the Council to give up the Military, erect a
Corps of Gendarmes, ETC., by which a saving Of
some $4,000 annually could be effected. This
looks very tempting on paper, but it will, think,
be the best that the planters, ON whom the well
fare of the island so largely depends, should
have the decisive voice in this matter. This
proposal was not indeed accompanied by any
Calculations about what is to be understood by
a Corps Of Gendarmes, how large such a Corps
should be, where recruited etc. Hardly could
any body more than myself, whose interests
have for many years been connected with the
island, wish that the Military and Police Force
could be recruited among our own people, with
out the necessity of encouraging, not to say en-
ticing, young men from the Mother Country,
that might be useful at home, to come out to
the Westindies to take the miserable position
of a soldier. But where can suitable individu-
ais be had?
We have indeed not too many capable trades
men, nor have we young educated persons
enough to fill the places as clerks and writer's
in the Offices, furnish the necessary overseers,
clerks 10 stores etc, not to mention that the
class of servants and country labourers is far
from being numerous. But is it expedient to
take Police Men and Gendarmes from the ma
tives of the island, even when otherwise suit
able individuals could be found 1 think not,
and all impartial people will no doubt agree in
this as also that the present Police Force is
next to nothing. For the daily police service
armed individuals ought not to be employed.
against which there has recently been a posi-