, 1874-08-19

in Colonial policy, first in Jamaica where
Governors are said to be obstinately strong"
and afterwards in the East, where, instead of
being wise, they are supposed TO be "'magni6a
Gently despotic,' it was by the many appreS:
hended that as a Ruler his career would be
slightly tipged with a mixture of both these
qualities. But in this they we're mis-
taken. Mr.. Irving possesses, no doubt, exalt.
ed notions of the duties of his position, and
what is due to the representative of the Sove-
reign, but he also possesses extreme candor
combined with a determination to see and
think for himself, and TO be guided, mainly, by
his own conviction Of the real wants of the
multitude. In this he may have offended
several.
How far the difficult task of federating these
islands, has been practically advanced during
the year of Mr.. ~IRvING's government, it is not
so easy to say. 1t will take time, and not
Governors to complete the great work OF UNION.
Time alone can eradicate the deep rooted
iealousies and prejudices which operate to
preserve in the minds of the people o luke
waymness to the scheme Of Federation. Each
Island has its old traditions to ponder over,
and has had an ancient constitution from
which it was loath to part, and cannot for some
time cease to venerato hence the necessity to
proceed slowly and wisely in effecting a great
CONSTITUTIONAL CuduScs W. uSOA -
to all the Federal Laws which have been pass
ed during the past year, for some of them are
not yet in operation, and others, not many
weeks old.
Within the past twelve months Acts were
passed to disestablish and disendowt that vener-
able institution, the "Church of England" in
this colony, and relieve the proprietors of land
of some of their burdens. The subject Of ele.
mentary Education has also been dealt with and
an Act paosod to improve the quality of the
Schools in the Leeward Islands. The judicial
machinery which Mr. IRVING found, upon his
arrival, in a very shaky condition, has been
strengthened, much enlarged and simp}fed.
Under the careful management, as at present.
we believe this machinery is likely to work well,
and afford speedy justice to debtors, creditors
and all others requiring its protective aid. The
Police Force of the colony has been reorganix-
ed placed under one, Inspector General, and
subjected to one uniform and improved system
of discipline. These are a few of the Acts
which have been passed during the year.
Locally, our Charitable Institutions have re-
Gently been remodelled, and the cost Of their
maintenance very much reduced, without, as we
have been told, lessening the quantum of relief
which they are calculated to afford to the sick
and destitute. His Excellency told the Coun-
Gil in his Address that for this the public were
indebted to the jealous management of the Sc
Nor Medical Officer, DR.. EDWARDs-eficiently
aided of course by the officers Of the several in
situations. But the thanks of the Public are
certainly due to Governor Irvine for having so
speedily infused into every department. fthe
service that spirit of rigid economy which now
visibly pervades the whole. The expenditure
for public roads has under the present system
suffered a severe reduction and by the free use
of convict labor the expenses of the Board of
Health are also reduced. Altogether the annu-
al saving effected is put down for the Colony
at $4,000 which in the present state of the colo
ny is no insignificant saving, in anticipation of
deficit in the revenues of the present year, and
shews that great prudence and financial ability
have been exercised.
It is to be regretted that the Governor who
is about to leave us, has not been permitted
time to see and enjoy. even the first fruits Of
his labors here, during a year OF, We may say,
unprecedented depression he may however, on
some future day, have the satisfaction to know
that they have not been without profitable re-
suits to this community. .Ht
To say that Governor IRVING is without enc
mics, would be. to declare that he. labstained
from the faithful performance of his duties; or
sIumbered when be should have been watchful.