The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1879-08-14
THE ISLAND OF JAMAICA.

ARRIVAL OF GOVERNOR MUsGRAvE IN NEW
YoRK-HIs VIEWS ON THE PROGRESS AND
PROSPERITY OF THE ISLAND.
The steamship Alps. of the Atlas line. arrived
the harbor yesterday morning from Kingston. JAM.
and other West India ports Among her pas
sengers Governor Musgrave, of Jamaica. The
vessel detained for the day at Quarantine, but
the Nelson J. Hopkins with several of the officers
and directors of the Atlas line and Mr. David Dudley
Field board started in the afternoon and brought
the Governor and party up to the city,
where he became the guest OF Mr.. Field.
In the evening HERALD reporter met Governor
Musgrave at No. 81 Gramercy Park. and had q
brief but pleasant conversation with him. He is q
gentleman of firm yet kindly face full beard. tinged
with gray; of hair the top Of the head Of
medium bulk and about six feet high.
"What is the present condition OF Jamaica. Gov
ernor?" asked the reporter.
"Its present condition is very satisfactory. all
things considered. 1t would not DO correct to say
that it is on the high road to prosperity but it is
going fairly forward in the line of prosperity. A
railroad is in process OF construction that will pene
trate part of the interior rich in agricultural re-
sources"
''How is the negro population getting on?''
"As they the mass of the people, their condition
is the best index of the state the country, and
am happy to say they were never better off. The
exports of Jamaica have greatly increased within
people have been benefited accordingly"
'Aow is the trade with American"
THAT is much improved American products in
greater variety than formerly the
island. Flour and pork were once the prime pal i'm.
ports, but now manufactured articles of hundred
Kinds among the list The fruit trade with the
United States is quite extensive, a leading feature
being bananas. OF which immense quantities are
sent OUT.
..How do the old planters meet the changed order
of thingsY
"a few. of course. grumbe and think the island
wi II
the general feeling is entirely otherwise and dis
is evinced to make the best or the
and capabilities OF the island
''Is there any trace of disaffection among the
groes?'
None that aware OF. In fact. it is hardly
possible that there could be any. for they have
tor complaint whatever and their material
wants were never so few.
Are there many Americans engaged in pantingY'
"Not many. but Cubans are rather numerous"
Ills there much American machinery used in sugar
makipgy
The machinery comes chiefly from England. but
of late there have been iinportations Of improved
machinery from this country"
..what has been the chief drawback to jamaican"
81 should call 1t absentceism. which is evil to
any country. Large tracts or land in the island
held by gentlemen living in England, especially by
Lord Penrhyn aud Earl Dudley There probably
two or three hundred proprietors OF land who live
out of the country and confde the management of
their property to agents. Then, again, comuunica-
ton with the island in past years not
much improved ~ it is to-day. Jamaica is now
within easy and regular sail OF New York. and this
gives sure and speedy voyage to the products Of
the soil"
"Is sugar still leading exports'
"No. Sugar counts no more than i've per cent of
the total exports. Besides sugar there pimento
ginger. coffee. logwood. rnolasses. rum aud fruit
The sugar goes chiefly to England, but few familiar
products Of Jamaica go everywhere.
"lIow long have you been GovcrnorY'
1.-TWO years"
..And you are satisfied the island is going ahcad?
cit Is going slowly but surely ahead and every
succeeding year must show some advancement"