The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1892-05-28
Discomfort In the British West Indies.


| ---------------
The discomfort in the British West Indian
| colonies seems to be increasing and spread
| ing. From vague dsquietude and Il feeling
| that the interests OF the colonies were not
receiving from the British Government tho
consideration that they deserved. senti-
mcnt has developed that Is leading to open
revolt and riot in some islands. and to open
discomfort in nearly all. Within n few
weeks the trouble has spread to colonies
hitherto unaffected, and some remarkable
| opinions and highly reasonable declara-
tions have been put forth from sources here
tofole strongly loyal.
We have already told Of the troubles in ST.
Vincent and tho British Honduras. In the
former. n long period Of agitation over IN
ordinance emanating from the Colonial
Office in London. which the coonists con-
sidered an infringement Of their liberties.
eliminated in a serious riot and in the
resignation OF some prominent official
persons. In the latter a constitutional
deadlock was caused by the resignation
Of the entire membership OF the local
Legislature. and the continued refusal Of
tn" colonistS to serve in any Official ca
pacity. For two years the British Honduras
people fought their case. a demand for de-
termning voice in the management OF the
colonys affairs. before tho British Parla-
mcnt and Privy Council. after defeating the
Colonial Secretary in their own courts" Mis-
government and shameless jobbery" was the
charge they made. few weeks ago the
struggle ended in n complete victory for
the coonists. the imperial Government be-
ing compelled to recognize the principle
that tho colonists should have majority
of their own members in the Legis-
lative Council. The st. Vincent people
have refused to enforce an Objectionable
ordinance. and have advised the Colonial
Office to be very careful indeed in it's pro-
cedure. The neighboring colonies have
sympathized with st. Vincent and Honduras.
Now jamaica, the most important Of the
West India colonies. described once as "the
brightest gem in Britains diadem." is holly
indignant. and tho newspapers arc telling
how much better of the island would be il
it were free from servitude to an I'M
natural stcpmothcr. The complaint is the
same: Oppression for the benefit OF
British merchants. and at best selfish neg
lcct and disregard OF the colony's inter-
ests. The immediate cause OF the trouble
is described as pure British selfshness. The
Kingston Daily Cleaner. one Of the oldest
and most representative newspapers in the
British West Indies. and always conserva-
tive and loyal in its policy. says:
I'VE will not say that It would be evil day for
Jamaica were the colonial separatst party in England
to have their wishes grated and island were to.
pna hISt
coed in doing better for ourselves than We been
able TO accomplish under servrde 10 an Indifferent
nnl immature! parent"
The colonial separatst party" means
tho people in England who believe, with
Mr.. LABOUcHERE. that the colonies are an
expensive luxury TO England. But the
trouble is more general than that. and even
Mr.. klrLISG is inpe!lcl to remark. in re.
cent note Of his travels, that 1.-THE mother
of colonies has Il wonderful gift for alienat-
ing the affections Of her own household by
neglect The discomfort exists more or
less in all Of the colonies. and is tho result
of one cause, Australia. Canada. India. the
Straits Settlements. and South Africa are
singing the same song. in perhaps slightly
varying keys.
Tho special matter that Is agllatiny
Jamaica is II report made by Lord BHAssEy
of his recent visit to tho island lie adyo-
Gates o number of things which no thinks
would strengthen Great Britian's position
in the Caribbean. Tho Cleaner says:
THE frs, inference which West Indian makes after
reading through these letters that the writer speaks
from purely imperial point OF view There is no ref.
ereNce to the interests welfare OF colonies as coll
ONES the questions considered only far as they
relate to the strengthening OF the British position"
Lord BRASsEY. who Is regarded as nm emil
ncnt authority, frames sweeping indct-
ment against tho historic naval station at
Port Royal. which Is almost equal to de- |
mand for Its abolition. He condemns tho |
waste OF money. and suggests the closing |
up of the dockyard, causing general aban- |
donment OF various industries that form |
the malnstay OF the town, and he would |
make many important changes, with an |
airy and exaspcrating disregard of the |
interests OF the colony. He would abandon
the forts. withdraw the sbiDs. and
leave the island dcfenceless against naval
attacks In time Of war. The cleaner says
that Lord BRAssEY's suggestions seem TO
be equivalent to the casting adrft OF Ja-
maca from England"
Altogether the West Indian colonies arc
in all embarrassing position. Thoroughly
dissatisfied with their relations with Great
Britain. they yet do not know which way to
turn for substantial relief. There have
been efforts to form West Indian Fedora
ton. but there is a want OF unanimty
among the many colonies in regard to the
project. A Civil Rights Defence Union was
formed two months ago with the vague
object of resisting the policy Of the Brit
sh Government toward the colonies" tho
method chosen being to appeal to the
great British public ut the elections.
The colonies are not strong enough |