New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-10-13
MAROON REVOLT IN JAMAICA.
SIR AUGUSTUS HEMMING AND JOSEPH
CHAMBERLAIN DECLINE TO DISCUSS
IT-ROTH SAIL. FOR ENGLAND


Sir Augustus Hemming British Governor Of the
Island Of jamaica. arrived here yesterday on the
Atlas liner Athos from Kingston, and In now on his
way 10 England The threatened rising OF the
Maroons is said TO he the cause OF Governor Hem
ming's hasty trip TO England. The situation on the
island according the latest reports. has grown
very serious. The Maroons at Anette Bay are
awaiting the rignal 10 revolt. and there has been
riot at Fyfes Pen. Thus far the Jamaica authori-
ties have been unable TO discover the Identity OF
the leaders OF the Maroon revolt The main Issue
between the Government officials and the natives
is the question whether the civil law statute of
limitations can override imperial treaty rights
The Maroons claim disputed piece OF ground IL
Is OF considerable area. and was awarded after the
last rebellion The Maroons do not acknowledge
the Jamaica laws. In the tribal assembly al the
capital OF the Maroon reservation two representa-
lives were appointed to appear before Governor
Hemming before he sailed on the Athos for the
United States and present him with copy OF the
treaty and full description OF the territory ceded
by the British Government 10 the tribe after the
rebellion
As result or the threats OF the Maroons the
Industrial outlook the island OF Jamaica mas
grown gloomy and many well-to-do coonis's nave
lef, for other parts. The Governments arbitrary
action in enforcing the excise and tobacco laws
passed last year in spite OF popular protest and
memorial have added TO the depression existing AT
Kingston. Manv Of the tobacco cultivators nave
given I'D that business including all the Cuban
exi.es. who are returning their native land
Many factories are now closed. strong feeling Is
growing In favor OF political Incorporation with
Canada II reciprocal treaty with the United
States could be effected this. the Jamaicans say
would be the possible solution Of the economic
problem.
Governor Hemmings stay In this city was less
than four hours His arrival had been well timed
apparently. and his departure so arranged rs 10
ThQ har
for the British Colonies who. with his wife and
daughter, had spent their vacation in Massachu-
se.is. At noon Sir Augustus Hemmins went on
Immediately after Mr.. Chamberlain and his vile
and Miss Chamberlain arrived at the steamer Sir
Augustus Hemming declined to talk on matters
concerning either the island Of Jamaica or the Ban
BADGES. He admitted, however. that the Maroons
were threatening war. and that there Is nysterl-
political conspiracy In Barbados.
Mr.. Chamberlain said that until he had conferred
with the Governor OF Jamaica he could not dis
the troubles existing in the West Indies lie
said that his vacation had been very pleasant
one. and that he was sorry that he mad been un-
able 10 make a tour OF the West, as he mad IN
tended.
Asked II he thought Marchand to be simply an
irresponsible French adventurer. Secretary Cham
berlain said that from the cable dispatches which
he had read in the American newspapers ne did not
/ think So because. according to these dispatches
the French Government seems TO have acknowl,
edged him. "If the dispatches arc correct added
Mr. Chamberlain, then Marchand Is a French
! agent I will find that definitely when get back
TO England"
Before the steamer sailed Mr.. Chamberlain said
that the news that Great Britain intended 10 make
radical changes In its foreign policy might he true
but that he knew nothing about such an important
move. and that he was inclined to doubt the ac-
curacy OF the report.