The Sun. — 1851-03-10 (London, England)

JAMAICA. By the arrival of the Severn we are placed in posses• sion of our files of papers from Jamaica to the 14th 01  February. In consequence of rough weather experienced by the Avon on her voyage from Southampton, the mails from that place of the 17th of January did not reach Kingston until the morning of the 12th of February. The irregular manner with which the steamers arrive in Kingston, since the new route, has been the cause of general complaint, and appears to have occasioned much inconvenience and dissatisfaction. We perceive with much regret that at the election of St.  David's for a representative, ii-serioustiCst took place, which resulted in the death of Mr. David M.Lean, coroner of the parish. The candidates were James Porteous, Esq., who was supported by the Conservative party, and John Nunes, Esq., who was supported by the Government party, or perhaps better known as the clique party. The facts of the case are these:—On the morning of the election a band of ruffians, numbering about 300, were marched down Nunes party, and stationed in front of the Court-house. During the day the polling of under the escort of the the votes continued: very fairly balanced, and doubts were entertained who would be the successful candidate; but as soon as it was discovered that the interest of Mr. Nunes was at an end, determined to call up the reserve force, and to prevent any one from voting for Mr. Porteous. At votes,ad t h it was this juncture the votes in the parish were almost exe ac each thenp party ty exhausted, and the few remaining being inimical to Mr, Nunes, his gang were ordered to prevent the return of Mr. Porteous. Every obstacle was now offered to those who felt disposed to vote for Mr. Porteous, and the riotous and bloody scene commenced in all its fury. Large stones were indiscriminately thrown by the band of ruffians, and threatened destruction to all around. The police were severely Wounded, many persons received serious injuries; and one met with an untimely and cruel death. In this alarming moment, the recording officer, finding it dangerous to remain in the Court-house, was forced to adjourn the poll, and seek protection by flight. On the following day, however, the election was resumed, and a vote having been returned in favour of Mr. Porteous, that gentleman was considered duly elected as the representative of St. David's. The subject of the riot has been very seriously taken up by the Jamaica press, and the clique party denounced as the authors and instigators of the bloody scene at Easington. Indeed it would appear from the various articles on this subject that many of that party are implicated in this affair, and that they will be placed in very unenviable positions. An inquest was held the next day on the body of Mr. MSLean, and a verdict of wilful murder returned against three men, who wore in custody, and would be tried at the xt cssize court. His Excellency Sir Charles Grey had appointed a special commission to investigate into the affair, and had also dispa•ched a small military force to the scene of riot. Things, however, had resumed their wonted calmness, and there appeared no cause to suppose that a similar affair will again take place. The Legislature had re-assembled for the discharge of business on the 11th of February. No business of consequence was disposed of up to the time of the steamer's departure. The Governor's Salary Bill was to be considered in a fortnight. The cholera bad left most parishes in the island, but had re-appeared in one or two. It raged to a somewhat alarining extent in Hanover.