Part 73 (2/2)
Capital offences have much decreased in number, as well as all minor ones, and the princ.i.p.al crimes lately submitted for the investigation of the magistrates, seem to consist chiefly in trifling offences and breaches of contract.
_Signed, Richard S. Wickham,
Superintendent of Police_.”
”To his excellency,
_Sir C.I. Murray McGregor, Governor, &c_.
_St. John's, Antigua, Oct_. 2, 1835.
Sir--The general state of regularity and tranquillity which prevails throughout the island, admits of my making but a concise report to your Excellency, for the last month.
The autumnal agricultural labors continue to progress favorably, and I have every reason to believe, that the agriculturalists, generally, are far more satisfied with the internal state of the island affairs, than could possibly have been antic.i.p.ated a short period since.
From conversations which I have had with several gentlemen of extensive interest and practical experience, united with my own observations, I do not hesitate in making a favorable report of the general easy and quietly progressing state of contentedness, evidently showing itself among the laboring cla.s.s; and I may add, that with few exceptions, a reciprocity of kind and friendly feeling at present is maintained between the planters and their laborers.
Although instances do occur of breach of contract, they are not very frequent, and in many cases I have been induced to believe, that the crime has originated more from the want of a proper understanding of the time, intent, and meaning of the contract into which the laborers have entered, than from the actual existence of any dissatisfaction on their part.”
_Signed, &c._
_St. John's, Antigua, Dec. 2d_, 1835.
”Sir--I have the honor to report that a continued uninterrupted state of peace and good order has happily prevailed throughout the island, during the last month.
The calendar of offences for trial at the ensuing sessions, bears little comparison with those of former periods, and I am happy to state, that the crimes generally, are of a trifling nature, and princ.i.p.ally petty thefts.
By a comparison of the two last lists of offences submitted for investigation, it will be found that a decrease has taken place in that for November.”
_Signed, &c_.
St. John's, January 2d, 1836.
”Sir--I have great satisfaction in reporting to your Honor the peaceable termination of the last year, and of the Christmas vacation.
At this period of the year, which has for ages been celebrated for scenes of gaiety and amus.e.m.e.nt among the laboring, as well as all other cla.s.ses of society, and when several successive days of idleness occur, I cannot but congratulate your Honor, on the quiet demeanor and general good order, which has happily been maintained throughout the island.
It may not be improper here to remark, that during the holidays, I had only one prisoner committed to my charge, and that even his offence was of a minor nature.”
_Signed, &c_.
_Extract of Report for February, 1836._
”The operation of the late Contract Acts, caused some trifling inconvenience at the commencement, but now that they are clearly understood, even by the young and ignorant, I am of opinion, that the most beneficial effects have resulted from these salutary Acts, equally to master and servant, and that a permanent understanding is fully established.
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