15.  The complaints against the apprentices generally are becoming fewer every week, but the complaints against the masters are increasing both in number and severity.  One reason of this is, that the apprentices, on the one hand, are becoming better acquainted with the new system, and therefore better able to avoid a violation of its provisions, and are also learning that they cannot violate these provisions with impunity; and, on the other hand, they are gaining courage to complain against their masters, to whom they have hitherto been subjected by a fear created by the whips and dungeons, and nameless tortures of slavery.  Another reason is, that the masters, as the term of the apprenticeship shortens, and the end of their authority approaches nearer, are pressing their poor victims harder and harder, determined to extort from them all they can, before complete emancipation rescues them for ever from their grasp.

While we were in conversation with Mr. Hill, Mr. Ramsay, one of the special magistrates for this parish, called in.  He is a native of Jamaica, and has been educated under all the influences of West India society, but has held fast his integrity, and is considered the firm friend of the apprentices.  He confirmed every fact and opinion which Mr. Hill had given.  He was even stronger than Mr. H. in his expressions of disapprobation of the apprenticeship.

The day which we spent with Mr. Hill was one of those on which he holds a special justice’s court.  There were only three cases of complaint brought before him.

The first was brought by a woman, attended by her husband, against her servant girl, for “impertinence and insubordination.”  She took the oath and commenced her testimony with an abundance of vague charges.  “She is the most insolent girl I ever saw.  She’ll do nothing that she is told to do—­she never thinks of minding what is said to her—­she is sulky and saucy,” etc.  Mr. H. told her she must be specific—­he could not convict the girl on such general charges—­some particular acts must be proved.

She became specific.  Her charges were as follows: 

1.  On the previous Thursday the defendant was plaiting a shirt.  The complainant went up to her and asked her why she did not plait it as she ought, and not hold it in her hand as she did.  Defendant replied, that it was easier, and she preferred that way to the other.  The complainant remonstrated, but, despite all she could say, the obstinate girl persisted, and did it as she chose.  The complainant granted that the work was done well, only it was not done in the way she desired.

2.  The same day she ordered the defendant to wipe up some tracks in the hall.  She did so.  While she was doing it, the mistress told her the room was very dusty, and reproved her for it.  The girl replied, “Is it morning?” (It is customary to clean the rooms early in the morning, and the girl made this reply late in the afternoon, when sufficient time had elapsed for the room to become dusty again.)