on the property—­he was willing to pay fair, nay, high wages, but the demand was exorbitant.  He had a servant, a trustworthy white man, who laboured from day-dawn to sunset for 2s. 1d. per day, and he was quite satisfied.  All the mischief in his district had been owing to the poisonous stories poured into the ears of the people by Special Justice Fishbourne.  If he were removed, the parish might probably assume a healthy state; if allowed to remain, no improvement could possibly take place.

His EXCELLENCY said that the Assembly had passed a law preventing the special magistrates from going on the estates; they could not, however, prevent the people from going to them, and taking their advice if they wished it.  He had understood that the people had gone to the special magistrates, informing them that the planters demanded 3s. 4d. per week rent for the houses and grounds, and that they had been advised, if such were the case, that they ought to be paid higher wages.  He understood that to be a fact.

Mr. ANDREW SIMPSON said that the people would, he had no doubt, have worked, but for the pernicious advice of Mr. Fishbourne.  He had heard that the people had been told that the Governor did not wish them to work, and that he would be vexed with them if they did.

Sir LIONEL replied that he was aware that white men were going about the country disguised as policemen, pretending to have his (Sir Lionel’s) authority, telling the people not to work.  He knew well their intention and design, he understood the trick.  You are anxious (said his Excellency) to produce a panic, to reduce the value of property, to create dismay, in order that you may speculate, by reducing the present value of property; but you will be disappointed, notwithstanding a press sends forth daily abuse against me, and black-guard and contemptible remarks against my acts.  I assure you I am up to your tricks.

Mr. ANDREW SIMPSON would be glad if his Excellency would speak individually.  There was a paper called the West Indian, and another the Colonial Freeman.  He wished to know whether his Excellency meant either of those papers. [Some slight interruption here took place, several gentlemen speaking at the same time.]

His EXCELLENCY said he had not come to discuss politics, but to endeavour to get the people to work, and it would be well for them to turn their attention to that subject.

Mr. SIMPSON said he had a gang who had jobbed by the acre, and had done well, but it was unfortunate in other respects to observe the disinclination shown by the laborers to work.  He wished them to know that they must work, and trusted that his Excellency would endeavour to force them to labor.

Sir LIONEL—­I can’t compel them to do as you would wish, nor have I the power of forcing them to labor.  The people will not suffer themselves to be driven by means of the cart-whip.  It is the policy of every man to make the best bargain he can.  I can say nothing to the people about houses and grounds, and price of wages.  I can only ask them to work.