In , the absence of full particulars, as to what
actually occurred, we are not disposed to join in. the chorus of unqualified condemnation which has greeted the Governor's action; but the tone of his letter to Admiral Davis was unfor- tunate, and indeed inexcusable. , Informalities may have been committed by the . landing parties, . but it is stated that the Marines were sent on shore at the express request of the Colonial Secretary and Police Inspector, and there can be no doubt as to the generosity and goodwill by which the Americans were animated; moreover, Rear-Admiral Davis had already in a despatch to Washington, paid. a handsome tribute to the energy and ability of the Governor. We do hot, however, propose by any comment of ours to magnify an incident which the United States Government are clearly
indisposed to take seriously. Sir Edward Grey having autho- rised our Charge d'Affaires at Washington to transmit to the Government of the United States the Governor's cordial thanks for the prompt and powerful assistance rendered by Admiral Davis's grins-ikon, and to assure them that inquiries were being instituted into the authenticity of the Governor's letter to Rear-Admiral Davis, the Assistant-Secretary of State has replied on behalf of the Provident to the effect that his Government intended to pay no head to the matter, and fully appreciated the spirit shown by the British Government.
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