A telegram from Washington dated January 29th announced that Sir
A. Swettenbam had withdrawn the letter addressed to Rear-Admiral Davis on the 18th ult., which induced the latter to leave Kingston with his squadron, and had expressed his regrets. This action on the Governor's part, it is noted, is regarded as finally closing the international phase of the incident. It is only right to add that the only excuse for the Governor's letter—that the American Admiral had violated international etiquette by landing Marines without the Governor's consent—has fallen to the ground. Rear. AdmiralDavis reported to his Government that the Marines were landed at the express request of the Colonial Secretary and police inspector, who spoke for the Governor, and this statement has not been denied, though it appears that the Governor was not aware of the request made by his subordinates. The readiness which the American Government have shown in accepting Sir Alexander Swetten- ham's expression of regret is of a piece with their action throughout. The news from Kingston indicates that the shocks have not yet ceased, and a despatch from the Governor states, on the authority of the harbourmaster, that Mouton Point has sunk and the soundings in the neighbourhood are uncertain. The Archbishop, who has taken an active part in the relief work, strongly urges the claim of the Colony to an Imperial grant as well as an Imperial loan. Such an appeal, we feel sure, will receive sympathetic consideration. But it is clear that no money can be allocated to purposes of re- building—the first need of the community—without enforcing stringent conditions as to structure and sanitation.
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