30 SEPTEMBER 1848, Page 2

The Jamaica Assembly has responded to Lord Grey's beaming prognostications

of prosperity, and Sir Charles Grey's promises of " mountain-reservoirs," &c., with a tone of the most austere de- spondency. In an address to the Governor, the Colonial Repre- sentatives declare that they cannot participate in his hopeful an- ticipations; that they cannot issue Treasury certificates to meet the deficiency, nor impose additional taxes to keep up the official" in- Stitutions " of which they politely confess the value, nor find money to accomplish the improvements sketched by Lord Grey through Sir Charles. Emphatically, in the name of every colonist, they re- pudiate all intention of returning to slavery. On the whole, the address is courteous and temperate in style, distinct and firm in its language, most gloomy in its views, and very significant of ulterior measures which may seriously embarrass the Downing Street Government. Passive resistance from a large and import- ant section of the Colonial empire would be an awkward addition to Whig "difficulties."