Jamaica papers have been received to the 21st March. The
Assembly commenced its sittings on the 5th. They speak in very determined language respecting the recommendations of Govern- ment— " We observe your Excellency has received his Majesty's command to submit further propositions to us respecting the future regulation and government of our slaves. We should, however, be wanting in candour to your Excellency, did -we not state that all measures for the further amelioration of the slave popula- tion must emanate from ourselves."
In a subsequent message to the Government, they declare that -no consideration will induce them to furnish funds for the trans- mission of the Slave Registries to England—" they will never aid in any measure which tends to perpetuate an odious enactment."
A bill has been introduced to impose a tax of 1001. on licenses for the sale of guns and ammunition, the sale of which has, it is supposed, fallen of late into improper hands.
A letter from Montego Bay says that the Grand Jury had thrown out the bill preferred against Mr. BURCHELL, but had found true bills against Messrs. GARDNER. and KNIBS, the Baptist Missionaries.
There had been a riot at Dominica, but it was immediately sup- pressed.
Throughout the whole of the Islands, the Orders in Council are still a dead letter; no one will act upon them. It is quite evident that there is a secret understanding among the leaders of the Assemblies of the different Islands, and that they are determined to bully the Government into their views.
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