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The Government have announced a strict "independent" inquiry, —which means,

we suppose, one independent of the ordinary

machinery of the Colonial Office,—into the outbreak in Jamaica. We trust that this does not mean that Governor Eyre is to be judged by any authority but the Government itself. It would be quite unconstitutional,—and in all probability nothing of the kind is contemplated,—for the Government to delegate any part of its duty of criticizing and approving or condemning the conduct of its own servant. An "independent" inquiry into the condition of Jamaica, and the social causes which led to this outbreak, will be very desirable, and if the form of the inquiry is satisfactory, and the persons who conduct it are well chosen, it may be the beginning of a new era in Jamaica.

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