The Jamaica Disturbances The situation in Jamaica is still grave,
and in some of the parishes troops have had to be called out and have been forced to fire on the mob. But the problem to be solved has changed considerably from what it was when the troubles began ; Mr. Bustamente, the Labour leader, is now trying, without much success, to persuade his followers to return to work and accept the wage increases secured through negotiation with the Conciliation Board. The workers, however, think, with some reason, that so much having been achieved by out- breaks of violence, more violence will achieve more. It is unfortunately true, in Jamaica as in Trinidad, that violence has been able to secure in a short time reforms which have been neglected for years ; there could be no greater condem- nation of colonial administration. But by now violence has .served its purpose, which was to draw attention to the condi- tions and needs of the workers ; it is to be hoped they will not prejudice their unanswerable case by refusing to accept the terms now offered. These terms can, or should be, only a beginning. What is now needed is the restoration of order in which urgent reforms can be taken in hand. The Colonial Office has received a serious warning ; it is now its duty, and the duty of Crown Colony administrations, to work fast in introducing the improvements which can no longer be postponed in the conditions of the workers.
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