Government interference is invoked by certain British residents in Madeira,
who have been placed in jeopardy by the indiscreet zeal of a countryman. Some time ago, Dr. 'Kelley, a medical man who joins to his worldly calling the vocation of missionary, drew upon himself and his proselytes the anger of the Roman "Catholic inhabitants and authorities ; but the British officials in- terceded, and Dr. Kelley was released from prison. He has not been made more discreet, but has again provoked the wrath of the islanders, insomuch that he has been forced by a popular tumult to take refuge on board an English steamer and sail for the West Indies. Armed protection is demanded for the British who remain ; but there does not appear to be sufficient proof of its necessity. The native proselytes seem to be in some peril ; but how could English authority 'be exerted in their behalf? Dr. Kelley did not obey the local authorities, and can scarcely com- plain if he suffer inconvenience ; still less could the English Go- vernment undertake the protection of his converts. While vio- lating the ecclesiastical polity of the island, he was not incul- cating the particular form of faith officially maintained by the English Government—he is not, we believe, a member of the Church of England. The British officials can hardly aid the at- tempt to force the Kirk of Scotland upon the constituted authori- ties of Madeira, or even toleration for it.
