The news from the West Indies is important, when viewed
in connexion with the state of feeling both in England and the Colo- nies on the subject of the abolition. of Slavery. The Earl of -KULGRAVE had unexpectedly dissolved the Assembly of Jamaica, 'oil the 14th December,—avowedly on account of a collision between the two branches of the Legislature, the Council and the Assembly, but really because he could not procure any attention • to his plans for the amelioration of the slaves. The members of the Council are elected by the Crown, those of the Assembly by the Planters. In the latter, no one could be found even to introduce any of the Government measures for the relief of the Negroes; and the • right of the Council to originate any bill whatever is denied. The GoVernor therefore was brought to a stand ;: and seized the first opportunity of dissolving the Assembly, with the intention, as he states, of soon appealing to an "enlarged constittiency." We have been so much occupied with our own -Reform Bill, that we had- entirely overlooked the measures for ,extending the right of suffrage which had been enacted - in Jamaica, and to which Lord MULGRAVE alludes in the following passage Of his speech- " As soon as the circumstances of the present season render it expedient, I shall appeal to an enlarged constituency.' 'The- liberality, of that enactment which dad away with all distinctions of eeloar I duly appreciate. I have-no doubt that the newly-enfranchised freeholders will show how they deserve. the trust: reposed in them; and that in its exercise there will be no :more emulation on all sides than a desire to prove the soundness and moderation of their prin.-,
eiples; the extent and devotion of their loyaltY." . •
