chickens, at Is. 3c?.; a goose at Is. lO^c?.; eggs at 7\cL
per dozen ; a loaf of bread at 1 ^c?.; 2 hares at Is. 3c?.
The whole amounts to about 48?. Besides these, the
lieutenant-governor is entitled to the rent of some
houses, of a grass meadow, of the king’s warren, and
to an allourance for signing the registers of vessels, and
for passes to vessels for clearing outwards. These
altogether, supposing the houses and lands let, do not
much exceed 160?.
The differences, which have unhappily arisen from
time to time in the island, between the lieutenant-
governor and the legislative assembly, seem to shew
that the powers of the lieutenant-governor, are not
sufficiently defined; and indeed, lead to the conclusion
that military men are not the best individuals to fill
offices, the duties of which are partly civil; and that
ill the government of a colony or dependency, it would
perhaps be wise, to separate altogether, the military,
from the civil authority. With regard to Jersey, its
government requires peculiar tact and delicacy; both
because of the peculiar privileges enjoyed, and so
highly rated by the inhabitants; and because of the
importance of attaching the inhabitants to the English
government, so long as its possession be considered a
matter of importance; and since also, in war time, the
safety of the island depends, in some degree, upon the
fidelity and efficiency of the island militia. A governor
of Jersey, ought to be extremely careful how
he jostles with island privileges; and even in exercising
his military government, mildness, and caution, are
greatly to be commended. Some little deficiencies in
these, have led to misunderstandings, which have risen
into deadly feuds. The militia too, is not so popular
a service as it once was; and in consequence of a
somewhat rigid discipline,—and some perhaps unnecessary
severities, a pretty general feeling has been
engendered, by no means favourable to the system
which government professes to be desirous of encouraging.
There is no doubt however, that the position of a
resident governor in Jersey, is a difficult position.
There is so much jealousy of privileges, and so bitter
a spirit of faction, that no governor, did he possess
even the virtues of a Titus, with the wisdom of a
Solomon, could hope to please all parties.
I have mentioned the militia of the island. This is
a large and efficient force, in which all persons
between the ages of 17 and 65 are liable to serve.
The regiments are six in number; and muster, with
the artillery, which consists of twenty-four light six-
pounders, about 2500 men. They are in an excellent
state of discipline; are greatly attached to their island
officers ; and have proved themselves, in actual service,
worthy of being entrusted with the defence of the island.
The expense to the British government, of maintaining
this force, is considerable : and I think, that
without injuring its efficiency, the British government
might be relieved from this expense. The whole sum
paid to inspectors, assistant inspectors, and drill sergeants,
amounts to a very considerable sum; and
there appears to be no sufficient reason why the large
island revenue should not be charged with this burden.
Nor is this the only burden whicli might either be
shifted, or altogether removed.
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