fm w
gentleman with whom I was in company, declared he thought it
proper a law should bè enacted, obliging every planter who would
not reside in the colony, to sell his plantation. But in answer to
this, I could not help observing that it would be too hard a measure,
since many well founded reasons might prevent a planterfrom
returning to the colony ; and if he was obliged in that case to part
with his plantation, it would sell much under its real value, as often
happens in the case of a persons property being seized and sold for
the benefit of his qreditors: for in both instances it is known that
the articles must positively be sold; however some encouragement
might be given, or a particular benefit might be granted, to those
of the planters who resided in the colony.
I t is the opinion of some in Europe, that it would be better
for the parent country if the rich planters _were to return; but
whatever good regulation the owner of land may have made,- on
leaving the colony, yet, after many years absence, • his plantations
will fall gradually into decay, and the revenue of course decrease;
by which means the parent country must also be a-loser; whilst,
if he resides in the eolony, a great part of his income is still sent to
the parent country by his purchase of manufactured goods, and the
rest of it is employed in the useful improvements of his plantation.
Besides, if there are no rich owners of land residing here, who wijl,
or indeed who can, try any plan of improvement, which only- experience
can shew to be profitable or not ? Several times, when I
hare asked whether such an alteration would not be better, the
answer has been, perhaps it might, but we have not fortune enough
to venture in an uncertain trial.
With respect to the government 'of Surinam* it has not been
materially altered since the English have taken possession of the
colony.
The English governor and commander in chief of the troops
presides at the supreme court, whieh consists, besides him, of the
[ m y
deputfJ^vërriof, the fïséfal,! who 'is thé next in rank óf the civil
power to the governor, a secretary, arid nine other members; the last
members the1 inhabitants of Surinam havé a* right to elecf amongst
! thèrnSelves, but they can only be chdsen from those who possess
landecr propertjr iri th é cèlony. They muèt be confirmed by the
governbri, arid their places atei for life; but‘ without any emolument:
'so that none should fill them Enit persons of independent fortune
and priiftiip'Ie^ In this superior court all matters concerning the
^vërnment Of the colony are considered, ahd all criminal causes
aretriéd.'
The sèóohd established court iscalltedthe court of civil justice,
. and of 3jJ)ich the members are elected by the first court: it consists
of tho govérnoi and: ten members, who are elected every four
and a sé&rètér^, whose place ïl for life?* All business transacted
here oft eivil matters does not require the decision Of the supreme
colonial court, as there is a right of appeal direct to the
European government.
In the third court are a vice-president, who judges in the name
of the governor,, and nine other members, elected also for four
years,, and, a secretary, who is for life. This court has only cognizance
of actions of debt which are not above two hundred and
fifty florins. Those cases where the debts are larger must be laid
before the second court. -
There is also established here,; by the government,, a court fpr
orphans,, which consists of two commissaries and a secretary :
this court has also the charge of the property of those who die intestate,
gives notice to the heirs of the deceased, and makes a proper
division of the effects among them.
From these well regulated laws,, it is reasonable to expect,, that as
soon as a general peace among, the European powérs shall be
re-established, and some regulations made respecting St. Domingo,
for the purpose of preventing any dangerous consequences from