I do not propose to revive any of the other enactments with respect to whipping which Ordinance 3 of 1881 repealed. And I think that if the above measures be passed we will see a great decrease in crime in this Colony.
There has been lately a large increase in the number of crimes committed by persons armed either with swords or pistols and on this account I specially seek the partial re-enactment of Ordinance 12 of 1865 as I am convinced that it can be said now, as it was then, that the punishments hitherto awarded by the Law are insufficient to deter from crimes of violence.
With respect to whipping for returning from banishment, I am of opinion that it is absolutely necessary if we wish to get rid of any large number of our criminal classes. "Banishment" is hardly the term to employ, "repatriation" would be more appropriate; we do not really banish any of our own, but simply send back to their own Country, criminals who instead of seeking an honest livelihood here in the Colony prey upon it.
The matter was more recently considered by the Special Commission and to their Report I beg to refer Your Excellency.
I have,
(Signed) Edw. J. Ackroyd
Acting Attorney General.