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of the place. By daily contact with a more civilized population they improve their moral condition, and after some years residence it is almost impossible to know a liberated African from a black native of the island. There is nothing in their nature, their habits, and their happy disposition of mind which can make me foresee that they are likely to cause at a future time any trouble to the Government. On the contrary, I think that their mild and subordinate nature, their conduct up to the present, the gradual improve. ment of their moral condition, and their appreciation of the place are a guarantee for the Government that they will not become any cause of future trouble and anxiety.
(Signed) E. AMAND ESNOUF,
Judge's Chambers, Seychelles, June 3, 1873.
The Chief Civil Commissioner, Seychelles.
No. 7.
SIR,
COLONIAL OFFICE to FOREIGN OFFICE.
District Judge.
Downing Street, January 6th, 1874. IAM directed by the Earl of Kimberley to transmit to you for the information of Earl Granville a copy of a despatch from the Civil Commissioner of the Seychelles for- warding a Report on the condition of the liberated Africans in those islands.
This despatch was referred to Sir A. Gordon previous to his return to the Mauritius, and I am to enclose a copy of minute which he drew up at the time submitting his remarks on Mr. McGregor's Report,
As Sir A. Gordon has just visited the Seychelles on his way to Mauritius, and will on his arrival at the latter place have put before him the despatch addressed by the Civil Commissioner to the Officer administering the Government, Lord Kimberley anticipates the receipt of a despatch from Sir A. Gordon on the subject. But his Lordship nevertheless proposes by the next mail to acquaint Sir A. Gordon that a report from himself is wished for, and I am to request that he will inform me whether Lord Granville has any observations he would wish to be submitted to Sir A. Gordon, or whether there is any further information that should be called for.
Enclosure in No. 7.
1 am, &c., (Signed)
R. H. MEADE.
I HAVE kept these papers a long while, in the hope that I might see Bishop Tozer, whose letter (which I have never had an opportunity of reading) is so much referred to, and who from time to time I have expected here, but who has repeatedly postponed his visit.
Dr. McGregor's report is, I think, creditable to him, and whilst be appears to be sufficiently vigilant, he does not seem to be inclined to exaggeration. The fault of the report is, that whilst it gives a very carefully-drawn general picture, it fails to particularize the different estates, and the special condition of the Africans on each;
I do not know that any lengthened observations are required from me. On the whole the report is satisfactory. As regards the physical condition, comfort, and regular payment of Africans in the service of Government, it is very much sp. As regards the condition and contentment of the Africans generally, it is very fairly 19, quite su: mpch so as, or more so than would, in the circumstances, be expected, for until lately the local Government of Seychelles has been powerless, and the central authorities at Mauritius too distant and too much occupied in other matters to atteed very minately do these subjects, or indeed to acquire much knowledge respecting them. If the two cases of neglect and fraud referred to by Dr. McGregor relate to the estates I imagine they do, they were by no means unsuspected previously, although in the absence of say system of inspection nothing could be proved against the proprietors.
*J7:
The naglect of education is, I fear, general to all classes and colours. Recent regulations may, I hope, effect some improvement. ma e buteleut vaivad nooit
The neglect of moral teaching is, I hope, diminishing with the increase of the clergy i and if the employment of a third salaried Roman Catholic priest, be authorised, no I trust it will be, more systematic operation on the part of the Government will be possible._{'F
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I am not disposed to concur with Dr. MacGregor's severe strictures on the scanty clothing worn by the Negroes on some estates.
To a gentleman who has never quitted Europe, and whose ideas of propriety are founded on the habits of a Scotch city, the light clothing commonly worn by labourers all over the tropics is no doubt startling, and perhaps seems indecent. But it is not really so, and confess I should be very sorry to force persons, unaccustomed to them into hot and heavy European clothes, which are in such climates both unsuitable and uncomfortable.
There is one point which will on my return require attention.
The "Forêt-Noire" Estate is mentioned with some censure, and I suspect it, to be one of the two where Dr. McGregor reports the Africans to be habitually cheated. The proprietor of this estate, M. Sanzier, is the brother-in-law of the District Judge, Mr. Esnouf, and it may be a question whether it may not be desirable that the adminis tration of justice should be committed to an Englishman unconnected with local interests, prejudices, and abuses, although I think Mr. Esnouf has performed his duty well and honestly, and more so than anyone else who could be selected in Mauritius and would accept the post.
August 9, 1873.
No. 8.
...
(Signed) AG
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The EARL OF KIMBERLEY to GOVERNOR THE HONOURABLE SIR ARTHUR 01
GORDON, K.CM:Galnein, el santi „noidɔuborg al
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at listu on 30 Downing Street, January 6th, 1874.3
SIR,
My attention has been called to the despatch from the Civil Commissioner { of Seychelles of the 2nd June last, addressed to me direct, which was placed in your hands when in England for your information, and I have to acquaint you that beyond sending a copy of it to the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, I shall take no action with regard to it until I hear from you on this subject. apo nga zinazab ah yoán cuma'l
1-1 (Signed) 96, KIMBERLEY.:
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TEDDY".
Governor the HONOURABLE SIR ARTHUR GORDON, K.C.M.G., tơ di
The EARL OF, CARNARVON. No: 202
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(Received August 14th, 1874)
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