PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE
Reference :-
TLC.O. 882
PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE, LONDON
ALLY WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE BE REPRODUCED PHOTOGRAPHIC- COPYRIGHT PHOTOGRAPH-NOT TO
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5. As regards the second point I referred them to the last paragraph of your Lordship's despatch, No 134, of the 23rd July last,* and informed them that the question of an enquiry into the agricultural industry must be regarded as a closed chapter, closed in consequence of the attitude of the authorised representatives of the agricultural industry, and that it could only be reopened on the initiative of the same authorised representatives of that industry
6. I stated that as my instructions at present stood I must hold myself neutral on the question of an enquiry into the finances, the Administration, and the resources of the Colony, and that I must decline to pledge my future action in any way.
When the examination of the finances now proceeding was completed I would consider the next step, but not before.
7
༥. I may say that the attitude of the majority of the deputation and of the crowd was perfectly respectful and orderly, and though one of the deputation, Mr Mérandon, appeared to me to exceed the bounds of propriety in the exposition of his views and desires, he was personally courteous to me, and I excused the possibly too vehement expression of his political feelings as being due to want of experience in such matters. I gladly testify to the orderly bearing of the crowd generally, and to the moderate tone of the majority of the deputation.
9. I should explain that the avenue at Réduit consists of a straight road ending in a circle or loop The crowd were in the straight road, and on one side of the loop. As there would have been some inconvenience and possible confusion in marching the crowd back by the way they came I allowed them to march round the loop and past the house, but I refused to show myself, though asked to do so by Mr de Boucherville
10. The crowd accordingly went home quietly, and the only act that could be construed as a demonstration was that the band played God Save the King as they passed the house.
11. I ought to add that Mr. Mérandon, to whom I have referred, spoke of the I stated that I was possibility of disturbances caused by the assembly of 50,000 men. responsible for the peace, order, and good government of the Colony, and that I could give the deputation the assurance that there would be no threatening demonstration of 50,000 men or of a lesser number. Dr. Laurent explained that there would be none but friendly and peaceable demonstrations, and I fully and frankly accepted this explanation.
12. I enclose copies of the police reportst of the meeting, and I may add that I have requested the Procureur-General to draw up additional standing orders for the police which will prevent a recurrence of such incidents as the visit of a public meeting to Réduit or to any other building, whether public or private. The crowd in this case was orderly and respectful, but it might have been otherwise, and the practice of marching a large crowd to a public building or private residence might. if allowed, be used for purposes of intimidation.
I have, &c.,
Enclosure 1 in No. 97.
GRAHAM BOWER
Les Electeurs et autres habitants de Moka et des centres voisins, réunis en assemblée publique, approuvent et appuient la demande adressée par l'Action Libérale au député du district et aux autres représentants du pays, de s'opposer à toute taxe ou surtaxe nouvelle, et de voter en faveur de l'enquête que, depuis huit mois, la grande majorité de la population appelle de ses voeux.
Ils constatent que les efforts faits depuis trois mois par le Gouverneur par interim, par le Conseil Exécutif et par la Législature pour équilibrer les finances ont été impuissants, et que, par conséquent, ils considèrent que l'envoi d'une enquête en vue d'un emprunt, s'impose absolument.
HENRY E. Lacaze,
President of the Meeting held at Moka on the 20th December, 1908.
• No. 65.
↑ Not printed.
121
Enclosure 2 in No. 97.
I have just been informed by the Sergeant of Police that the persons composing
a public meeting, consisting of 2,000 people, are coming down from Moka to see me at Réduit.
be
I desire that you will explain to the leaders, or to the gentlemen who may conducting the people who attended the meeting, that it is impossible for me to consent to receive a large crowd.
but certainly
I am quite willing to receive a deputation of, say, 15 persons,
not more than 20, and you should explain this, not only to the gentlemen holding the meeting, but to the people themselves.
Sunday,
3076
20th December, 1908.
No. 98.
THE ACTING GOVERNOR to THE SECRETARY OF STATE.
(No. 370.)
MY LORD,
(Received 27 January, 1909.)
[Acknowledged 8 February, 1909. No. 27.]
G. B.
Government House, Port Louis, 24 December, 1908. I HAVE the honour to enclose, for your information, copies of reports by the Inspector-General of Police and the Procureur-General relative to a disturbance that took place on the occasion of the unveiling of the statue of the late Sir John Pope-Hennessy.
2. I may say that I have for some time past noticed a certain tendency amongst a small minority of the population to press their political views in a manner which is inconsistent with a spirit of order and a proper respect for the rights and opinions of others.
3. It is, of course, my duty to give every facility for the fullest and frankest expression of opinion, and I have, at all times, listened with attention and courtesy to the gentlemen who have urged the views of various parties on my attention.
4. But at the same time I have made it clear that no attempt at intimidation either of the Government or the Legislature will be tolerated.
5. Accordingly, when I was informed at 12.30 o'clock on the 22nd by the Procureur-General that a telegram had been sent to the Black River District to bring a crowd to Port Louis, and that a crowd was at that moment manifesting in front of the police station, I, after hearing the views of the Inspector-General of Police and the Senior Magistrate, authorized the Inspector-General to arm thirty men, and I requested the military to bring in a company of troops from Vacoas.
6. I may say that I have every confidence in the sterling good sense of the Creole population, but many of them are without political knowledge or experience, and are easily led by phrases or by historical examples which do not call for imita- tion.
7. Such a population might easily be misled, and, as a matter of fact, during the past eighteen months, I have noticed a general weakening of the respect for law and lawful authorities.
8. Whilst, therefore, I regret that gentlemen of the standing of Dr. Guibert and Mr. Mérandon should find themselves in the humiliating surroundings of a police cell, I regret still more that gentlemen of their standing should, by their conduct, have placed themselves in circumstances which compelled the police to arrest them.
9. The Parquet has, as you will observe, reserved its liberty of action, but I have authorized the troops to return to Vacoas to-morrow morning. I have, how- ever, also arranged with the General Officer Commanding that the sentries and military guard which were withdrawn from Government House, Port Louis, about twenty-three years ago-shall be replaced.
10. I have no apprehension that disturbances will take place, but I consider
* One report only is printed.
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