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desired may be acquired by acting up to their spirit and letter. Besides, as was justly observed by Mr. Hart, reliable information is seldom obtainable from the class of persons to whom Mr. Beyts addressed himself, and, as thus, not alone the object of the law, regulating the investigation by the Protector into the state and condition of immigrants on estates, may be, in many instances, defeated; but unmerited suspicion may be roused, more difficult, as times now go, to meet, than any number of positive allegations. Above all, there is this which is most objectionable in the course adopted by Mr. Beyts, that it is the carrying out of a spy system which, naturally, is repugnant not alone to proprietors of sugar estates, but to the whole community. prehend the employment of detectives in order to discover unknown authors of crimes, but with the extensive control possessed by the Government over all that relates to masters and servants-control continually augmented by new Ordinances—we conceive our planters may be spared the indignity embodied in the questioning and cross- questioning of their inferior employés.

If it had ever happened that a proprietor of a sugar estate, or his responsible manager, had failed to give the information the Protector might require to facilitate the discharge of his duties, no one would have been surprised at the Government introducing an Ordinance legalizing the examination, by the Protector or the yet to be nominated Inspectors of Immigrants, of them, and of their overseers, stable-keepers, hospital orderlies, sirdars et hoc genus omne. But all of us have reason to be astonished

and, let us say it at once, to be disgusted at the insidious and markedly inquisitorial action of the Protector of Immigrants. He has, on more than one occasion, publicly declared that he has always found planters in every way disposed to afford him assist- ance in the fulfilment of his functions. There is a case in point which we cannot refrain from citing, and in justice to the proprietor of "Mont Choisy' we do so. Mr. Poulin was charged with unkind treatment towards some of his labourers, and with breach of his contract with them. Mr. Beyts visited the estate, and, although he had no legal right to do so, examined Mr. Poulin as to the truth of the allegations brought against him. Mr. Poulin met him with the greatest candour and readily replied to his questions, and Mr. Beyts subsequently bore testimony to the and frankness of his answers.

openness No one will doubt that Mr. Poulin would have been justified in refusing Mr. Beyta even an interview, and the moral of the incident is this, that as our planters, even when they may be to blame, do not hesitate to aid the Protector in his investigations, there is no probability that those who are blameless would refuse him any information he might require. Consequently, it is palpable that the examination of subordinates of estates is altogether unnecessary, except on the hypothesis that their employers would wilfully deceive the Protector, and should this occur the law would be strong enough to reach them.

There is more to be said. We see in what Mr. Beyts has done the indications of a policy originating in a want of confidence on the part of the Chief of the Colony in the honesty of purpose of the people whom he has been called upon to govern. The detective branch of the Police Department has been abolished, but, on the other hand, we cannot but recognize that its action has been extended to sugar estates. In the recent case of failure in their duty on the part of two medical attendants of estates, it was a Serjeant-Major of Police who laid the informations and ushered in the charges. It is policemen who are sent, or at least were sent, to obtain communication of the hospital registers of estates. This is certainly not what should be, and, moreover, is what could not be, if the Executive had that trust in the honour and integrity of our planters which the Home and Indian Governments, and previous Governors of Mauritius, were always justified in entertaining. It is somewhat humiliating to have to record this simple truth, but it is our duty to do so. But it is not likely that so unsatisfactory & state of affairs can continue for any length of time, for Mauritius will never be content to rest under the burden of undeserved suspicion, and will seek every legitimate means to be relieved of it. The resolution of the Chamber of Agriculture requesting its President to place himself in communication with the Protector of Immigrants, with the view to the obtainment of explanations from that much-esteemed functionary, is the first stop towards what, we may believe, will be sustained and energetic action. It was bad enough that we should be libelled with impunity by an unscrupulous foreign adventurer, but it is intolerable that our character and honour should be put in doubt by those who can justly and ought vigourously to defend both, that by the proceedings of the Government of Mauritius itself, we should be exposed to the chance of being falsely accused and wrongly judged.

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Inclosure $ in No. 13.

Extract from the "Commercial Gasette."

IT is not surprising that a unanimous feeling of indignation has been excited at the disclosure made by Mr. Hart at the recent meeting of the Chamber of Agriculture. That abuses in the administration of our immigration system should be suppressed with a firm hand, that the laches of individual employers should be punished and their recurrence prevented, and that the reasonable complaints of time-expired Indians should be met in a proper spirit and remedied, the whole community earnestly desires. No one as yet has said that our immigration system is perfect, although it compares most favourably with those of other colonies that import Indian labour. No one has pretended that isolated cases of ill-treatment of immigrants, of bad faith and negligence on the part of their masters, have not occurred, or believes it impossible they will again occur. All of us know they will, despite every precaution taken by the Legis lature and the Government. Nor is it doubted that some of the restrictions imposed on old immigrants when vagrancy had become a chronic disease and gang robberies were the order of the day, may now be safely removed. But between the carrying out of reforms frankly confessed by the public as judicious if not indispensable, and the employment of the tactics of detective policemen, racing prophets and common informers, with the view to the discovery of immaginary evils, is what not alone the planters of Mauritius revolt against, but every man of respectability in the colony. It is true that it has been asserted by the "Sentinelle" that the course adopted by the Honourable the Protector of Immigrants "is fully warranted by the circumstances;" that, "forsaken by those whose duty it is to support it, the Government is compelled to have recourse to exceptional action," and that "the Governor was justified in directing Mr. Beyts to get at the truth by every means." But who amongst us does not see through the insincerity of the statements of the "Sentinelle," and the wretched meanness of the opinion it has not been ashamed to express? What it says and what it thinks may be caviare to the speechifyers of Exeter Hall, or to "one of the most upright rulers Mauritius has ever possessed," or to those who sim at a cheap reputation for philanthropy. But, none the less, all of us, not excepting, we believe, the readers of the "Sentinelle" itself, are satisfied there is no foundation for its assertions, and that its encouragement of every means to obtain an object, is an instance of moral turpitude that cannot but be condemned by every right-thinking person.

"

The fact is and it has now become apparent even to those who were fascinated by the high-sounding phrases and affected liberal sentiments, with which we were favoured by his Excellency Sir Arthur Gordon on his arrival here just one year ago— the fact is, we say, that the whole administrative powers, such as they are, of our present Governor, have been directed to the seeking out of some kind of sanction to his preconceived opinion that the state and condition of the Indian here is what the Anti-Slavery Reporter" terms "a picture of oppression and injustice." He bas neglected every other branch of his duties in the ardour of his pursuit, and disap- pointed at failing to discover by legitimate means other than isolated instances of breach of contract between employer and employed, of unkind treatment of immi- grants, or of negligence in medical attendants of estates, he has had recourse to what the "Sentinelle" calls "every means," but what all people who respect themselves denounce as a "spy system." It may be said--and it was remarked by Mr. Sausier in his letter to the "Sootaman" published in our last issue that Sir Arthur Gordon has denied the allegation that our immigrants are treated with cruelty and injustice. But and we say it advisedly-in this as in other things the Governor's note have belied his words, while his words have never, apparently, represented his real opinions.

It is not easy to exaggerate the deplorable consequences to the colony which may result from the policy underlying the administration of Sir Arthur Gordon. The justifiable discontent of the governed defeats the best intentions of he who may rule over them. How much more so is this the case when his actions are in complete opposition to their interests? Already, by the impunity accorded to the vile slanders of Plevitz, Mauritius has been scoffed at by an influential portion of the Press of England, Scotland, and India. His Excellency declared that no credit would be given to Plevitz's calumnies The answer to this is that every newspaper that has noticed them has accepted them as truths. We may hope, and confidently hope, that the reputation we enjoyed until the advent of Sir Arthur Gordon, will be accepted in our favour, and that ultimately we shall triumph over those who malign us. But, mean- while, there are dangers which at any given moment may become realities. An

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illiterate and, let it it be said at once, a half civilized class such as is our immigrant population, is easily led astray. Their present restlessness which has been diligently fanned and is encouraged more and more every day, may shortly resolve itself into indiscipline, insubordination, and perhaps outrage. The whole prosperity of the country depends on the well-regulated labour of immigrants, and this prosperity, never before menaced by other than such eventualities as hurricanes, droughts, inundations, and epidemics, is imperilled by the faulty and incapable administration of the Govern- ment. From the moment that anything like a crisis shall have been brought about there will be an end, at all events for the moment, to immigratian, and to the money credit we enjoy abroad. Without these elements of agriculture and commerce we shall be driven on our own resources, and although these may be comparatively vast they will be insufficient by themselves, if we have to withstand unjustifiable preten- sions on the part of our labouring class unwisely prompted and treacherously incited.

We may be asked, what is the remedy to this state of affairs. We have but one answer, and that is, that an independent Commission appointed by the Home Govern- ment to inquire into all which may concern Indian immigrants here is the only thing we can suggest. We have frequently declared that it would be welcomed by all and every one of us, and we have the more reason to believe this now than ever before. We may be sure that the result of the investigations of such a Commission would be to relieve us of the intolerable burthen of unmerited suspicion under which we now labour. The "Cernéen" says that the expense will be some 5,0001. to 8,0001.

We think not. But should it be the double or treble of this sum Mauritius will have paid cheaply for the vindication of her honour, for the resumption of that confidence she has never deserved to forfeit, and which was never refused her by any other Governor than Sir Arthur Gordon. Better a thousand times an open investigation into every charge that may be made against us, than the feeling of insecurity which prevails, and which is due to the introduction in our midst of the manoeuvres of Scotland Yard, in place of statesman-like measures founded on an earnest and conscientious wish to further the progress and happiness of all classes of the population.

No. 14.

Governor the Hon. Sir A. H. Gordon, K.C.M.G., to the Earl of Kimberley.—(Received April 8.) (No. 84. Miscellaneous.) My Lord,

Mauritius, March 6, 1872.

I HAVE the honour to forward six printed copies of the Judgment of Mr. Daly, and of his notes of the evidence taken at the trials of Doctors Tyack and Bolton, forwarded in my despatch No. 66 of 9th February last.

2. In that despatch I intimated my intention of calling the Medical Inspector of the district, Dr. Gouly, before the Executive Council to answer for his negligent performance of his duty. I have now the honour to inclose a copy of the letter which

directed to be written to Dr. Gouly, and of his reply.

3. Acting in accordance with the wish of the Executive Council, I have accepted Dr. Gouly's resignation, and he has been distinctly given to understand that its acceptance under such circumstances precludes him from all claim to pension or to future re-employment.

4. I had hoped by this mail to have forwarded to your Lordship a report from Mr. Daly, on which I know he has bestowed much time and labour. I regret, however, to say that he is suffering from an attack of the prevailing fever, and has been unable to complete its preparation.

I have, &c. (Signed)

Sir,

Inclosure 1 in No. 14.

ARTHUR GORDON.

Mauritius, Colonial Secretary's Office,

February 22, 1872.

THE Stipendiary Magistrate of Savanne, on making his first half-yearly inspection of sugar-estates, discovered that the medical attendance on many estates was irregular,

• This will be found printed se Inclosure 1 in No. 4.

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that the hospitals were in many cases deficient, and in some non-existent, and that false entries were to be found in the hospital books.

This statement was communicated to you by me on the 22nd December last. In reply you expressed, in a letter of the 26th December, "painful surprise," and some incredulity as to the assertions of Mr. Daly.

The discoveries of the Stipendiary Magistrate have, however, been fully confirmed by a judicial investigation, in the course of which the alleged facts were amply proved not only by numerous witnesses, but by the confession of the medical gentlemen themselves, one of whom went so far as to say that all his registers contained false entries, that he had not visited certain estates for two years, and that he looked on the law as a farce which he was not expected to observe, which was intended by the Council when adopting it for show abroad and not-for use in the Colony, and with the provisions of which he complied only nominally and in form.

But on turning to your reports for the last eighteen months, it will be found that you constantly report the regularity of the medical visits and the good condition of the hospitals.

On the 27th December, 1870, in forwarding your report for the third quarter of that year, you report that "the medical visits were regularly paid, and the hospitals generally well kept." On the 19th March, 1871, you report, for the last quarter of 1870, that "the medical visits were regularly paid," and that "the hospitals are generally well kept."

On the 19th June, 1871, you report that, during the first quarter of that year, “the medical visits were regularly paid."

In your report of the 23rd September, 1871, no mention is made of medical visits, but it is to be observed that the condition of the hospital on every estate in the district of Savanne (including those where it has been proved that there is none) is described as "good.”

In your report of the 21st December, 1871, for the third quarter of that year (the last yet received, and sent in after Mr. Daly's inspection had been made), the more cautious phrase that the "visits are regularly signed on the hospital books medical attendants," is substituted for the previous unqualified certificate of the regularity of the medical attendance.

by the

It is further to be remarked that, in your report of June 19, 1871, you state that certain visits have not been paid on the estates attended to by Dr. de Rosnay, in consequence of the illness and death of that gentleman, evidently thus implying that this was the only exception to a compliance with the law, and admitting that it was your duty, as it evidently was, to report such failures if they occurred.

It results that either these practices were pursued with your knowledge or connivance, or that your duties as Inspector were conducted in a negligent, slothful, and inefficient manner.

It appears from

your letter of December 26, that you were at least aware that. visits were irregularly paid at Frederica and Choisy, although you never reported the fact, and it is right that I should call your attention to the fact that it was stated on oath at the investigation before the Magistrate, that you were in the habit of giving notice of your inspections, a practice strictly forbidden by the regulations issued under the Ordinance No. 22 of 1865.

But his Excellency is willing to suppose that, instead of deliberately deceiving or assisting to deceive the Government you served, you were only in fact guilty of the negligent and inefficient performance of your duty, the more especially as in the only case out of the district of Savanne in which His Excellency has had an opportunity of testing your reports, he has found errors clearly due to carelessness and inaccuracy; that offence, however, though less serious than that of wilful deception, is still a grave one, and I have to request that you will, before Wednesday next, address to me any remarks in explanation or palliation of your error which you may desire to offer.

I regret to have to add that, in the event of that explanation proving unsatis- factory, it is his Excellency's intention to call together the Executive Council on a day which will be notified to you for the purpose of considering the propriety of your suspension from office with a view to your removal from the service of the Crown.

I have, &c.

(Signed)

Dr. Gouly,

Medical Inspector.

EDWARD NEWTON, Colonial Secretary.