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adoption of representative institutions, namely, that I am astonished to see gentlemen of the stamp of those who belong to our council voting for the second resolution with- out some more definite explanations as to what will be the qualifications required for electors. The Council had either to discuss about the reply of your Lordship to a petition signed by 3,329 persons, or to propose a reform according to its own views. If the votes given were in support of the reform proposed in the reform petition I maintain, lo, that the votes are of no value if the petition stands good, inasmuch as those who signed the reform petition knew what were the qualifications required for being electors and eligible. 20. that Sir Virgile Nas who proposed the second resolution, having no authority from all the reform petitioners to leave this most im- portant question of qualifications to be decided ultimately by the Secretary of State and the council in their wisdom, has but given the opinion of a councillor. 30. That the votes given in favour of the reform proposed in council, are but votes given in favour of a reform proposed by the honourable knight, but, not having the sanction of those who signed the reform perition, it cannot be said how many inhabitants would have signed a petition which does not define what would be the qualifications required, and consequently a petition as vague as a petition can be.

These, your Lordship, are the observations I wanted to make about the adoption of representative institutions for Mauritius. I have endeavoured to lay before your Lordship facts as they stand, and though my letter may raise the angers of all enemies of truth and of independence, still, shall have the satisfaction of having acted according to my conscience, and I shall cherish the hope that many calamities will be avoided to my country, and that all races inhabiting this island will one day, by the fusion of races, form one compact body, having the same aspirations, then perhaps it will be time to think about representative institutions.

Thanking your Lordship for the attention I am sure you will give to my humble observations, I sincerely trust that the cause I support will receive from your hands all the consideration it deserves.

To the Right Hon. the Earl of Derby, Secretary of State for the Colonies.

MY LORD,

I have, &c. (Signed) B. H. COLIN.

January 25, 1884.

HAVING just received the answer to my application, that stipendiary magistrates, who are in daily intercourse with Indians, be allowed to give me in writing certain in- formations about the condition and education of Indians, I beg to append hereto a copy of my letter and the answer thereto, observing that the free opinions of official members were allowed to be given in Council about the reform; that the signatures of inagistrates to Mr. Antelme's letter of last year (signed by some unofficials, and Mr. Trotter, an official member of council) were sent to your Lordship without any protestation, and that I am astonished to see that I am prevented from obtaining informations which may throw a great deal of light on the Indian question.

To the Right Hon. Earl Derby,

Secretary of State for the Colonies.

I have, &c. (Signed) B. H. COLIN.

SIB,

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Mauritius, Colonial Secretary's Office, January 26, 1884.

In reply to your letter dated the 23rd instant, requesting permission to apply to the stipendiary magistrates for written information respecting the condition and education of Indians residing in Mauritius, I am directed by the Governor to inform you that his Excellency regrets not to be able to supply you with beyond those which you may find in the published reports of the protector of immi- any information grants and the papers laid before the Council of Government.

I have, &c. (Signed) H. N. D. BEYts,

To B. H Colin, Esq.,

Barrister-at-Law.

Acting Colonial Secretary.

SIR,

Port Louis, January 23, 1884.

HAVING the desire to obtain in writing certain informations about the condition and education of Indians residing in Mauritius, you will oblige me by asking his Excel- may think necessary to lency the Governor to allow the stipendiary magistrates consult, to satisfy me on that point.

My intention in trying to obtain these documents is to forward them with a letter I have the intention to write to the Colonial Secretary of State about the reform move- ment.

To the Hon. Beyta,

Acting Colonial Secretary.

I have, &c.

(Signed)

B. H. COLIN.

"

PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE

Reference:

TELLICO. 882

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