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bay, or of Bridgetown. It is reported that the low coast-line affords few facilities for defence, and that all that can be done by fortifications, unless a very heavy outlay is incurred, is to deny the anchorage to an enemy, without, however, protecting the ships in it, or the town, from bombard- ment. Under these circumstances, we cannot recommend that any additional measures should be taken for the protection of this roadstead. The garrison, See paragraph 117. at present 257 strong, might, if necessary, be withdrawn to strengthen other positions in the West Indies. We do not doubt that the well-known loyalty and patriotism of the colonists will secure the raising of an efficient local force, which might be of considerable service in time of war; and towards which we think that every encouragement should be given.

Trinidad.

114. There are no defensive works in Trinidad, but a small force of 113 regular troops is stationed in the island. A police force numbering 250 men, armed with Snider rifles, is also maintained. The Governor in 1878, having in view the prospect of war with Russia, applied for permission to raise Volunteer Rifle Corps, of such strength as might be found practicable, and requested that a field officer and staff of the regular army should be sent out to command and train them. He considered that with the company of regular infantry then in the island, and the force he could thus raise, with the addition, if possible, of a light field battery, Trinidad could defend itself against a hostile landing. Considering the rapidly-increasing importance of Trinidad, we are of opinion that, as in the case of Barbados, every encourage- ment should be given to the Local Government to organize defences, especially against marauding expeditions. We cannot recommend that Imperial troops should be retained in the island, nor expense incurred by the Imperial Government, which, by undertaking the defence of Port Castries, will contribute largely to the security of the Colony and its trade.

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Bahamas.

115. Nassau is the best harbour in the Bahamas, but will only admit Third Report, p. 381–383. vessels drawing 15 feet of water. Works have been erected for its defence, but they are for the most part obsolete, and contain no rifled artillery. There is a barrack for 214 men, at present occupied by 80 men, and a small ordnance and naval yard. The defence of this harbour, which, in consequence of the great depth of water outside, might be attacked by the largest ships, would, according to a Memorandum laid before us by the War Depart- ment, involve a large outlay and a considerable garrison. The local interests are so small, and the harbour is so shallow, that we do not consider there is any justification for such an expenditure.

116. To sum up this part of the case, the defended ports on the whole Atlantic coast of America, according to our views, should be Halifax, Bermuda, Port Castries, and Port Royal. In the event of war with the United States the two more northern ports will be chiefly valuable for offensive operations, and those in the south as bases for your Majesty's ships employed in protecting British interests and trade with the West Indies and South America. In the event of war with France or any other maritime Power, the two southern ports will be of chief importance, and the value of Port Castries will become apparent. Port Royal would be useful chiefly in the event of a war in which Spain took part, and as a base for operations in the Gulf of Mexico, as well as for observing the approaches to the Panamá Canal.

Garrisons for the West Indies.

117. The difficulty of providing Imperial troops for the West Indies is so great that they should not, if possible, be employed for police or kindred purposes; and their advantageous distribution is of the highest importance.

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