Archives of British Honduras vol. 3 : From 1841 to 1884

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ARCHIVES OF

BRITISH HONDURAS Volume III

From 1841 to 1884 BEING EXTRACTS AND PRECIS TAKEN BY A COMMITTEE FROM SUCH RECORDS AS EXIST IN THE COLONY, WITH A MAP.

Edited, the

LATE

with a Chronology, by

Major SIR JOHN ALDER BURDON, K.B.E, C.M.G., M.A.

Governor and Commander-in-Chief in and over

the Colony of Author

Published

of

British Honduras,

1925-1931

" Brief Sketch of British Honduras.”

by Authority of the Governor in Council by SIFTON PRAED & Co.,

67

Ltd.

St. James's Street, London,

1935

S.W.l.

Printed in Great Britain by S1FTON, Praed & Co., Ltd., St. James’s, London, S.W.l.

TABLE OF CONTENTS. Page

Foreword Preface Chronology Superintendents, Lieutenant Governors Archives Appendix List of Records Examined Bibliography Index Index of Names

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Map of British Honduras. Reduced from Map by Alfred Usher, 1891 facing title page

FOREWORD.

This, the third volume of the Calendar of the Archives of British Honduras, completes the work prepared and edited by my husband, the late Major Sir John Alder Burdon. It was his greatest wish to see the whole edition in print, but lack of funds prevented this achievement before his death. Thanks to the encouragement of many students of History and the help of the Colonial Office Staff, my appeal for a grant from the funds of the Carnegie Corporation was successful, and through the generosity of that Corporation I have been able to carry out the task I set myself. I wish to acknowledge in particular the learned assistance of Professor A. P. Newton, University of London, and Professor Ragatz, of George Washington University, and the technical help of Mr. A. J. Sifton. Had Sir John lived to see the work through the Press, certain minor imperfections might have been avoided, but it has been thought best to adhere to the manuscript, as left by him, as nearly as possible. As he says in a note in Vol. 1, spelling, punctuation and capitals are often erratic. It must be remembered that the documents are frequently copies and not originals. Therefore criticism on these points must not be undeservedly directed against the author of the document. The mistakes must in many cases be charged against the original copyists. The bibliography is based on notes prepared for Sir John by Mr. Frank Cundall, with additions from such other sources as I have been able to consult. KATHARINE J. BURDON. 13B, Lancaster Road, London, N.W. 3.

PREFACE TO VOLUME III.

The present volume continues the Records down to the most important landmark in the history of the Colony, namely the close of the period of subordination to the Governor of Jamaica and the elevation of British Honduras to the status of an independent Colony under a Governor and Commander-in-Chief directly responsible to the Secretary of State for the Colonies. As in the case of Volume II, absence from England has made it impossible for me to draw on sources of infor­ mation in London. The material now published, therefore, is taken entirely from local sources. As in the preceding volume, I have refrained from any attempt to write a comprehensive or reasoned historical note and have con­ fined myself to a Chronology, such as, I hope, may give an insight into the difficulties faced and the progress achieved. It will be noticed that from about 1870 to the end of the work the material becomes increasingly scanty. The last volumes of despatches inwards and outwards, in the local Records, end in 1866 and 1870 respectively. The cause of this may be guessed to be that the Lieutenant Governors of the time ceased to make their office the office of record, and sent documents to be filed in the Colonial Secretary’s Office. It is thus probable that practically all the Lieutenant Governors' records for the last decade now dealt with were burnt in the disastrous fire of 1918. Fortunately the old books and bundles down to the seventies, the pile of dusty, moth-eaten papers which now form the well bound series of Records, were, for some reason, retained in the office at Government House and so escaped destruction. I had hoped to be able to complete a fourth volume, from 1885 to as nearly the present day as possible. The material for this, of which I have collected a certain amount, is obtained from printed and published documents only, Gazettes, Minutes of Legislative Council, Blue Books etc., both because unrestricted access to Records I The Records of the Registrar General's and Surveyor General's offices having been saved from the fire, must be excluded from this statement.

PREFACE

ix

is closed from 1885 and because, owing to the burning of the Colonial Secretary’s office in 1918, practically no written records exist1 until after the latter date. The character of this last volume would therefore be entirely different from that of its predecessors, its material more scanty and containing less of human interest. It must however be remembered that in British Honduras all the most important problems of the past half century— roads, railway, population, agriculture etc.—are the un­ solved problems of to-day. Knowledge, both by the public and by the officials responsible, of past methods of dealing with these problems is an important factor towards their successful solution now. The efforts of the past, the reasons for failure or only partial success, should be studied and understood. The aim of the fourth volume would be to facilitate such understanding. Should this end be achieved, that volume ought to be of use and value for practical ad­ ministrative purposes. Its human interest would be, I hope, increased, by inclusion of précis, already prepared, of old Semi-Official publications, the Almanacks of the twenties, thirties and later dates, narratives of the expeditions of Fowler through the unexplored country west of the Cockscomb, and of Lieutenant-Governor Goldsworthy to climb that mountain. To my intense disappointment, however, ill health forces me to relinquish my office before I can finish the work which I had set myself. I still have hopes, however, despite the further obstacles due to the hurricane, that the task may be carried with success by others to its desired end. The following changes have occurred in the personnel of my Committee. Captain Milton, M.C., having been appointed Inspector of Police, has found it impossible to continue the duties of an Assistant Editor. His place has been taken by Lady Katharine Janet Burdon, to whose painstaking thoroughness and constant help I owe a deep debt of gratitude. The Hon. C. M. Murray-Aynesley has left the Colony, and therefore the Committee, on appointment as Chief Justice, Tonga Island. The following have been added to the Committee:— The Honourable Henry Guy Pilling, Colonial Secretary, for Volume IV. Colonel the Honourable James . Cran, O.B.E., V.D., M.D., for Volume IV.

PREFACE

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The Honourable Sidney Alexander McKinstry, Acting Attorney General. 'Mr. Gregorio José Castillo, Interpreter, District Com­ missioner's Court, Belize.

Mr. Ezekiel Augustus Grant, Acting District Commis­ sioner, Belize. Mr. Joseph Pepitune, First Class Clerk, Audit Office. Mr. Neil Stuart Stevenson, B.Sc., Conservator of Forests, for Volume IV. Mr. John Wendy Addington Taylor, M.C., Private Secretary. On severing my connection with the work I wish to express my admiration for and gratitude to the members of my Committee. Without their willing help nothing could have been achieved. They have done splendid and most arduous work not only without a murmur but with eagerness. Perhaps I may describe my feelings when I say that my relations with the Committee have been one of the most delightful factors in the work. Of a truth each and all can say with Kipling's MasonKing:— “ Only I cut on the timber, only I carved on the stone: After me cometh a Builder. Tell him, I too have known!” Government House, Belize.

J. A. BURDON.

* I have to record, with deep regret, that Mr. Castillo was killed in the hurricane of September 10th, 1931.

CHRONOLOGY of all events of importance recorded in the Archives 1841-1884.

Separated items dealing with any one subject have, as far as possible, been grouped into one entry, in order that their sequence may be rendered intelligible. Where they are too widely spaced in time for convenient grouping, forward and backward references are given with the same object. The purpose of this Chronology is to give, without comment, a true picture of the conditions and difficulties, administrative, legislative, judicial, material, human and external, then existing. 1841.

Jan.

Colonel Alexander McDonald, Superintendent. (In Office since January 1837).

Warning to Costa Rica by Superintendent against usurpation of territory on the Mosquito Coast. Com­ plaint on the same subject in June. March. Objection by Public Meeting to assumption of Legislative powers and financial control by Executive Council; and to Legislation by Proclamation by the Super­ intendent. Memorial to Governor, Jamaica, in December with decision to suspend public business pending reply. Reply by Secretary of State in . June, 1842, that the Executive should work in harmony with the Public Meet­ ing taking usage as the rule to be followed. Description of the rise of Belize, within fifty years, from a collection of huts in a miserable swamp to a well built town. Record of loyalty, despite isolation and lack of support, as proved by the local attitude towards the abolition of slavery and its most satisfactory results.

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Petition for right to hold and cultivate property. Sept. Visit to Mosquito coast by Superintendent. Mention of Central American pretensions and of British responsibility for protection of Mosquito Indians. Dif­ ferences between the latter and the Central American States to be settled by the Superintendent. (Nov.) In­ structions to Superintendent to effect release of British Subjects in Central American prisons. (Nov.). Nov. Advice by Superintendent against the institution of a Representative Assembly as impracticable. Advice of Secretary of State asked as to action to be taken towards attacks by the Local Press. Advice given in May 1842 that such attacks should as a general rule be disregarded: repeated in April, 1843 by Governor, Jamaica. Despatch of a Magistrate to Ruatan and Bonacca with authority to appoint Magistrates and hoist the Union Jack. Dec. Attempt by Guatemalan Government to fix the Western Boundary at Duck Run (about six miles East of the frontier as fixed later). Condemnation of the Superintendent's actions and statements and objection to his citation of the authority of the Governor of Jamaica, by a Committee of the Public Meeting. 1842.

Jan. Statement by Superintendent that the Public Meeting had fallen into contempt, people of standing having withdrawn from it; and that there was general desire for its abolition. Reply in March by Secretary of State that, there being no present prospect of cession of sovereignty by Spain, local usage must continue and the Executive Council be dissolved if it could not avoid collision with the Public Meeting. Superintendent re­ minded that his authority was dependent on usage. Conciliation recommended, with apt quotation, by Governor of Jamaica (April). Further adverse reports on Public Meeting by Superintendent in August. The King of the Mosquito Shore informed by the Secretary of State that the Superintendent would, on application to the Governor of Jamaica, act as a friendly umpire in disputes with neighbouring states.

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3

Feb. Report by Superintendent that the Guatemalan Government had made a grant of most of the lands of British Honduras. (See Sept. 1834 and Feb. 1835).

Mar. Renewal of taxes by Superintendent as result of Dissolution of Public Meeting. (See March 18-41). Disapproved as ultra vires by Governor, Jamaica, in May. Report that the Superintendent, with the Mosquito King, visited St. Juans* in a war ship, hoisted the Mosquito Flag and carried off the Nicaraguan Governor. Enquiry by Superintendent as to power of the Grand Court, authorised to try cases of murder, to pass sentence of death. Replied to in the negative in July.

May. Instructions from Secretary of State that no encouragement be given to British Settlement in Ruatan nor protection to British subjects there guaranteed. June. Action by Superintendent in the matter of claims on Central American States. Taking of Truxillo recom­ mended by him in August. Disapproval by Secretary of State of the practice by the Magistrates of diversion of votes from their specified objects to others. July. Institution of salaries for Public Officers in lieu of payment by fees. Act for amending constitution of Legislative Assembly submitted to Home Government. Report that the nine year old son of the Mosquito King had resided at Government House for three years for tuition. Recommendation that he be sent to England for further study. Decision by Secretary of State in April 1843 that the Prince should be educated in Belize or Jamaica, from the fund allotted annually for presents to the Mosquito Indians. Statement by Superintendent in June 1843 that he did not desire the education proposed and that his wife was taking Prince Clarence to England, supplementing the Government contribution for education from his own purse.

Aug. Office of Chief Justice created. Filled in June 1843.

Oct. Cancellation of a grant of land owing to non­ fulfilment of condition as to filling. * Possibly San Juan del Norte, or Greytown, in the South of Nicaragua. IxL'

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Mar. Ruling by Secretary of State that the Public Meeting had no legislative powers and was merely a creature of usage. Its powers defined, in June, as the making of rules for the Settlement, subject to the consent of the Superintendent. Arrangement for presents to the widow of the late Mosquito King and for the maintenance of the Prince (not Prince Clarence) and Princess, her children. May. Arrangements made by the Superintendent, under the late King's will, for the Regency of the Mosquito Shore. Four rural schools, including one at Ruatan, reported in operation. ________________ Colonel Charles St. John Fancourt, Superintendent. June. Belgian settlement at St. Tomas, near Puerto Barrios reported. Visited by Superintendent in August and described as a danger to the trade of British Honduras. Reported on the wane and innocuous in November 1844. July. Recommendation that the surplus Slave Com­ pensation money be applied to Education, Alms Houses and Poor Houses. £30 voted to promote Agriculture. Aug. Cordial relations between Superintendent and Public Meeting. Sept. Personal visits by the Superintendent to the Mosquito Kingdom deprecated by Governor, Jamaica, as likely to cause jealousy of neighbouring States. Com­ plaints by Republic of New Granada against violation of its territorial rights, in the form of support of the Mosquito King and attempts to colonise the Mosquito Shore. In­ dependence of Mosquito Nation recognised by Her Majesty’s Government, and neighbouring States warned against encroachments thereon. Nov. Qualifications laid down for members of Public Meeting and for Electors for Membership thereof. Loan for dredge for deepening the Bar disapproved owing to impoverished condition of the Treasury.

1

1 No statement has been found of the amount of compensation granted to the Settlement.

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1844.

Jan. Recommendation that the danger arising from the independent administrative powers of the Magistrates be put an end to by their appointment to be " ex officio ” members of Executive Council, all supplies to be granted to the Superintendent-in-Council. ' Approved in April, carried into effect in May and reported as received with satisfaction in November. March. Historical account of the creation of the Offices of Private Secretary and Colonial Secretary. April. Decision by Her Majesty’s Government to station a British Resident in the Mosquito Country. Offer to receive 1,000 liberated Africans from Havana. May. Report that English were settling at Ruatan. June. Interest evinced by Prussian Princes in lands in Mosquitia. July. Statement that the Militia was embodied annually at Christmas, from December 23rd to January 3rd. Argu­ ments for and against disbandment. Abolition disapproved by Secretary of State in October. Aug. Efforts by Chief Justice to alter the Judicial procedure. Strongly resented, as was also the proposed admission of lawyers to practise in the Courts, by the Public Meeting, in November. Further protests against assumption of rule-making powers by the Court, and Act passed defining the powers of the Judiciary, in March 1845. Protest by Chief Justice to Governor, Jamaica , not supported by Superintendent and not approved by the Governor. (March to May 18-45). Attitude of Public Meeting fully upheld by Secretary of State in August 1845.

1845.

March. Vote of $600 for clearing the Haulover Road1 and provision of a cattle ferry at the Haulover. May. Coronation at Belize of Prince George Augustus Frederick as King of the Mosquito nation. June. Census, of which no local record exists, taken. 1 The main road out of Belize.

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July. Establishment of Government Savings Bank. Post Office placed on regular Colonial footing. Resolutions for ascertaining the possibility of boring for fresh water. Well in process of excavation in January 1846.

Aug. Good report on the efficiency and characteristics of the Militia. Dec. Proposal by the Superintendent for appointment of a paid Magistrate in substitution for the existing Bench, carried into effect in March 1846, and for nomination by the Secretary of State of a Council.

1846.

May. George Berkeley, Acting Superintendent. Sept. Col. Charles St. John Fancourt, Superintendent.

Nov. Vote of £2,500 for cast iron tanks to catch rain­ water from the roof of the Public Buildings, as being the best method for water supply. Police Force increased to a Sergeant, Corporal and 10 men. Dec. Proclamation regulating the cutting of wood and prohibiting the cutting of undersized mahogany on “ un­ granted ” or " Crown ” lands. Petition early in 1847, by descendants of the Settlers of 1787 from the Mosquito Shore, for restoration of the ancient privilege of cutting wood on the ungranted lands between the Belize and Sibun Rivers, hitherto a “ Common Ground.” Petition refused and area spoken of as “ Crown Land ” by Super­ intendent in March 1847. Report that 8,000,000 feet of mahogany had been cut within the territory of the Settlement during the year, in an answer to statements as to that wood being exhausted. (See Appendix, which gives an export of nine and a half million feet, the larger figure presumably in­ cluding wood cut outside the limits). Virulent tirade by the Chief Justice against the class of local Jurymen, published later in the local Press. (See January and March 18-48).

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1847.

March. Bill to enable Barristers to practise thrown out; and again twice in July. A Public Dispensary established. May. Proposal by Commander of His Mosquitian Majesty’s Cutter ’’ Sun ’’ to take Truxillo in satisfaction for insults to the Mosquitian flag. Attack by " Sun ” on Roman River, East of Truxillo reported in June. June. Full historical description by Superintendent of the Judicial organisation. Account by Superintendent of the establishment of the Public Hospital in 1820 and most favourable report on its existing condition. Strong recommendation by Superintendent for Agricul­ tural development. July. Recommendation by Secretary of State for in­ stitution of Industrial Schools. Aug. Affirmation by Her Majesty’s Government of protection of the territory of the King of Mosquito by the British Crown. Oct. Proposal by Superintendent to apply to the Public Meeting to afford legal protection to the ungranted lands. Recommendation by Governor, Jamaica, that a solemn declaration be accepted in lieu of an oath, in cases of religious scruple, and that the Ministers fined and im­ prisoned in this connection should be compensated. Dec. Report of an Indian insurrection in Yucatan (Probably the beginning of the sanguinary “ Guerra de Castas ” or War of Races). 1848.

Jan. Expression by Public Meeting of dissatisfaction with the restriction of the Executive Council to Official Members. Tolls prescribed for maintenance of the Haulover Ferry. Reduction of tonnage dues granted to vessels bringing ice. Memorial by Jurors complaining of the Chief Justice’s description of them in December 1846. Conciliatory reply by Secretary of State in July. Chief Justice’s salary refused by Public Meeting in February on the ground ■

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that his usefulness had been destroyed by his calumnious charges. Law prohibiting servants or pensioners of the Crown from being members of the Legislative Assembly. Not approved, except in the case of Judges, by Secretary of State. (Aug.) The title “Legislative Assembly” ruled improper by Superintendent in February. Feb. Statement of regret by Superintendent to Gover­ nor, Merida, that he is unable to supply arms to the Mexicans or to prohibit export of gunpowder, the latter presumably to the Indians. Manufacture of rum encouraged by abolition of import duty on molasses. Memorial by Public Meeting to Secretary of State complaining of inability to introduce motions, of the official composition of the Executive Council, and of the with­ holding from the Meeting of accounts of expenditure. Report from Bacalar that the murderous Indian revolt aimed at extermination of the whites. Request that the latter be allowed to take refuge at Conseio. Protection of refugees assured by Superintendent. Troops sent to the Hondo in March to protect the cutters against attack by the insurgent Indians. Report of repulse by the wood­ cutters at Hill Bank of an Indian Raid from Yucatan (March). Memorial as to high taxation and increasing expenditure. Increase of taxation denied by Superintendent in March, and tariff stated to be lower than for past twelve years. March. Imprisonment and fine imposed on the Editor of a local paper by the Chief Justice for publication of the latter’s letter of December 1846 and other documents. Liberation from prison and remission of fine recommended by Secretary of State in June. Unfavourable report by Superintendent on existing method of payment for labour. Refusal by Secretary of State to recommend legislation for the better administration of justice as suggested by the Chief Justice. The Chief Justice warned against strict application of English legal technicalities. April. Statement by Superintendent of intention to open a Lunatic Asylum. Report of taking and occupation of Bacalar by great numbers of Indians. Troops withdrawn from River Hondo as inadequate to deal with such numbers. Letters in May from Superintendent to “ Principal Civil Magis­ trate in Bacalar,” evidently the Chief of the Indians. War

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Ship with troops sent from Jamaica with instructions to avoid conflict and to proclaim friendship with the Indians, provided they abstain from hostile action. Two Spaniards, resident in the Colony, carried off by Indians from across the Hondo in June. July. A Commercial Agent at Bacalar suggested by the Superintendent. Fines remitted by Public Meeting and indemnification for imprisonment granted to Jurors who had refused to serve as such because of the stigma attached by the Chief Justice to their characters. (See Dec. 184(6). Memorial requesting removal of Chief Justice and two Assistant Judges for promulgating a rule of Court which violated an Act of the Settlement. Ruling by Secretary of State in February 1849 that, as the Grand Court was vested only on usage, only rules established by usage should be observed, and that the new rule could not be enforced. Removal of Chief Justice and Assistant Judges not approved, their motive having been improvement of the tribunal. Aug. Bill for compulsory service in the Militia thrown out. Statement by Superintendent, with reference to the proposed withdrawal of a Company of the troops, as to frontier danger and inability of the Indian Chiefs to main­ tain order. Charges by the President of Yucatan as to aid, en­ couragement and arms given by the Settlement to the Indians. Denied by the Superintendent in October. The Public Meeting advised by the Secretary of State to exercise the large power possessed by it, rather than resort to fundamental changes. The Superintendent warned by Secretary of State against differences with the Public Meeting, which held the power of granting or stopping supplies. Sept. Right to originate motions granted to the Public Meeting, and a standing Committee to examine accounts appointed. Nov. Clearance of vessels at St. George's Cay recom­ mended by Secretary of State. Instructions for reduction of the troops by one Com­ pany. Dec. Report by Commandant of Bacalar, presumably an Indian Chief, that the refugees from Bacalar to the Settlement had returned to attack the new Régime.

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Threat of pursuit into British Territory in the event of recurrence. Reply by Superintendent, in January 1849, that every effort would be made to prevent anyone from crossing the Hondo to take part in Military operations; but that prompt punishment would be meted out should any aggression be committed by Yucatecans on British Territory. 1849.

Jan. Report of an attack by Indians on Payo Obispo. Favourable report on the Militia. Statement by Superintendent that the existing scale of duties was the lowest recorded, and must be increased to that existing when salaries were fixed to allow of their being paid. Recommendation by Governor, Jamaica, that the sen­ tence of imprisonment and fine on an Assistant Judge for contempt of Court be remitted. Establishment of a Board of Health. Protest by inhabitants against an illegal trial and sentence by the Chief Justice and of his violating and setting at defiance the laws of the Settlement.

Feb. Bill for substitution of affirmation for oath in certain cases thrown out. Advice by Secretary of State as to moderation in punishment for refusal to take an oath. Proposal for a truce and arbitration in Yucatan accepted by Jacinto Pat, Commander in Chief of the Indians. Mediation by British Government suggested. Instructions to discontinue presents to Mosquito Indians. Regulations for Weights and Measures and appoint­ ment of an Inspector therefor. Repeal of Act creating office of legal Judge (i.e., Chief Justice) and proposal for a Recorder or Chairman of Sessions in lieu thereof. Salary of the Chief Justice with­ held by Public Meeting on ground of incompetence and of using the seat of Judgment for the purpose of private vengeance. Proceedings disallowed by Superintendent in April. Abolition of post of Sergeant and Constable at Punta Gorda; and reduction of various salaries. Money voted for the road beyond Tillett’s Pond. Pay of Firemen withheld. Establishment of Volunteer Fire Brigade. TxU

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11

Mar. Statement by a Baptist Minister of the intention of the Indians to reconquer Yucatan, it being their own land. Report of their unbounded confidence in the English. Acceptance by the Indian Chiefs of the Super­ intendent's recommendation for division of Yucatan with the Spaniards. Description of the organisation and costs of Mahogany cutting. June. Seizure and search of British Vessels on the Hondo by the Mexican Government. Request by Super­ intendent in July for a sloop of war. Disapproval by the Secretary of State of the Chief Justice’s expression regarding Jurors, which however was contained in a private letter and unfairly published. Petition to the Queen in Council suggested as proper course, should a Judicial enquiry into alleged illegal action on the part of the Chief Justice be desired. Reply in July by Secretary of State to a petition, stating that he could not advise an enquiry. The Chief Justice reprimanded for his language to the Superintendent. July. Reported discovery of a gold mine1 on the Belize River. Magistrate and Police withdrawn from Consejo owing to refusal of Public Meeting to provide even for their rations. Statement by Superintendent that no reliance could be placed on the sense or discretion of the Public Meeting. Request by Magistrate, Ruatan, that the Superintendent should visit the island or send troops, to ensure compliance with the laws. Aug. Colonel Fancourt accepted by the Mexican Government as mediator between Mexican authorities and Indians. The Indian Chiefs invited to come to Belize for discussion in September. Jacinto Pat, on his way to confer with the Superintendent in October, murdered by his own people owing to his desire for peace. Offer by Chiefs to meet Superintendent at Ascension, with warning that they will accept nothing less than indepen­ dence from Mexico. Meeting accepted by Superintendent. Independence of Indians refused by Mexico in November. Result of meeting reported to Governor of Yucatan in December. Instruction to Superintendent to acknowledge no Mexican claim founded on the Treaty of 1786. ■ No such mine is known.

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Report by Superintendent that the Public Meeting had attempted, to enforce reduction of salaries by enactment of a scale of duties insufficient to pay the salaries fixed by law. Want of money in Treasury for payment of salaries reported in November. Statement by Secretary of State, in reply to protest by the Chief Justice, Attorney General and a Judge against his interference with the judicial authority, that the irregular nature of the constitution sometimes rendered such action unavoidable. Sept. Complaints from Mexico as to supply of arms to the insurgent Indians. Measure for prevention taken in October. Support of Indians by persons of standing admitted by Superintendent in November. Nov. Complaint of hostile action by Governor of Yucatan against refugees at Consej'o. 1850.

Jan. Memorial from Bay Islands, enquiring as to their status and requesting right to appeal to the Superinten­ dent at Belize. Report of a useful settlement of Yucatan refugees on the Hondo. Instruction by Governor, Jamaica, that salaries were not to be reduced and were to be the first charge on such revenue as might be raised. Endeavour by United States Government to compel Great Britain to give up Crey Town to Nicaragua. Feb. Proposal by British Government to mediate in Yucatan, accepted. Delays on the part of the Mexican Government stated by Superintendent in May to have inflamed public opinion in Belize and to have weakened his influence with the Indians. March. Dispensary and Lunatic Asylum stated to be supported by the sale of Mahogany trees on Crown Lands. Salary of Attorney General fixed by Public Meeting at £150 a year without private practice, for which it would be impossible to obtain an English Barrister. This action and others stated by Superintendent in August to be due to self-interested motives and to the desire to prevent the appointment of a respectable person. April. Creation of Board of Education. Schools to be denominational.

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Report of the weakening of the Indians and of reverses inflicted on them by the Spaniards. Clayton Bulwer Treaty, with American Declaration excluding British Honduras and its dependencies from its scope. May. Invasion of Albion Island by Mexican Troops. Demand by Superintendent for restitution of property. July. Memorial requesting settlement of questions of sovereignty and territorial rights. Statement by Superintendent as to the practical im­ possibility of prosecuting gun-runners. Appointment of Magistrates and unpaid Magistrates, with Constables, for districts outside Belize. Nov. Statement by Secretary of State, in reply to a memorial, that an indispensable element of any improved constitution would be power of dissolution by the Crown. 1851.

Jan. Bill for Constabulary Force for Northern Dis­ trict and for Police Magistrate for Southern District. Feb. Recommendation that Public Accounts be kept in Dollars and Cents. Repeated in January 1852. Act passed to allow Dissenting Ministers to officiate at burials in the Public Cemetery. Extended to Catholic Priests in January 1852. April. Petition that the Settlement be declared a Colony. Resolutions proposing an Elected Assembly and partly elected Legislative Council.

Philip Edmund Wodehouse, Superintendent. Protest by Government of Honduras against British encroachments and wood cutting in Mosquitia. May. Statement by Superintendent of existence of feeling that a legal adviser to the Government was un­ necessary. Regret by the Secretary of State that the Public Meet­ ing had failed to provide revenue sufficient to meet expenses. Mention of importance of Northern District and suggestion for Municipal village organisations. June. Suggestion by Secretary of State for immigra­ tion of black and coloured population from the United States.

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July. Discontinuance of payment of allowance to Frontier Magistrate by the Home Treasury. Recommendation of rain-water tanks and Artesian well for water supply. Purchase of pipe for the latter, author­ ised December, 1854. Establishment of bonded warehouse recommended by Secretary of State. Necessity for a Controller of Customs and an Auditor pointed out by Superintendent.

Aug. Establishment of a Stamp Duty. Legislation for celebration of marriages by dissenters, validation of past marriages and legitimation " per subsequens matrimonium " in case of dissenters. Approved by Secretary of State in December. Legitimation by subsequent intermarriage of parents made general in August 1852. Sept. Recommendation by Inhabitants of Ruatan that the Superintendent should preside over their pro­ posed elected Legislative Assembly. Sally by Garrison of Bacalar, driving the Indians from the neighbourhood. Request by British Museum for a specimen of local monumental remains. (See July, 1855.) Report of claim by Mexican Government to sover­ eignty over Ambergris Cay. Rebutted by Governor, Jamaica, to British Minister, Mexico, in December, on ground that the Cay was in effective British possession prior to recognition of the Mexican Republic. Naval protection promised if required. British claim upheld by Home Government April and May 1852, and Mexican claim withdrawn. Oct. Approval by Governor, Jamaica, of proposal for a Legislative Assembly of 24 Members and a Legislative Council of 6 nominated members. Instruction by the Secretary of State in January 1852 that he was not ready for the proposal to be brought before the Public Meeting. Matter referred to Council on Trade and Plantations in March 1852. Change from currency to Sterling approved by Gover­ nor, Jamaica, but substitution of Dollars disapproved owing to fluctuation in exchange. Dec. Western boundary recommended by Superin­ tendent to be a ■ line due North and South through Garbutt’s Falls. Advice by Secretary of State in May 1852 against raising the question of Boundaries.

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1852.

Goods in transit exempted from Customs duty, Îan. ’rovision for a paid Magistrate in the Northern Dis­

trict. Feb. Imposition of Excise Duty recommended by Secretary of State, owing to increase in manufacture of rum. Disagreed with by Superintendent and Governor, Jamaica, in July. Recommendation by Superintendent for re-establish­ ment of Militia owing to disturbances in neighbouring States. Modified in despatch to Governor in May, as only advisable if regular troops were to be withdrawn. This view repeated in January 1853, with additional proviso as to necessity for sufficient arms. Vote for this purpose refused, January 1853. Adherence to a fixed tariff of Import Duties recom­ mended in lieu of annual variation. Extradition Treaty with Guatemala. Ratified by Guatemala in January 1853. June. Creation of the Colony of the Bay Islands under the Governor of Jamaica, with the Superintendent of British Honduras as Lieutenant Governor. Protest by Republic of Honduras in September. (See also June, ) 1853.

July. Recommendation by Superintendent that a Medical Inspector, engaged in enquiry into epidemics in the West Indies, should be invited to visit the Settle­ ment. Rejected by Public Meeting.

Sept. Enquiry by Superintendent as to powers of the Legislature. Replied to by Governor, Jamaica, in October, by historical account of the evolution of the legislature, with hint as to the existence of diplomatic difficulties in the way of British assumption of sovereignty.

Oct. Mention of the compilation of existing laws by the Acting Chief Justice. Completion reported in January 1853. Nov. Recommendation by the Colonial Office for establishment of a single Council, composed of 14 elected and 7 nominated members. Recommendation by Inhab­ itants in January 1853 for 21 elected and 4 nominated members. An Act establishing a Legislative Assembly, apparently composed of 3 non-elective and 16 elected members was assented to by Her Majesty in August 1853.

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1853. Jan. Recommendation of change of title of the head of the Government to that existing in other Colonies. Recommendation by Superintendent for building of new Gaol and new Bridge by means of a loan. Loan raised, June, 1858. Inadequacy of Police Force pointed out by Superin­ tendent. Establishment fixed at Sergeant and 8 men, with power to increase by 8 men at Christmas and the New Year. Suggestion by Superintendent that power be given to the Judiciary to issue writs of Habeas Corpus, for the removal of appearance of conflict between Judiciary and Legislature. Act passed dealing with the matter.

Feb. Suggestion that labourers be obtained from China. March. Petition for steps to rid the Settlement of un­ desirable foreigners, especially Cubans. May. Annual import of British manufactured goods stated to be worth about £500,000. June. Statement that the establishment of a British Colony at Ruatan is regarded by the United States as a violation of the Clayton-Bulwer Treaty. Conviction of two men for ftting out a vessel as a Slave Trader on the Yucatan Coast. Gratitude of Com­ mandant of Bacalar for the steps taken for suppression of slave traffic. Report by Superintendent as to impossibility of regis­ tration of births, deaths and marriages, owing to the scattered state of the population. July. Objections by Chief Justice Temple (apparently absent on leave) to the procedure in the Slavery Trial, and to the appointment of the Acting Chief Justice. Considered opinion of Superintendent in September that Mr. Temple was unfit for the Office of Chief Justice, and recommendation that an Officer possessing temper and moderation be appointed. Request by Public Meeting for provision of salary adequate to obtain an English Barrister as Attorney General. Oct. Warning by Superintendent to Indian Com­ missioners that it was doubted whether Mexico would accept the treaty agreed on between themselves and the

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Spanish Commissioners at Belize ; and advice that they should remain on their guard, but abstain from hostile acts, pending settlement. Nov. Description by the Superintendent of the un­ defined authority of his office and the discretion required by its holder.

George Berkeley, Acting Superintendent.

Dec. Writ for the first General Election of a Legis­ lative Assembly. 1854.

Jan. Epidemic of Cholera in Belize. First meeting of Legislative Assembly. March. Superintendent appointed Lieutenant Gover­ nor of the Bay Islands, in addition to his office as Superintendent of the Settlement.

William Stevenson, Superintendent.

Act making the filling of lands in Belize compulsory. Description of swampy nature of the town. April. Constitution of the newly formed Executive Council, three ex-officio members and three nominated unofficial members. Of the Unofficial Members appointed in March, one was Public Medical Officer and Police Magistrate and another was Magistrate and Judge. Proposal for the appointment of a Medical Inspector General for all the West Indian Colonies. July. Request by Superintendent for the appointment of a “ Missionary Magistrate,” for religious as well as Magisterial duties. Aug. Account by Superintendent of his clerical diffi­ culties. Disastrous fire in Belize.

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Sept. Recommendation by Superintendent that steps be taken to obtain relinquishment by Spain of any claim to sovereignty. Oct. Report of an intended buccaneering expedition from New Orleans against Honduras and Guatemala. 1855.

Jan. Objection raised to increase of the existing im­ port duty of one per cent. Feb. Act proposed to sanction the powers and pre­ rogatives of the Superintendent. Favourable report by Superintendent on the working of the Legislative Assembly. Repeated in February 1857.

March. Act proposed for defining the currency and for formal adoption of dollars and rials. Historical account of the currency question. July. Favourable description by Superintendent of the climate and conditions of the country. Reference to the acquiring of Maya ruins for the British Museum. Promise to transmit specimens in August. See September, 1851 and April, 1869. Assistance requested for improvement of schools. Historical account by the Chief Justice of usage and law in the matter of land tenure. Sept. Mention of disregard of the law prohibiting destruction of the forests. Oct. Statement that the Militia was abolished in 1850. 1856.

Jan. Report by Superintendent as to confused state of local laws and difficulty in consolidation. Purchase of dredge for deepening channel and raising town lands recommended. Arrival of dredge and sale of spoil at cheap rate reported, January 1857. Erection of a Town Hall1 recommended. Creation of Town Board and Sanitary Board recom­ mended. 1 No such building is yet in existence.

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Suggestion that presentation to the Established Church be vested in the Crown and that the Clergy be subject to Colonial Regulations, and to dismissal for misconduct. Feb. Absence of internal postal communication reported. March. Act to make Aliens liable to certain public duties. (See also July). Extradition Act with Mexico. Report as to desirability of visit by a Geologist, and as to failure of Artesian well after reaching depth of 75 feet (April). Latter project abandoned, January 1858. Establishment of District Magistrates, paid and unpaid, the latter remunerated by half the money collected by them, a method reported as impracticable in January, 1857.

April. Provision for rebuilding the Gaol destroyed by the 1854 fire. Mention of the manufacture of sugar and spirits in the Northern District. Report of progress of Roman Catholic and Dissenting churches, owing to lack of zeal by the Clergy of the Established Church. Improvement in schools reported. July. Disastrous fire on the North side, due to in­ cendiarism. Stringent legislative measures taken, including expulsion of undesirable aliens and widening October). Sept. Aggression by an Indian Chief, Luciano Que on Rio Hondo mahogany works, and demand for toll on wood felled. Deputation, including Mexican Vice Consul, to Commandant at Bacalar. 1857.

Jan. Reorganization of Police into one Force and in­ crease by an Inspector and 18 Rank and File recom­ mended. Application for an Inspector from England in April 1858. Recommendation that all houses be required to provide tanks proportioned to their roof area. I Still believed to have been innocent.

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Mention of a Magisterial District at Duck-Run. Feb. New Rules of Court, though containing vari­ ations on principles established elsewhere, recommended for adoption.

March. Report of imposition, during 1856, of a duty on sugar and spirits manufactured in the Northern Dis­ trict, in which 800 acres were reported under cultivation. The whole country described as adapted to almost any kind of tropical product, but the growing of veget­ ables and provisions stated to be the only existing form of Agriculture.

Frederick Seymour, Superintendent. (March.)

June. Report of intrusion of armed Indians at Blue Creek. July. Rumour of conspiracy for destruction of Corozal by raiders from Yucatan. Abortive trial of alleged con­ spirators. (August.)

Aug. First shipment of rum and sugar to England. Absence of any Bank reported.

Sept. Account of injury done by Indian raids and description of the condition of Yucatan. Report of threatened invasion and further account of Yucatan in November. Fear for Corozal, where Yucatecan Immi­ grants are bartering powder with the Indians. Fears modified in January 1858 owing to energetic action of Yucatan Government, assisted against the Santa Cruz Indians by the Chichanha tribe. Statement that the Mexican Government regarded Booth's River as the real Rio Hondo. Proposed efforts by Her Majesty’s Government to obtain a demarcation of the Frontier. Suggested importation of Sepoy mutineers from India. Proposal concurred in by Assembly but not by Superin­ tendent, January and February, 1858. Notice of leasing of lands at Stann Creek to Caribs. Mention of nomadic Indians in the Northern forests. Dec. Volunteer Defence Force suggested for Corozal.

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1858.

Jan. Steady advance of Settlement reported by Super­ intendent and repeated in detail in May. Rapid progress of Corozal District and town, with populations of 8,000 and 4,500 respectively, industrious and self reliant. Fresh outbreak of the War of Races in Yucatan. Capture of Bacalar by the Indians, atrocious massacre of prisoners and failure of attempted British mediation. Panic at Corozal. Dangerous position of Belize. Re­ quest for Naval and Military reinforcements, promptly complied with. Mention of evil effect of the Mutiny in East India on the attitude of the Indian Chiefs towards Great Britain. (March and April.) Report of 5,000 refugees in Corozal in May. Proposal to grant limited civil and criminal jurisdic­ tion to Alcaldes. Carried into effect and Districts delimited in May and in January 1859. Feb. Reported occupation of Puct6, on Mexican side of Hondo, by 1,500 well armed Indians. Seizure of British Subjects. British force sent to Hondo, and steps taken to stop traffic in gunpowder, in April. April. General survey of the Settlement suggested. May. Private undertaking to establish an Artesian well, to be paid for by results. Project reported a fail­ ure in March, 1862. June. Report of friendly relations with the Indians, partially confirmed by Superintendent in July and again in September; but contradicted in October. Aug. Report by Superintendent that the Supreme Court had made and put in force a rule of Court contra­ vening the Statute Law. Recommendation by Superintendent for offensive war­ fare in Yucatan in the event of any attack on the Settlement. Dec. Wreck, in the waters of the Settlement, of Amer­ ican filibusters with designs on the State of Honduras, and their re-conveyance to the U.S.A. 1859.

Jan. Failure to organise Militia in Northern District. Explained in June as due to fear by Yucatecan immigrants of being called on to defend themselves against the Indians.

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Feb. Anticipation of reduction in mahogany oper­ ations and trade. Need for Gaol, Court House and Mortuary in Corozal. Recommendation for a new Canal, the route to be taken by the present South Side Canal. March. Recommendations for improvement and de­ velopment of the Northern District. April. Boundary Convention with Guatemala, laying down the frontier which now exists : also agreeing to establish communication, by road or river, between the coast near Belize and Guatemala City.1 June Report by Superintendent on Blue Book for 1858, mentioning diminution of trade owing to commercial failures in England, increase of Military expenditure and material progress of Public Works. Gives a his­ torical account of the land tenure laws and of the losses of and confusion in titles. Contains a lengthy but most valuable description of the Settlement, its scenery, races, character and industries. Dec. Appointment of a Royal Engineer Officier to sur­ vey the Boundary between the Settlement and Guatemala. Report on question of land tenure, and its complication by the absence, in olden days, of the practice of marriage.

1860.

Jan. Letter by a Merchant on the currency question, urging that there be no limitation of silver as legal tender, owing to constant demand for it from the neighbouring Republics. Bad report as to the character of the Yucatecan immi­ grants and the cruelty of their bull fights. Favourable report by Superintendent on the financial position, trade and progress of the Settlement. Post Office handed over by Home Government to local control. Feb. Act to encourage Chinese immigration. Dis­ allowed by Her Majesty’s Government in January, 1861. Investigation by the Council and reference to Gover­ nor, Jamaica, of charges against Chief Justice Temple. I No such communication has as yet been established. The proposal appears to have been to the utmost degree visionary.

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Thomas Price (Lieutenant Governor, St. Christopher), Acting Superintendent.

April. Report by Superintendent of adverse effect on all local trade during 1859 caused by the failure of Eng­ lish firms engaged in the mahogany trade. Superintendent reports commencement of general in­ terest in agriculture and its very favourable prospects as shewn by practical tests. Decision that the troops sent in 1858 should remain and should be quartered at Consej'o, to prevent the possi­ bility of a war against the Indians by Great Britain, which would result from a massacre by them of the Mexican refugees at Corozal.

May. Reported resentment on the part of Guatemala at the repudiation by Great Britain of any obligation to bear a share of the cost of the proposed road from the Atlantic Coast to Guatemala City. Report on commence­ ment of the survey of this road in August. July. Report of the seizure of an Indian in British Territory by troops from Bacalar. Enquiry whether this was done with the consent of the Indian authorities. Acknowledgment of error by the Santa Cruz Chief, and request for continuance of good will, (undated.) Destruction by the Indians of a Mexican Force, which had captured the Indian stronghold at Santa Cruiz; and massacre of Chichanha Indians, allies of the Yucatan Government. . Cession of the Bay Islands to the Republic of Honduras, and offer of free transport and land grants elsewhere to the settlers thereon. Request by the Republic of Hon­ duras for postponement of the handing over of the Bay Islands owing to the presence and hostile intentions of Walker, the American Filibuster. Bay Islands handed over, June 1st, 1861.

Sept. Proclamation permitting to Guatemalan author­ ities enlistment and equipment of armed vessels for service against filibusters.

Dec. Mention of the Treaty terminating the British Protectorate of the Mosquito Territory. Report on progress of boundary survey. Unwillingness of Guatemala to proceed therewith. c

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Report on favourable state of finances, {an. mpllcation that the new Belize Bridge had been built. Deficiency of educational institutions in the compar­ atively populous Northern District. Urgent need for immigration to develop agricultural resources. March. Petition to the Queen for change of status from “ Settlement ” to " Colony.” Valuable description of the Constitutional. Judicial and material progress achieved, and of the disadvantages resulting from the existing status. Sympathy expressed by the Secretary of State in July, coupled with fear of difficulty in such unequivocal expression of British Sovereignty. Sever­ ance from Jamaica not considered advisable. Mission of two British Officers to Santa Cruz, convey­ ing forcible demand to the Patron, Santa Cruz, for explanation of his infringement of British Territorial rights. The Mission reported in April to have been most shamefully treated. Panic in Corozal. Mention of the Indian Oracle, a wooden cross (“Santa Cruz”). Pro­ clamation of Martial Law in Northern District. Report on May 1st of invasion of Corozal by Indians. Recision on May 18th of Proclamation of Martial Law.1 Advice by Council that threats and remonstrances to the North­ ern District Indians should cease unless, they were to be followed by vigorous action if disregarded. Complete submission and apology for the insulting treatment of the Mission demanded from the Santa Cruz Chief in August, with promise of safe conduct to himself and suite for the purpose of making such apology. Statement by Superintendent that the Settlement could provide all the timber required by Her Majesty’s Dock­ yard. April. Population by Census, 25.635, of which number more than half were located in the northern District. Tender to make, and keep in repair , for five years, for $8,000, a good road to the Haulover. Mention of a Yellow Fever Epidemic in 1860 and 1861. July. Government immigration scheme not favoured by the Secretary of State owing to the risk of disturbance to which the Settlement was exposed. Oct. Revocation of Mr. Temple’s commission as Chief Justice. 1 It looks as if the report of the invasion of Corozal must have been exaggerated. Nothing further is heard of it.

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Frederick Seymour, Superintendent, Nov. 11th. 1862.

Jan. Fortifications recommended owing to likelihood of war with the United States. (See also March.) Report by Superintendent as to revival of trade and a record Revenue for 1861. Refers to difficulties in the way of immigration, principally paucity of administrative machinery, but hopes the disproportion between land and population will soon disappear. (Feb.) Political severance from Jamaica and establishment of agriculture on a scientific scale recommended by the Assembly. Feb. Act for raising a Volunteer Force. Plans for roads to the Sibun and to the Pine Ridge on the North Bank of the River. Refusal by Secretary of State to cede the disposal of Crown lands to the Assembly. No present apprehension of Indian attack on the North­ ern District. Permanent Barracks there not recommended. May 12. Proclamation creating the Colony of Brit­ ish Honduras and the Office of Lieutenant Governor.

Frederick Seymour, Lieutenant Governor, May 12th.

Oct. Anxiety as to possibility of raids in neighbour­ hood of Yalbac by Chichuya (? Chinchanha) Indians from Guatemala. Appointment of friendly Indians as Alcaldes to make friendly overtures to the Chichuyas. Act to encourage the immigration of Agricultural Labourers. 1863.

Feb. Vote of $5,000 towards building St. Mary's Church. March. Disastrous fire on South Side, destroying 500 houses spread over 90 acres. Mention of determination of Roman Catholics of Cor­ ozal to adhere to the Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of the Bishop of Yucatan.

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Mention of the compilation by Mr. Henderson of a Maya Dictionary. Provision of postage stamps for the Colony.

April. Mention by the Assembly of the “ approaching extinction of the primal trade of the Old Settlement," presumably export of wood, and of acts passed to encourage immigration of labour and introduction of agricultural and manufacturing machinery. Defeat of Chichenja Indians by Santa Cruz Indians. Threats against the Colony by the Chichenjas in July. Tax on aliens abolished to attract foreign labourers. Intrusion of 800 Indians from Yucatan, with the object of extracting payment for lands rented on the Spanish side. Repetition and apology therefor in July. June. An interesting letter from an Indian headman. July. Prohibition of bull fighting. Prohibited by law, April 1865.

Aug. Serious disturbance caused by men of the West India Regiment.

George Berkeley, (Colonial Secretary) Administrator, October, 17th.

Nov. Contract for water for Corozal, to be taken, if not rain water, from Tillett’s Pond or Stann Creek. Dec. Prohibition by Secretary of State of introduction of negroes from the United States. Mention of an Act of Piracy. 1864.

Feb. Reported assassination of Puc, Chief of the Santa Cruz Indians, and their desire for peace. Act to render unsworn testimony admissible assented to. Request by House of Assembly for a road to Labouring Creek.

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John Gardiner Austin, Lieutenant Governor. March. Proposal by Assembly to make provision for rendering Government House fit to receive a family. April. Provision of funds for introduction of immi­ grants. June. Demand by Governor, Jamaica, to Governor of Yucatan for restitution of prisoners and property taken in a raid on San Roman, and for cancellation of the Com­ mission of Zuc, • the Officer who led the raid. Reply from Yucatan in July that the Indians of the South governed themselves independently of the Government of Mexico, but that efforts would be made to obtain redress. Visit of Lieutenant Governor and escort to San Roman and return of prisoners reported, July. Raid explained in September to have been due to a quarrel over non payment of rent. July. Request for 475 Chinese immigrants. Provision of buildings and medical arrangements insisted on, Sept­ ember. (See May, 1865.) Aug. Expenditure of $1,500 from Crown Fund, con­ ditional on grant of $10,000 from General Revenue, sanctioned towards cost of road to Western Frontier. Nov. Mexican decree claiming British Honduras for the Empire of Mexico. Decree stated to have excited the Yucatan Indians and instructions given by the Foreign Office in July 1865 that Mexico be requested to abstain from violation of British Territory. Declaration by British Minister, Mexico, to Mexican Government that Mexico had no claim to any part of British Honduras and reply by Foreign Minister, Mexico, that there must be some error as Mexico had never enunciated such pretensions (August 18 *65). Mexican Government in­ formed that Great Britain did not admit any rights to Mexico from the Treaties of 1783 and 1786 with Spain and that the decree must be cancelled, September 1865. Dec. Death of Zuc and succession of Marcos Canul as Chief of the Chichanha Indians. 1865.

Jan. Santa Cruz Indians reported close to the border, and imminence of clash between them and the Mexicans, owing to determination of the latter to exterminate them.

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Offer by Imperial Government to pay half the cost of maintenance of an armed steamer for the Rio Hondo. Act for providing the steamer in July. Establishment of a Municipal Board for Belize.

Feb. Demand by Marcus Canul for rent on Blue Creek lands claimed as Mexican Territory. Refusal to pay and rejection of claim, March. Invasions by Indians stated by British Minister, Mexico, in August to be due to the claim by Mexico to the Colony. Statement by British Minister to Mexico in October that the Indian Chiefs in the South of Yucatan though de jure Mexican subjects, are not so de facto. Decision conveyed to Mexican Government in January 1866, that, as Canul and his tribe were not de facto Mexican subjects and not under effective Mexican control, the British Government would deal with him as an Indian unconnected with the Government of Mexico. Objection taken to this course by the Emperor of Mexico in February 1866 with state­ ment of intended campaign against Canul. March. Establishment of Vice-Admiralty Court.

April. Reduction of Corozal detachment and probable reduction of the Garrison of the Colony. Withdrawal of Corozal detachment in June owing to movement of Mexican troops towards Merida. Post re-established for protection of refugees in December. Memorial for severance of political connection with Jamaica. Request not granted, July.

May. Formation of Belize Volunteers into a Rifle Corps and Artillery Company. Sailing from China of 480 Chinese immigrants for the Colony. Their arrival mentioned in January 1866. Appointment of Immigration Agent, June. June. Termination of mail contract on account of re­ fusal by the Colony to bear half the cost. July. Appointment of a Surgeon for Northern District. Appointment of Magistrates for Northern and South­ ern Districts. Threat by Secretary of State of withdrawal of the troops unless proper accommodation be provided. Pro­ vision made in August. Aug. Establishment of weekly overland mail service to North and West.

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Sept. Powers granted to Colonial Legislatures to re­ gulate the administration of Justice and, in the case of Representative Legislatures, to after their Constitution. Disturbances amongst Chinese immigrants near Cor­ ozal. Oct. Protest against the boundary of the Colony as shewn in a new Mexican Map. Dec. Erection of a Light House at Maugre Cay. 1866.

Jan. Anticipation of the early opening of the road to the Sibun. Expression of belief that this road would overcome the main difficulty of the road to Peten, namely the crossing of the swamp between Belize and the Sibun Pine Ridge1. Favourable reference to the Sugar Industry and its having supplied all the needs of the Colony and reached the export stage. Mail route via New Orleans recommended. Feb. Visit by a representative of the Colonial Bank to ascertain prospects for opening a branch. Recommendation for cessation of Government financial support of the Church of England and Scotch Church, their membership being richer than that of the Roman Catholic, Methodist and Baptist Churches. Carried into effect in May. March. Recommendation for a Geological Survey12. April. Completion of the Haulover and Circular roads. May. Raid by Chichanha Indians under Canul on Qualm Hill, R. Bravo : casualties, two killed, 79 taken prisoners, including an Englishman and a Canadian. Head quarters of Canul said to be at Ycaiche, 90 miles from the frontier. Envoys sent to negotiate with Canul for return of the prisoners. $12,000 ransom demanded. 1

2

The road to the Sibun exists and is inconstant use. Unfortunately the main difficulty in the road to the West is the swamp beyond the point where the road reaches the Sibun. An all-weather road across, or as far as possible avoiding, this swamp is still a problem, for which another solution is at present being attempted. Such a survey was made in 1925 and 1926.

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June. Release effected for $3,000, exclusive of bribes in July. Damage by raid assessed at $42,510. Statement by Canul that his mission to Qualm Hill was intended as amicable and that hostilities only com­ menced after he had been fired on by the African Store­ keeper. Deportation of certain treacherous Yucatecan refugees and restriction of sale of arms and ammunition (August). Detachment 80 strong sent to Orange Walk/1 New River, for operations against Canul (September). A column under Captain Delamere moved thence via Hill Bank to San Pedro2 to intercept Canul who was expected there. Ascension Ek having played false. (October.) On arrival, San Pedro was found deserted but the hills round it were held by 200 men, and Canul, who had been warned by Ek of the approaching column, was one march distant. The Column extricated itself and returned to Orange Walk, New River. Report by Lieutenant Governor that Canul was going to attack Mahogany works, in support of the discontented San Pedro Indians (November.) Columns sent out from Orange Walk, New River, and from Blue Creek in December to protect the country to the South West and to intercept invading Indians. San Pedro reported in December as held by Canul and 300 Indians. Mr. Rhys, Commissioner, instructed by Lieutenant Governor in December to proceed from Orange Walk on the Belize River to San Pedro, there to meet Ascension Ek, Chief of the Icaiche Indians. Escort provided by 4th West India Regiment, 42 all ranks, under the command of Major A. W. MacKay. Mr. Rhys and escort left Orange Walk on the evening of the 20th. On approaching San Pedro after fourteen hours march by truck passes rendered almost impassable by heavy and continuous rain, the column, which appears to have been in no sort of fighting formation and was marching without advance or flank guards, was suddenly and heavily attacked from the bush by Indians estimated at between 300 and 400 strong, from all sides. Major MacKay, it appears, attempted to lead his men into the bush in a counter attack, but failed to make way. After an action lasting half an hour, having lost five men12 1 This must not be confused with Orange Walk on the Old or Belize River which was the base of operations at the end of the year. 2 This village does not appear on recent maps. On older maps it is shewn about 12 miles from Orange Walk, Belize River, on the road to Yalbac.

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killed and sixteen wounded. Major MacKay gave the order to retire. The retirement was somewhat disorderly and Mr. Rhys was found, on arrival at Orange Walk, to be missing and was not seen again. (See January )867.)

'

Finding of Court of Enquiry into Major MacKay's conduct, June 1867. He was by his orders deprived of initiative, and was not supplied with sufficient ammuni­ tion. He would have been justified, by the state of the road, in refusing to proceed beyond Orange Walk. He shewed no lack of presence of mind or courage but he was to blame for not providing an advance guard and shewed lamentable lack of firmness and judgment in sounding the retire. Report of reverse by Lieutenant Governor to Captain General, Cuba, and request for Naval aid pending rein­ forcements in view of slowness of communication with Jamaica. (December.) Request repeated through Gover­ nor, Jamaica, in January 1867. Reply in January 1867 that Jamaica was making the required arrangements. May. Favourable report on some 3,000 Chinese immigrants. Assembly urged to make annual provision for defence. Resolutions of Assembly that attacks on the Colony were a matter for Her Majesty’s Government, to whom an appeal should be made for protection ; and that Ascen­ sion Ek and the Indians of San Pedro be armed for defence against invaders. Arms given in August. Re­ port by Lieutenant Governor in June that the Assembly had refused to contribute towards the armed steamer or towards defence and had rejected the Militia Biil: and that the merchants were selling powder to the enemy, while expecting the British Government to bear all costs of defence against that enemy. The Assembly informed in November that the garrison would be withdrawn by order of the Secretary of State unless the Bill making provision for contribution to an armed steamer were passed within a month. Bill passed, with resolution that the armed steamer was inadequate for defence. Militia Law passed (see August 10th. 18 *67). 1867.

Jan. Armed steam Barges suggested for patrolling the Hondo. Supported by General Harley in May. Author­ ised in February, 1868. Arrival of reinforcements, brought by Governor, Jamaica. (See June.)

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’

Start from Belize of Field Force, strength 13 Officers and 300 Rank and File, West India Regiment and Royal Artillery armed with 6 pounder rocket equipment, under Lieutenant Colonel Harley: objective, San Pedro. Arrival at Orange Walk, Belize River, via Nancy Porter, after four days difficult march over swollen rivers and bad roads in continuous rain. Hardships due to failure of transport. San Pedro occupied, without opposition, and burnt with the exception of the chapel. Letter from Ascension Ek found claiming all the country from Yuc­ atan to the Belize River. Letter left by Colonel Harley denouncing Ek for the murder of Mr. Rhys. Indian Church and Mount Hope attacked by Indians on Feb­ ruary 3rd., the day before Colonel Harley's Column reached Orange Walk. San Jose taken and burnt with three casualties. Indians completely routed. Some equip­ ment of Mr. Rhys' escort and the loot from Indian Church found there. This Column marched 32 miles through very difficult country in 11 hours (Feb.). Naranhal (shewn on old maps as North West of San Jose) and Chorro destroyed by a Column including Militia from Corozal, under Captain Delamere (March). Tribute by Lieutenant-Governor in April to endurance and gallantry of Corozal Militia; and, in June 1868, to the complete success of General Harley' s operations. Mention of visit by Governor, Jamaica, and the study by him of conditions existing. Jamaica recommended as route for mail service, for military reasons. (Not adopted. See August.) Feb. Report by Roman Catholic priests that the union between Canul and Ek was caused by Captain Delamere's march2 and the stoppage of Major Wray’s boundary survey, which misled the Indians as to the Government's territorial claims. Proposal to form a Colony of American Southern Agri­ culturists in the neighbourhood of Punta Ycacos. This fell through for want of capital. (July 1869.) Memorandum by Lieutenant Governor setting forth British Territorial rights and declaring enemies any who 1 One of this number was Lieutenant Carey, 4th West India Regiment, who later gained unfortunate notoriety in connection with the death of the Prince Imperial. In the operations now dealt with he won the approbation of Colonel Harley for his courage and efficiency. 2 See October, 1866. This statement is difficult to understand in view of the fact that Delamere's march was intended to prevent the junction of Canul with Ek.

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should dispute them ; but offering residence to Ek and his Indians provided they would submit, acknowledge those rights and observe the Regulations attached to the Memorandum. March. Offer of Agricultural land by Young Toledo & Co. to Southern States Settlers. Encouragement of Agricultural immigrants urged by the public and supported by Lieutenant Governor. Advent of persons to investi­ gate conditions and the favourable impression formed by them reported in April and August, Application for land for settlement of Southerners in the Western District. (June.) Newspaper reports from New Orleans of wide­ spread desire for settlement in the Colony, and expect­ ation of many thousand immigrants. (November.) Arrival of 113 immigrants reported in January 1868. Immigration Act passed. May 1868.

April. Report of friendly relations with the Santa Cruz and Lochha Indians, directed against Canul (later reported captured by them). Policy reported in May as hotly opposed but successful. The friendly relations re­ ported in August as not in the nature of an alliance but confined to trade. Lightening of Martial Law owing to settled conditions. Militia Divisions paid off. Return to Jamaica of rein­ forcements reported feasible in June. Cutting of boundary line from Blue Creek to Garbutt’s Falls completed hopes expressed for completion of the Southern portion1. Strong contention by Lieutenant Governor that the starting point for the boundary was Blue Creek and not the River Bravo, in as much as the latter was not a natural river but had only become a river by the digging of a channel from its swamps to the Hondo. Chief Justice’s report on a murder trial arising out of the raid on Indian Church. Mentions statement of de­ mands for rents for sugar estates and mahogany works and for Orange Walk, Corozal and Belize. May. Mention of desertion of Chinese immigrants to Yucatan. Prospects of their return through the good offices of the Santa Cruz Indians. (See October 1868.) Favourable report on the Sittee River Sugar Estate. I The trigonometrical survey necessary to effect this is now (1931) in progress.

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June. Subsidised Steam boat service on the Belize River. An Act for the encouragement of the making of the river navigable was disallowed in March 1868. Education Act passed.

July. Report by Lieutenant Governor of the intro­ duction by an elective Member of a Bill aiming at great constitutional changes. States that one party in the House proposes to increase the nominated members, while another party desires to abolish the elective ele­ ment altogether. Says that the main desideratum is a strong responsible Government. Search for hidden treasure on Turneffe. Aug. Inauguration of European mail service via New Orleans. Report on Blue Book for 1866. Hopes for success of Militia Law. Efficiency of Militia reported in October. Progressive policy impossible owing to changing opin­ ions of legislators, e.g. unfinished roads. Condemnation of existing constitution owing to diffusion of population outside Belize and the supersession of wealthy and in­ telligent electors by petty traders, journeymen and labourers. Fear that a powerful interest which had been thrown into the scale against change will cause contin­ uance of the existing rotten system for a time. States, as proof of its inefficiency, that the strength of the Assembly had been reduced from 21 to 14 by desertion of 7 members and that of the remainder several rarely attended even when in Belize, though the quorum was 11. The Legislative arrangements termed in September “ almost a burlesque ” and administration by a Governor and Council, as in Jamaica, recommended. Successful efforts to recover Crown Lands improperly occupied. Trade suffering owing to disturbances. Pessimistic report as to future of mahogany operations. Agriculture recommended in place of the non-reproduc­ tive forest industry. Termed the only hope of the Colony in October. Loan of $200,000 recommended by Lieutenant. Gover­ nor for agricultural immigration, defence and postal service. Estimated cost of three District military posts, $29,732.

Sept. Lieutenant Governor, apparently in reply to objections by the Home Government, urged encourage­

ARCHIVES OF BRITISH HONDURAS

35

ment of immigration from the Southern States, unless the Colony was to be abandoned. Inability of Treasury to meet recurrent expenditure pointed out by Lieutenant Governor.

James Robert Longden, Lieutenant Governor, October 31 st.

Nov. Request by Lieutenant Governor for Royal Instructions. Favourable report by Captain Carmichael on Santa Cruz Indians. Their fighting strength estimated at 5,000 men. Enquiry by their Chiefs whether Great Britain would take over the Santa Cruz Territory in Yucatan. Warning by them as to possible raids by Icaiche Indians: promise of efforts to prevent such raids : request to be allowed to pursue the Icaiches into and fight them on British Territory; and promise to give up Canul it caught. Land and Property Tax Act assented to.

Dec. Question of defence and of reduction of gar­ rison brought up by direction of the Secretary of State. Creation of Frontier Police, 24 strong, partly mounted, recommended by Lieutenant Governor at a cost of £2,400 per annum. This force was organised in February 1868. Four Stations reported established on the River Hondo In February 1869. 1868.

Jan. Capture of a band of Indian raiders. The Indian explanation of this incursion accepted by the Lieutenant Governor as satisfactory. Mention of Indian raids in 1867 as directed towards taking back to Yucatan refugees enrolled in the Santa Cruz forces. Outbreak of Cholera, lasting two months and causing 580 deaths including seven Americans at Punta Gorda. Feb. Statement that the cost of Defence amounted to one third of the whole of the Colony's expenditure. Making of a bridle path from Belize to Orange Walk. New River, suggested by Lieutenant Governor.

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36

March. Mention of offer of land at Manatee to the Indians and its non-acceptance. Prospect of peace on the Frontier. Expression of friendship by Canul. Request by Toledo Settlement, 66 strong, for a Magis­ trate and Police ; and, in May, for naturalization of its leading members. Favourable report by Chief Justice on the absence of any Bankruptcy Law.

April. Request for the transfer of the Crown Lands to the Colony, for survey, road making and settlement. May. Panic in Orange Walk, New River, owing to renewal of raids by Canul on withdrawal of troops. This withdrawal was apparently due to refusal by the inhabi­ tants to supply the troops with water at a reasonable rate. (See April,) Indian objections to the frontier as surveyed. Compilation of a map of the Colony by Chief Justice Corner1. June. Debt to the War Office for defence of the Col­ ony for past two years, £8,048. The amount expended by Great Britain during those two years stated to have been £42,071. Report on Blue Book for 1867:— Militia strength, 1050, on paper: Belize Volunteers, 171.

Increase of population stated to be due to Chinese and United States immigration, the latter accounting for less than 500. Exhaustion of forests predicted, attention to agriculture recommended. Manufacture of sugar stated to have increased from 400,000 lbs. in 1862 to 1,200,000 lbs. in 1867, with 54,000 gallons of rum, of which 5,000 were exported, in the latter year.

(All round numbers.)

July. Report of visit by a representative of the British Honduras Company to Campeche and interview with the Governor. Charge by the latter as to improper occupa­ tion of territory by the English and their responsibility for the destruction of 100,000 people by permitting sale and barter of gunpowder and arms to the Indians. The Colony mentioned by the Legislative Assembly of Yuc­ atan in July 1869, on this count, as an ally of the Indians.

1

No copy of this map can be found.

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37

Report on July 21st as to freedom from Indian aggres­ sion and success of the Santa Cruz war against the Mexicans. But also report in the same despatch of in­ trusions by Ycaiche Indians and demands for rents; and on July 30th of raids by both Santa Cruz and Ycaiches. Visit of courtesy by the President of Honduras, his family and suite. An undated report of a march by Canul with a military force from Achiote via Orange Walk to Corozal creat­ ing great consternation. A similar raid, probably the same, mentioned in April and May 1870. The latter year appears the more likely date. Aug. Report of visit of 200 armed Santa Cruz Indians to Corozal for the purpose of obtaining permission to buy gun powder and goods.

Oct. Report on condition of Chinese immigrants, favourable except for diminution by more than 25 per cent through death (March 1869), and 25 per cent through desertion caused by injudicious treatment and bad food. The deserters captured and enslaved by the Santa Cruz Indians. (September 1869.) 1869.

Jan. Proposed visit by Lieutenant Governor to Indians on Western Frontier. Completion of causeway through Tillett’s Pond. Graphic description, by Lieutenant Governor, of the abiding torment caused in Belize by insects'.

Feb. Recommendation for Steam Dredge for keeping open the Belize River bar. (See December, 1876.) Forthcoming reduction of troops to one Company unless the Colony would pay £40 per man per annum in excess of that strength. Inability to do so, owing to state of finances, reported in March, with contention by Assembly that the need for troops was an Imperial matter, defence against external aggression. Petition for a road to the Western District.

March. Toledo.

Commencement of road Westward from

1 Now so greatly reduced as to be generally almost negligible.

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April. First recorded shipment of Archaeological specimens to the British Museum. (Sec September 1851, and July 1855). Mention of ten sugar Estates, three with steam mills, in operation. July. Complaint as to difficulty of obtaining the quorum of 11 out of the 21 members of the Assembly. Quotation of weighty statement by Lieutenant Governor Seymour as to the historical basis of the Colony's system of self-government, and the ability and self-reliance of the community.

Oct. Outbreak of Yellow Fever.

Nov. Withdrawal of Frontier Police from River Hondo to Corozal, owing to threat of an Indian raid on the latter. Report of raid on Crrsejo. Detachment sent to Corozal in December. 1870.

Jan. Report that all was quiet on the Frontier. With­ drawal of Troops recommended in February and carried out in March. Report that, owing to an understanding with Canul, the Frontier Police outposts were unnecessary and that the Force should be abolished and replaced by a Frontier Guard concentrated at Corozal. Occupation of Corozal by Indians under Canul in April and demand for $3,000. (This is probably the raid mentioned as undated in 1868). Proclamation of Martial Law and despatch of a Detachment of Troops. Permanent addition to existing Garrison, to be stationed at Corozal and Orange Walk, recommended by Assembly. National, i.e., Mexican, character of invasion, and complicity of respectable Yucatan residents reported by Lieutenant Governor. Precautions at the Haulover recommended. (April). Retirement of the Indians reported in May. Naval assistance given. Compensation for damage by the raid, $177,031 asked for by Corozal. (May.) State­ ment by Canul in June that his sole obj'ect was to satisfy himself that there were no Santa Cruz troops in Corozal and that he did no damage. ■

Feb. Petition from Corozal for representation in the Assembly. Historical account of the currency question.

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39

Report by Lieutenant Governor on the system of hiring and paying labour. Condemnation of certain abuses, but strong approbation of the general condition of labourers, as being better than in the West Indies.

May. Complaint from Campeche as to alliance of Belize Merchants with the Santa Cruz Indians operating against Campeche. Captain Charles Bullen Hugh Mitchell, Administrator, May 14th.

June. William Wellington Cairns, Lieutenant Gover­ nor. (June 3rd). Enquiry from Washington as to prospects for cotton planting.

Sept.

Disbandment of Frontier Police Force.

Nov. Offer by Crown Agents to undertake the Agency for the Colony. Dec. Abolition of Legislative Assembly1 and its re­ placement by a Legislative Council composed of 5 Official and 4 nominated Unofficial Members, with the Lieutenant Governor as President. Statement by Lieu­ tenant Governor, in April 1871, that the change had been made in accordance with the general desire of the Community. 1871.

March. English Cay given by the War Office to the Colony in exchange for a portion of ' St. George's Cay, and the Islet known as the “ Fort "12 given to the Colony on condition of rendition if required for defensive pur­ poses. First meeting of Legislative Council. 1 It is greatly to be regretted that local material containing information as to the causes leading to this momentous change in the constitution is so scanty. 2 Land reclamation between this island and the town has made it an integral part of Belize. D

40

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Composition of Executive Council laid down, 4 Official and 4 nominated Unofficial members (presumably with the Lieutenant Governor presiding). June. Ordinance for the disestablishment and disendowment of the Church of England and the Presbyterian Church. Lieutenant-Colonel Robert William Harley, C.B. Administrator. (June 22nd.)

Dec. Annual subsidy for a second Company of In­ fantry, £5,000. Industrial Exhibition. Reported in January 1872 as satisfactory and financially successful. 1872.

Jan. Recommendation for immigration of 500 Indian Coolies. Improvement in mahogany ■ industry reported, but agriculture urged as main source of future prosperity. Feb. Sitting of Supreme Court at Corozal provided for.

William Wellington Cairns (later C.M.G.), Lieutenant Governor, June 10th.

June. Recommendation by Lieutenant Governor of pensions for Public Officers. Aug. Raid by party of Icaiche Indians, estimated at 150 strong, led by Marcus Canul, crossing the River Hondo at Panting's Landing near Corosalito. They ad­ vanced by August Pine Ridge to Water Bank where they murdered a man. At 8 a.m., September 1st, they attacked Orange Walk. The Garrison, one Officer and 37 other ranks of the 1st West India Regiment, took refuge in the Barrack Room. Here they were hotly attacked by the Indians, who established themselves in the buildings

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41

near, some within 25 yards, and in the logwood piles stacked to await shipment near the river. The troops returned their fire, and a brisk engagement ensued last­ ing nearly six hours, during which time the troops lost 2 men killed and 1 Officer and 14 men wounded. After an unsuccessful attempt to fire the barracks, the Indians, at about 2.30 p.m., began to give ground, and, pursued by the troops as far as the outskirts of the town, retired leaving several dead behind. The Indians recrossed the Hondo at Panting’s on September 2nd after looting Corosalito. It was reported that they had lost 15 killed and many wounded, among the latter Marcus Canul himself, later reported dead. Mr. Oswald, J.P., was, in January 1873, appointed C.M.G., for conspicuous bravery in this affair.

Sept. Request for forgiveness by Rafael Chan, Canul's successor as Chief of the Ycaiches.

Nov.

Arrival of about 1,000 refugees from Ruatan.

Dec. Request that the road from Corozal to Orange Walk be made fit for transport of troops and light guns. 1873.

Feb. Mention of “ the new Police ” at Orange Walk and Corozal. The Colony reported to be £29,142 in debt. March. Report of representations by Her Majesty’s Government to Mexico, calculated to put an end to Indian raids. Defence scheme submitted by G.O.C. West Indies.

July. Relations with the border Indians reported still uncertain. Protest against the violation of British Territory by the Commandant, of Omoa in the removal from the Sapodilla Cays of two refugees.

Sept. Headquarters of the troops changed from Belize to Corozal. 1874.

Jan. Provision made for paying off the “ unprofitable” Immigration loan. Debt extinguished in December 1876.

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Report by Lieutenant Governor of absence of definite hostilities on the part of the Indians; and of approaching completion of defences at Orange Walk. Carib Reserve laid down at Stann Creek.

March. Report from Mexico as to peaceful conditions in Ycaiche. Promise of security, for all not implicated in the Orange Walk outrage, given by Administrator in April. • Captain Charles Bullen Hugh Mitchell. Administrator, March 17th. May. Major Robert Miller Mundy, C.M.G., Lieuten­ ant Governor, May 15th.

July. Instructions that the Indian General Arana was to be received with respect and courtesy on his visit to Orange Walk. Report in October of his presence on British Territory with 450 followers, unarmed and in want of food. Regret expressed by Lieutenant Governor in October that he had not been able to see Arana at Government House, but that he would be pleased to see him at Orange Walk on his forthcoming visit to that town. 1875.

March. Report from Labouring Creek that the Ycaiches had joined the San Pedro Indians at Holoto­ nitch and were claiming the left bank of the Belize River to Black Creek, on the authority of a Spanish pamphlet circulated in Belize, in which the Mexicans claimed the land under the Treaties of 1773 and 1786. Statement by the Lieutenant Governor in May .that the Governor of Yucatan had claimed rights near the New River Lagoon. Increase of Police and opening of roads in that district for the repression of such disorder. Apprehension as to uncertainty of Imperial protection against external aggres­ sion expressed by Council with mistrust of the peaceable attitude of the Indians.

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43

April. Establishment of the Belize Estate and Produce Company, which had bought out the British Honduras Company. May. Quarantine Station established at Moho Cay. June. Petition for a water supply for Belize. July. Act for the establishment of a Park and Recrea­ tion Ground for Belize.1 1876.

Captain Charles Bullen Hugh Mitchell, Administrator, March 16th. Aug. Threat by -the " Commandante ” of Holotonitch to seize mules and send them to Arana, Commandante of Ycaiche. Matter dealt with by Administrator by means of report to Arana and action foe banishment of the self­ styled Commandante. Dec. Recommendation for immediate provision of two new Fire Engines. Steam Dredger provided. Free supply of spoil for filling offered in February 1877. 1877.

March. Frederick Palgrave Barlee, (C.M.G., 1878), Administrator, March 12th. , Appointed Lieutenant Governor, June 11th. Report from New Orleans of an intended attack on Belize by Ycaiche and Santa Cruz Indians, led by a Guatemaltecan and instigated and armed by a Hondur­ anian. H.M.S. Simoon and troops sent from Jamaica. Reports from Orange Walk and Corozal in April that there was no sign of Indian hostility. (No such attack is recorded.) 1 No such park, except for the small War Memorial Park, is as yet in existence.

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June. Approval by Secretary of State of the Alcalde system for Indian and Carib villages. (See January 1858.) Ordinance establishing a Volunteer Force assented to. Raising of such in Corozal authorised in December. Some hostility to the movement in Belize recorded in June 1878.

Oct. Movement, supported by private subscription, for building a hospital in Corozal. Government help re­ quested. 1878.

Jan. Offer by the Belize Estate and Produce Company of sale of blocks of land, on easy terms, for cultivation. March. Authorization of guarantee of £1,000 annually for 20 years towards a telegraphic system. Mention of Cuba as the route for the Cable in November. May. Importation of. a large stock of gunpowder questioned by Governor as possibly connected with some contemplated Indian raid. Assurance by the Indian General Arana in June that it was required for fiestas. June. Matters on the frontier reported quiet. Hope expressed that the defensive measures taken would pre­ vent recurrence of alarms. Dec. Construction of new Court House and Public Offices.

1879.

Jan. Objections by Governor, Jamaica, to proposed change in mail route, on the ground that it would inter­ fere with the connection of the Colony with Jamaica, would seriously affect milltary arrangements, would virtually make British Honduras a dependency of Louisiana and would Americanise the Settlement. March. Request to British Guiana for the services of Mr. Siccama, Hydraulic Engineer, to consider the drain­ age, sanitation and water supply of Belize. Report by Siccama, in March 1880, recommending land reclamation and filling by spoil from dredging, additional water supply and a pier at Fort George to prevent silting up of the river bar.

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Aug. Establishment of a Fire Brigade. Report by the Lieutenant Governor of the clearing of the road from Belize to Garbutt’s Falls and statement that there would for the future be no difficulty in travelling at any season to any settlements on the Belize or Sibum Rivers.1 Aug. Bill empowering the raising of a Militia Force in case of need. Protested against by Unofficial Members, as likely to drive away members of the labouring popula­ tion. Settlement at Manatee of 450 distressed Italian Agri­ cultural labourers from Guatemala. Mention of the expedition of Mr. Fowler, Colonial Secretary, from Garbutt’s Falls to Deep River. The country explored said to be a fine field for stock raising or farming.12 Report of almost complete absence of anxiety as to Indian raids. Bill to facilitate the acquisition of Crown lands. Hope expressed that the example would be followed by landed proprietors, with the obj'ect of attracting agricultural settlers. Sept. Favourable report on the prospects of fruit growing. Formation of Agricultural Board for the pur­ pose of assisting growers and exporters. (Dec.) Dec. Report of Indian trouble on the frontier. This reported in February 1880 not to have arisen from hostile intentions towards the Government or inhabitants of the Colony. Explained in July 1880 as a raid by the Ycaiche Indians to take prisoners on the score of a crime said to have been committed by an Indian, resident in the Colony. General Pech, Ycaiche Commandant in Chief, was secured as a hostage. (July 1880). 1880.

■ July. Benque Viejo and Succoth laid out in allotments; purchased by the Indian residents. Mention of a large coffee plantation in the Western District. 1 It must be recorded with regret that this optimistic prophecy has not yet materialised. 2 This tract, lying to the West of the Cockscomb Mountains, is still unoccupied. An extract from the narrative of the expedition, typed and unsigned, exists in the Forest Office.

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Sept. Protest, by inhabitants to Secretary of State, against the Crown Colony system. Principal points:— Increase of taxation, squandering of Public Funds, de­ crease of revenue, increase of salaries, autocratic Government by Lieutenant Governor Barlee. Reply by Secretary of State in February 1881 that additional taxa­ tion must be imposed to prevent a deficit: that the Legis­ lature must be consulted before expenditure in excess of the Estimates is incurred; and that a return to represen­ tative Government would not conduce to the well being of the Colony and was not likely to be granted. 1881. Jan. Authorization of grants of land to Volunteers after five years’ good service.

April. Mention of the formation of a Telegraph Com­ pany communicating with the Colony.

June. Disposal of 1,462 acres of land for fruit grow­ ing. Export of seven kinds of fruit. Authorization of a German Settlement. The pioneers reported in June 1882 to have arrived and to have settled at Stann Creek. Report of most friendly relations with the Indians, ow­ ing to the energetic measures of 1879. Sept. Establishment of the Orange Walk District. Nov. Disallowance of an Ordinance empowering Dis­ trict Magistrates to employ forced labour on roads, etc. Dec. Closing of Yarborough Cemetery and opening of the Vaults in its place. Population by Census, 27,452. 1882.

June. Threat of war by the Ycaiche Indians. Charges of a conspiracy with intent to induce General Pech and the Ycaiches to invade the Colony. Despatch of Vol­ unteers to the Cayo in July. Proposal by Administrator, in October, to meet Pech at Corozal. Establishment of appeals from the Supreme Court to that of Jamaica. Desire by the inhabitants of Ruatan and Bonacca to settle in the Colony, and land provided for them-

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Colonel Robert William Harley, C.B., C.M.G., Ad­ ministrator, August 3rd. Appointed Lieutenant-Gover­ nor, May 4th, 1883.

1883.

March. Mention of a scheme promoted for the con­ struction of a Railway from Belize to the Guatemala Frontier?

May. Major General Robert Straker Turton, Ad ministrator. May 1 Oth.

June. Report of flourishing state of finances, the only debt being a sum of $20,000 due to the War Office on account of former military expenses; revival of trade and increase of exports and of sales of Crown Lands. Fore­ cast of early establishment of external and internal tele­ graphic communication. July. Resolution for a pier at the mouth of the Yar­ borough Lagoon, and a light railway thence into the town.2

Henry Fowler, Administrator, July 17th.

Nov. Proposal to employ a Forest Officer to report on the forests. (Carried into effect in 1887). New Labour Law. Estimated area of cultivated lands, 44,600' acres. 1 2

The various routes subsequently proposed for the Railway are shewn in the map facing Title Page. No such Railway has yet materialized. This project has never materialized.

48

ARCHIVES OF BRITISH HONDURAS 1884.

Jan. Treaty of Peace, between the Governor of Yuca­ tan and the Governor of Chan Santa Cruz, signed at Belize. Not ratified by the Santa Cruz representative owing to an insult by the Yucatan representative.

July. Roger Tuckfield Goldsworthy, C.M.G., Lieut­ enant Governor, July 17th.

Oct. The question of roads urged by Lieutenant­ Governor for very early consideration.

Roger Tuckfield Goldsworthy, C.M.G., Governor and Commander in Chief, October 31st.

Publication of Letters Patent constituting the Office of Governor and Commander-in-Chief, in lieu of the authority hitherto exercised over the Colony by the Captain General and Governor in Chief, Jamaica.1 Nov. Financial and Commercial prosperity mentioned by Governor despite the severe blow to the sugar in­ dustry caused by beet sugar. Ordinance for Registration of Births, Marriages and Deaths.

Dec.

Henry Fowler, Administrator, Dec. 10th.

1 Subordination to Jamaica thus came to an end, and British Honduras was created an Independent Colony.

SUPERINTENDENTS

48a

Superintendents, Lieutenant Governors and Governor 1841 to 1884,

Superintendents.

Colonel Alexander McDonald, C.B., Knight of Order of St. Anne of Russia, Royal Artillery, in office since January 1837. 1843, June 10th. Colonel Charles St. John Fancourt. 1846, May 20th. George Berkeley (Colonial Secretary), 1841, Jan. 1st.

Acting.

Colonel Charles St. John Fancourt. 1851, April 21st. Philip Edmund Wodehouse. 1853, Nov. 18th. George Berkeley (Colonial Secretary), 1846, Sept. 18th

Acting. 1854, March 9th. 1857,

1860, St. 1861,

William Stevenson. March 5th. Frederick Seymour. Feb. , 8th. Thomas Price ( Lieutenant Governor, Christopher), Acting. Nov. ,11h. Frederick Seymour. Lieutenant Governors.

Frederick Seymour (Commission dated Feb. 12th). 1863, Oct. 17th. George Berkeley (Colonial Secretary), Administrator. 1864, March 12th. John Gardiner Austin. 1867, Oct. 31st. James Robert Longden.1 1870, May 14th. Captain Gharles Bullen Hugh Mitchell, Royal Marines (Colonial Secretary), Administrator. 1870, June 3rd. William Wellington Cairns. 1862, May 12th.

* Previous appointment, Lieutenant Governor Dominica. sequent appointment, Governor Trinidad.

Sub­

48b

LIEUTENANT GOVERNORS

Lieutenant Colonel Robert William Harley, C.B., Administrator. 1872. June 10th. William Wellington Cairns1 (later C.M.G.). 1874, March 17th. Captain Charles Bullen Hugh Mitchell, Administrator. 1874, May 15th. Major Robert Miller Mundy, C.M.G.,Royal Artillery. 1876, March 18th. Captain Charles Bullen Hugh Mitchell, Administrator. 1877, Mar. 12th. Frederick Palgrave Barlee (C.M.G. 18718), Administrator. Appointed Lieutenant Governor, June 11th, 1877. 1882, Aug. 3rd. Colonel Robert William Harley, C.B., C.M.G., Administrator. Appointed Lieutenant Gover­ nor, May 4th, 1883. 1883, May 10th. Major General Robert Straker Turton, Administrator. 1883, July 17th. Henry Fowler (Colonial Secretary), Administrator. 1884, July 17th. Roger Tuckfield Goldsworthy, C.M.G. 1871, Tune 22nd.

Governor and Commander-in-Chief. 1884, Oct. 31st.

Roger Tuckfield Goldsworthy, C.M.G.

1 Left to assume Government of Trinidad.

ARCHIVES 1841. Colonel Alexander MacDonald, Superintendent (in Office).

1841, January 5th. R. 16. Superintendent to Chief of Government, State of Costa Rica, Stating that he has been informed that it is the inten­ tion of the Costa Rica Government to take possession of Salt Creek and the Port of Cartago on the Mosquito Coast, within the territory of the King of that Country, an ally of the British nation. • Hopes this information may be erroneous, as the usurpation of this territory will not be permitted by the British Government. 1841, March 1st. R. 20. Public Meeting, 15 present. Four absentees fined. Report by Superintendent as to receipt of warrants for appointment to Executive Council, the number limited by the Secretary of State to six or eight. £1,833. 6s. 8d. provided for a Dredge and £1,233. 6s. 8d. for purchase of Council Chamber and offices. Report as to transfer of Military Buildings to Board of Ordnance and as to vote of £1,640 by Parliament for their repair. Recommendation that the house lately occupied as the Secretary’s office1 be selected for the Council Chamber, owing to its proximity to Government House. Report of purchase of the house for £900 currency. 1841, March 2nd. R. 20. Public Meeting, 17 present. Expression of regret that the Executive Council should have assumed Legislative powers and control of finance, and of surprise that the Council should have purchased a house under pretext of requiring a Council Chamber. Petition to both Houses of Parliament and the Secretary of State adopted protesting against the action of the Superintendent in legislating by Proclamation. 1 Possibly the quarters of the Colonial Secretary, which were destroyed in the hurricane of 1931, and rebuilt on the same spot.

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The petition contains the following:— 'That within the last half Century, Belize consisted of a few wretched huts in the midst of a miserable swamp ; but the spirit of perseverance of the Inhabitants have with scarcely more aid, than the mere countenance of the mother country elevated the settlement of Belize into an important appendage of the British empire, changed the huts of fifty years since, into well built houses; and from a miserable swamp, have raised a town, flourishing in its commerce, giving employment annually to Twenty Thousand Tons of British Shipping, and in­ creased its Imports to nearly Half a Million sterling of British Manufactures; placing it among the Western Colonies, second only to Jamaica in the importance of its commerce. • That here, almost isolated from the civilized world, your Petitioners proudly claim as their own, the con­ stitution of Great Britain, fondly clinging to that con­ stitution as the Palladium of their rights, and their shield from oppression. That the inhabitants of Belize have long retained and flourished under a primitive state of government, left by the mother country almost wholly to their own views of internal policy, and almost to their own resources for its support and expenditure. That thus left to themselves and their own feelings of attachment to the mother country, the loyalty of the inhabitants has never been impugned; and in the late anxious change in the state of tneir labouring population, your Petitioners went cheerfully, voluntarily and without prompting, hand in hand with the views of the Parent Government; a course of conduct that has been attended by the happiest results, inasmuch as neither diminution of labour, or the fruits of labour, nor increase of crime, has obtained from the total abolition of slavery in the Settlement. (Extract ends). Petition of the Public Meeting or Legislative Assembly to the Houses of Parliament, praying for the unquestion­ able right of cultivating the soil, with a bona fide title of property and unrestricted permission to export such cul­ tivated products. The Petitioners complained that they had sent three Memorials on this same subject, viz., November, 1833, February, 1835 and March, 1839 with­ out receiving any reply thereto.

1

Verbatim.

ARCHIVES OF BRITISH HONDURAS 1841, March 3rd.

51

R. 17.

Consul and Superintendent of Liberated Africans, Havana, to Colonel McDonald, Advising consignment to his care and protection of four liberated Africans, Mandingos, taken by H.M.S. Cleo­ patra in a Spanish Slaver. 1841, April 18 th.

R. 17.

Bishop of Jamaica to Superintendent, Urging abolition of fees for Sacraments and the appointment of a curate, who should take charge of the Gaols.1 1841, June 14th.

R. 16. Superintendent to Commodore Douglas, Jamaica. States “You can hardly credit the manner in which I am attacked on all sides by a set of vile republicans who are doing everything in their power to destroy the Mosquito King and deprive him of his territory.’’

1841, September 14th.

R. 16. Superintendent to Commandant of Peten, Informs him that a small detachment of the 2nd West India Regiment was formerly stationed at Duck Run2 on the urgent solicitation of the Commandant of Peten, for protection against marauders. This detachment was later removed but can be replaced at any time if necessary. 1841, September 14th.

R. 14 b. Superintendent to Secretary of State, Reporting his recent visit to the Mosquito Coast.

R. 19. Superintendent to Secretary of State, Replying to certain questions as to our relations with the Mosquito Indians, with particular reference to the pretentions of the Federation of Central America to their territory, and Great Britain’s responsibility for their protection.

1841, September 20th.

r There had been previous letters regarding the want of religious services in the Gaol. 2 On the Belize River, just below the junction ol the Eastern and Western Branches.

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1841, November 6th.

R. 19. Superintendent to Secretary of State, Acknowledging receipt of a Despatch on the subject of British relations with the Mosquito Indians. Declares that in settling the differences between the Indians and Costa Rica he will act with the greatest impartiality. States that he will endeavour to adjust the discordant claims of the Mosquito Indians with Nicaragua and other States in the manner prescribed by the Government for the case of Costa Rica. 1841, November 6th.

R. 19. Superintendent to Secretary of State, Apologising for having placed the Secretary of State in a dilemma by having made a premature statement of the Government's intention to lay down a constitution for Honduras. Reiterates his opinion that it is not advisable to appoint a Representative Assembly, on the grounds that no Council could be formed unless it represented every interest in the place. Declares that he will have no difficulty in making any explanation which the Secretary of State may direct. 1841, November 6th.

R. 19. Superintendent to Secretary of State. Acknowledges receipt of and promises compliance with a Despatch directing him to apply for the release of certain British Subjects, held in prison by Central American Authorities. 1841, November 17th. R. 19. Superintendent to Secretary of State, Asking, " in the absence of everything in the shape of a Law Authority here,” for the assistance and advice of the Secretary of State in the matter of a certain local newspaper (later specified as the Honduras Observer) which has been attacking the local Government. For­ wards copies of the offending paper, also of the Belize Gazette, the other newspaper of the Settlement. 1841, November 27th. R. 16. Colonial Secretary to Hon. William Maskall, Informing him that the Government Schooner has been placed at his disposal to proceed to Ruatan and Bonacca. The Superintendent gives Mr. Maskall authority to

ARCHIVES OF BRITISH HONDURAS

53

appoint the schoolmaster and any other responsible per­ son to be Magistrates, with power to solemnize matrimony and keep Records. Mr. Maskall is to take a Union Jack and to nave it hoisted on Sundays and holidays. 1841, December 16th.

R. 17.

Chairman of Committee for commuting the salaries of public officers and fixing fees to Superintendent, Agreeing to Superintendent’s recommendations. Contains a graduated scale (? of fees) for leave of absence -to Civil Officers but does not propose any fee for leave of absence to those holding Commissions in Militia or Flotilla, owing to heavy expense borne by such in providing accoutrements and supporting the respect­ ability of the ranks they hold.”1

*

1841, December 18 th.

R. 19. Superintendent to Secretary of State, Forwarding the report of the Magistrate whom he had despatched to the Islands of Ruatan and Bonacca. 1841, December 21st.

R. 14 b. Superintendent to Secretary of State. States that the Guatemalan Government is endeavour­ ing to fix the boundary line at Duck Run, on the Belize River. 1841, December 22nd.

L.M.B. Special Public Meeting, 17 present. Memorial to Governor of Jamaica complaining of Super­ intendent usurping powers of Meeting. Decided that no public business be done by Meeting until an answer to Memorial referred to above is received. 1841, December 23rd.

R. 17. Committee appointed by the Legislative Meeting . to Superintendent, Expressing extreme regret for certain statements, decisions and actions of the Superintendent, including the following:— His disapproval of the vote for repairs of bridges and wharves: his refusal to sanction the distribution of water being taken - out - of the hands of the Magistrates and 1 Apparently officers on leave had to pay a fee to their substitutes. ■

54

ARCHIVES OF BRITISH HONDURAS

entrusted to a Committee, in spite of the little confidence now felt by the meeting in the former: his opinion that the want of confidence in the Magistrates on the part of the Meeting was diminished by the unrepresentative character of its members and his pointed -and personal reflection on those gentlemen: his imputations of motives to originators of a certain motion, with -the implication that such imputations arose from personal differences on the part of the Superintendent and his Secretary with certain members of the community: his reference to the Committee to regulate the Salaries and fees of Public Officers as " under the sanction of the Governor of Jamaica.” 1842. 1842, January 12 th.

R. 19. Superintendent to Secretary of State, Stating that the Public Meeting has of late fallen into perfect contempt, nearly all people of standing having withdrawn from it, and that all members of -the com­ munity are anxious for some more satisfactory form of Government. States that -the Meeting has endeavoured to dissuade the Magistrates from doing their , duty, in order to embarrass the Superintendent. States, with reference to a Special Meeting held on December 22nd, 1841, that it met with almost universal disapproval: that the only good thing it did was to dis­ solve itself, and that it is the hope of everyone that it will never again be permitted to assemble. 1842, January 18. R. 21 a. Lord Stanley to King of the Mosquito Shore, Informing him that Lieutenant Colonel McDonald and other British Officers will not be allowed to accept Com­ missions from him but that, on application to the Governor of Jamaica these Officers will act as friendly umpires in cases of disputes between the Mosquito King and neighbouring States. 1842, February 8 th. R. 19. Superintendent to Secretary of State, Giving information about' a grant of land made by the Guatemalan Government to “ The Central American Commercial and Agricultural -Company.” States - that the grant includes most of the Settlement of British Honduras' but that the whole scheme is obviously chimerical. First recorded use of the name British Honduras.

ARCHIVES OF BRITISH HONDURAS 1842, February 17th.

55

R. 17.

Magistrates to His Majesty's Superintendent, Urging speedy introduction of the system of fixed salaries for Public Officers and emphasizing need for retrenchment in the Public Service, " never more needed than at present," owing to expectation of falling off in Customs revenue, combined with urgent need of expen­ diture in repairs to bridge and wharves. 1842, February 27th. R. 21 a. Governor, Jamaica, to Superintendent, Asking for information with reference to assertions made in a Memorial submitted by the Public Meeting that money voted for one purpose had been expended by the Magistrates for another. 1842, March 12 th.

R. 19.

Despatch from Superintendent to Secretary of State, Forwarding a Memorial from the Logwood cutters, asking that a protective duty may be imposed on foreign Logwood. States that formerly -the duty was $6 per ton, and stood at $3 per ton in 1837 when it was taken - off altogether; at which latter figure, with the Magistrates' consent, he considers it would be wise to re-impose ' it. 1842, March 12 th.

R. 19.

Superintendent to Secretary of State, Stating that in view of the dissolution of the Public Meeting he has himself ordered the renewal of the taxes and duties.

R. 21 a. Governor, Jamaica, to Superintendent, Forwarding a statement from one of the Englishmen seized by the Nicaraguan Authorities, from which it appears that Colonel McDonald accompanied by the Mosquito King visited St. Juan's in a British Sloop of War, hoisted the Mosquito Flag and seized and took on board the Sloop of War the Nicaraguan Governor. Colonel Quizano. ' In retaliation the Alcalde of Acoyapa seized and detained a party of Englishmen within his territory. 1842, March 29th.

56

ARCHIVES OF BRITISH HONDURAS

1842, March 31st.

R. 21 a.

Secretary of State to Governor, Jamaica. States that as there is no present prospect of the cession of sovereignty over the Settlement by Spain, the Adminis­ tration must continue to conform to local usage. If therefore the Executive Council cannot avoid collision with the Public Meeting it must be dissolved. The Superintendent is to be reminded that his authority is undefined and dependent on usage and therefore to be exercised with discretion. States that the chief evil complained of, the non­ appointment of a competent Judge, can be remedied as soon as the Settlement provides a permanent salary of £1,000 p.a. R. 19. Superintendent to Secretary of State. Explaining that the Grand Court is authorised to deal with five crimes only: Murder, Manslaughter, Rape, Bur­ glary and Robbery. Asks, as it is competent to try the offence, whether it is not also able to pass sentence, subject to revision by proper authority before execution. 1842, March (day not given).

1842, April 4th.

R. 21 a.

Governor, Jamaica, to Superintendent, Advising adoption of conciliatory attitude towards the Public Meeting and an endeavour to induce persons of wealth and importance to return to it. Quotes lines originally written in the singular number with reference to the Management of a Wife and quoted in vain by the Great Lord Chatham with reference to American Colonies and by Lord Lyndhurst with reference to Jamaica: " Be to their faults a little blind Be to their virtues very kind Let all their ways be unconfined And clap your padlock on their mind.” 1843, April 4th.

R. 19.

Superintendent to Secretary of State, Replying to points raised in a Memorial submitted to the Secretary of State by the Public Meeting.

ARCHIVES OF BRITISH HONDURAS

57

States that it has - always been the custom for ; the Magistrates to expend the money - voted by the Meeting without further reference to the latter - : that sums are voted in a very loose and inexact way for salaries, etc., leaving other contingencies to be settled by the Magis­ trates. Declares that the accounts are always open to inspection, and that no shadow of doubt can - be cast upon the integrity of the Magistrates. 1842, May 14th.

R. 21 a.

Secretary of State to Governor, Jamaica, Concurring in the recommendation that Colonel McDonald should disregard newspaper attacks unless exceptionally serious, and disapproving his action in calling on -the Magistrates to punish the author. 1842, May 14 th.

R. 21 a. Secretary of State to Governor, Jamaica, States that the formation of a British Settlement on Ruatan is not to be encouraged and that protection - to British Subjects there cannot be guaranteed. Any - Magistrates appointed by Superintendent at Belize are not to be formally authorised by him, the Governor. Expresses the opinion that the Captain of a Man of War is a fitter Agent of protection than civil functionaries sent from Belize. 1842, May 27th.

R. 21 a.

Governor, Jamaica, to Superintendent, Disapproving of Superintendent's action in renewing Taxes and Duties by an Order in Council owing to the dissolution of the Public Meeting: stating that in doing so he has exceeded his powers. Directing him to do all in his power to induce the Public Meeting to return, and to abstain from future encroachments. Advising moderate counsels. 1842, June 18th.

R. 19.

Superintendent to Secretary of State, Reporting that Guatemala has paid the claims already demanded and has guaranteed the remainder when proved. States that he anticipates difficulty with Costa

58

ARCHIVES OF BRITISH HONDURAS

Rica, - but that Honduras has undertaken to meet its obligations. Expresses the hope that measures adopted by himself in conjunction with the Admiral will prove effective in the cases of Nicaragua and Salvador. 1842, June (day not given).

R 22 a.

Colonial Secretary to W. H. Coffin, Esq.

Conveys, by direction of the Superintendent, the in­ structions of the Secretary of State relative to the Memorial of the Public Meeting of December, 1841, for the information of that body, namely that the Executive should carry on the affairs of the Colony in harmony with the Public Meeting, taking usage as the rule to be followed. The Secretary of State recommends that the Executive Authority and Public Meeting should en­ deavour to avoid a struggle and should take all proper steps for conciliation and avoidance of provocation. He disapproves the practice whereby the Magistrates divert votes for specific purposes to other objects, on the ground that as the right of the Meeting to make grants for specific purposes is recognised no other authority has the power of alienation. 1842, July 4th.

L.M.B.

Public Meeting, 26 present. Duty imposed on importation of foreign logwood. Public officers to be paid by salary instead of by fees. Act passed amending constitution of Legislative Assem­ bly. - Submitted by - Superintendent to Home Government. 1842, July 14th.

R. 19.

Superintendent to Secretary of State, Reporting that Prince Clarence, son of the King of the Mosquito Shore, has been residing in Government House for nearly three years, the Teacher of the Honduras Free School acting as his private tutor. States that the Prince is nearly nine years old and promises well. Suggests that he be sent home to England for more advanced studies.

ARCHIVES OF BRITISH HONDURAS 1842, July 20th.

59

R. 17.

Minutes of Magistrates. Objecting to a Police Bill passed by the Public Meet­ ing, as “ impairing the eff^i^i^i^j^ 23^ 350, 353 164, 300 10, 45. 117, 179, 341 43. 336 131 10 19, 25, 190, 191, 249 350 47, 351

-

-

262, 25, 124, -

263 243 125 342 63 87

20, 198

14, 39 301 302 313, 316, 319, 45, 46,

147 323 343 347

19, 163, 186, 187, 189, 217 . 117 . 74 278 . 309 . 17, 173 46, 347, 349 19, 188 11. 120, 127 -

-

-

16, 163

-

-

-

24. 242 27, 255 6. 83, 153

INDEX

385

Governor and Commander-in-Chief, Letters patent constituting office.............................................. 48, 353 „ Commission appoioiing................................................................ 247 Governor-in-Chief, Visit to Ck^i^o.............................................. 32, 279 Grand Court, Scope of jurisdiction 56, 59, 78, 80, 85, 109, 116, 129, 159, 171 ,, Memorial re decisiini......................................................... 81 Guatemalan Govt., Attempts to fix boundary Wi.............................................. 2, 22, 53, 213, 214 „ Reported grants of land...........................................3, 54 ,, Reported resentment against Great Enia'in..................................... 23, 229 ,, Repayment of c'aims de­ manded ....................................................... 57, 58 „ Thanks for help................................................................ 232 Gunpowder, Steps to stop traffic i.............................................. 21, 205, 339 ,, Required by Indians for feaass..................................... 44 , 348 Gun runners. Impossible to prosecute................................................ 13, 136, 137 “ Habeas Corpus,” Non-existent in Cony................................................81 ,, Suggested power to issue writs ....................................................... 16, 163-5 Harbour and Pilot regulations amended 157, 158 Haulover Road and Ferry, Works on 5, 24, 29, 881 - 99, 178, 82318, 245, 255, 268 ,, Tollspseocribon ........................................................ 7, 99 Hidden treasure, Search for ------34, 291, 326 High Commission Court, Power to try piracy cases..............................................................................................

126

Holotonich, Threat by Commandante o..................................... 43, 335 Hondo, British force scet................................................................ 21, 201-4 ,, Suggestions for ddcm............................................... 31, 138, 270, 278 Honduras Free School, Name changed -............................................... 83 “ Honduras Gazette,” Correspondence with ..... 96 Honduras, Republic of, visit by President ----37, 309 ,, Communication from Govt, re claimi...................................................................-

-

-

•

-

59

Hospital, Reports o............................................................. 7, 44 , 94, 189, 338 House of Commons, Reply to address re quarantine and capital ooe¡shmhnt....................................................... 125

Ice, Message re introduction into Colony Immigrants (Chinese), Disturbances amongst ,, ,, Desertion of ,, ,, Forms of indenture ,, ,, Allotments granted Immigration, Steps to procure -

encouragement urged ,, Loan Coo (Chinese) encouragement urged

............................................. 255 . 29, 264 33, 288, 315 .................................... 262 ............................................. 265 13, 24-5, 27, 33-4, 40, 146. 165, 233-4, 244, 248, 254, 256, 262, 285-6, 291, 295, 297-8, 303-5, 326

(Agricultural)

33, 284 34, 294 16, 22, 165, 228

INDEX

386 Immigration ,,

(Chinese) Request for „ Reports on

-

•

,, Agency estabUshed • ,, Debf..................................... Imperial Shipping Act, Appointments urged Incendiarism, Report on and sentence for Indian aggressions and raids . . .

Indian Church, Reported attack on Indian frontier, Disturbances on Indian General (Arana), Visit to Colony “ Indian Oracle,” Mention of Indian residents. Offer of allotments Indians, Reports on relations with -

Chiefs unable to maintain order Mexican Govt, attitude Sale of arms to Aggression by Chief Interesting letter from Chief Reported seizure of Britons Report of envoy to Bacalar No alien tax against Report on prisoner taken to compel payment of rent .... Full resume of affairs Regulations for .... (Chichenja), Massacre of ,, Defeat by Santa Cruz Indians . . . ,, Raid by ,, Chief seeks forgiveness Nomadic in Northern Forests (San Pedro) Hostilities (Santa Cruz), Chief reported killed ,, Reported clash with Mexico ,, Favourable reports on ,, Raids • ,, Submission demanded ,, Mistion oo chfi ,, Apofogy foom chef, ,, Repotts on relations with • „ Letter room principal chiefs • (Ychaiche), aggressions by Reported claim by

■ 27, 257 28, 31. 37, 233, 258, 267, 269, 306, 310, 313 262, 298 41, 333, 336 ................................. 182 ..............................................209 8, 10, 13, 20, 25, 35, 41, 45, 101-4, 118, 127-8, 132, 143, 196­ 199, 202-3, 206, 230, 248, 264. 275-6, 283-4 , 300, 308, 327-9, 332-3, 343 ..............................................279 .............................................. 300 42, 333, 334 24, 237, 239, 240 36, 301, 344 21. 33, 37, 46, 207-9, 229, 241, 284-5, 308, 335 ..................................... 9 11, 16, 17, 125, 127, 138, 331 12, 126 19, 192, 193 26, 252 ..................................... 21, 201 ..............................................240 .............................................. 248

..................................... 251-2 .............................................. 275 .............................................. 283 23, 230

25, 26, 251 29, 258, 269 ..............................................329 .............................................. 198 27 , 28, 272-4, 277, 278, 280 26, 255 27, 259 • 35, 296 37, 230, 253, 307, 309, 310 237 242 .............................................. 238 ..............................................253 -

- 259, 269, 294, 322, 337

............................................. 297 40-1, 43, 46, 210, 303-4, 309, 343-4, 348-9 42, 334

INDEX

387

Indians (Ychaiche), No hostile intention .... 333, 343 ,, Retirement of................................................................ 321 ,. >. Entry into Colony per­ mitted ......................................................................... 350 ,, Intrusion into Colony from Yucatan .... 26 - 211 ,, Note to chief .................................................................................. 132 Industrial Exhibition, Success reported .... 40, 326, 327 Industrial Schools, Establishment recom­ mended ......................................................................... - 7, 92 Insects, Torment caused by.................................................................37, 311, 312 Irish Creek Lands, Objections to gm^t....................................................... 232 Iron swing bridges, Tenders called fo....................................................... 261 Italian agricultural labourers. Settlement at Manatee ..............................................42, 342 Jamaica, ,, ,, ,, ,,

Political severance urged from Demand for restitution of prisoner Route for mail service Visit of Governor to Settlement Despatch through Governor on duties of Superintendent ,, End of subordination to Jamaica, Bishop of, Recommendation by ,, Opposition to ... “ Jason,” H.M. War Steamer, Thanks t crew ...... Judicial organization. Historical descriptio by Superintendent .... Judge, Appointment urged Jurors, Tirade of Chief Justice against ,, Complaint against Chief Justice ,, Indemnification for punishment ,, Regulations re service Jurisdiction, Recommendation re constitutio of courts ..... Justice of Peace, provision Labour, Mode of payment Laws, Amendment requested ,, New' Labouring Creek, Demand for road to Land, Cancellation of grant ,, Historical account of tenure ,, Report on ,, Tax on .... Bill to facilitate purchase Land Surveyors, Act relating to practice suspended Laws, Compilation and revision Disregard of those relating to wool cutting...................................................

Legal adviser, Supt. considers unnecessary Legislation, Changes refused by Sec. of State Legislative Council, Appointment of -

25, 28, 244, -

260, 263, 295 27, 256 32, 279 32, 279 56 48, 353 51 127

-

250

-

7, 93 56 6, 90 7, 8, 99 9, 108 87, 190

-

-

160 86, 170 -

-

8, 39,104, 318-9 - 152 -47, 351, 352 ■ 26, 255 - 3, 62 18, 184-5 22, 215-7 35, 267, 297 354 -

-

15, 160, 165, 171, • -

-

154 261

18, 185 13, 145 8, 105 39. 40, 323-5

388

INDEX

Lieutenant Governor, Reports on Bill for constitutional changes .... 341 290 >, Requesss Royat in­ structions ............................ 35, 296 », Proposed visstr or In­ dians................................................................. 37, 311 Lighthouse, Erection at Maugre Ca.............................................. 29, 84, 266 Loaoa................................................................................................... t 16, 207 Locusts .................................................................................................... 354 Logwood cutters, Protective duty urged ...... 55 Lunatic Asylum, Intention to open ...... 8, 105 ,, Statement re support of........................................................ 130 ,, Used temporarily as gaol......................................................... 189 ,, Completioe.......................................................................... 342

Machinery, Bill to encourage use of Magistrates, Provision Cor and powers of

-

249

0 Missionary,” Request and provision Cor Mahogany, Reports on industry -

-

-

17, 178, 234 6, 11, 22, 34, 40, 83, 90, 118, 184-5, 228, 294, 306, 327 28, 29, 166, 262, 267, 279, 286, 289, 341 81, 100 98, 99 36 250 174 303 14. 143, 145 181, 182 165 24, 240 33. 284

Mail services and routes

....

Market House, Provision for • ,, Insecurity of • Map, By Chief Justise.................................... ,, By Crown Surveyor • • ,, Purchase advised .... ,, Cost oC lithographing . . Marriage by Dissenters legislated for ,, At- oo amend 'aws „ Aboitiion of fees recommenddd Martial law rresinded..................................... Martial law, Restriction of • Maya Dictionary, Compilation by Mr. Henderson ...... Medical Inspector General, proposed engage­ ment ...................................................... Medical profession, Memorial to Assembly Merida, Refusal to Governor to supply arms Mexican decree claiming British Honduras Mexican force destroyed by Indians Mexican Govt., Seizure of British vessels by ,, Communications re govern­ ing of Indians Mexican refugees warned against forfeiting Crown protyslios.................................... Mexican troops. Outrage in Yucatan by M exico, Denial of right under treaties Military buildings, Report as to transfer ,, Exponnilure...................................... ,, Post, no additional troops unless great emergency ,, Service, Compulsory, suggested -

26, 234, 250 15, 17, 158, 178 175 - 8, 100 27, 258 23, 230 11. 120

12, 42, 123, 126-30 122, . 215, 326,

176 140 265 49 350

265-6 108

INDEX Militia, reporta on

•

-

*

389 -

Militia Force, Statement of abolition Failure to organise N. district ,, Protest against ... ,, Act to empower raising Mosquito Coast, Visit by Suptfinicnecni ,, Visits deprecated by Governor, Jamaica ,, Independence recognised by H.M. Govt. ,, Decision for Resident ,, Interest of Prussian Princes in land ,, A.M. Govt, to protect territory ... ,, Protest by Republic of Honduras Mosquito Nation, Report on education of Prince ,, Presents for King's widow and arrangements for regency ... ,, Coronation of King at Belize ... ,, Presents to be discontinued ,, British officers not to hold commissions * ,, Despatch by H.B.M. Consul Bluefields to executors of late King ■ ,, Attack by war sloop on Roman River Murder Trial, Doubts on legality of sentence ,, Chief Justice's teport on Mullins River, Favourable report on village m

Native woods to be used for public buildings Negro education. Parliamentary grant requested fo.............................................. Negroes, Introduction from U.S.A, forbidden ,, Order for release of detained Neutrality, Proclamation of New Granada, Complaint by Republic re violation of territorial rights New Orleans Exposition, Grant for represent tation of Colono..................................... Newport v. Gough, Judgment re chaplaincy New Zealand Govt. Act, probably model for Hofudi.............................................. Nicaragua, Treaty with .... ,, Statement of Englishman seized by authorities -

S, 6, 9, 10, 15, 62, 76, 78, 84, 99, 109-10 113-4, 154, 156-7, 163-4, 294, 296, 306, 341 18, 185 21, 211 292, 342 - 31, 34, 45, 131, 304 2, 51, 52 -

-

-

-

-

-

-

4, 68 5, 73

-

-

-

5, 75

-

-

-

7, 97

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

■

-

-

-

-

-

-

4, 67

13, 145 -

3, 58

4, 63, 64 -

5, 82 10, 116

-

-

54

-

-

-

85

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

64 26, 254 146 240

-

-

-

4, 68

-

-

-

-

-

354 139

-

-

-

320 232

-

-

-

7, 92, 94, 95 160 33, 287 247

246

55 ni

390 Northern Diitrict, Report! on

INDEX -

-

-

13, 19, 22, 28, 141-2, 146, 153, 182, 196, 198, 212, 227, 262, 272, 321, 329

Oath, Measure! to render affirmation per miasisie.............................................. 7, 10, 97, 115, 158, 249, 254, 255 “ Old Cemetery,” Yarborough, closed 46, 338, 348 Omoa, Request for protection .....................................210 Orange Walk District, Establishment an< works ...... - 30, 46, 272, 333, 348

Patent, No local law..................................... Peace prospects on frontier . . . . ,. Treaty between Yucatan and Santa Cruz ...... Petition suggested to Queen in Council ,, From Wm. E. Fitzgibbon „ To Parliament against action of Superintendent Peten, Inhabitants complain of mode of ..................................... „ Indians desire Governor of, as media toa.................................... Pier, Resolution for, at mouth of Yarborough Lagoon ..................................... Piracy, Mention of act of • ,, Reward for capture • Police Force, Reports and suggestions -

Poor House, Vote for..................................... Population, Essimated..................................... ,, Increase hoped for Post, Superintendent reports no inland ,, Overland, established to north and west .............................................. Postage Stamps, Provision for Colony Postmaster from England suggested • „ Salary authorised Post Office, Placed on Colonial footing ,, Given to Local Control Powder magazine, Vote for erection Press, Attacks by local.................................... ,, Editor punished..................................... Preventive service, Deficiency of Prisoners, Ransom for release ,, Report of, sending to Jamaica for trial ............................................. „ Requeseed for street dean'ing ,, Deaay n- trasss . . . ,, Expenses for e^j^e^i^ittu^n „ Murde- ceft by Indaans Privy Council, Royal instructions for - Progressive policy “ impossible ” - Property owners. Memorial from - Public Commissioners, Act to appoint -

INDEX Public dispensary established Public Medical Officer, Duties of ,, For care of lunatics Public Meeting, Objects to assumption of powerby Executive Council - ,, Criticism by Supt,, Ruling re powers „ Quaifficadon for membe-ship ---,, Attitude upheld by Secre­ tary of State „ No right to call itself “ Legislative Assembly” ,, Letter from inhabitants re illegal sentence ,, Conciliatory attitude advised by Governor, Jamaica --,, Despatch to Sec- of State on constitution of ,, Cordial relations of Suptwith ---„ Complaint of Supt- to Secof State --­ Public Officers, Fixed salaries urged ,, Fixed salaries instituted ,, I^