510 HISTORY 



discontent became exceptional. In fact nearly every report that came in after 

 the first circuits were made gave the intelligence that all classes evinced a dis- 

 position to be peaceable/'" 



The able manner in Avhich the English justices disposed of complaints and 

 settled difficulties gave the people reneAved confidence in them. Contentment 

 with existing relations and a desire to make the best of tliem were to be seen 

 on every hand. This aided the magistrates so much that less difficulty was 

 experienced in disposing of complaints with each successive visit. This tended 

 to lessen the necessity of the frequency in the visitation of the magistrates."" 

 The sympathetic cooperation of both employers and emploA^ees seemed to have 

 been enlisted in keeping the peace and in promoting harmony — convincing 

 evidence of the impartiality of the conduct of the officials.''" At Exuma before 

 August, 1835, some of the employers were little disposed to promote the 

 interests of apprentices, but expected the same requirements from them as 

 when they were slaves, and did not acknowledge tlie existence of the new 

 relations.'*" Another report from the same island in January, 1836, noted 

 gi-eat improvements, both employers and laborers being much better satisfied.'"* 

 The employers were generally found to be of liberal disposition. This, together 

 with the confidence of the apprentices that the magistrates would safeguard 

 their interests, aided in securing punctuality in the performance of engage- 

 ments.''^ Masters Avere mindful of the position in which the laborers were 

 placed. The latter responded appreciatively to the kindly treatment accorded 

 to them. Both came to realize that their individual interests depended on 

 mutual good feeling.'"' All this became the subject of remark by the Executive 

 on every occasion. 



Perhaps the most beneficial feature of the apprenticeship system was that 

 of the voluntary agreements betAveen employers and apprentices. After the 



^^•^ See following references for these favorable reports: Sess. P., 1836, 49, pp. 

 524-31 (Aug., 1835) ; loc. cit., pp. 543-5 (Jan., 1836), report of the circuit in the latter 

 part of 1835; loc. cit., 1839, 37, p. 487 (12), (Aug., 1838); see also Colebrooke to 

 Glenelg, No. 122 (Dec, 1835); No. 94 (Oct., 1835); No. 50 (May, 1836); Cockburn to 

 Glenelg, No. 3 (Sept., 1837); and No. 56 (Feb. 1838); also H. V., 1835-6, p. 2 

 (Dec, 1834). 



^"Colebrooke to Glenelg, No. 86. 



^"^^ Colebrooke to Glenelg, No. 122. 



"^^ Sess. P., 1836, 49, p. 522, report of special justices. 



'•">^Loc. cit., 543. 



^^^Loc. cit., p. 532. 



^'*''H. v., 1835-6, pp. 73-79. Message of the Lieutenant-Governor transmitting 

 reports of the special justices. Sess. P., 1836, 49, p. 545. 



