27$ ISLES 6f summer. 



and Commander-in-Chief in and over the Bahama Islands, Vice 

 Admiral and Ordinary of the same. " 



These titles are not only harmless, but, under British rule, 

 they very likely serve a useful purpose, and help to make the 

 people respect and reverence those whom it is the pleasure of the 

 home government to appoint and send out to rule over them. A 

 Bahama negro especially, may be expected to be very greatly im- 

 pressed when a new governor comes upon tho island to represent 

 the Queen with such an imposing array of titles. 



In this case, we felt less disposed to be amused when we ob- 

 served that the governor's public utterances indicated practical 

 administrative talents, and a desire to promote the general wel- 

 fare. 



There is an Executive Council, composed of nine members; 

 four who hold other high offices, are members ex officio. 



'^ Parliament"' (as in common speech here the General As- 

 sembly is termed) is composed of eight Councilmen, who are 

 appointed for life by the Queen upon the nomination of the 

 Governor, and a "House of Assembly" composed of forty-one 

 delegates from this and neighboring islands, who are elected for 

 seven years. To be eligible, they must own real estate of the 

 value of $2,500. They receive no pecuniary compensation for 

 their services. 



It is common for citizens of Nassau to represent in the Assem- 

 bly the people of some of the other islands. They desire the 

 honor, and can better afford to hold the office, as the Legislature 

 meets near their houses and places of business. This gives Nas- 

 sau a controlling influence in all legislative matters. 



Thus it will be seen that the Colonial government follows 

 closely the English model. It is eminently fitted to secure sta- 

 bility, and we think, wise legislation. 



The constitution is not based upon any charter, but originated 

 in successive Koyal Commissions to the governors empowering 



