368 TRINIDAD. 



ought to be there would then be a large margin for reduction of 

 taxes and for permanent improvements. 



I am perfectly aware that this review of the Territorial Ordinance 

 may appear, to many, not only too lengthy, but the suggestions 

 therein contained, highly Utopian. I doubt not my views will be 

 met with indiscriminate opposition in the colony ; not only because 

 the opinions expressed are at variance with those hitherto received 

 and followed here and generally in British communities else- 

 where but inasmuch also, as the proposed alterations would 

 probably invade private interests. And yet, our community is 

 composed of such elements, as that although the municipal 

 institutions of Great Britain cannot suit our circumstances 

 something different from what now exists should be adopted : as 

 matters stand, governmental agents have the irresponsible manage- 

 ment of everything, and consequently nearly everything is mis- 

 managed. It is the duty of government to encourage the diffusion 

 of primary instruction, and the knowledge of the English language, 

 in this colony; but, I believe I have satisfactorily proved that 

 this will never be obtained under the present system. It is 

 essential that we should have good wheel roads ; and these we 

 shall never have, unless they are placed under the management 

 of men possessed of the necessary qualifications for the duty. 

 The people in the rural districts are not, perhaps, fitted for 

 municipal government ; and yet, it is highly important that they 

 should be gradually initiated into its operation. The plan I 

 suggest, is, I conceive, the best adapted to such initiation : it bears 

 some resemblance to the French system of communal administra- 

 tion, which has been introduced into the emancipated French 

 colonies, and which seems to work to the satisfaction of all. In 

 case, however, the government should insist on retaining the 

 guardianship of the rural districts, let it, at least, act as a faithful 

 curator, and not only administer its wards' estates to the best 

 possible advantage, but also afford its protection against the 

 frauds which may be practised against them, or the rashness 

 of indifferent or partial trustees. Let it secure the respect and 

 submission of its administres, by exhibiting a really paternal 

 care and attention, not only to their physical, but also to 

 their moral interests; so that, when they are released from 

 tutelage, they may find no cause for disparaging comparisons. 

 The warden ordinance may be said to have been Lord Harris' 



