234 



TlMEHRI. 



ending in disturbances. If the worst were sent away 

 there was no certainty of obtaining better ones, and 

 taking everything into consideration, the law was con- 

 sidered useless, unworkable, and mischievous. 



What would be thought of such a law as this now-a- 

 days? "The Fiscal is authorised to prevent any public 

 meetings being held tending to be derogatory or disre- 

 spectful to the Government, either at Fort Zeelandi, in 

 the town of Stabroek, or in the rivers or creeks ; the 

 offenders to be whipped." 



The increase of taxes by the Company gave rise to a 

 great deal of controversy, the planters claiming that 

 they were entitled to have their say in the matter. 

 According to the Charter of the Company it appears 

 that it was entitled to claim a tenth part of the produce 

 after the first five years, and the Directors asked them 

 how they would like such an impost. Again, it was 

 claimed by the people that no new taxes could be im- 

 posed until both rivers were put into a proper state of 

 defence, to which the Company replied that the grants 

 in Demerara were given out on condition that it should 

 not be bound to furnish fortifications. 



The planters collected all the evidence they could find 

 as to the regulations of the Company, as well as prece- 

 dents and usage ; first, to prove that they were entitled 

 to representation in the Council ; and, second, as to 

 their liability to pay taxes when not imposed with con- 

 sent of the Colonial Councillors. The Company appears 

 to have had the best of the argument, as their ruling 

 was absolute, not admitting of dispute. The Council of 

 Ten could make an order to-day and revoke it to-morrow, 

 if they chose, but it is not to be supposed that they 



