CHAPTER XVIL 
The Bahama Constitution. Opening of the Colonial Legislature. Impo- 
sing Ceremonies. The Negros Mite Happy. The Governor and his Military 
Guard of Hynor. “ Parliament” Prorogucd. Martial Music and Booming 
Cannon. Hngrossed Biils Approved and Signed. Small Annual Crops of 
New Laws, No Color Lins in the Housz of Asszmdly. Wrecks and Wrecking 
in the Bahamas. Salvors and Salvage. Bahama Hurricanes. 
““Why, man, he doth bestride the narrow world 
= Like a co!ossus; and we, petty men, 
Wa:k under his huge legs, and peep about 
To find ourselves dishonorable graves.” SHAKESPEARE. 
In 1879, the day after our arrival at Nassau was distinguished 
by the opening of a new session of the Bahama Legislature. Our 
landlord kindly sccured for us tickets of admission, for only those 
thus favored were allowed to witness the ceremonies. They bore 
the official signature of the President of the Council. The chief 
executive officer of the Bahamas was Governor William Robinson, 
a man with black hair and eyes, a heavy moustache and long 
beard. He was apparently not over forty years of age, five feet 
eight or nine inches high, rather good looking, and had a practi- 
cal business air about him. Me appeared in most excellent phys- 
ical condition. With the thermometer, even in the winter 
ranging in the shade among the seventies, he bore up under the 
following heavy weight of titles and descriptive appellations. 
“‘His Excellency William Robinson, Esqg., Companion of the 
most distinguished order of St. Michael and St. George, Governor © 
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