906 ISLES OF 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 torule over them. A 
Bahama negro especially, may be expected to be very greatly im- 
pressed when a new governor comes upon the 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 
jn successive Royal Commissions to the governors empowering 
