50 BERMUDA. 



the title of Excellency, and is vested with the fol- 

 lowing powers : — 



First. As captain-general and commander-in-chief, 

 he has the actual command of all the land forces 

 within his government (except only when a general 

 officer is employed on the stafF), and he commissions 

 all officers of the militia. He appoints the judges 

 of all the different courts of common law, and in 

 all the islands, except Jamaica, I believe these 

 gentlemen hold their seats during the Governor's 

 good pleasure. He nominates and supersedes at 

 will the custodes, justices of the peace, and other 

 subordinate civil officers ; and, although in respect 

 to some of the above appointments and dismissions 

 he is directed to ask the advice of his Council, this 

 direction is of little avail, inasmuch as the members 

 of this body are themselves liable to be suspended 

 by the Governor on the most frivolous pretences, or 

 even M'ithont any cause assigned : a circumstance, 

 by the way, which not unfrequently happens : and 

 having thus reduced the board under a ^number 

 limited by his instructions, he can immediately restore 

 it to its full complement. He has the power, with the 

 advice of his Council, to summon General Assemblies ; 

 he appoints the place of their meeting; and when 

 met, he possesses a negative voice in the legislature : 



