214 Barbados. [March, 



Building." An excellent material for architectural purposes is 

 obtained by simply quarrying the coralline rock. It is readily 

 dressed, well adapted to withstand the effects of the moist cli- 

 mate, and is of dazzling whiteness. Trying as this latter property 

 may be under a tropical sun, the effect is certainly imposing. 

 Within the Government Building are located the legislative, judi- 

 ciary and. postal departments. The colonial parliament holds its 

 sessions there, and often the pfcud spirit of the " true-born Bar- 

 badian " has found vent in impassioned speech, defending the 

 colony from real or fancied encroachments upon its colonial 

 rights and prerogatives on the part of the home government. 

 Able minds have there espoused the cause of their native island, 

 and more than once has the introduction of home-measures been 

 withdrawn in consequence. In all matters, however, not pertain- 

 ing directly to the colony, its citizens are intensely loyal. Fre- 

 quent visits to the homes of their childhpod, as well as the edu- 

 cation of sons at the Alma Mater which once sheltered their 

 fathers, tend to sustain the bond which distance and separate inte- 

 rests might gradually weaken. The executive is represented by 

 a Governor, who is appointed from Great Britain, and to whom 

 legal and other assistance is afforded by the Attorney General, 

 the Colonial Secretary, and officers specially appointed. " Gov- 

 ernment House" is his residence. It is surrounded by grounds 

 which must appear charming to the northern eye. Luxuriant 

 tropical plants, fostered by the hands of skilled gardeners, a taste- 

 ful distribution of flowers, shrubs and trees render the park one 

 of great beauty. Within the mansion the visitor meets with 

 apartments typical of the tropics. Large, high rooms, spacious 

 halls, and a subdued elegance at once denote comfort and judi- 

 cious. consideration for sanitary arrangements. The Governor of 

 Barbados has under his charge several other British islands of 

 the Windward Group. Although each one is relatively indepen- 

 dent, this partial centralization of executive authority is produc- 

 tive of good results. Difficulties can thus be more readily 

 adjusted, and the similarity of interests assures cooperation. 



Strikingly in contrast with the sable hue and light colored gar- 

 ments of the natives are the bright scarlet coats of English troops. 

 A garrison of 800 men is kept at Bridgetown. By their presence 

 the more or less turbulent spirit of the negro population is sub- 

 dued and the power is at hand to check any sudden insurrection. 



