222 HISTORY, GOVERNMENT, ETC., 



As respects the higher class of society, it is in all respects the same 

 as is met with in England and America, among well-educated persons. 

 Perhaps as to fashion it is a little more colonial, but not more so than 

 the distance from whence fashions originate would account for. The 

 cordial welcome and hospitality we met with could not be surpassed 

 any where. 



The Governor is appointed by letters patent, under the great seal 

 of the United Kingdom ; but he acts under the direction of the 

 legislature. 



The Legislative Council consists of a number not exceeding fifteen, 

 and not less than ten ; the members are appointed by the King, and 

 are all residents within the colony. 



The Governor is president of this council, and is entitled to vote as 

 a member upon all questions ; when it is equally divided, he has an 

 additional or casting vote. To the Governor and Council is delegated 

 the power to make laws for the peace, welfare, and good government 

 of the colony, not repugnant to any act, charter, &c, which may have 

 been issued, or to the laws of England ; and no law or ordinance can 

 be passed, unless first laid before the Council by the Governor. 



The Governor is, by statute, invested with the right of property in 

 the services of offenders or convicts who have been transported, and 

 he may assign this right to others. He is captain-general and 

 governor-in-chief, and has full control over all the military and civil 

 authorities. He is empowered, and required, to administer oaths to 

 the Chief Justice, and the members of the Executive Council; to keep 

 the public seal ; and is invested with authority to suspend members of 

 the Executive Council, and to supply their place, as well as to appoint 

 temporary members to fill vacancies. 



He appoints all justices of the peace, coroners, constables, and other 

 necessary officers. 



He has the power to grant pardons, reprieves, &c, and to remit 

 punishments for offences, treason, or wilful murder, only excepted ; 

 for which upon extraordinary occasions, he can reprieve until the 

 pleasure of the crown be known. His power to shorten the time of 

 transportation is limited, by the condition that all instruments in writing 

 for that purpose are to be approved by the crown. 



With the advice of the Executive Council, he is empowered to divide 

 the territory, and its dependencies, into districts, counties, towns, &c, 

 to fortify and erect forts, and provide for the defence of the country. 



All public moneys are issued for the support of the government 

 by warrant from the Governor, but only for purposes particularly 

 pointed out. 



